Abanico Fish Scale Tiles, also known as fan tiles, scallop tiles or mermaid tiles, are an incredibly beautiful addition to any residential or commercial project.
These tiles will make your backsplash, fireplace, shower, or bathroom wall stand out with their modern tile design. The 1920s Art Deco era popularized this pattern in interior design and its appearance on tiled spaces can be admired in many places across the world.
As Clay Imports has many popular options in this style, we’ve put together a guide on everything you need to know below and a movie!
- Where are Fish Scale Tiles made?
- How are Fish Scale Tiles produced?
- Which Fish Scale Tile do I choose?
- Which way does Fish Scale Tile go?
- Where can I install Fish Scale Tiles?
- Can you mix Fish Scale Tile with other types of tile?
- What trim pieces can you use with Fish Scale Tiles?
Where are Fish Scale Tiles made?
We handcraft most of our Abanico Clay tiles in Mexico in the artisanal workshops in the small town of Dolores Hidalgo, just outside San Miguel de Allende.
How are Fish Scale Tiles produced?
Our craftsmen and women hand cut the shape of the fish scale tile to size. You’ll see in the photo below how they look before their glaze. After firing the initial tile shape, artisans apply solid color glazes and then fire the tile in a large kiln. Following the firing process, each piece is inspected for quality control, packaged, and ready to install!
Allie from Stampworthy Goods
Which Fish Scale Tile do I choose?
There are a lot of options for color and size for fish scale tile. Clay Imports carries them in either 4", 6” and 8”, measured from the tip. We offer a variety of matte, semi-gloss and gloss colors ranging from soothing neutrals to vibrant crackle finishes.
The most popular glaze colors are Turquoise Crackle and Aqua Crackle for a beautiful shimmering wall reminiscent of the ocean. For a more muted and calm look, we love our ever popular Abanico in semi-gloss or gloss white. Some of the best patterns include mixing and matching colors - a common combination we’ve seen is cool whites and blues to mimic an ocean-theme.
Abanico 3 color blend inspired by the colors of the sea
Design to Gastamo Group Lady Nomada | Photo by Stephan Werk
We offer two different visually pleasing “tip” options: sharp, and flat. While the delicate sharp tip visually creates more flow, the flat edge adds a modern twist. In addition, the flat edge is less prone to breakage during installation.
Sharp Tip
Design by Render ATX
Flat Tip
Design by Frances Harvey Studio | Photo by Molly Culver
Which way does Fish Scale Tile go?
Great question! We hear all the time from customers wondering how to orient this uniquely shaped tile. In short, there are many ways to pattern this tile - it’s all a matter of preference - you can have the “pointed” side pointing up, down or to the side. There’s no right or wrong or up or down.
Deborah Kirk Interiors for Tillie's Camp Lucy
Where can I install Fish Scale Tiles?
Our clay fish scale tiles are suitable for just about any wall and flooring applications. The natural place for this shaped tile, given it’s gorgeous, wavy movement, is shower walls and bathroom or kitchen backsplashes. This tile can perform in certain outdoor applications as long as it is not exposed to extreme freezing, but this tile is not pool rated.
Install by Raul Zamora Trevino of Longhorn Flooring
The oversized black scallop tiles on this fireplace surround give this space much personality. Design by Melisa Clement Design
Can you mix Fish Scale Tile with other types of tile?
With unconventional form, these tiles tend to look fabulous when acting as a statement piece of art. Because the fish scale will tend to be the focal point of a room, it’s best paired with calming, more complimentary surroundings.
If you choose neutral fan shape tiles, like white or black, consider a natural terracotta or go all in with decorative tile.
Design by Anna Kidd | Photo by Yanglin Cai
Design by Anna Kidd | Build by SRD Builders
What trim pieces can you use with Fish Scale Tiles?
We recommend two trim options for these funky shaped tiles.
Firstly, a special order pencil liner or single bullnose in the same color.
Creative mind Curtis Jinkins of Neighborhood Studio trimmed their Abanico Aqua Crackle fireplace with a single bullnose of the same color
Secondly, we recommend finishing the edges with a Schluter trim, more specifically a Schluter Schiene in Satin Anodized Aluminum. This edging is paintable and a neat and clean look to finish your Abanico Fish Scale Tile installation.
Design by Double-check your measurements. Please add at least 15% extra for cuts and waste. We highly recommend ordering samples before making a final purchase to confirm and appreciate these natural variations in each tile.
Do you need to trim pieces? We can take care of this as well. You can purchase online, email your sales and design consultant or reach out on our general inquiries line at contact@clayimports.com
