DOCUMENTARY ON CERAMICS IN INTERIORS

1 Introduction
We are living in a world where ceramics are that kind of material which we are seeing in
everyday life. Ceramics are classified as hard, durable, heat and corrosion resistant material that
are made from heating materials like clay, sand and natural mineral at high temperature. It is seen
everywhere from using it on building materials, floors, walls, show pieces, ornaments, sanitary
wares, kitchen items, etc. Ceramics are sustainable, they are totally recyclable and biodegradable
so it cannot harm the environment in any way. There are few types also like earthenware,
stoneware and porcelain which are popularly used. Ceramics plays an important role in our life
because, apart from their decorative look, ceramic products are primarily hygienic products. This
is also one of the main reasons for their wide usage in bathrooms and kitchens in modern
households to medical centers, laboratories, milk booths, schools, public conveniences etc. 1. The
ceramic industry has a long history, with the first example of functional pottery vessels being
used for storing water and food, being thought to be around since 9,000 or 10,000 BC 2. The
ceramic industry has been modernizing continuously, by newer innovations in product design,
quality etc. One of the most popular ceramic products is floor tile which we observe everywhere,
from low traffic movement area 3 to high traffic movement area due to its properties. If we talk
about production of ceramics The Indian Ceramic Industry ranks at 8th position in the world and
produces more than 2.5% of the global production, of which Gujarat produces the highest 70% 4.
FIG-1

Source – yankodesign.com/stunning ceramic interiors

1
http://newsletters.cii.in/newsletters/mailer/trade_talk/pdf/Ceramics%20Industry%20in%20India.pdf
2
http://newsletters.cii.in/newsletters/mailer/trade_talk/pdf/Ceramics%20Industry%20in%20India.pdf
3
Traffic movement area – Distinguishing area according to the people’s movement.
4
http://newsletters.cii.in/newsletters/mailer/trade_talk/pdf/Ceramics%20Industry%20in%20India.pdf
1.1 Reasons for choosing the topic
Ceramics are actually an element in interior design applicable to any room. Mostly we see that
ceramics has been limited to only floor tiles and few sanitary wares but it can be used more than
that. Its resistance, versatility and easy maintenance make ceramics an ideal option to be used in
bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, etc. giving an elegant look to any corner of the
home. It has been useful to us right from the start. So, if we look deeper into the use of ceramics
in interior we’ll find more things like wall tile murals, partitions, etc.
Fig -2 (wall tile mural)

Source – Pinterest
Fig -3(ceramic partition)

Source- Pinterest
1.2Need/ Relevance for the topic
Ceramics in interiors can be used many things because of its advantages and benefits. Some
advantages like5: -
-Easy cleaning and maintenance: Ceramic are characterized by their ease of cleaning and
maintenance. You can use them on the walls of the bathroom, in order to protect the room from
moisture, and also clean them simply with a damp cloth or detergent.
- Resistance: Resistance to sudden changes in temperature, friction or heavy traffic, are factors
that are responsible for the use of ceramic.
- Versatility: Because of its versatility ceramics can be used anywhere from floor, wall,
decorating items etc.
- Originality: We can use ceramics decoration, whatever the style, due to the fact that there is a
wide variety of models to renew the image of the rooms.
If we talk particularly about flooring, ceramic tiles can replaces many expensive materials like
marble, natural stone, parquet etc. It is also easily available. Ceramic tiles come in many varieties,
it could be expensive and it could be cheap so it is used by anyone. Apart from interiors, ceramics
is a material which can be beautifully used in exteriors of a building also.

Fig-4 (ceramic tiles in a building façade) Source – wordpress.com

5
http://azulev.com/en/blog/advantages-of-using-ceramics-in-interior-design-4
2 AIM
The natural earthy material, Ceramics can play a vital role in our interior spaces. In today’s
time ceramics could get more attention and value than it is having now. As we already know
it has a great potential as well as many advantages that it can be adjusted in any space,
whether it's a bathroom or a kitchen, bedroom or living room. Adding something ceramic can
add up the value of the space and can give a clear and bright look. It is not much expensive
that it can give a hard time to buy for anyone. If we look at its applications it can be used
anywhere like public and private spaces, hotels, pools & spas, pool surrounds, restaurants,
retail shops, stores, shopping centers, malls, railway stations, educational places and many
more. The more use of ceramics in the designing world is what we need and the main goal of
this research is telling about the material and using it more than it is being used.

Fig- 5 (ceramic tiles in school alley) Source - Commercial flooring contractor’s gallery.

Fig -6 (ceramic tiles in living room)

Source -author
 Fig – 7 (ceramic tiles in a shopping center)
Source – Pinterest
3 OBJECTIVE
The main objective is to increase the reach of ceramics in the people as well as in the
designing and architectural sector. Using it on more than wall and floor tile. Like making
partition wall, shelves, compartments etc.

4 LIMITATION
Certain limitations were there while doing the research as I was not able to go outside my city
and could not do more researches on it.
5 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
5.2 Case Studies

Ceramics: Case Study

Case study by Tayla Hobbs:
Machado Silvetti is a well accomplished architectural designer firm, founded by Rodolfo
Machado and Jorge Silvetti. This firm has created urban facades, buildings, and planned
distinctive spaces in the United States and abroad. One of the buildings they designed is the
Ringling Museum located in Sarasota, Florida. Its site on a historic 66-acre estate that is now
governed by Florida State University and is the official Art Museum. The new building
serves as a circulation hub for the museum whilst providing a new point of entry.
This building is striking, yet inviting because of the bold green terracotta ceramic tiles that
are bent into curved forms that allow light to dance and reflect off of the glazed surfaces.
The main attraction point of the building is the green ceramic façade. The shape and form of
the ceramic tiles are based on the geometry of roof tiles within Asian architecture. The terra-
cotta was developed with assistance from Boston Valley Terra Cotta. Tiles were fabricated
through a ram-press process that involved a combination of mechanical and hand production.
At least 12 sets of hands touched each tile from pressing and finishing to shipping and
installation.

Fig -8
Source – wordpress.com

Fig -9
Source – wordpress.com
 Fig – 10
Source – wordpress.com
Each tile required 28 days to complete the entire sequence of fabrication, prior to shipping. The
tiles were twice fired at 2043 degrees F and are glazed in a custom glaze specifically formulated
for the project. The back-up system is a standard rain screen solution that has been modified to
accept the unique orientation of the tile.
Overall, the conclusion was that this design is well thought of and conceives what their intentions
were when considering Asian intent as inspiration. Although there is an Asian theme, it is hidden
well within its modern design because of its geometric form. The influence of this material has
completely changed its possible outcome, because metal or wood would have a completely
different texture, and contrast to the outside building, as well as creating a different mood. e.g. the
glazed ceramic tiles reflect light, as well as serving an environmental purpose which allows water
run-off and reflects the sun-rays from the building which in turn will reduce the temperatures in
this hot climate. The quality of the work is outstanding because of the time and detail put into
every single slab, and its positioning.
-Reported by Tayla Hobbs in wordpress.com
Fig – 11
Source – wordpress.com

Fig -12

Source – wordpress.com
5.3 Physical surveys
 I have noticed that these ceramic tiles have been used in my bathroom and the sanitary
fixtures are also made up of ceramic, and in the tiles which has used is also ceramic tiles.

5.4 Standard study

CERAMIC TILE SIZES6
Ceramic tile is available in a variety of size options suitable for floors and walls and offers
significant design options for any room in virtually any home style. Typically, ceramic tiles
are made of rectangles with sizes 16” x 16”, 12” x 12”, 6” x 6” or 4” x 4” with different types
of finishes. Large format ceramic tiles are perfect for high traffic areas like bathrooms and
kitchens, but we can use them in any room of the house to make a dramatic statement. They
come in rectangular and square shapes and can be installed on walls and floors to make an
impact.

 12x12 ceramic tile will look great on kitchen countertops.

 12x12 black ceramic tile can create a stylish look in any room of the house.
 12x12 ceramic floor tile has the advantage of really easy to work with.
 12x14 ceramic tile is the perfect choice for spacious and linear living space,
 13x13 ceramic tile can bring elegance and sophistication to your space.
 16x16 ceramic floor tile is perfect for modern interiors where clean lines and right
angles rule.
 16x16 ceramic tile can give a contemporary look and add charm and character to
your home.
 18x18 ceramic tile a standard tile size that helps build the illusion of a larger space.
The new tile printing technology can give wood-look and stone-look ceramic tiles and have
become increasingly popular. While stone-look tiles tend to be square or rectangular, the
wood-look ones come in plank sizes that aim to replicate actual hardwood planks. Wood-look
ceramic tiles come in a variety of styles and will add depth to your room. You can also install
stone-look ceramic tiles in the corridor, or consider herringbone and brick-joints patterns to
give your floor a modern twist.

-The most common wood-look ceramic tile sizes are

 4”x12” and 48”

 6”x24”, 36” and 48”
 7”x20”
 8”x32”, 36”, and 48”
 9”x36”
 12”x24” and 48”
 16”x32

6 CONCLUSION
So, the conclusion that came here is that Ceramic is that kind of material which has many
values as well as great advantages, which is not overly priced and comes in all sizes for
6
https://stoneandtileshoppe.com/blogs/construction-renovation/tile-sizes
 utilization. Ceramics are used in making products more than tiles and is fascinating. The right
use of ceramic can change the whole concept of ceramics in the designing and architectural
field.
7 REFERENCES
 http://newsletters.cii.in/newsletters/mailer/trade_talk/pdf/Ceramics%20Industry%20in
%20India.pdf
 www.pinterest.com
 https://taylahobbs97.wordpress.com/author/taylahobbs97/
 http://azulev.com/en/blog/advantages-of-using-ceramics-in-interior-design-4
 https://www.adleta.com/case-studies/commercial-flooring-contractors/
 https://taylahobbs97.wordpress.com/2018/12/11/ceramics-case-study/
 https://stoneandtileshoppe.com/blogs/construction-renovation/tile-sizes