Happy National Tile Day!
This year, we’re celebrating February 23rd (our favorite holiday) by sharing the tile trends we expect to take off in 2021. Yes, it’s still early, but we have a good feeling about these designs — and we think you will, too.
Keep reading to see which trends made our list.
Large Hex Tile
With their playful honeycomb pattern, hexagon tiles have long been a favorite for everything from backsplashes to vintage-inspired flooring. But while we typically see hexes in relatively small tile sizes, including hexagon tile mosaics, this year hexagons are getting bigger and bolder.
If the pictures above are any indication, we think we’re in for a real treat.
Assorted Aggregates
Terrazzo made a comeback in 2020, and it looks like it isn’t going anywhere in 2021.
Terrazzo looks and other speckled surfaces are versatile in that they can replicate realistic sidewalk looks and other natural aggregate designs, or, by using colorful chips of different sizes and shapes, transform surfaces into works of art such as the second picture above.
What’s your favorite terrazzo look?
Green Tile
We expect to see a lot of green tile in 2021 — and we’re not just referring to the fact that ceramic tile is environmentally friendly.
Specifically, gray-greens and green-blacks are trending, making it easier to find green tile in more subdued tones. The grayish pastel green tile floor and the dark green marble-look tile pictured above show the wide spectrum we’ll see in this tile color trend.
XXL Tile
When it comes to tile size in 2021, the bigger, the better.
Gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs (tiles measuring up to 5 x 15 feet) have been growing in popularity over recent years. However, the XXL tile trend is expected to take off this year thanks in part to an international building code (IBC) update that gives designers the option to use larger exterior-adhered porcelain tiles on building facades.
One of the benefits of XXL tile is the ability to create the look of large slabs of natural stone (without the cost or sustainability issues of using those materials), as well as wallpaper looks and custom designs.
Vast Veining in Marble-Look Tile
Marble-look tile is a classic choice that will never go out of style. What is changing, though, are the veining characteristics of marble looks.
The veining in marble looks is trending toward two different styles: fewer and larger veins (especially with gray veining on white tile) or more angular and high-contrast veins. What they have in common is that large-scale veining patterns can go on and on without interruption, thanks to very large sizes of tiles.
Of these two types of veining (pictured above), which do you prefer?
Biophilic Tile
2021 interior decor is poised to bring the outdoors in with biophilic tile.
Thanks to advances in manufacturing, ceramic tile can be produced in natural colors, designs, and textures. The result is tiles that work with the trend of biophilic design — an effort to design interiors that connect with natural elements and to promote physical health, cognitive function, and psychological well-being.
As part of this trend, look out for tile in natural stone and wood looks, earth tones, and variegated designs.
Celebrate With Us
Celebrate National Tile Day with us by enjoying these tile trends and perhaps adding one of them to your home or business. If you do come across or install a tile application featuring one of these trends, we’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram (@WhyTile) and use the hashtag #2021TileTrend.
