Purchasing and installing new tile can be expensive and sometimes out of your budget. It also may not be an option when you’re renting or know you will only be living somewhere temporarily. However, there is a way to get the look of a brand-new tile installation without having to pay for one. By using tile stickers anyone can upgrade almost any space.
Tile stickers have a face that looks like real tile and a self-adhesive backing. They are also sometimes called tile decals or peel and stick tiles. Stickers won’t need any of the maintenance, sealing, or cleaning that is often needed by real tile materials. In contrast, most will need just a wipe down with a non-abrasive cleaner to keep them looking spotless.
Installation
Because they are self-adhesive tile stickers can be installed by you which saves cash because you won’t need to pay a professional. No tile grout or skills are needed just a little time and patience. And unlike when working with real tiles you won’t need a tile saw to cut them to size or fit around things like outlets or light switches, a pair of scissors or a utility knife will do.
Purchasing a few extra is usually a smart idea just in case you need them in the future as replacements or make mistakes when cutting. Typically they can be installed right over old tiles and directly onto clean smooth surfaces. However, you will want to check with the information provided by the manufacturer for what specific materials they recommend their tile stickers be used on.
If you decide to use them on surfaces that aren’t recommended by the manufacturer you may want to consider also purchasing spray adhesive to make sure they stick. Not only are stickers easy to install but you can usually adjust and reattach them if you need to in order to make sure they are lined up properly.
Luckily they aren’t difficult to remove either which can be very important if you are renting and want to leave the property in the same condition you found it in. But if you do install them over a painted wall just keep in mind that they will most likely take off some of the paint when they are removed.
Best Places To Use Them
Stickers are usually used on walls but also floors. However, because they can be made from different materials and have different thicknesses you will want to be sure that you check whether the specific stickers you are considering are designed for use on the wall, floor, or both before getting started.
Walls: Standard walls make an excellent choice for stickers especially in areas that otherwise might be overlooked. You can use them to create stunning feature walls or just as a wall upgrade in virtually any room of the house even in the bathroom. However, although they are made to be waterproof tile stickers should not be used inside baths and showers because the excessive water and moisture will affect the adhesive backing.
Floors: Because they can be made from different materials and have different thicknesses, not all stickers are suitable for floor use. Therefore you should be sure to check whether or not the tiles you are considering are designed for use on the floor. Some can actually be used on both floors and walls; these are usually vinyl tile stickers that are a little thicker.
Backsplashes: The backsplash is the wall area above the counter but below the cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is well-known for being an area that can make a big impact despite its small size and for this reason many stickers are specifically designed for use on it.
Some are even made from materials that are anti-bacterial, anti-mold, and resist both humid and high heat areas. That being said while they are usually heat resistant they should not be used on fireplaces or in areas where there is excessive heat.
The Top Sticker Ideas
Now that you know where they can be used here are some of the best ideas and tips on how you can use tile stickers to reach your goals:
Cover Up Unsightly Tiles: One of the simplest and most common ways to use stickers is to place them right on top of single or multiple wall tiles of the same size that you find to be unattractive but don’t want to or cannot remove. It’s often surprising what only a handful of stickers can do. You may want to use a few stickers and space them evenly as accent tiles or simply cover the entire surface.
Upgrade Your Style And Always Stay Current: Some tile installations may have patterns, materials, or a style that is totally outdated. This can often be the case with older homes and apartments. To change this all you have to do is add wall or floor tile stickers with a much more current or modern style. Since they are easy to remove you can always update again when your taste or the times change.
Explore Materials That Otherwise Might Be Too Costly: One of the biggest advantages of stickers is that by using them you can get the look of much more expensive materials without the price tag or hassle. They are basically made to mimic just about all material options. You can enjoy the look of ceramic tile stickers or take it up a notch with choices like slate or marble tiles. Those which are made to look like glass tiles, in particular, are usually considered to be one of the most realistic looking ways to go.
Exotic Designs And Patterns: Using stickers could be the chance you’ve been waiting for to try out a new theme or type of design without having to add them permanently. Ones that look like Mexican tile are an option that really offers some deep rich colors. Moroccan tile stickers are an exotic alternative that looks just at home on the walls as it does on the floor.
Add A Splash Of Color Or Even Texture: If you have a very plain-looking space you may want to consider using bright and bold stickers to add a splash of color. You can also use contrasting colors to catch the eye so for example you might want to install some black tile stickers on an existing white tile wall. Many stickers are three-dimensional as well which can be a great way to add texture to your spaces that are lacking it.
Highlight With Borders: Using stickers as border tiles can help you to highlight certain features such as bathroom mirrors. You can create one by surrounding whatever it is you want to bring attention to or just using them to make spaces more interesting.
Play With Size: You may want to think about using size to your advantage. Because larger tiles tend to make a small room appear bigger large tile stickers can be a smart move. Alternatively, those who prefer smaller options might enjoy the look of mosaic tile stickers which feature many little tiles on each one.
Create A Reflective Surface: Mirror tile stickers are manufactured to have a reflective surface. You can get creative with the many shapes and sizes available and how you space them for use as a mirror, to bring light into a dim room, and more.
Spaces You Might Not Use Real Tile: While you might already be thinking of how you can use some of these ideas specifically in the bathroom or kitchen tile stickers are actually often perfect for a few other areas that are often overlooked as well such as stair risers. You may also want to use them to spice rooms like laundry rooms where you might not otherwise want to spend the cash to install real tile. Many RV owners actually will use them on backsplashes or as wall art in their vehicles as well.
You now have more than enough info and ideas to get your style right and save cash with tile stickers. Just remember to always read the product information about the stickers you are interested in before you install them to ensure they can be used how and where you want to use them!
Concrete Look Tile: Enjoy The Appearance Without The Drawbacks
Buy on Wayfair The raw appearance of concrete is extremely enticing. Unfortunately, it’s not an option that works for everyone. With concrete look tile, however, you really can have the look of this material without the disadvantages that normally come along with it....
Get Industrial With Metal Look Porcelain Tile
Buy on Wayfair The look of aged and weathered metal can be very chic. And it’s one of the key elements for creating an industrial-style space. However, installing actual pieces of metal isn’t a realistic solution. Metal look porcelain tile on the other hand is. While...
Fabric Look Tile: An Experience In Texture
Buy on Wayfair Some of the most attractive textures and patterns in the world can be found in fabrics. Unfortunately, those fabrics can’t always be used in the areas we’d like to use them. With fabric look tile you can enjoy the beauty of fabric and all the durability...
Marble Look Tile: Your Dirty Little Secret
Buy on Wayfair The elegance of marble is coveted worldwide. Yet not everyone wants to deal with tile made from real stone and they don’t have to. There are many marble look tile options that can give you the appearance of marble but with benefits that are more...
Mouth Watering Marble Look Porcelain Tile Ideas
Buy on Wayfair Marble is one of the most lavish looking of all stone tile options, but it can be costly and needs special care. So how can you experience all the beauty of real marble when you’re on a budget or don’t want to deal with any hassle? Marble look porcelain...
Travertine Look Tile Unveiled
Buy on Wayfair Imagine for a moment having a floor or wall surface that has the elegant appearance of real travertine but without any of the drawbacks. Not only is this an option, but a realistic-looking and wallet-friendly one. Travertine look tile can be your secret...
Tempting Advantages Of Travertine Look Porcelain Tile
Buy on Wayfair It’s very easy to fall in love with the appearance of travertine. Yet, you don’t have to purchase real stone to get it. Travertine look porcelain tile is an alternative that has many benefits that are sure to impress and here are some of the best. A...
Slate Look Tile For Dummies
Buy on Wayfair Slate is one of the most desirable of all tile materials. But it might not be within your budget or the right choice for your lifestyle. For the majority of consumers slate look tile is a much more convenient alternative. And this guide will help you to...
Porcelain Slate Tile A Smart Alternative To Real Stone
Buy on Wayfair Real stone does have many advantages. However, when considering slate you might find that it isn’t exactly ideal for your situation. Yet you don’t have to lose all hope of having that gorgeous stone look, porcelain slate tile might be the right...
Your Guide To Sandstone Look Tiles
Buy on Wayfair There’s something special about each type of natural stone and sandstone is no exception. But authentic stone is not always right for everyone. Sandstone look tiles however are an option that often can work where the real thing can’t. Sandstone is made...
The Basics Of Sandstone Porcelain Tiles
Buy on Wayfair While sandstone tiles have been used since ancient times, they’re not for everyone. Fortunately, there are a few other options if you want something similar in appearance. One of the most durable of these choices are sandstone porcelain tiles, and...
Getting Started With Tile Stencils
Buy on Amazon You don’t have to spend money replacing your tiles to get the look of a new tile installation. In fact, you don’t even have to have any tiles at all. With some time and a few supplies, tile stencils can give your floors, walls, or more a much-needed...
3 Dirt Cheap Tile Options
Buy on Wayfair You really can add tile to your space without going over your budget or even spending too much at all. In fact, there are a few options that can help you to save as much cash as possible. So here are three low-priced types you need to know more about....
How To Mix Things Up With Faux Tiles
Buy on Wayfair Faux tiles are made to mimic the look of other materials. Many people don’t realize though that one of the most efficient ways to use them is by installing them alongside ones that are authentic. There are a couple of ways to do this, and all of them...
Real or Faux Tile Which Makes More Sense For You?
Buy on Wayfair Both real and faux tiles have their own advantages. However, deciding which type to use can sometimes be a difficult decision. So here are the main points you will want to consider to help you pick what works best for your needs. Looks There is no...
Faux Tile Options
Buy on Wayfair Luckily nowadays, you don’t always have to purchase genuine tile materials to get fantastic results. There are a handful of faux tile options that look just like the real thing. These can help you to get the results you want while staying within your...
Tile That Looks Like Wood? The Top 5 Reasons To Choose Wood Tile Over The Real Thing!
Buy on Wayfair Thinking about installing hardwood floors? Think again! Often referred to as wood look tile, tile that looks like wood, or simply wood tile, no matter what you call it, wood flooring just can’t compete. And here are our top five reasons why: It Doesn’t...