When to Finish Your Tile with Glazed Edges

Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference with tile. One of those things? The finishing. Unless your tile is flush on all sides with a wall, ceiling, cabinet, or counter, you'll likely need glazed edge tiles. We wanted to share when this technique is needed so you're ready before the eleventh hour to make a plan. (Please note, if you're working with our sales team, they will help you navigate the world of tile trim and will advise when side-glazing is needed). Here are five areas in your home where you may want to finish your tile with glazed edges. 

In addition to glazing the edges of tile, we have a variety of special trims to dress up the finished look. You can visit our blog "Tile Trim 101" to learn all about the different types we offer. 

Photo: a Tile Elf in action, glazing our handmade ceramic tile. We have to special order tile with glazed sides because those pieces need to be carefully hand-painted and propped up while in the kiln so the glaze doesn't adhere to the bottom during the firing process. 

1. Open Corner on Backsplash

Having an open corner on a backsplash most often happens when you have a counter either in a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room. There's typically a spot where the counter jets out further than the cabinets. In this situation, you'll want your backsplash to continue with the counter and go past the cabinetry, giving your tile an open corner.

You have two main options here. You can have the tile cut without disrupting the backsplash design and simply glaze the edges or you can add bullnose trim like the project below. Adding that extra trim looks gorgeous, because it give you the opportunity to have that perfect diagonal cut in the corner tile.

Get more kitchen wall tile ideas with our blog "11 Beautiful Kitchen Backsplashes That Will Wow Your Guests"

2″x6″ Subway Tile in Herringbone Pattern – 22E Blue Opal. Photo by Vicki Bartel Interior Design by Leslie Style.

2. Accent Kitchen Backsplash

Using accents of bold tile can add a beautiful pop of color to any space. If you're adding a strip of contrasting tile like in the kitchen below, you'll want to make sure that the entire top part of the tile is glazed for a clean look. How beautiful are these small Bluegrass Hexagons against a simple white wall? Proof that a little tile can go a long way! 

Learn more about this unique project with our blog "Bohemian Backsplash 188 Sqft Remodeled RV"

Small Hexagons - 1036W Bluegrass. Photo by @188sqft. 

3. Shower Niche

We always recommend adding a shower niche - say goodbye to clutter and hello to beautiful organization. There are quite a few fun ways to complete this project - contrasting tile shapes, glaze color, or v-caps. Whatever you decide you'll need to have at least two sides of your tile glazed for the niche corners. 

Get some niche inspiration with our blog "6 Niche Ideas for Chic Shower Shelving"

2"x6" Subway - 77E Grey. Photo by Wit & Delight. 

4. Edging of Shower Walls

Keep it simple like our friends did here with this classic Blue Opal Subway Tile bathroom. For this one, we simply cut the tile to create a straight line down the edges of the install without disrupting the brick layout pattern and glazed the sides. Sometimes simplicity is the best design choice.

See more shots from this project with our blog "Craftsman Subway Tile in the Arts District of NE Mpls"

 4”x4” Subway Tile - 22E Blue Opal.  

5. Tile with Organic Edging 

Organic edging is a beautifully modern way to complete your tile install. Whether it's a backsplash or statement wall, this look is sure to wow. Glazed edge tile is a necessity here! We love playing with some of our more fun shapes to create a beautiful edging, like the project below in Bubbles. Try taking it to the next level with multiple glaze colors.

See more projects with organic edging with our blog "Creative Tile Finishing Ideas with Organic Edging"

Bubbles - 11 Deco White. 3"x8" Subway Tile with Organic Edge - 11 Deco White. 

Order tile samples to see, touch, and fall in love with our handmade tiles in person. We would also love to hear what inspires you! Tell us more about your future project and get the ball rolling. 

The post When to Finish Your Tile with Glazed Edges appeared first on Artisan Tile Company: Handmade Ceramic Tiles by Mercury Mosaics.