Boost Your Living Room with Tile Wall Makeover
Looking to give your living room an instant style upgrade? Installing tile on the walls can transform the space by adding eye-catching textures, colors, and designs.
Tile accent walls provide a simple and stylish way to revitalize the look of your living room. With so many tile options to choose from, you're sure to find something that reflects your personal taste and complements your existing decor.
Benefits of Tiling Your Living Room Walls
Here are some of the great benefits you'll enjoy by adding tile to your living room walls:
- Creates a focal point - Draws attention to a specific wall and breaks up boxy spaces.
- Adds visual interest - Variety of textures and patterns livens up the room.
- Easy to clean - Wipe spills and dust away easily.
- Durable - Stands up well to bumps and regular wear and tear.
- Design flexibility - Choose any color, material, or layout that fits your style.
Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Living Room
With so many types and styles available, picking the perfect tile may seem tricky at first. Keep these tips in mind as you shop for your accent wall tiles:
Material
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for living room installations. Both offer lots of design options. Porcelain is denser and more water-resistant, while ceramic provides a classic decorated look.
Natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, or slate also make elegant statement walls, depending on your budget. They create an upscale, organic look.
Size
Large format tiles, 12 inches or bigger, create a sleek, seamless look. Intricate mosaics with small tiles make a big visual impact. Mixing tile sizes can add interest.
Design
Opt for solid tiles in one color or patterned, hand-painted, or mosaic tiles for more personality. Consider a statement shape like hexagon. Lean into trends like bold Moroccan fish scale tiles or classic subway tiles.
Texture
Smooth, glossy tiles offer contemporary flair. Choose rough, naturally textured surfaces like travertine or distressed terracotta for organic warmth.
Color
Stick with neutral colors like white and beige for a clean backdrop, or go bold with deep blues, emerald greens, or rich browns. Accent walls allow bolder color choices than all-over room tiles.
How to Install Tile on Your Living Room Wall
Once you've selected the perfect tile, it's time to install it. We'll walk you through the basic process step-by-step:
- Clean and prepare the wall surface. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle.
- Map out your tile layout, using laser level tools if needed. Cut tiles to fit around outlets and edges.
- Apply thinset mortar adhesive using a notched trowel to spread evenly.
- Press tiles into the thinset and use spacers to ensure consistent alignment.
- Allow tiles to set 24-48 hours, then apply grout between joints.
- Wipe away excess grout once dry and seal tiles if needed.
For first-time tilers, be sure to watch tutorials and read instructions thoroughly before beginning. Patience and care will lead to professional-looking results.
To keep your new accent wall looking fabulous:
- Use mild cleaners and avoid abrasives.
- Re-seal grout every 1-2 years.
- Watch for cracked or loose tiles and re-adhere promptly.
- Use trivets and coasters to protect from heat damage.
The living room tile wall can stay beautiful for a long time. Ready to get started on your makeover? Let the tiling begin!