Tile Trends: Metallic Tile

Metal tiles have long been used in design. Bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel make up the majority of metal used in tiles. Occasionally gold, silver, and platinum encased in glass or on their own create stunning accents.

Metal tiles, not suitable for wet applications, typically appear in backsplashes or on floors. From traditional bronze accents, such as a compass rose in a floor medallion, to contemporary stainless plank tiles, metal tiles fit into most decors. Sometimes used to reflect light with a high luster the tiles are available in a large spectrum of colors and finishes. Brushed aluminum tiles are becoming increasingly popular as it coordinates nicely with brushed nickel hardware finishes and ties in the color of the stainless appliances.

Metallic looks are also very popular. Ceramic tile glazed with metallic colors or glass finished to mimic metal are a great way to use the look in wet areas, such as a shower. Sometimes, they are also a more affordable alternative to solid cast metals.

Tile Market carries a large selection of both metal tiles as well as metallic looks. Please visit our showroom for the tile to suit your project.

Tile Trends: Glass tile

Glass tile is very versatile and continues to grow in the marketplace. It is available in an array of colors, textures, and sizes. Glass, a non-porous, impervious material, is suitable for many applications including swimming pools, showers, and backsplashes. Due to the chameleon-like nature of this material, many designers are using glass in display niches, as flooring accents, or even as focal walls.

Glass tile can be contemporary with solid colors and crisp straight edges, rustic with muddled colors and chipped edges, or traditional with the soft edges of tumbled beach glass. It comes in clear and matte finishes and is typically very "green". Many companies produce their glass tile using recycled materials.

For an extensive selection of glass tiles please visit our showroom.

Tile Trends: Rectangles

Tile keeps growing in many different ways and a popular trend of late is rectangles. Rectangular shapes are not new to tile but the sizes and formats are changing. Traditionally rectangular tile was used in a "subway" pattern of which the most popular version is a 3"x6" white tile installed in a running bond or brick pattern. Rectangles have been used in floor patterns but were usually mixed with squares such as in the Versailles or basketweave patterns.

In many contemporary designs we are seeing rectangles used in new ways. Long skinny tiles or planks are gaining popularity with newer introductions in wood-look tiles. Glass and stone are just two of the materials that are now offered in many rectangular mosaics. Accent tiles, often used in backsplashes or in bathrooms, are offered in a variety of elongated rectangles. A popular look is a mix of several different rectangles to create a modular design.

Traditional materials such as marble and limestone are now available in newer contemporary sizes. These tiles are suitable for many applications and are a great way to mix traditional and contemporary designs. Whatever look you desire in rectangles, Tile Market is sure to have the tile for you.

Tile Trends: Green

Tile is a very "green" material. With the current focus on being environmentally conscious, many tile companies are now defining what makes their material "green." Properly installed and well maintained tile often outlasts the building in which it is installed.

There is not one single group that certifies tile as green due in part to tile production taking place in many countries. The most popular is LEED certification (sponsored by USGBC.) Even if the tile has not been certified there are many elements that make tiles "green."

Clay and minerals used in producing most ceramic and porcelain tiles are very abundant in nature. Traditional terracotta and satillo tiles are dried in the sun while several manufacturers use kilns heated by the energy generated in other aspects of the plant (such as production). Wind and solar energy as well as natural light often power plants, save money and create environmentally friendly tiles. Pre consumer waste such as defective or broken tile bisques are often reincorporated into tiles. Post consumer waste such as old glass bottles is another way recycled materials are used in tile production. Stone is often quarried and blocks are cut using air compressors and manual labor in lieu of petroleum based machinery. Transportation of materials from afar typically ship via cargo ships. The ordering in bulk helps to cut down on fuel usage.

Tile Market has a binder containing our vendors information on their "Green" material.

Please visit our showroom to see our vast selection of environmentally friendly material.