Last week, I wrote about what unique interior design terms I had learned the past two years. The blog dealt with furniture, fabrics and accessories but I didn’t even begin to touch on terms that have to do with tile. So I sat down with our associate designer, JR and asked him everything he knew about tile. Turns out he is an expert and that there are some interesting and humorous terms to describe tile that you might not know if you don’t work in the design industry. Here is a handy dandy list:
Field: Field tile is the material that makes up the majority or the ground of the project. Usually, the field tile is a plain or solid color.
Bullnose Edge: Bull nose tiles are pieces that are installed on outside corners to achieve a finished, smooth, clean edge. This is often seen on the edges of counter tops, shower dams and window casings. I suppose it also gets its name from the nose of a bull which is smooth, flat and round and also it’s just fun to say.
Quarter Rounds: (above) These pieces of tile are cylindrical and used in the same way as a bull nose on an outside corner. Designers often choose to use this type of finish to create a softer, rounder more artisan style.
Beak: The beak is a small piece of tile that goes on the outside corners where quarter rounds meet. It looks like a little rounded triangle (and a little like a bird’s beak).
Crazing: I think I love this term the most. No, it doesn’t mean losing your mind about tile, even though sometimes tile is so pretty we almost do! Crazing is a process that occurs after installation in low fired handmade tiles. Over time cracks start to appear on the surface from environmental factors.
Crackle Glaze: This is a process that happens intentionally when the surface of the tile is fired with the glaze that creates a not so smooth finish that results in cracks and imperfections.
Honed Finish: A honed finish means that the surface has been ground down to a consistent, smooth finish that is dull/matte and not too shiny or reflective. This finish is adequate for areas of high traffic which is a perk.
Niche: (above) A niche is just a fancy word for shelf. This is something we often plan into shower walls that looks like a cut out box. A niche is great in a shower as a place store shampoo bottles and soaps. The proper pronunciation is “neesh” but many people also say “nitch.”
Shimmer: (below) shimmer is often found in glass mosaics. This is when the surface of the tile is reflective, and has a luster or glow. This can be especially beautiful on surfaces that are exposed to direct light.
Undulated: This is when the tile has actual waves and shapes that give it rhythm and depth not just texture. Undulation creates beautiful pattern not just with tile but with shadow.
Butt joint: No, this term is not intended to make you laugh even though it does make me giggle. This is when tiles are placed very close together and they create a very thin grout line between them.
Written by: Liv Amend Steingart
Photo credit: Erika Bierman Photography