Articles

If you’re getting deja vu, it’s because cement-look tile was trending in 2020 as well. But while 2020’s trend focused on the industrial-chic vibe of cement looks, 2023 is all about the versatility of cement looks. For example, cement-look tile may feature a worn patina look or it can appear to be layered, sanded, or tinted. You’ll find cement looks in large-format tile, mosaics—and every size in between—with textured surfaces and color variations. As a result, cement looks are suitable for a wide range of applications, from bustling corner cafes to serene spa-like garden spaces. They can bring visual harmony to a space and still evoke a raw urban energy. Read More

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY During the Tile of Spain Press Conference, held on the first day of the fair, Vicente Nomdedeu, President of The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER), echoed the strength of Spain’s ceramic sector, reporting on 2022 production, sales and exports figures. Read More

Our countdown to Coverings continues with another 2023 tile trend. This week, we’re highlighting not a tile design, but a new type of tile: 2 cm gauged porcelain tile pavers. Increasingly more tile collections are including 2 cm thick pavers to match their thinner indoor counterparts, allowing for indoor-outdoor transitions with stylistic continuity. Connecting the interior and exterior living spaces this way blurs the line between the built environment and nature and encourages us to make better use of available space. To further blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, we often see tile pavers in biophilic designs and natural looks. These are just a few of our favorites. Read More

Experimenting with interior design trends is exciting, but it can also be risky. After all, this isn't personal fashion we're talking about. You can always ditch a hat or a pair of shoes if you make a bad choice at the store, but with household design, the potential for permanence limits your options. You best get it right the first time, or you'll either be stuck with a look you don't love for years, or you'll pay a lot to fix your mistake. Read More

Tile of Spain will be heading back to Valencia, Spain in just a few days for the highly anticipated return of CEVISAMA, International Fair for Ceramic Tiles and Bathroom Furnishings. Read More

A new year means new trends, and 2023 is already off to a strong start! From sustainability and safety to durability and style, this year’s top 10 trends manifest every imaginable merit of tile. The following trends were gathered and forecasted by Ceramics of Italy, Tile Council of North America, and Tile of Spain – the three leading international tile associations and sponsors of Coverings – and highlight the most popular, on-trend styles from the global marketplace. These trends are also a sneak peek of the immersive displays that will be at Coverings 2023, April 18-21, in Orlando, Florida. Read More

In this article, we aim to expand your thinking about the cost of materials to account for the costs borne by individuals and fenceline communities who are exposed to toxic chemicals every day. The bottom line is that some products can be sold cheaply because someone else is carrying the burden of the true cost. Read More

Houses and apartments built or remodeled in the last decade tend to have one thing in common: The floors are usually covered in “luxury” vinyl plank, often in a sickly shade of gray. The material is cheap, and by scanning wood to make a print, manufacturers can somewhat convincingly mimic the real thing. But as the material gets more popular—it’s now the most common type of flooring in the U.S.—it’s also causing more problems. Read More

Our celebration of National Tile Day and countdown to Coverings continues with a second 2023 tile trend we’re calling “Cobbled.” This trend represents any tile design that appears to be pieced together. With the same intrigue of a mosaic, we are drawn to cobbled looks for their unique configurations and casual elegance. Here’s why we love it: Aggregate looks ranging from time-worn terrazzo to Byzantine mosaics can visually ground a space with a foundation of history, but also with the modern material technology of porcelain panels. It’s the best of both worlds: You can enjoy the old-world charm of cobblestone — without posing a threat to your stilettoed guests. To show you what we mean, let’s take a look at some of our favorite “cobbled” tile options. Read More

WPC, SPC and now MgO — has been growing dramatically in the U.S. and that continued in 2022. There are clear reasons for its trajectory — engaging visuals and performance attributes that meet consumer needs. Here, two leading retailers share their strategies for selling rigid core products. Read More