In recent years the tiles industry in India has evolved significantly; according to research and studies, India is one of the fastest-growing tile marketplaces at the global level with several emerging trends. Let’s explore the latest trends and innovations in the tile industry.
Trends And Innovations
Digital Printing
Digital printing is a significant innovation that has transformed the tile industry by allowing manufacturers to create highly realistic and intricate designs on tiles. Traditionally, tiles were limited to simple patterns and solid colours due to the constraints of conventional printing techniques, but digital printing has opened up a wide range of possibilities for customising tile patterns and replicating natural materials like wood, marble, and stone.
Inkjet printing technology and high-resolution scanners reproduce the designs to capture the original artwork or source material’s intricate details, textures, and colours.
Large Format Tiles
Gaining popularity in recent times, Large format tiles, often measuring 24×24 inches or more, offer a seamless and expansive look. Using large format tiles reduces the number of grout lines and creates a sense of continuity in a space. Large format tiles are easier to clean and maintain due to fewer grout lines which are known to collect all the dirt and dust. They are commonly used in both residential and commercial settings.
Thin Tiles
Thin tiles, also known as slim or thin porcelain tiles, have gained attention due to
their versatility and lighter weight. These tiles are typically 3mm-6mm thick, making them suitable for both floor and wall applications. These tiles are made from clay, silica, feldspar, and minerals and are exposed to high pressure and temperature. Thin tiles are easier to handle, require less material, and can be installed directly over existing surfaces.
Textured and 3D Tiles
Tiles with textured surfaces and three-dimensional designs have become popular for adding depth and visual interest to spaces. These tiles can mimic various textures, such as wood grain, natural stone, or geometric patterns, creating a tactile and visually striking effect.
Metallic Finishes
Metallic finishes, such as brushed copper, bronze, or silver, have gained popularity in tile design. The highly reflective surface of metallic finishes makes the place look more spacious than it is. These tiles are easy to clean, install and maintain; they do not absorb moisture and last longer than normal tiles.
Metallic finishes add a touch of glamour and sophistication to spaces, particularly in modern or contemporary aesthetic settings.
Wood-Look Tiles
Wood-look tiles have gained traction as a practical and durable alternative to hardwood flooring. These tiles replicate the appearance of various wood species and come in a range of colours and textures. They are made in the form of planks to enhance the wood effect. These tiles can withstand heavy foot traffic and spills and won’t end up scratched from shifting furniture the way a hardwood floor might. Wood-look tiles offer the aesthetic appeal of wood with the added benefits of easy maintenance and resistance to moisture and scratches.
Sustainability
A renowned American Naturalist & Philosopher, Henry David Thoreau, once said,” What’s the use of a fine house if you haven’t got a tolerable planet to put it on.”
The tile industry has made significant efforts towards adopting sustainability. Manufacturers have made substantial efforts to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their production processes. One way they achieve this is by using recycled materials. By reusing materials like glass, porcelain, or ceramic waste, manufacturers reduce the demand for new resources and minimise the environmental impact of tile production.
Manufacturers are producing eco-friendly tiles using recycled materials, water-based glazes, and energy-efficient production methods. There is also a growing interest in tiles with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications; LEED is a globally recognised rating system that evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and encourages sustainable construction practices. Tiles with LEED certifications contribute to green building practices by meeting specific criteria related to material sourcing, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
Smart Tiles
With the rise of smart home technology, tiles with integrated features have emerged. These “smart tiles” can include built-in LED lighting, allowing for customisable lighting schemes and ambience control. Some smart tiles even have temperature control capabilities, enabling users to adjust the warmth or cooling of the tile surface. Touch-sensitive surfaces offer interactive elements, such as controlling music playback or adjusting lighting intensity with a simple touch. Additionally, wireless charging capabilities integrated into smart tiles provide a convenient power supply for compatible devices.
With changing times, the tile industry has successfully embraced sustainability, innovation, and design trends to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Colortile is a porcelain tiles manufacturer in India offering the highest quality tiles and 100% customer satisfaction. Colortile‘s team of experts and dedication makes them the best porcelain tile manufacturer in India.
