6 Ways to Use Concrete Textures in Your Spaces
The industrial style in interior and object design has been around for a long time and continues to influence current trends. One of the easiest ways to introduce this style is through the use of different concrete materials and textures. Many simple yet innovative concrete surfaces have been developed, which means designers are now using concrete in unexpected and unconventional ways. Thanks to its flexibility, strength, durability and its ability to combine different textures and colours, concrete finishes can be used in a wide range of projects.
Although decorative concrete finishes are now highly fashionable, concrete itself is as old as human construction. It is a technology that continues to develop, becoming a more versatile material with improved mechanical properties while retaining the relatively low cost that has always characterised it.
For many years, however, its use as a floor finish was largely limited to shops, industrial buildings and sports facilities. Although economical and low-maintenance, its raw and often unattractive appearance restricted its use.
The Journey of Concrete Textures
Concrete surface finishing has long played an important role in the built environment. During the twentieth century, many projects explored ways of adding artistic value to the raw material. Artists, architects and designers studied concrete and developed ways to alter its appearance in order to create more expressive surfaces. As a result, new approaches and processes emerged to move beyond a rough finish and create modern, sophisticated surfaces.
These techniques can produce excellent, durable surfaces that are often specified in high-traffic environments such as airports, commercial buildings, educational facilities and healthcare centres. Increasingly, however, they are also being used as decorative finishes in residential settings.
Minimalist and industrial styles remain highly relevant to modern decoration and provide an ideal context for concrete finishes. A smooth, polished surface can even evoke the feel of marble, while offering the advantages of a continuous finish, strong performance in difficult or high-traffic areas and a more accessible cost.
If you would like to introduce a concrete surface into your space, there are many different ways to add concrete textures.
6 Ways to Use Concrete Textures in Your Space
1. Concrete Tables
Concrete can create smooth, continuous surfaces, and concrete finishes are suitable for covering many kinds of tabletop. They can be applied in matt, satin or gloss finishes for a modern appearance. One cost-effective way to create a concrete-look tabletop is to use Concretta. Concretta is a hand-applied concrete finish that can be used over MDF or laminate, giving you a surface that is much lighter than solid concrete and visually more contemporary.
2. Create Different Concrete Objects
Because Concretta can adapt to many forms, it can give objects a rustic, industrial appearance. The strength and solidity associated with concrete allow these elements to work in both interior and exterior settings.
3. Make Your Wall a Feature
Using a concrete finishing system, you can create a range of concrete textures on walls. Some effects can be hand-combed, polished or spray-applied to create a rougher and more expressive texture.
4. Concrete Lighting
Thanks to the versatility and workability of concrete finishes, designers have developed many different approaches for the lighting sector. Pendant lights, table lamps and wall sconces can even be finished in bright or fluorescent colours, giving the object a playful, fresh and energetic character.
5. Seamless Work Surfaces
Smooth concrete surfaces can make spaces easier to clean. Concrete finishes can be used on worktables, reception desks, walls and floors.
6. Concrete Basins
A beautiful basin can transform the appearance of a bathroom. A concrete-look basin can create a distinctive focal point in the space.
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