19 Intriguing Tile Products At Coverings '17

Orlando, Fla.—When it comes to tile, the way it feels is now just as important as how it looks. Designers and consumers like their walls and floors to have a sense of texture.

More than 1,000 manufacturers from 40 countries brought their most striking and most innovative new ceramic, stone, porcelain, and glass tiles products this week to Coverings, the largest international tile and stone exhibition in North America.

Architects, designers, builders, remodelers, retailers, and contractors attended from across the nation, as well as countries such as Italy, Turkey, Spain, Canada, Mexico, China, and India. Americans get their tile from all over the globe.

According to the Tile Council of North America, U.S. ceramic tile consumption was valued at $3.45 billion, up 5.7 percent from 2015. In terms of volume, tile consumption increased 5.8 percent in 2016 to 2.9 billion square feet, of which nearly 69 percent came from imports. China supplied the most tile when it comes to square footage with a 29.4 percent share (Mexico was second at 23.4 percent). Italy was third in square footage at 19.4 percent, but was first in dollar share, at 35.8 percent.

While Coverings features 65 learning sessions, with discussions about topics from business strategies to new design concepts to nuts-and-bolts installation tips, the products were the stars of the show. And, the newest offerings followed current trends.

According to Ryan Fasan, specialized tile and stone consultant with Tile of Spain, textiles, terrazzo, metallics, rustic edges, and classic shapes such as chevrons and hexagons are in, as are grays, greiges, big blocks of color, and patterns created by an ink jet or 3D printing process.

Eric Astrachan, the Executive Director of the Tile Council of North America, says that when it comes to full room designs, warm industrial, modern farmhouse, and midcentury modern looks are popular. Consumers want tiles that have a sense of time-worn beauty. Tiles made of (or that resemble) wood, marble, concrete, or industrial metal are in style, along with mirrored tiles.

Kristin Coleman, the marketing representative for Ceramics of Italy, added that the most popular aesthetics include retro revival, rustic modern, and gritty chic. Sizes both super small and very large are red hot. But, texture is king: Coleman said that tiles that feel like linen, tweed, carpet, leather, and lace are extremely popular—and are here to stay.

“Tile is evolving into a three-dimensional product,” Coleman said to Products. “Textures will continue to evolve.”

Here are 19 intriguing products we saw at Coverings.