In my recent tile trends post for 2023, I talked about how large-format, big-scale tiles are rapidly overtaking smaller-format tiles in popularity. The appeal of large-format is a direct result of contemporary homeowners and renters desiring a high-end, sleek look that is easy to clean and maintain with their busy lifestyles. A large-format tile provides an unbroken surface free of multiple grout lines; making smaller rooms look elongated and avoiding the busy look attained by groupings of smaller-format tiles. Large-format, porcelain stoneware tiles are easy to wash down and as they are available in a wide range of finishes, textures and colours, they are a great way to create visually interesting (yet incredibly durable) areas within the home. If you are planning a renovation or a remodel, you really should consider the luxury design and look of large-format tiles!

What makes a tile large-format?

According to renowned Italian porcelain tile manufacturers Casalgrande Padana, a large-format tile is considered to be from 20x120 cm up to 160x320 cm, with a thickness of 6 mm or 12 mm (the 12mm thickness was designed to create kitchen and bathroom tops). Casalgrande Padana offers a wide range of large-format tiles across all of the brand's tile collections.

What are the pros and cons of using large-format tiles?

Large-format tiles are quicker to apply to walls and floors than their smaller-scale counterparts. They are easy to clean (Casalgrande Padana tiles offer Bios Antibacterial® - eliminating 99% of the bacteria present on the ceramic surface) and there is a lot less grout to maintain. Large-format tiles come in a range of designs (including natural stone effects - offering a representational alternative to using real marble or stone slabs which are porous and can stain easily). The seamless visual continuity of large-format means that they can make smaller rooms look bigger. However, if you would like to use large-format tiles, you must consider the access to your property: will you easily be able to get these large tiles into the area where they are to be applied? You also need to make sure the surface area upon which you are erecting the tiles is flat (so the large-format tiles are all level when positioned next to one another). 

1. Mix sizes and laying patterns

2. Create the look of a home spa bathroom

3. Get the attractive effect of wallpaper (with durability)

4. Make a small bathroom look bigger

5. Extend your living space outside

1. Mix up the sizes and use an irregular laying pattern

When laying large format tiles, it might be presumed that you use all the same size. However, mixing up your pattern layout with a variation of the same tile in different sizes can produce a captivating and appealing final result. In the image below, three different sizes of Casalgrande Padana’s ‘Nature: Calce’ wall and floor tiles (60x120 cm, 60x90 cm and 30x60 cm) have been used to create this irregular floor pattern:

2. Create a home spa bathroom

According to Pinterest (the inspiration search platform) searches for ‘home spa bathroom’ are up 190% in 2023. Professional spa interiors convey feelings of warmth and wellness and feel incredibly inviting and relaxing, so it is easy to see why there is a current trend to replicate the same tranquil atmosphere within the home. 

A sense of calm is often connected to nature, which is why spas only use earthy colours such as soft browns and warm neutrals (as opposed to anything overly bright). Natural materials and textures (such as wood and stone) work well to duplicate an organic environment, but with spas being high-traffic areas, these raw materials do not have the strength or durability for spa settings as they would stain, fade and warp quickly. Instead, spas mostly use hard-wearing, porcelain stone-effect tiles in large formats to reproduce the same colours, textures and warmth of natural materials. Casalgrande Padana’s English Wood oak-effect porcelain stoneware contains all the markings and colours found in natural oak, while the Petra collection of soft, sandy shades are reminiscent of natural stone. Use the large format tiles from these collections to create an undisturbed, open, low-maintenance and clutter-free bathroom that flows well and clears the mind upon entering. They are especially great to use in walk-in showers.

3. Use large-format in hard-working spaces to create a ‘durable wallpaper’ design

Casalgrande Padana’s large-format ‘Atelier’ porcelain tile collection is a great way to inject uninterrupted colour into hard-working spaces that require the ultra-durability that wallpaper or paint just could not provide. From oily and greasy splashes in the kitchen to steamy shower spaces, large-format ‘Atelier’ provides a clear swathe of green, blue, terracotta, oatmeal or cashmere that isn’t broken up by multiple, busy grout lines.

4. Make a small bathroom look bigger

It might be presumed that big tiles can only go in big spaces, but by using large-format sizes in smaller areas you can visually expand a room by playing around with the scale of the tiles. Any natural light that filters into the room isn’t disrupted by lines, corners or edging, and will seamlessly flicker and reflect across the large tile surface. A great tip to create the most uninterrupted spaces is to use a grout which is an exact colour match as the tile you are applying. The grout lines between large-format tiles tend to be thinner than when laying smaller-scale tiles, so by also matching your grout you will be able to achieve a flawless finish. 

5. Make your outside space an extension of your home

Large-format tiles are perfect to use as flooring throughout the home and thanks to Casalgrande Padana’s range of finishes and ‘Grip’ non-slip technology, the same tile can be used both inside and out (creating a continuous, connected layout). Continue the same large format tiles out onto patios, terraces and balconies to extend your living space and provide a hard-wearing, durable outdoor area which is easy to clean and maintain using only a pressure washer.