Brick Effect Tile Ideas – 9 Ways to Add a Rustic Touch to Your Home

One of the top trends in home, hospitality and office interior design, brick tiles are perfect for adding rustic character and texture.  Brick effect tiles, also known as brick slips, look just like real bricks but are much lighter and thinner, allowing you to create a realistic-looking brick wall or floor surface anywhere in your home.

With their grainy texture and a wide choice of colours, brick tiles can enhance modern and period homes. Brick tiles are also suitable for use outside, so you can create attractive paths, porches and patios and use them for cladding walls.

Keep reading to learn more about brick tiles, discover the best ways to use them and be inspired by our pick of the best brick effect tile ideas.

Image credit: @crack_the_shutters

Recommended Tiles: Weberwall Brick Antique Red

Brick effect tile ideas

If you’re not lucky enough to have exposed brick walls in your home, you can fake it with realistic brick effect tiles. Whether you love the rustic features of the industrial vibe or just want to add a tactile touch to your home, sit back, grab a cuppa and get inspired by our pick of the best brick tiles:

Rustic kitchen splashback

If there’s one way to add timeless appeal to your kitchen, it’s through the use of natural materials. Brick tiles have an enduring appeal and will fit into all styles of home, whether you have a contemporary new-build or a period farmhouse.

Brick tiles are ideal for splashbacks, they’re very forgiving of splashes and stains and because they have a matt texture, you don’t need to worry about polishing them. Simply use a soapy brush to remove any dirt and keep them looking their best.

Image credit: @howickshouse

Suggested Tile: Weberwall Brick Antique Red Multi

Industrial-style kitchen tiles

Inspired by old factories and abandoned warehouses, the iconic industrial style is all about open spaces, natural light and salvaged materials. From exposed brick and wood to metal and concrete, brick effect tiles will help you nail this gritty, timeless style.

Image credit: @nykke.jones.interiors

Suggested Tile: Rural Red Brick

Feature bathroom wall

Create a practical and attractive focal point in a bathroom by using brick effect tiles to partially clad a wall. You can mix brick with all types of porcelain tile to create a striking contrast.

We love how brick is versatile enough to be used in modern homes and to accentuate period properties. For a stylish look combine Victorian-style metro tiles with brick slips and insert moulded border tiles between the two.

Image credit: @our_happy_place_45

Recommended Tiles: Weberwall Brick Rustic Brown

Herringbone pattern bathroom tiles

Brick style tiles are traditionally laid in the, yep you’ve guessed it, brickbond layout, but that’s not to say you can’t get creative with different layouts.

The classic herringbone pattern is always a good shout, it’s timeless and effortlessly stylish and perfect for adding depth and interest to feature walls.

Image credit: @studioharrishome

Recommended Tiles: Weberwall Brick Antique Buff

Homely shower tiles

Liven up a shower room with warm and welcoming brick effect tiles. Brick tiles can be used in wet areas but it’s a good idea to use a suitable sealant to protect them from water damage and ensure they stay watertight.

Image credit: @lifeatnumber_10

Recommended Tiles: Weberwall Brick Rustic Brown

Design tip: Style brick tiles with black or gold taps and accessories.

Character-laden living room walls

Exposed brick walls create a cosy, inviting aesthetic that works in all areas of the home. It’s easy to get the rustic look with brick tiles and they’ll suit all types of interior style.

Brick tiles are a practical option too as they need very little in terms of maintenance. 

Image credit: @allstructlondon

Suggested Tile: Weberwall Brick Reclaimed Buff

Fireplace alcove tiles

Few things in the home are as welcoming as an open fireplace. If you’re lucky enough to have a feature fireplace in your home, or if you’re installing one, brick tiles make a beautiful addition around a wood-burning stove or fire basket.

Brick tiles are neutral and versatile, making them a great option for all types of fireplaces.

Image credit: @stayinginstudio

Recommended Tiles: Weberwall Brick Rural Red

Welcoming doorstep

It’s easy to overlook a front doorstep but taking the time to fit attractive and practical tiles will help to boost your home’s kerb appeal. 

Like metro tiles, the rectangular shape of brick tiles means they can be laid in an array of attractive designs. Keep it traditional with brick or herringbone layouts or add interest with basketweave or stacked patterns.

Image credit: @oldmillbp

Recommended Tiles: Weberwall Brick Sanded Slate

Timeless brick patio

More patios are being laid in our outdoor spaces than ever before. Perfect for hosting parties and barbeques, outdoor dining, or just sitting back and placing your feet up, tiled patios can immeasurably enhance your garden.

Brick-style paths and patios are often associated with traditional properties but their neutral colours and timeless qualities make them versatile enough to suit all types of garden design. We love how brick tiles can be laid out in so many different ways, giving you plenty of scope to customise your patio design.

Image credit: @the1903riverhouse

Recommended Tiles: Tuscany Beige

What is the difference between bricks and brick tile?

The main difference between bricks and brick tiles is the thickness. Brick tiles are roughly the same thickness as regular tiles, so they’re ideal for lining splashbacks and walls in your home.

Brick tiles are also much lighter than real bricks. Brick tiles can be cut from real clay bricks or created from a mixture of materials. Our Weberwall brick tile range is made from a blend of 95% minerals, bound with cross-linked polymers to create a waterproof and weatherproof finish. The brick tiles are affixed to sheets for quick and easy fitting.

Brick tiles are tough, durable and, in the case of our Weberwall range, weather-resistant too.

What are the advantages of brick tiles?

Lighter in weight and much thinner than real bricks, brick tiles allow you to get the look of real bricks for less. They’re also quick and easy to install and can be used in all areas of your home.

Where can I use brick tiles?

Brick tiles can be used anywhere you would use porcelain or stone tiles. You can use them for interior floors and walls and external projects.

How do I clean brick tiles?

Brick tiles can be cleaned by vacuuming any dust and debris and then using a scrubbing brush and soapy water to remove any ingrained dirt. 

Atlas Ceramics stocks a range of durable, lightweight and quick-to-install brick-effect tiles for use inside and outside your home. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our helpful experts for advice.