You’re choosing the coverings for your new home, and instead of the classic solutions, you’ve thought about the beauty and functionality of a glossy terracotta floor, both in the smooth and glazed versions, depending on your budget and intended use. Let’s take a closer look at what it involves and how to achieve a perfect finish by performing proper maintenance over time.
What is a glossy terracotta floor
Those who choose a glossy terracotta floor typically opt for one of two options: glazed terracotta or smooth finish.
Glazed terracotta is an exclusive product that combines durability, aesthetics, and vibrancy. Being a handcrafted product, it is possible to request any color, whether neutral or bold. This variant of the classic terracotta tile is perfect for floors but also for coverings in any room of the house. For this reason, it is often chosen to decorate bathrooms and kitchens.
When we talk about a smooth finish, we refer to a terracotta tile that, thanks to a special treatment, acquires a smooth and glossy surface, with an almost wet finish that captures light. For this reason, it is ideal for small spaces that need to be visually expanded. It maintains the same color as traditional terracotta; only this particular finish distinguishes it from the classic bricks.
Compared to traditional matte terracotta, this version requires a bit more care, using specific products like wax to maintain the protective film without damaging it with harsh solutions. By following these care guidelines, it will still be possible to clean and sanitize the floor, keeping it glossy and free of marks.
The glazed glossy terracotta floor, compared to the smooth finish, has a more “glossy” appearance, capable of creating a relaxing and refined atmosphere at the same time.
What are the advantages of a glossy terracotta floor
Those who have decided to opt for a glossy terracotta floor for the interiors of their home report several advantages, even with the glossy version:
- Durability: In all its variants, terracotta is among the most durable flooring materials available, able to withstand the wear and tear of time, impacts, stubborn stains, and scratches. Therefore, it is a great solution for homes with children and pets, who can be hard on floors like parquet, which tends to get damaged more easily. If properly maintained, the surface of glossy terracotta, whether glazed or smooth, will remain bright and intact, providing a pleasant light and order effect, even in darker rooms.
- Versatility: If you envision terracotta only in rustic homes, trends have completely changed in this regard. It’s a solution that can easily be used in more modern homes, creating a current effect with the glossy finish. Those who want to give a vintage touch can use glossy terracotta in the living room or even in bedrooms, choosing a lighter version if more light is needed, or a darker one for larger spaces.
- Aesthetic: Terracotta is not just a functional and practical floor; it is also aesthetically pleasing. It pairs very well with warm furnishings made from materials like straw and wood, as well as with cream and white tones. In the version for bathroom or kitchen tiles, one can opt for darker or lighter hues, such as white and optical black, or dark blue and turquoise.
- Eco-friendly choice: Terracotta is a highly sustainable solution, being a non-toxic material derived from natural sources and part of green building practices. It’s a material that doesn’t require resources like plastic, which is made in laboratories and used for many modern flooring options.
- Average cost: While it’s not the cheapest flooring option on the market, terracotta comes at an average cost and can be used in every corner of the house. Considering its durability and longevity, it can be seen as a long-term investment. Explore installation prices and treatment costs.
Where to install a glossy terracotta floor: the most suitable environments
When we talk about a glossy terracotta floor, we are referring to extremely versatile surfaces, perfect as a continuous flooring solution to decorate the entire home. This option is among the most sought after, as it helps avoid creating mismatched puzzles between different rooms.
The living room is well-suited for the smooth finish in light or dark brown, depending on the size of the space and the natural light coming through the windows. For a vintage style, bedrooms can also be finished with this element, while for bathroom or kitchen tiles, you can opt for more vibrant tones, such as black and white or navy blue.
What furniture to pair with a glossy terracotta floor
To enhance a glossy terracotta floor, the recommendation is to choose soft hues that evoke the colors of the earth. Therefore, shades of beige, brown, and light gray are ideal, as they maximize the effect of calm and relaxation.
The glossy finish creates a bright effect, somewhat more modern compared to the matte variant, which pairs well with wooden furniture as well as with more contemporary glossy pieces. A connection with black, dark gray, or even navy blue is also possible, especially when it comes to bathroom or kitchen tiles. Glossy terracotta is, therefore, a versatile covering suitable for a variety of customer preferences.