Three weeks remain until Coverings 2021, and we’re hyping ourselves up by looking at the top 2021 tile trends we expect to see on display.
This week’s focus is a new take on a long-time favorite: marble-look tile.
While marble-look ceramic tile has already been proven as a beautiful style in just about every room and application, this new trend features marble-look tile like you’ve never seen it before, and it all comes down to veining.
The larger size of gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs is creating more space for creative veining designs, from larger and more sparse veins to veins that take over the whole tile — and everything in between.
Take a look at the following examples from Instagram to get an idea of the directions that new veining designs are taking and the options you have when choosing your own marble-look tile.
Erratic Veining vs. Minimalist Veining
Both of the examples above are gray and white marble-look tile, but the effect of each couldn’t be more different.
That’s because of the style of the veining: The design in the first photo features darker veining with a high dark-to-light contrast that branches out in every direction and covers the majority of the tile. The veining in the second design is much more subtle, covering a smaller section of the tile with low contrast that softly fades into the background.
Sparse Veining vs. Abundant Veining
The sheer amount of veining plays a large role in marble-look tile designs as well, as you can see from the two examples above. Larger, sparser veining (as in the first photo) is as alluring as the dramatic, abundant veining in the second photo.
[Related: Tile Trends We Love: Dark Marble Looks]
Parallel Veining vs. Intersecting Veining
Veining patterns differ depending on the type of marble, but with marble-look tile, you can choose just about any pattern you please. One choice is between parallel veining and intersecting veining (straight veins that follow the same direction or veins that criss-cross one another).
While we love both, it’s best to choose the design that complements your space. For example, vertical veining as in the first photo visually elongates walls, drawing the eye upward and making the space feel taller.
Swirly Veining vs. Angular Veining
You can also choose between curved veining and angular veining. Curved veining tends to be softer, with the vein color fading into the color of the tile, whereas angular veining tends to be bolder and higher-contrast.
So which veining pattern is best? It all depends on whether you want your marble-look tile to create a serene backdrop for other decor elements in your space or to make a bold impact and steal the show.
As for us, we can’t decide!
[Related: Tile Trends We Love: Modernized Marble]
Explore Your Veining Options
With so many enticing veining options available, it’s hard to choose just one. For more inspiration, visit our Design Gallery and Pinterest for even more marble-look ceramic tile designs.
If you choose a veining style for your home, we hope you’ll share your project with us on Instagram with a #WhyTileStyle shoutout!
