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All you need to know about Athangudi tiles

  • Interior Design
Oct 06, 2022
Traditional athangudi tiles for your home's flooring - Beautiful Homes

Flooring is one of the largest areas of visual impact in a space and the popular, handmade Athangudi tiles are a unique way to elevate any kind of home interior style. Let’s take a look at what all the fuss is about

Interior design plays an important part in making a house feel like a home. A cohesive colour palette, complementing furniture and furnishings, and eye-catching flooring combine to make an interior space stand out.

 

Flooring is one of the first elements in a room that the eye lights upon and therefore should be chosen wisely. It should complement the style and theme of the room and withstand constant use while maintaining its transcendent quality. One of the most beautiful and timeless flooring options are Athangudi tiles.

 

 

What are Athangudi Tiles?

Athangudi tiles are handmade, eco-friendly tiles originating from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, India. Made using local materials like sand, cement, and synthetic oxides, these tiles are known for their vibrant colours and intricate designs featuring floral, geometric, and abstract motifs. They're traditionally used for flooring in the Chettinad style of architecture but have gained popularity for various interior and exterior design projects due to their durability and sustainable production process.

 

History of Athangudi Tiles

Athangudi tiles have a rich history that spans over 200 years. Originating from the Chettinad region in Tamil Nadu, India, these tiles were named after the village of Athangudi, where tile-making has become a traditional local craft.

 

Around 150 years ago, local craftspeople of Athangudi village near the town of Karaikudi were encouraged to set up tile factories, further solidifying the tile-making tradition in the area. Even today, these tiles are preferred for use in newly built bungalows in and around the village, continuing the legacy and grandeur of Chettinad.

 

Over time, the tiles have not lost their charm and modern Athangudi tiles are still celebrated for their vibrant colours, intricate designs, and durability. They are a testament to the skill and creativity of the local artisans who continue to handcraft these tiles, preserving a piece of Chettinad's rich cultural heritage.

 

What are Athangudi tiles made of? 

Athangudi tiles are made from a mixture of locally sourced materials. These include:

 

  • Sand: The sand used in the making of Athangudi tiles is unique to the Cauvery River belt, which gives the tiles their distinct texture and finish.
  • Cement: Cement acts as the binding agent that holds the other materials together and gives the tiles their durability.
  • Synthetic Oxides: Synthetic oxides are used to create the vibrant colours and intricate designs that Athangudi tiles are known for. The colours are mixed with the cement and sand mixture to create different designs.
  • Glass: A glass sheet is used as a base during the manufacturing process to give the tiles their smooth and glossy finish.
  • The whole process of making Athangudi tiles is manual and does not involve any machinery, adding to their eco-friendly and sustainable nature.

 

 

Why Should you Bring Athangudi Tiles Home?

The handmade Athangudi tile of Chettinad is a unique and sophisticated expression of culture and heritage and will elevate any kind of home interior décor. Athangudi tiles flooring are very durable and will last for generations.

 

Athangudi tiles flooring is also eco-friendly and made of locally-available sand, cement and naturally occurring oxides. Athangudi chettinad tiles come in beautiful colours and designs that will suit any interior style. Though they have a smooth finish, they offer a non-slippery surface and hence can be used in most rooms of the house.

 

The impressive hallmark of quality, beauty and sustainable design are more than enough reasons to bring Athangudi tiles home to be a part of your interiors.

 

Athangudi Tiles

Regular Tiles
Athangudi tiles are handmade using raw materials, sand, cement and naturally occurring oxides. Most other tiles are mass produced in factories using heat, pressure and unwanted chemicals.

Since Athangudi tile is naturally insulated due to the way they are created, the tiles are cool to the touch even in warm climates.

No such thermal properties.

Athangudi tiles are handcrafted and each design is different and unique. The chances of finding the exact same design in another interior is very limited.

Mass produced in the same patterns and shades and no rare quality. 

Modern Athangudi tiles price is quite economical by today’s standards when you consider the beauty and old-world charm that it brings to your home.

Price ranges can go very high.

Athangudi tiles get shinier and more beautiful, the more it is used and the more worn it gets.

Other tiles look old and worn over time.

 

The Popular Designs of Athangudi Tiles

No matter the design style of your interiors, you can get Athangudi tile that will add flair to your home’s décor. Let’s take a look at the different tile designs that can give a timeless, high-end look to your rooms.

Patterned blue colour Athangudi tiles for flooring - Beautiful Homes

1. Checkered Athangudi Tiles

Plain Athangudi tiles in a classic checkered pattern can provide stunning contrast. Get creative in a traditional style interior with a rich two-tone colour pattern of plain Athangudi tiles that draws the eye. Incorporate unique Athangudi border tiles to add a pop of contrasting or complementary colour. Or use the flooring to highlight the minimalist look of a house by sticking to subtle patterns and colours.


 

2. Floral Imprints for a Stunning Athangudi Tiles Home

Athangudi tiles are famous for their intricate floral prints. These beautiful designs are created by their artisans and craftsmen who have passed this skill down through generations. Create an ethnic style statement with handmade Athangudi tiles in bold colours and traditional designs. A floral extravaganza in vibrant colours and edged with Athangudi border tiles will elevate the richness of a traditional living room while small prints on a white background will add personality to a small space and make it appear much larger.


3. Athangudi Flooring - Geometrical Patterns

Geometric tiles add pattern to a space in a classy and understated fashion. While some rely on vivacious colour, others stick to simpler colours and patterns for a timeless finish. Geometric tiles with subtle patterns that blend into the colour palette will transform even the most mundane and outdated room into a stunning masterpiece that will leave you mesmerized. Or go for broke with a striking colour palette with bold red and brilliant blue or merry yellow and pleasing green to add energy and vivacity to your interiors.

 

 

Advantages of Athangudi Tiles Design

  • Handmade: Each tile is individually handcrafted, making each piece unique.
  • Eco-Friendly: Made using locally-sourced materials and a manual process that does not involve machinery, these tiles are environmentally friendly.
  • Durability: These tiles are known for their durability and long lifespan, often outlasting the building they are installed in.
  • Aesthetically Pleasing: Available in a variety of vibrant colours and intricate designs, Athangudi tiles add a distinctive aesthetic touch to any space.
  • Easy Maintenance: They require minimal maintenance and can be cleaned easily with regular water and mild cleaning agents.
  • Versatility: Athangudi tiles can be used for both interior and exterior flooring, as well as wall cladding.
  • Cultural Heritage: By choosing Athangudi tiles, you are supporting a traditional craft and helping to preserve a piece of India's cultural heritage.

 

 

How to Maintain Athangudi Tiles?

Most tiles fade and look worn out with wear and tear. In contrast, the Athangudi tile tends to get shinier and looks more attractive with the passage of time. Some tips on how to maintain Athangudi floors:

  • A regular sweeping.
  • An occasional mop is sufficient to maintain these tiles.
  • Avoid using harmful chemicals or heavy-duty abrasives on these beautiful floors.
  • The best way to add lustre to an Athangudi floor is by mopping it with warm water to which 10-15 drops of coconut oil has been added.

Features of Athangudi Tiles

Some unique features of the Athangudi tiles include:

Preparation –

The best Athangudi tiles are made using a mix of cement and coloured oxide and individually poured into patterned moulds upon a glass piece.

 

Uniqueness –

The artisans create the designs of the Athangudi tiles by hand and hence no two designs are exactly alike.

 

Curing –

The tiles are cured in water for a minimum of 21 days to get readied for laying. This offers them a high level of durability.

 

Vibrant colours –

Vivacious red, blue, emerald, mustard and grey are standard colours used for making the best Athangudi tiles which are then cast in numerous distinct combinations and designs.

 

Adaptability –

Athangudi tiles can be used almost anywhere. They look great on the floors, but can be used in other areas for a unique look.
 

  • Athangudi tiles for wall - Installing Athangudi tiles for wall is an opportunity to make a statement. From trendy colours to dazzling design patterns, Athangudi wall tiles can be used to create stunning accent or statement walls.
Checkered pattern athangudi tiles for kitchen flooring - Beautiful Homes
  • Athangudi tiles for bedroom - Athangudi tiles for bedroom can be used as a stylish way to add personality to a space. Make a bold statement with vibrant colours or create a distinctive and edgy geometric pattern.

  • Athangudi tiles for bathroom – Create a completely unique bathroom with gorgeous Athangudi tiles for bathroom and make the space your own.

  • Athangudi wall tiles as kitchen backsplash – Use Athangudi wall tiles as a creative way to enhance kitchen décor by using them as backsplash for the kitchen counter.

 

Tips to Incorporate Athangudi Tiles?

 

1. Athangudi Tiles for Walls

Installing Athangudi tiles for walls is an opportunity to make a statement. From trendy colours to dazzling design patterns, Athangudi wall tiles can be used to create stunning accent or statement walls.

 

2. Athangudi Tiles for the Bedroom

Athangudi tiles for bedroom can be used as a stylish way to add personality to a space. Make a bold statement with vibrant colours or create a distinctive and edgy geometric pattern.

 

3. Athangudi Tiles for the Bathroom

Create a completely unique bathroom with gorgeous Athangudi tiles for bathroom and make the space your own.

 

4. Athangudi Tiles for Kitchen Backsplashes

Use Athangudi wall tiles as a creative way to enhance kitchen décor by using them as backsplash for the kitchen counter.

 

 

FAQs for Athangudi Handmade Tiles:

1. How much do Athangudi floor tiles cost?

Athangudi tiles price is quite economical since the materials for its manufacture are locally available. The price range is around Rs. 60 - 65 per sq.ft. including the labour cost for laying. They are easy to install and are also very durable for decades. The maintenance and cleaning are inexpensive since it involves the usage of materials available in our house.

Designer athangudi tiles for the walls & floor - Beautiful Homes

2. Are Athangudi floor tiles good for health?

Athangudi tiles are made of materials that are natural and not harmful to health. They are handcrafted without the use of heat and pressure and insulated and help keep our interiors and our body temperature down. Athangudi tiles are also thought to aid in preventing joint pains and protect our feet from heel fissures.

 

3. Is Athangudi tiles flooring durable?

The process of creating each tile is quite elaborate and this offers superior protection against damages. They are very durable and only look shinier and more lustrous over time.

 

4. Is Athangudi flooring slippery?

Though they have a smooth finish and shiny appearance, these tiles are non-slippery and provide quite a good grip.

 

5. Can we polish Athangudi floor tiles?

Since Athangudi tiles do not fade over time, they do not need to be polished. Mopping with water in which a few drops of coconut water has been added is enough to keep these floors shiny and new.

How can Beautiful Homes Help you with Choosing Perfect Athangudi Handmade Tiles for your Home?

When working with a client, the Beautiful Homes design team will listen to their needs, understand their desires, take inventory of what there is to work with, and manage the workflow. Our specialists use a blend of strong interior design skills with an understanding of a client’s personality, preferences and taste to create stunning interiors.

 

Whether it is choosing a wall colour or sourcing the perfect Athangudi tiles for your home, our design team will go that extra mile to give your interiors that wow factor. Browse through our online store to find the perfect pieces that will make your interiors stand out. 

Brown shade of athangudi tiles for the living room flooring - Beautiful Homes

Reach out to us for interior design services in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and Pune.

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