21 Aug 2024, Read Time : 6 Min

Understanding the Beauty of Wood Slabs in Interior Design

Wood has always been celebrated as a remarkable material in interior design as well as architecture thanks to its utility, availability, aesthetic appeal, and strength. Saying that wood continues to be a difficult material to maintain, especially in a nation like India where sudden weather changes may wreak havoc on its integrity and structure.

The look of wood and its aesthetic appeal is still something that remains unbeatable.

Wood slabs, also known as are among the most attractive options available today. These tiles are quite stylish as they look just like the real deal, but are not as difficult to clean and maintain as real wood. Made from durable materials like ceramic, they are an excellent choice for Indian offices, homes, and other spaces.

Wooden Tiles: Why, What, and How

The term wood slabs might prove to be quite confusing to many- especially for people who are not aware of the latest advances in the world of design. While it may sound like that- wooden slabs are not made using a slab of wood, rather they are special ceramic tiles designed to look and feel like real wood without the excessive maintenance hassle. Here are a few factors that make wooden tiles a great fit for Indian homes and offices: 

• Durability: Unlike real wood, these tiles are resistant to scratches, dents, and water damage – crucial in India’s varied climate.
• Low Maintenance: Using a wooden slab for walls or floors is great as they don’t require polishing, sealing, or special cleaning treatments which are a must for real wood. 
• Versatility: Just like real and treated wood, wooden slabs or wooden tiles are also available in a plethora of textures, colours, sizes, and price ranges. You can find every kind of slab for your space- from classic and traditional, to contemporary and modern. 
• Cost-Effective: The overall costs of using wooden tiles over regular wood can prove to be a good decision. As wooden tiles require little to no maintenance, these tiles will continue to look good and fresh for a long time- without creating any major hassles or issues. 
• Hygienic: Unlike real wood, wood slabs are resistant to various biotic elements such as mildew, mould, pests, fungus, etc. This factor becomes an asset, especially in the ‘wet’ regions of India that tend to be humid throughout. 

How to Use Wood-Look Tiles in Indian Interiors?

• Floors:

For everyone who is looking for a unique home tiles design idea, the wood-look tiles prove to be an excellent choice for flooring throughout Indian homes. As these tiles are available in a plethora of designs, sizes, textures, and colours including choices such as GFT BHF Bead Square Wood FT, BHF Strips Oak Wood Multi FT, BDM EC Brazil Wood, and lots more,  you can always find a tile that goes well with your room and interior space. In fact, unlike real wood, wooden tiles can be used in open and outdoor spaces such as balconies, yards, etc. When used indoors, wooden tiles can create a sense of warmth and cosiness, as well as a classy and timeless look. 

• Walls:

Incorporating a wooden slab for a wall on walls can add depth and character to any room. In Indian homes, where textured walls are popular, wooden tiles such as DR DGVT Walnut Wood slats and DR DGVT Plum Veneer Wood Choco can create stunning accent walls. They’re particularly effective in bathrooms, where real wood would be impractical due to moisture.

• Kitchen and Bathrooms:

These areas benefit greatly from wood-look tiles. Both kitchens and bathrooms tend to be the ‘wettest’ spaces in any home, which is why wood is generally a material that is rarely used in these spaces. However, thanks to the beauty and practical appeal of wood slabs like DR DGVT Larch Wood Honey and BDP Wood Strips Wenge, you can easily beautify these spaces without worrying about the risk of damage from water, fire, stains, or spills. 

• Outdoor Spaces:

For balconies, patios, and pool areas, wood-look tiles offer the beauty of wood decking including stylish options such as BDF Koa Plank Brown FT, perfect for Indian monsoons. This means you can have a classy and sophisticated woody look on your balcony, patios, and every other outdoor space without worrying about rot, fungi, and moisture. 

Tips and Suggestions for Using Wood-Look Tiles:

• Consider the Space:

Choose lighter tones for smaller rooms to make them feel more spacious, a useful trick in many Indian urban dwellings. To make a large and empty room seem more relaxed and ‘homely’, go with tiles in darker colours and tones. Consider the natural light in the room when selecting your slab of wood shade.

• Mind the Grout:

While choosing a wooden slab for a wall or floor, consider the colour of the grout that you will be using during the installation. To create a seamless look that looks as close to real wood as possible, it is recommended to go for a colour that looks ‘woody’. But if you are more inclined towards having a distinct and unique look, you can choose a contrasting grout colour as well.

• Play with Sizes:

Experiment with different tile sizes. Longer planks can make rooms appear larger, while shorter ones can create interesting patterns. If you want a more unique decor, go with tiles of different shapes. In smaller spaces, consistently sized tiles can create a sense of order and spaciousness.

• Texture Matters:

Choose home tile design options that have woody-grain textures for an authentic look and feel. Nowadays, trustworthy and reputed tiles manufacturers manufacture wooden tiles that not just look like real wood but also feel like it- thus providing you with the best and the ‘most real wooden experience. 

Ideas for Using Wood-Look Tiles:

Here are a few unique and latest ideas that will help you create a masterpiece of space using wooden tiles. 

• Mixed Material Look:

A combination of stone and wood slab can create a stunning look in your space. This effect is truly a combination of modern aesthetics with organic beauty. This trend is gaining popularity in urban Indian homes, especially in living rooms and entryways. 

• Vertical Installation:

You should consider installing wood slabs i.e. wood-look tiles vertically on walls if you want to create an illusion of a taller ceiling. This technique is perfect for the often compact spaces in Indian apartments. It works well in narrow hallways or bathrooms to make them feel more spacious.

• Monsoon-Proof Elegance:

In regions susceptible to heavy monsoons, consider going for wood-look tiles to enjoy the cosy appearance of wood without the risk of warping or water damage. These tiles are particularly beneficial in entryways, balconies, and near windows where exposure to water is common including exteriors as well. With tiles like EHG 3D Brick Wood Beige and HHG 3D Cube Oak Wood HL, you can instantly add both depth and texture to your outdoors, making them way more appealing than ever before. 

• Commercial Spaces:

Wood slabs aren’t just for homes; they can also enhance the appearance and appeal of commercial spaces such as offices, chambers, schools, and hospitals. In Indian offices and retail environments, wood-look tiles create a welcoming and professional atmosphere that withstands heavy foot traffic. They are particularly effective in reception areas, conference rooms, and retail display spaces, where both durability and aesthetics are essential.

Conclusion:

Wood slabs or wooden-look tiles are a great alternative to real wood as they look and feel just like the real deal but without bringing in the hassle of excessive maintenance and upkeep. Thanks to their stylish appearance, wooden tiles are a perfect fit for both interior as well as exterior spaces of your residential as well as commercial properties. These tiles truly combine the organic beauty of nature with modern technology and aesthetics- making them a perfect fit for the Indian culture and climate. To find out more about how you can use wooden tiles to add a touch of elegance, grace, and class to your space, visit your nearest Orientbell Tiles store today!