Creating stylish and trendy interiors with large-format porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is a popular finishing material that works well on walls, floors, and even furniture pieces. Large-format tiles, starting from 60×120 cm and up to the maxi size of 120×278 cm, look particularly striking in interiors. Oversized tiles mean a minimum number of joints, giving the surface a near-seamless appearance. In this article, we explore the many use cases of large-format porcelain stoneware in different settings.
Advantages of porcelain stoneware
Porcelain stoneware is a versatile finishing material made from mineral components. It is produced from natural ingredients such as feldspar, kaolin clays, and quartz sand. The resulting mass is colored with oxides of various metals. This material differs from the traditional ceramic tiles in its composition, manufacturing process, and technical properties.
The advantages of porcelain stoneware include:
- This material is very resistant to external factors, mechanical damage, and wear. Porcelain stoneware is impervious to water and can withstand frost and temperature swings. It generally lasts much longer than the materials it mimics. For instance, it doesn’t scratch or swell from moisture like wood, nor is it as brittle as glass or real marble.
- Accurate imitation of various textures. Porcelain stoneware can mimic most textures well, including precious wood, marble of various shades, stone, concrete, and even metal.
- Flawless surface. Natural materials tend to develop cracks, chips, and scratches. The surface of porcelain stoneware remains flawless, whatever the conditions.
- This material can be used to decorate any room in an apartment or house, including bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and entryways. Moreover, it is suitable for both the interiors and exteriors of buildings.
Benefits of large-format porcelain stoneware
Minimal seams, striking surface textures, and deep patterns add luxury and a unique touch to interior designs. Just a few large-format tiles are needed to finish a small bathroom or a kitchen cooking area. They can be used alone for a seamless countertop or window sill, or combined with smaller tiles for a striking geometric effect.
What is the largest porcelain stoneware size available in the Italon range?
It’s the maxi-format porcelain stoneware measuring 120×278 cm at a 6 mm thickness. Tiles of this size feature in collections like Stellaris, Metropolis, Millennium, Eternum, Continuum, Charme Advance, Charme Deluxe, Charme Extra, and Charme Evo, offering marble, stone, and concrete-like looks.
For example, in the Metropolis series, which emulates the natural beauty of stone, four colors are available in the maxi size of 120×278 cm:
- White porcelain stoneware resembling Calacatta Gold marble with a silk-type surface.
- Light-colored tiles resembling Royal Ivory stone.
- Dark Arcadia Brown.
- Imperial Black with contrasting white veins.
This variety of colors offers a solution for any interior design you can imagine.
For instance, the white Calacatta Gold tiles work in both classic and modern interiors.
While the rich Imperial Black is perfect for a sleek, rugged high-tech look.
Select maxi-format porcelain stoneware shades are available with a mirror-polished finish. This finish enhances the color depth and graphic details with a glossy sheen. The luxurious mirror-polished surface adds a unique touch to any design.
You can view the complete range of Italon’s maxi-format tiles on this page.
What other sizes of large-format tiles are available?
The Italon range includes sizes such as 60×120 cm, 80×160 cm, 80×80 cm, and 20×160 cm. These 9 mm thick tiles can be installed on both walls and floors. Our collections feature materials with a wide variety of textures.
For instance, the Continuum series offers a number of trendy colors with effects like decorative polymer coatings, brass, and agglomerated stone.
Use cases
Porcelain stoneware is not only practical but also visually striking. It can help you implement any design idea, no matter how unconventional. We have compiled a selection of completed projects featuring Italon’s large-format porcelain stoneware.
Industrial-style kitchen/living room
In the combined space of this small apartment, the kitchen and TV areas are positioned along the same wall. With its striking blued steel texture, large-format 80×160 Steel porcelain stoneware from the Surface collection sets the tone for the entire space. The dark metal-like tiles play well with the black kitchen, while emerald-colored bar stools accentuate the interior’s sleek style.
Trendy apartment
This apartment design leverages black marble-like Sahara Noir porcelain stoneware from the Charm Deluxe collection in a large 80×160 cm format with a glossy mirror-polished surface to create a unique TV area.
This choice not only gives the space class but also creates a contemporary look.
The large format and glossy reflective surface work together to create a play of light and shadow, adding depth and dimension to the room.
In the bathroom, white marble-like Invisible White porcelain stoneware from the Charm Deluxe collection, sized 80×160 cm with a mirror-polished finish, along with glass partitions, creates an airy and bright space.
Color accents add life to the monochromatic interior.
A stylish yet warm kitchen
This cozy, trendy interior with a French-style flair is inspired by Parisian attics. Supporting beams under the ceiling lend a unique charm to the space and divide it into the kitchen and living room areas.
Large-format porcelain stoneware with alpine stone graphics, Bianco Paradiso 80×160 from the Skyfall collection, adds variety to the otherwise uniform bright interior. Vivid veins pop out, concealing the joints and creating the illusion of a natural stone monolith.
Care tips
Large-format porcelain stoneware is low-maintenance and easy to care for. It doesn’t absorb water or dirt and is resistant to household chemicals, making it very easy to clean. Usually, it only takes wiping with a damp microfiber cloth to clean it. For tougher or more persistent stains, a mild cleaning agent can be used.
Calculating the number of large-format tiles you need for your project
When estimating the number of tiles you need for your project, consider not only their size but also their caliber. The caliber is indicated by a number on the packaging. As it happens, the actual size of the tiles slightly differs from the one declared on the packaging. For example, if the packaging for a 60×120 cm tile says Caliber 6, the actual size of the tile will be 596×1,195 mm. Be mindful of it when making calculations. For precise dimensions, please refer to our caliber chart.
Conclusion
Large-sized porcelain stoneware is a great choice for decorating any space in an apartment or private home. With its appealing graphics and minimal joints, it offers a sophisticated and striking look, so you can bring any design idea to life. Use it for walls, floors, and furniture to create a vibrant, harmonious, and unique interior.
For more practical tips and ideas on using large-sized tiles in interior design, visit our blog.
