what is listello tile? exploring its applications and versatility

so, what is listello tile?

essentially, it refers to the decorative ceramic tile trim pieces used to enhance walls, floors, backsplashes and other surfaces. translated from Italian, the listello meaning is “small stripes.” but don’t let that diminutive fool you. it can be made from a variety of materials, and its unifying feature is that it’s often used to contrast other tiles in an installation, or to create borders, frames and other flourishes that provide or complement a design theme.

types of listello tiles

listello tiles come in a variety of patterns, colors, materials and sizes. from floral motifs to geometric prints to mosaics to Celtic bands to no pattern and more, in basically any hue or shade you can imagine, the options are pretty much limitless. they’re often made of ceramic, porcelain or natural stone, and even metal or glass. which material you choose depends on your taste and the type of installation you’re going for (we’re partial to terracotta planks in earthy colors).

in terms of size, listello tiles are typically narrow strips, ranging from 1/4 inch (6 mm) to up to 6 inches (152 mm) wide. lengths vary but most are 6 to 18 inches (152 - 457 mm) long. overall, the most common sizes are 1 inch (25 mm) by 6 inches and 2 inches (50 mm) by 12 inches (305 mm).

how listello tiles enhance the aesthetics of your space

listello tiles are designed to elevate the aesthetics of any area. they can effortlessly transform a boring backsplash into an artful focal point or turn an ordinary shower into a luxurious oasis. but they’re not just used in kitchens and bathrooms. they can style up entryways, fireplaces, staircases or anyplace inside your home.

for example, listello works well when used as feature strips, which are bands of listello installed along the edges of countertops, around the soap dish or nozzle in the shower or framing any tile design. homeowners and contractors looking to create tile borders around installations often turn to listello for a distinct look. listello has even found its way to the floor (like lining walkways), where it was once avoided due to the raised patterns of some types. however it’s used, the differentiation from other tiles lends itself to centerpieces, trims, edges and other placements that stand out in unique ways.

the endless possibilities of listello tile

really, the applications of listello tile are limited only by your imagination, based on just how many different styles, patterns, materials and colors exist in this type of tile. you can try the traditional route by using listello tiles to create decorative borders, accent walls, or unique mosaic patterns. or you could combine multiple styles of listello tiles for a truly custom look.

for small spaces, we suggest use listello tiles sparingly as an accent. in larger areas, by all means, go bold and place listello tiles on walls, floors, ceilings and literally everything in between–the pattern possibilities truly boggle the mind.

decorative borders and accents

the most common listello tiles are narrow, ornate borders used to accent walls, backsplashes and floors. popular styles include scrollwork, leafy vines, geometric shapes and molded edges. but listello can also be solid color, rectangular tiles that work well to frame an entire room or highlight specific architectural details.

backsplashes and countertop edges

listello tiles can transform your kitchen into a beautiful design piece. you might use them to edge a stone countertop or tile backsplash. the ornamental trim helps bridge the gap between the countertop and wall, giving the space a thoughtful, polished feel. then consider wrapping the same listello tile you use in the backsplash around the outer edge of a kitchen island to create a consistent design boundary.

shower borders and tub surrounds

terrazzo tile is known for its durability, too. when properly installed and maintained, it can last for decades without showing major signs of wear and tear. it just so happens to resist stains and water, too, making it a great option for high-traffic areas.

fireplace surrounds

for fireplace surrounds, listello tiles provide an easy way to introduce an elegant, eye-catching accent. with seemingly endless color, texture and finish options, you can craft a fireplace surround that brings the entire room together beautifully. for example, you could draw attention to the hearth by running a single row of listello tiles along the edge. or you could outline the firebox opening with listello for a polished, framed effect.

just like in bathrooms, listello tiles offer pragmatic advantages for fireplaces, too. since many are made from durable, low-maintenance materials like glass, stone or porcelain, they’re ideal for high-traffic areas near the fireplace. their compact size also allows for easier installation around curved surfaces or corners in your fireplace surround.

entryway and hallway borders

entryways and hallways are well-trod areas that accentuate the artistic tone for your entire home. arranged as border tiles along the lower half of walls or as chair-rail-height wainscoting, these skinny rectangular surfaces make a major style statement.

strategically place them along baseboards in the hallway, arrange them in interesting patterns to make an entryway statement, or simply use them to border your tile installation in either space.

incorporating listello tiles into your design

when installing listello, the floor is probably the first element you'll want to harmonize with. for example, rich listello designs pair beautifully with medium or dark-toned hardwood floors. the wood grains add warmth and visual texture that complement the intricate patterns in the tiles. alternatively, large format tiles or polished concrete in neutral shades allow the listello to be the focal point.

wall color sets the overall tone, so choose listello wisely based on your desired ambiance. soft whites or light grays provide a clean, airy backdrop that makes the listello's colors and shapes stand out. for a cozier feel, consider an accent wall in a muted pastel or earthy shade that ties in one of the listello colors. just be mindful of overwhelming the space with too many bold hues.

to prevent the room from feeling flat, incorporate a variety of textures and finishes around the listello. decor touches like plush area rugs, natural wood accents, woven fabrics and metallic hardware all add visual depth and interest. these elements should subtly complement–not compete with–the star of the show: your stunning new listello tile design.

oversized listello can visually reduce the height of a room, while thin pencil listellos can elongate walls. gauge the scale of your listello in relation to the room size and the surrounding tile for a balanced composition. using listello thoughtfully can help achieve that just-right sense of proportion.

harmonizing colors and patterns

when selecting colors and patterns of listello tile, strike a balance between style and functionality. the room's purpose should guide your tile choices. lively patterns and colors suit energetic spaces like kitchens or entryways, while more subdued designs and tones work well for relaxing areas like bathrooms or living rooms with fireplaces.

understanding the color wheel and how colors relate to each other can be a big factor in choosing tile colors and patterns. for example, complementary colors like blue and orange create vibrant contrast. analogous colors like blue and green blend seamlessly. and you can never go wrong with blue and white.

consider limiting your options to 2-3 main colors for cohesion. size-wise, mix small and large-scale patterns to create visual interest. accent tiles in contrasting hues can highlight focal points.

and here’s a bit of advice we can’t emphasize enough: before installing, test out your tile combinations. order samples and lay them out together. live with the mock-up for a few days. lighting can drastically affect how colors and patterns appear. make adjustments until you find that perfect harmonious blend.

balancing listello tiles with other design elements

when installing listello, the floor is probably the first element you'll want to harmonize with. for example, rich listello designs pair beautifully with medium or dark-toned hardwood floors. the wood grains add warmth and visual texture that complement the intricate patterns in the tiles. alternatively, large format tiles or polished concrete in neutral shades allow the listello to be the focal point.

wall color sets the overall tone, so choose listello wisely based on your desired ambiance. soft whites or light grays provide a clean, airy backdrop that makes the listello's colors and shapes stand out. for a cozier feel, consider an accent wall in a muted pastel or earthy shade that ties in one of the listello colors. just be mindful of overwhelming the space with too many bold hues.

to prevent the room from feeling flat, incorporate a variety of textures and finishes around the listello. decor touches like plush area rugs, natural wood accents, woven fabrics and metallic hardware all add visual depth and interest. these elements should subtly complement–not compete with–the star of the show: your stunning new listello tile design.

oversized listello can visually reduce the height of a room, while thin pencil listellos can elongate walls. gauge the scale of your listello in relation to the room size and the surrounding tile for a balanced composition. using listello thoughtfully can help achieve that just-right sense of proportion.

combining tile materials

what makes listello so versatile is its ability to blend seamlessly with other tile types and styles. whether used sparingly as an accent or as a repeating border pattern, they can mix well with subway tiles, hexagon mosaics, large format porcelain tiles, travertine and marble and penny rounds.

listello tiles are also versatile for transitioning between different tile materials in the same space. for example, you can use them as a design element to smoothly unite stone and ceramic surfaces. the linear pattern created by a listello strip provides cohesion between contrasting textures.

unique and innovative ways to use listello tiles

in addition to borders, you can find patterned listello tiles meant to be used as field tiles to cover large expanses. options include Moroccan-inspired zigzags and dots, retro flowers, whimsical animals and tessellated geometric shapes. when used on walls or floors, these tiles create a strong focal point in any space.

for a bolder look, consider using listello tiles as accent pieces. medallions, diamonds, stars and other shaped tiles can be incorporated into backsplashes, fireplace surrounds or entryways. you can also find listello tiles with three-dimensional details like raised dots, ridges and swirls that provide extra depth and texture.

listello is a tile universe unto itself, so if you’re going to use it, it’s best to get a handle on its potential applications and how to blend it with your aesthetic. as always, we strongly recommend consulting with a professional tile contractor and possibly a designer to create a look that’s timeless.