Waste of Material ! 12 Interior Materials That Didn’t Work in India ?
1. PVC Laminates for Kitchen Cabinets
Problem: Peeling, bubbling near heat, looks cheap over time.
Why it fails in India: Indian kitchens often use high heat and oil-based cooking. PVC can’t handle this long-term.
Real case: Many homeowners report edges peeling within 1 year.
Better alternative: Acrylic or High-Pressure Laminates (HPL).
2. MDF in Wet or Humid Areas (like bathroom vanity units)
Problem: Swelling, bending, crumbling when exposed to water.
Why it fails in India: Most bathrooms aren’t fully dry; splash zones, wet floors, and leaky plumbing are common.
Better alternative: BWP/BWR grade plywood or marine plywood.
3. Matte Finish Tiles for Floor
Problem: Catch dirt easily, difficult to mop clean, especially with Indian dust.
- Stains Can Be More Stubborn: Though they are easy to maintain, it can be a little difficult to remove stubborn stains from matte tiles.
- Not A Good Choice For Darker Rooms: The biggest disadvantage of matt tiles is that they are not reflective. In darker rooms like basements, the presence of reflective surfaces is important.
- Susceptible to Scratches: The fact that these tiles are easily scratched is one of the matte finish tiles disadvantages.
- Potential for Retention of Moisture:
The matte tiles are not the best option for high-humidity areas since they may absorb moisture.
Where it fails: Entry areas, kitchens, balconies.
Example: Matte grey tiles often look dirty in 2-3 days unless mopped daily.
Better alternative: Semi-matte or satin finish tiles for balance of grip and ease of cleaning.
4. Open Shelves in Kitchens
Problem: Accumulates dust, oil, and insects.
Why it fails: Indian kitchens use spices, frying, and cooking with oil – open shelves require constant cleaning.
Example: Open spice racks near the stove get sticky quickly.
Better alternative: Glass-covered cabinets or sliding shutters.
5. Fabric Sofas in Urban/Dusty Areas
Problem: Attracts dust, pet hair, and is hard to clean.
Why it fails: Indian households have open windows, fans, dust-prone areas.
Better alternative: Leatherette or stain-resistant fabric with removable covers.
6. Wallpaper in Humid or Poorly Ventilated Rooms
Problem: Peels, bubbles, molds.
Where it fails: Coastal areas like Mumbai, Chennai, Kerala, and North-East India.
Better alternative: Textured paint, moisture-resistant wall panels.
7. White Marble in Kitchens (Makrana or Italian)
Problem: Stains with turmeric, vinegar, and masalas.
Why it fails: Indian cooking uses a lot of staining ingredients.
Example: Once stained, even professional cleaning doesn’t restore it.
Better alternative: Quartz or granite countertops.
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8. Glossy Wardrobe Finishes
Problem: Shows fingerprints, scratches, and dust very easily.
Where it fails: Children’s rooms or high-traffic areas.
Better alternative: Textured matte laminates or frosty acrylic finishes.
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9. Sliding Wardrobe Doors in Uneven Walls
Problem: Doors get stuck, misaligned, or stop sliding smoothly.
Why it fails: Many Indian homes don’t have perfectly straight walls or floors.
Better alternative: Use sliding only where walls are straight, otherwise go for hinged doors.
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10. Wooden Flooring Without Climate Control
Problem: Expands/contracts with temperature and humidity.
Where it fails: Cities with extreme summer/winter or monsoon.
Better alternative: SPC (Stone Plastic Composite) flooring, or good-quality tiles with wooden finish.
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11. Ornate POP False Ceilings
Problem: Dust gets collected, tough to clean, prone to cracking.
Where it fails: Older homes, or homes without ACs that regulate humidity.
Better alternative: Simple recessed ceilings with LED cove lighting.
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12. Glass Shower Partitions Without Proper Slope
Problem: Water doesn’t drain, creates puddles, leads to mold and slipping.
Why it fails: Indian bathroom construction often ignores correct slope and drainage.
Better alternative: Shower curtain + proper slope, or trained labor to install shower glass correctly.