Penny Round Tiles: An All-Time Winner
Penny round tiles mix that old-school flair with a forever-chic vibe that really hooks both homeowners and designers.
What Are Penny Round Tiles?
So, penny round tiles are these cute little circle tiles, usually somewhere between three-quarters of an inch to one inch. They're usually laid out in a tightly knit honeycomb pattern, giving off that unmistakable polka-dot look. Whether you go for bold colours or suave finishes, penny round tiles can vibe with anything, from that old-school charm to sleek, modern digs.
Where Penny Round Tiles Came From
Penny round tiles have got quite the back story, kicking around since the early 1900s. They blew up in the Victorian days, becoming the go-to for public spots like train stations and churches thanks to their fancy patterns and bulletproof build. Later on, folks started using them at home, especially in spots like bathrooms and kitchens.
After World War II, these tiles were all the rage across different design styles. Whether you were going all out or keeping it sleek and minimalist, penny round tiles nailed it every time. They've stayed a hit up to now, known for adding both charm and practicality to any setup.
If you're thinking of mixing penny round tiles with different shapes, check out our takes on hexagon tiles and subway tiles.
Ways to Use Penny Round Tiles
Penny round tiles aren’t just snazzy to look at—they spice up any room! Whether you're sprucing up your home or transforming a space, these little circular treasures fit right in, be it for walls or floors.
Wall Applications
These nifty tiles can really make your walls pop. Imagine turning your lounge or hallway into a focal point by sprinkling them on as feature wall tiles. You might fancy trying them in places like:
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Kitchen Backsplashes: These tiles make your kitchen shine with their quirkiness and are super easy on the eyes.
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Bathroom Walls: Go full zen by tiling behind the sink or around the shower with these soothing circles.
Floor Applications
Let's not forget about floors—the penny round tiles are your new best mate. Tough and non-slippery, they work wonders:
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Bathroom Floors: Top choice for floor tiles here. The extra grout means you’re less likely to do an unplanned ice-skater move.
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Entryways: First impressions matter, right? Lay these down in your entryway for a warm welcome. They take quite the trampling too!
| Where to Use |
Why They're Great |
| Kitchen Backsplashes |
Eye candy, easy to tidy up |
| Bathroom Walls |
Spa vibes, keeps water out |
| Bathroom Floors |
Grippy, tough as nails |
| Entryways |
Durable, looks smart |
Creative Design Ideas
Penny round tiles let you flex your creative muscles. Here’s how you can jazz it up:
Need more inspo? Check out our thoughts on encaustic look tiles and terrazzo look tiles for more ways to dial up the drama in your designs.
Penny Round Tiles in Different Settings
Got bored walls or floors at home? Time to jazz things up with penny round tiles. These little beauties bring a splash of style to any corner of your castle. Whether it's your kitchen or bathroom that needs a facelift or if you're keen to spice up other nooks, these tiles are in for a charm offensive. Let’s uncover where penny round tiles really steal the show.
Kitchens
In the kitchen, penny round tiles blend old-school charm with modern flair effortlessly. Perfect for creating a textured and eye-catching backsplash. Behind the stove or sink, these little circles weave magic. Imagine white penny tiles with dark grout—those tiles practically shout, "Look at me!"
How about the kitchen island or an accent wall? They look fab there too. When mixed with plain tiles like subways or hexagons, they form a quirky, one-of-a-kind vibe. Fancy muted tones? Steer towards beige or grey, or let your inner Monet loose with vibrant blues or oranges.
| Area |
Tile Colour |
Grout Colour |
| Backsplash |
White |
Black |
| Kitchen Island Front |
Grey |
White |
| Accent Wall |
Blue |
Grey |
Bathrooms
These tiles have made the classic bathroom scene their stomping ground. And why not? They're perfect for non-slip shower floors—where style-meets-practicality. Dream of a floor-to-ceiling cohesive look? Penny round tiles got your back.
For a timeless vibe, opt for black and white combos— very James Dean meets Coco Chanel. Fancy something softer? Go with ivory teamed with pastels like pink or duck-egg blue. Throw in some glossy tiles, and you've got yourself a bathroom that plays with light and space like a 3D artist.
Other Spaces
Thinking outside the bathroom box? Penny round tiles can splash their pizzazz anywhere. They shine as a feature wall in the living room, hallway, or even the entrance. Fireplaces gain a new level of intrigue wrapped with these.
Then there's the unsung hero—your laundry or mudroom. Not typically where style resides, but with penny round tiles, they can be a star. Try mixing them with concrete-style tiles for a balanced, modern feel.
For more creative uses and ideas on penny round tiles, head over to our article on feature wall tiles.
Let these penny round whirlwinds dance into different settings of your home and gift your abode with sophistication and uniqueness. Be it kitchen, bathroom, or any space craving a makeover, these tiles are your trusty sidekicks in the realm of home design flair.
Mixing and Matching with Penny Round Tiles
Colour Combinations
Penny round tiles give you a world of possibilities when it comes to snazzy and classy colour combos. You get to play around with these tiles to whip up some unique and attention-grabbing designs for any spot in your home.
| Colour Combination |
Description |
| Grey and White |
This classic yet cool mix really brightens things up and gives some depth to any room. |
| Black and Gold |
Brings a bit of bling and glamour, just the thing for fancier spaces. |
| Blue and White |
Perfect for that beachy, coastal vibe in your bathroom or kitchen. |
| Green and Beige |
A natural mix that radiates calm and an earthy feel. |
| Pink and Silver |
Adds a playful yet stylish touch wherever you want. |
Pattern and Layout Ideas
The beauty of penny round tiles is in their chameleon-like ability to morph into various patterns and layouts. Here’s a few fun ideas to toy with:
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Classic Grid: Line up the tiles like soldiers in a grid for that timeless vibe.
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Diamond Pattern: Tilt the grid to form diamonds, it’ll add some zing to the overall look.
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Ombre Effect: Get creative with shades of one colour for a cool fading effect.
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Random Mosaic: Toss in various colours for a spontaneous and charismatic vibe.
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Border Design: Go for bold with different colours to outline areas and make them pop.
Pairing with Different Materials
Penny round tiles are like the social butterflies of the material world, they go well with just about anything and boost the overall charm and function.
| Material |
Description |
| Marble |
Oozes elegance. Team up with white penny rounds for a luxe finish. |
| Wood |
Brings warmth that's perfect for a cosy, modern setup. |
| Metal |
Adds a sleek industrial flair, especially good with black or grey tiles. |
| Concrete |
Gives off a modern, minimalist vibe, ideal for chic interiors. |
| Glass |
Boosts brightness with its reflective quality, great for light spaces. |
Go ahead and try out these combos and layouts to craft a one-of-a-kind look for your pad. Need more design mojo? Have a gander at our pieces on feature wall tiles and encaustic tiles.
Maintenance and Care Tips for Penny Round Tiles
Cleaning and Maintenance
Keepin' those penny round tiles spiffy is all about a little elbow grease. Regular cleaning keeps 'em shining, while giving dirt and grime the boot.
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Daily Dust-Off: Grab a soft broom or dust-busting vacuum to clear out dust bunnies. Mop it up with a damp cloth dipped in some mild soapy suds.
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Weekly Wipe-Down: Spray on some non-scratch tile cleaner to banish spots and mildew. Give it a good rinse to send any leftover gunk packing.
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Monthly Deep Dive: Get serious with a steam cleaner or concoct a gentle scrub of baking soda and water for grout lines closer to new.
Longevity and Durability
Penny rounds are tough cookies but give 'em a little TLC, and they'll stick around even longer. Spot the trouble before it snowballs.
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Seal the Deal: Brush up the grout lines once or twice a year with a sealer to block out water attacks.
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Tile Check-up: Peek at your tiles now and then for any dings or cracks. Swap out the casualties to nip problems in the bud.
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Handle With Care: In bustling areas, think about adding grip tiles or tech grip tiles to fend off the wear and tear.
| Maintenance Task |
How Often |
| Sweep/Vacuum |
Daily |
| Mop |
Weekly |
| Grout Sealing |
Annually |
| Tile Check |
Every 3 Months |
Dodge Common Blunders
Skirt around these slip-ups to keep your penny tiles smart and sturdy.
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Gentle Touch: Chuck those rough cleaners. Soft cloth and non-scratch cleaning buddies are your pals.
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Avoid the Heavyweights: Don't drag bulky stuff across tiles. If you have to move 'em, lift or slap on some padding first.
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Seal the Grout: Lock down grout with sealant, pronto. Open pores are no good—hello moisture and yucky mold.
Stick to these tips, and your penny rounds will keep winking at you for the long haul. Hop over to our pieces on hexagon tiles and mosaic tiles for more tile talk.
Picking out penny round tiles for your makeover journey can be a bit of fun, almost like a tile treasure hunt! Here's some handy advice to help you snag the best ones for your pad.
Where to Find Penny Round Tiles
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hunting down penny round tiles. Pop into nearby tile shops, big ol' home centres, or those fancy tile showrooms. The biggest perk? You can lay your hands on 'em, see the colours up close, and gauge their heft – a bit like trying on shoes before buying!
Then there’s the whole internet! Tons of sites flaunt a rainbow of colours, materials, and styles. Do your homework—check what others are saying in reviews and have a look at the return policies before clicking buy.
Here’s a snapshot of where you can bag those tiles:
| Where |
Pros |
Cons |
| Local Tile Shops |
Feel-before-you-buy experience |
Ehh, stock might be limited |
| Big-Name Home Centres |
Discounts galore |
Might miss out on niche styles |
| Fancy Showrooms |
Top-notch and unique |
Can burn a hole in your wallet |
| Online Stores |
Endless options, mega easy |
Can't fondle 'em, those shipping costs may sting |
Factors to Consider Before Purchase
Step back a moment before splurging on those penny round tiles and think about these:
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Material: They come in ceramic, porcelain, glass, and even metal. Each type brings its A-game in its own way.
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Colour: Pick hues that go with your vibe. Be it black tiles, white tiles, green tiles, or jazzy pink tiles, you've got plenty to go ’round.
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Finish: Decide on gloss, matt, or grip finishes. Like matt tiles for that muted elegance or gloss tiles if you fancy a touch of shine.
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Tile Size: These tiles are on the tiny side. Even small size tweaks can change the overall look, so make 'em work with your space.
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Application: Make sure they're the right fit for where you want to slap 'em on, be it wall tiles, feature spots, or the ol' floors.
Budget-Friendly Options
On a budget but still want to jazz up your space? No worries! Here are some wallet-friendly choices when hunting for penny round tiles:
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Bulk Buys: Grab a stack, and it'll often bring down the price per tile. Handy for sprawling spaces.
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Old Stock: Eye out those discontinued goodies. They’re budget-friendly gems with all the charm.
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Go Ceramic: More pocket-friendly than glass or metal but still amps up the space.
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DIY'ing: Got the knack and the right gear? Stick 'em up yourself and save on paying someone else.
| Trick |
Money Saved |
| Buy Big |
Score 10%-20% off |
| Old Stock Treasures |
Slash up to 50% |
| Ceramic for the Win |
Slashes 20%-30% |
| DIY Magic |
Cut labour costs ($5-$10 a square foot) |
Go on, grab more ideas on working those colours and shapes with our write-ups on herringbone tiles, terracotta vibe tiles, and zellige vibe tiles. Those penny round beauties can take your space from meh to magnificent, making it all about YOU.
