If you have ever visited a flooring showroom, you will notice how inspiring and beautiful tile’s design element can be. With numerous spectacular displays, there are literally hundreds of different options and designs, all at various price points. But before you make your purchase, it is important to know what types of materials are available to you and the key differences in tile products. To help, here is the lowdown on a few popular types of tile.

Glass

Glass tiles consist of really thin pieces of glass that are usually sold independently or in a mosaic-form, supported with a mesh material. Additionally, glass tiles are more colorful than other tile options. They are reflective and are ideal for backsplashes and walls.

Glass tile can create a really beautiful look, but it can be more expensive. Additionally, since glass is transparent, the adhesive can be visible through the material. That is why it requires installation from a flooring contractor to achieve the best, most flawless results.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles are produced from a mixture of water, clay, which is then heated at high temperatures. Most ceramic tiles are treated with a liquid coating that is heated under high temperatures to make it really durable. It is also considered more affordable, and you can purchase ceramic products in a variety of colors and patterns.

Stone

Stone tiles tend to be more expensive than most flooring products since stone tiles are handmade from natural materials. You will find that stone products typically have unique and bold patterns or designs. Additionally, when installing stone tiles, they must be sealed since they are prone to etching when encountering to harsh products.

Do you want to learn more about one of the tile products we discussed? If so, do not hesitate to call or visit us for more information. One of our expert sales associates would love to assist you. Thanks for reading!

Italian provincial furniture captures the rustic elegance of the Italian countryside. While it is often mistaken for the curvier and more decorative French provincial, this style boasts straight legs and classic lines with painted areas. It is often created in white or ivory with a pecan fruitwood finish. It looks lovely in either a formal or semi-formal setting with fine wood or travertine tile floors in a creamy white.

Here is a mini-glossary of key terms for Italian Provincial furniture:

Acanthus:  A type of leaf detailing seen in classic furniture. Look for it on carved wood furniture, metal bases and in mirror frames.

Armadio: A storage cupboard with doors, more commonly called by the French name, armoire. It works nicely for extra storage of linens, toys, sweaters or televisions and electronics.

Credenza: A buffet table with doors and shelves.  Traditionally used in a dining room, these work great in a living room or family room under a flat screen television.

Cassone: A low, usually wood, storage box.  It’s perfect for keeping blankets at the end of the bed or shoes in a mudroom.

Commode: A chest of drawers.  Think outside the bedroom for creative uses like in an entry with a mirror above or for storing games in the family room.

Console: A hall table, sometimes with a lower shelf.  Consider one for the entry with a mirror above it.

Gilt: Gilt refers to something being gilded with gold.  Look for giltwood mirrors to add sparkle and glamour to a bedroom, bathroom or foyer.

Gueridon: A small table with straight legs and often small medallions at the top.  Use these as a side table or even a bedside table.

Millefiori: Literally means “a thousand flowers” and is a pattern most commonly seen in Murano or Venetian glass works.  Millefiori bowls or vases make colorful accent pieces.

Pietra Dura: An inlaid stone table top.  Pietra Dura tables usually have metal bases, making them perfect for an outdoor living space or garden room.