Our guide to large format tiles
Our guide to large format tiles
Once the preserve of more commercial spaces, large format tiles have seen a steady increase in popularity over the years and are now very much on trend when it comes to modern home décor.
Generally defined as any rectangular or square tile which measures more than 60 X 60cm, large format tiles offer a lot of advantages for all sorts of rooms in your home – whether it be a bathroom, kitchen, hallway or anywhere else.
Eye-catching and impactful, these are tiles that will not only make rooms appear more spacious but will also bring various practical benefits.
Large format tiles like the Obra Graphite can create a striking look with contrasting grouting.
Why should you lay large format tiles in your home…?
- To create a statement: big is indeed bold and larger tiles bring a certain amount of wow factor to any space.
- A more seamless and sleeker look: the larger size combined with fewer grout lines creates a more unified, uninterrupted appearance with this type of tiling.
- To give the illusion of more space: having fewer grout lines means the design isn’t broken up by the constant distraction of joins, making the space appear bigger.
- For easier cleaning: fewer grout lines also mean fewer places for dirt and mildew to gather.
- To create a wallpaper-effect: the combination of fewer grout joints and their blending in more subtly to the design gives a look more akin to wallpaper if the tiles are laid on walls.
- For a contemporary aesthetic: large format tiles continue to be a modern trend amongst homeowners and have a timeless appeal.
- Versatility: these tiles suit both large and small rooms and can also be used on floors, walls and counters.
If you’re considering laying large format tiles on your floors, then there are a range of styles to choose from. And, while one of the advantages of the larger size is having minimal grout lines which can blend seamlessly into the design, you can also choose to contrast the grouting with the tone of your tiles. For example, a tile such as the Obra Graphite has paler grouting running between the grey and brown tones to create a more striking aesthetic with the contrasting darker hues of the floor.
In general, a good rule of thumb is to have thicker porcelain tiles for the floor, with the thinner styles best for tiling walls. Obviously, floors get a lot of traffic, so this is to prevent them from cracking and to enhance durability.
Patterned tiles work well in the large format style, such as the Mijas Celeste Pattern tile.
Large format tiles can be both plain or patterned and you can create a real statement with a feature wall or a floor with a bold design, as well as experimenting with different colour palettes within this.
Two top picks for large format tiles
If you prefer a more minimal look, then the Carrara Gris Mate Porcelain Floor Tile is a 75cm X 75cm square Spanish porcelain tile with a subtle smoky-grey marble design set against a white background. Ideal as a floor tile, these can also work well on walls, offering flexibility on where you can use them. Meanwhile, the matt finish creates a contemporary aesthetic which, combined with the marble effect, evokes a sense of luxury style.
The light grey veining running across the pale white background adds depth and detail to the overall design of the tiles, which when matched with the grouting, creates that seamless, flowing look.
As you would expect from large format tiles, there is also the impression of more space, while the colour palette of this tile is ideal for complementing other tones within your décor.
Another grey porcelain choice is the Vitoria Gris Porcelain Wall & Floor Tile, which comes in slightly smaller than the Carrara Gris Mate at 60cm X 60cm but is still large format. The concrete-effect style lends it a natural, contemporary look which again, gives a spacious appearance and will work well in a range of rooms.
Suitable as both a wall and floor tile, the Vitoria Gris is very versatile and is a high-quality Spanish style which will effortlessly enhance existing décor or be easily incorporated into a new interior design.
Create an impact with large statement tiling
If you haven’t considered using large format tiles before then maybe now’s the time to try something new! Offering a smooth and visually appealing appearance, larger tiles automatically draw the eye towards the furthest areas in a room, creating the illusion of more space, so are ideal if you want to create this effect.
Great for making a statement, these tiles will wow whether you go for a bolder tone or something more neutral. They’re also more straightforward when it comes to maintenance, thanks to the minimal grout, so are an inspired choice all-round.
Large format tiles, like the Vitoria Gris style above, will make your room look bigger.
If you’re interested in fitting large format tiles in your home, why not drop into one of our showrooms and see what we have. Alternatively, email us at info@bathshack.com or call (028) 9077 0188. We’re always happy to help!
