Latest trends in tiles

Carrelage au sol : Quel format choisir?

TERRIER Delphine
Posted on: 02/05/2023

Tile size: small or large?

Tiles come in a wide variety of formats, from squares measuring 20×20 cm to 120×120 cm and beyond, to rectangles measuring 10×60 cm to 120×180 cm, not forgetting hexagons for original installations, but in recent years the trend in interior design has been towards large formats.

Large-format tiles start at 60×60 cm and are highly prized for the lightness they bring to a room in a resolutely contemporary style.There is a wide variety of tile formats, from the square format of 20×20 cm to 120×120 cm and beyond, to the rectangular format of 10×60 cm to 120×180 cm, not forgetting the hexagons which allow for original installations, but in recent years the trend in interior design has been towards large formats.

Large-format tiles start at 60×60 cm and are very much in vogue, bringing a certain modernity to the room in a resolutely contemporary style.

Why not use large format tiles?

With their minimalist design style, large-format tiles impress at first glance. The wider spacing of the joints compared with small-format tiles enlarges the space and gives the impression of larger volumes. The use of 2-3 mm joints further enhances this feeling.

Although the colors of large-format tiles are often sober (gray, anthracite, beige, black), they nevertheless offer interesting textural effects thanks to the large surface area, which allows the structure and pattern to unfold to the full: the concrete effect on the format, for example, or the wood or stone effect, are suitable for all lifestyles, indoors and out.

From a technical point of view, XXL tiles require impeccable installation. A professional tiler is strongly recommended for handling the tiles (often very heavy) and preparing the substrate (essential for successful installation). In terms of material type, porcelain stoneware is best suited to large-format tiles: more compact and solid, non-porous, it's also easier to maintain (in the kitchen, for example).

Small or large format, it's a matter of taste!

Although we tend to think that a small room should be tiled with small-format tiles and a large room with large-format ceramics, it's all a matter of taste and technical requirements.

Do you like modern, minimalist rooms? Large-format tiles from 60×60 cm are for you, whether your rooms are large or small. Just beware of cuts on the sides, which can be more annoying on large formats.

If, on the other hand, you prefer a more classic style, the choice is yours: small and large formats will fit in seamlessly with your décor.

A small square format of 10×10 cm or 20×20 cm will give a mosaic effect with vibrant colors, while a 45×45 cm format is an excellent compromise between large and small formats, and will suit rooms of all sizes. Once again, it's a matter of taste!

Whatever tile size you choose, it will influence your laying patterns.

With rectangular tiles, you can allow yourself greater freedom of choice: staggered laying, aligned laying. Wood-effect tiles 15×90 cm or 22.5×90 cm, for example, allow you to imitate a parquet floor perfectly, with the added technical properties of porcelain stoneware.

Why not mix formats?

Why not break the ice and use modular installation? The result, if the composition is well executed, will be even more modern. The 30×60 cm rectified rectangular format is a perfect example. It can be combined with the 60×60 cm and 10×60 cm formats.

Mixing tile formats is a good idea to ensure the aesthetic continuity of spaces. For example, in the bathroom, the shower can be tiled on the floor with a mosaic, while large rectangular tiles can be laid on the wall.

So that's it, have you decided on the size of your tiles? All that's left is to lay them! The choice is yours: diagonal or straight laying, aligned joints or stepped laying...