Porcelain tile with pattern

 Patterned tiles bring a lot of personality and character to the walls and floors. Starting with traditional encaustic designs, natural stone, florals or contemporary geometry, porcelain has the most advanced technology which delivers the most realistic prints with organic appearance and beauty.

  What makes porcelain an excellent material for pattern tiles?

Cream Terrazzo Celleno 60x60cm

Porcelain manufacturing process introduces unmatched realistic appearance with detailed designs, fine colour movement and 3D surfaces. For the world of patterns this technology means high precision and superb definition which is not supported by any other material.

Porcelain manufacturing process captures organic designs, colour movement and texture. In the world of patterns this means high precision in details and superb definition. This qualities are not supported by any other material.

Let's have look over the most popular porcelain prints :

         - Encaustic and cement tiles with tonal variation

         - Marble intricate veining and natural stone with aged effect

         - Terrazzo and stone particles

         - Weathered terracotta and pamments

         - Corroded metal in combination with modern colours like blue and green

         - Botanical motifs with floral patterns and leaves design.

         - Geometric and Art Deco patterns

          - Zellige and  handmade finish tiles

          - Fluted effect tiles

Most of the porcelain tiles are produced with a number of different faces/prints for the same product. Their variation can get quite intense with several colours persistent on the same tile. This special effect aims to mimic natural materials as close as possible. This aspect has to be considered  thoroughly when choosing a tile.

Technical properties for porcelain allow very low water absorption and high durability especially for busy areas. Also this material  generally does not need sealing or any other treatment which is a bonus when it comes to maintenance.

      What are the most popular porcelain tile patterns for bathrooms?

  Heritage inspired tiles

Heritage inspired tiles have a timeless allure which adds  history  and character. Designers and homeowners often choose these for traditional and modern properties. Starting with victorian patterned tiles, encaustic-effect tiles, checkerboard tiles, terracotta tiles, quarry tiles, and continuing with moroccan-inspired patterned tiles, art deco geometric tiles, classic metro wall tiles, delft-style blue and white tiles, decorative floral tiles, aged stone-effect tiles and finishing with brick slips, this range offers a massive choice for patterns. Porcelain industry can replicate any of the above with high proficiency and with improved durability.

Red Vintage Victorian Era Porcelain tile 20x20cm

   Botanical and floral prints

Botanical patterns have a more romantic vibe. The prints start with fine leaves and field flowers and finish with tropical motifs. These tiles create the centrepiece of the bathroom. Usually these are laid in the shower cubicle, behind bath tub or vanity unit. To balance the look add some plain colour tiles in a smooth finish. Most of the botanical patterns can be laid horizontally and vertically which adds flexibility and convenience.

Resina Jungle tropical white matt 60x120cm

    Marble prints

Marble is a symbol of classic style and elegance. There is a great variation of patterns for porcelain marble effect tiles. From subtle veins and faint colours to intricate and deep streaks, marble has a unique character which is a perfect option for the bathroom space.

Modern interiors are built with large format porcelain, which can reproduce the intricacy of marble with complex detailing like colour and texture. The prints come in a large number of faces which offer the unique natural character. The tiles create a seamless and sleek finish.

Marble Calacatta Gold 120x60cm

  Stone patterns

Natural stone look tiles are the most popular options for most of the bathroom spaces. Porcelain is the material which mimics any stone look. Travertine, fossils, sandstone and slate are frequently used in the bathroom on the walls and floors. These looks never go out of style and will complement any interior style. Again with porcelain there is colour variation which seems to be exactly like the natural materials. Even the coarse and textured finish of the tiles is reproduced with exquisite accuracy. Layered stone appearance is a perfect pattern for any size room.

Riverstone White Flat Cut Pebble Mosaic 305x305mm

   Terrazzo patterns

Terrazo has come back with an updated colour scheme. Speckles of blue, orange and green are embellishing plain backgrounds of concrete look tiles. There is a large selection of porcelain terrazzo effect tiles which are suitable for wet areas. Real terrazzo tiles can get expensive compared to porcelain, which is a beautiful alternative. You can choose between small and large chip patterns. These can instantly add movement. Pair them with wooden furniture and natural fabrics. Terrazzo effect tiles can decorate both walls and floors.

   Metal-effect patterns

Metal effect tiles introduce tones of iron, copper, bronze and oxidised materials. Their specific print recall a rustic vibe with a modern transformation. In the shower cubicle or as a feature wall behind the bath tub these prints will add a bold and powerful personality to the space. Metal look prints are built with subtle colour pigments and oxidised finish. A tactile quality is noticeable over the surface of the tile for a more authentic look. To achieve an elegant and balanced look pair metal effect tiles with soft tones of stone and plain light colours.

Planet Copper Oxide Metal Effect Wall & Floor Tiles

   Wood effect tiles

In the recent years wood effect tiles started replacing timber flooring. No maintenance hassle, sealing or sanding needed. Porcelain is suitable with underfloor heating which adds more convenience. Modern printing technology introduces realistic images for different types of wood which gives flexibility for homeowners and designers.  Porcelain wood look tiles look great in the bathroom environment adding style, cosiness and functionality.

Drewno Brown Ceramic Tiles Lines and Chevron 59.8x29.8cm

   Best places to use pattern porcelain tiles

Pattern tiles look attractive on walls and floors. These can be used in places where more character and artistic style is wanted. On the floors as the foundation of the room, on the walls as a an accent or a statement. For both situations is good to balance the entire look with some neutral colours. Simple finishing touches will keep the focus to the pattern without loading the area too much.

  A few more ideas on where porcelain patterned tiles can be laid from Tilejob experts:

     -As a frame around mirror

     - Scattered around shower walls 

     -As an accent for the bath tub

     -As columns or pillars 

    - As a border at the bottom/middle/top of the wall

     - As edging element for larger stone look tiles.

To make sure that your plan is functional try a few tiles in the actual spaces before sticking these down.

Craft blue pattern tiles 22x22cm

    How to incorporate porcelain patterned tiles into your bathroom project?

A pattern captures your attention when this contains the colours you like. Usually the colours transmit a certain vibe. Based on this fact,  pair the colours from the pattern with the colour of the walls, accessories and fittings. 

For wooden elements and furniture go for organic shades of blue and green, for more cosiness choose earthy tones of terracotta, creams and washed brown tones.

Tile edging can support and define the character of the space. Use black with encaustic or victorian style patterns. Chrome looks elegant next to navy blue, silver grey and calacatta marble effect tiles. Copper, brushed brass accentuate dark green patterns, metal effect and aged look prints.

Livada grey vitrified ceramic tiles 45x45cm

   Final thoughts

Patterned porcelain tiles carry a strong identity. Always consider the size of the bathroom and the amount light. Small patterns add delicacy and the country vibe. Large patterns recall the mediterranean style with an airy look suitable for contemporary interiors.

When buying tiles online make sure that you are familiar with a full size pattern or even check the variation of these to avoid confusion. Also allow a bit of colour shift from batch to batch, a flexible design approach can eliminate colour discrepancy 

Advanced printing technology generates a massive variety of designs and patterns in porcelain. There is something available for any style, age and  mood. Start your journey with us today, explore our ranges straight away!