OK, so I swear I’m not going to rename this blog temporarybacksplashes.com (oh hey, it’s available…), but fresh on the heels of my Smart Tiles awakening, a very nice D16 reader emailed me about the Bangalore-based Etsy shop BleUcoin, and I can’t not blog about it.
Tile decals are nothing new (I think the first ones I ever saw were from Mibo), but BleUcoin is working with some very cool traditional Turkish, Mexican, and Indian motifs that are very appealing to me. Unfortunately most of their product shots are pretty fake-looking Photoshop mockups rather than actual photos, but they’re good enough to get a sense of the overall look.
Above, clockwise from top left: Turkish Tulip, Mexican Talavera, Indian Blue Pottery, Portuguese Tile. I really like patchworked tiles, and the busyness of these designs would go a long way toward distracting the beige blah-ness of so many rental kitchens.
One nice thing about BleUcoin‘s tile decals is that they come in a huge range of sizes from 2×2″ to 8×8″ (as well as custom sizing), making covering up existing tile right up to the grout line very easy. You can apply them directly to the wall, too, and it’s not necessary to leave a gap between the decals if you want more of a wallpapered effect. You can use them on stair risers, too!
Above, clockwise from top left: Moroccan Tile, Triangular Tile, Dutch Blue, Mexican Talavera.
Interestingly, BleUcoin’s FAQ states that their decals cannot be used on top of low or no VOC paints, so that’s worth keeping in mind. Also, paint needs to be totally cured (2-3 months) before decals can be applied, otherwise the adhesive will fail. Applying over tile seems super simple, though, and they are removable (but not reusable, unlike KitchenWall’s product). They’re not cheap, but in a small rental kitchen with sad tiles? This seems like a great option!
5 Comments
I know what you mean being tile backsplash obsessed – I am too!
Hi Anna,
this is not related to your tile post [which is lovely, btw], but would you please consider posting which plugin you used for your new “OTHER STUFF YOU MIGHT BE INTO” related items widget? I’ve been installing different ones all day on my blog and none are cutting it for me.
Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, it’s actually built in to my theme, which is from Solo Pine.
I actually have the Turkish tiles on two walls of my shower in my bathroom! They’ve been great and has really lasted! I accidentally over-ordered a bit, but I didn’t mind because it gives me replacement decals!
The grout looked pretty bleh (building was built in 1922 but I think the bathroom was gut-renovated in the 70’s) but putting the decals on really made the look work – looked like it was actual Turkish tile, with “ancient” grout to go with it!
Love this post! We just moved into a new house and the tile is really hideous, but we’re renting. The only problem with this for me at least is that we have this small accent strip thats way narrower than the other tile, and its got these raised pieces that look sorta like gems. Have you tried these out sticking them over raised tile?