Old is certainly gold when it comes to mosaics in the post WWII era and up until the early 1960s. What happened next? With the horrors of war fading in memory, the American suburbs witnessed the mighty construction of houses. The economy that had been dormant suddenly grew like an angry tiger. Families were growing to accommodate the happy new dreams of an American public that had suffered enough of war troubles. You certainly don’t want to give up the past, do you? Is it surprising that standard 4″x4″ square tiles are still widely around in the second decade of the 21st century? Porcelain tiles of yesteryear are still going full steam ahead in many homes and will stay well into the future.

New age construction and many contemporary homes have been making a change, though not a drastic one. Giving up on that eternal square, many are opting for the rectangular tile. Bathrooms and kitchens are being tiled with rectangular wall and floor tiles. Renovation is common today, as new thinking places a lot of importance on these sections of the house that were previously taken for granted. Rectangular tiles come in larger dimensions and add a fresh twist with current looks in colors and patterns.

The popularity of larger rectangular tiles

Look at the unified effect created by the large rectangular tiles and the many advantages. Larger sizes mean less work on grout lines and a sleeker appearance. Arrange them well and you get a seamless modern look. Also, they look so different from traditional 1950’s bathrooms in a new lifestyle of spacious and luxurious bathrooms.

erasmus

They offer a spectacular range of very popular rectangular porcelain tiles. If you like modern colors and patterns on giant 12″X24″ tiles, go for the appeal of the Eramosa series. The smooth linear veining is truly exceptional. Neutral colors like beige and grey, silver and white bring timeless appeal along with the shape. Walking into a 1950s home, you’ll likely find bright colors like pinks and greens in kitchens and bathrooms. On the other hand, contemporary tiles break with those old-fashioned colors and offer neutral tones as a base for designs. You can install mosaic backsplashes in bold or neutral colors based on your preferences or stunning granite countertops. Both would bring charm, interest, and depth to small spaces.

Dimensions

Rectangular mosaics are also available in the Dimensions series. City appeal is characteristic of these tiles with a range of appearances that blend in with their names. Do you fancy Concrete and Glacier, Graphite and Grey, Khaki and Olive? Pairing these tiles with bold or neutral tiles would create amazing effects.

While standard size wall and floor tiles were prevalent in the past, today trends call for small or large tile dimensions. Tiles containing small squares are also preferred. Use a variety of tile dimensions and designs to create added interest. In the past, builders used 4″x4″ tiles with thick grout lines throughout.

You might also like the Focus and Loft series of rectangular tiles with somewhat different patterns and colors related to Eramosa and Dimensions. Enjoy mixing and matching colors and patterns!

In addition to rectangular porcelain tiles, other materials such as marble are also becoming popular. Rectangular marble floors in 12″x24″ like Athens Gray are similar to Focus series porcelain tiles with elegant horizontal lines. Modern designers have been mixing materials and patterns to create consistent designs from floor to ceiling.

The question remains whether the square is still modern. People are not very sure. Rectangular tiles have made the scene in recent years. Square tiles continue to be used in updated designs and colors, and more so in ceramic, an appropriate choice for today’s homes. However, the 4″x4″ porcelain wall tile that served generations is slowly saying goodbye. Say ‘welcome’ to new arrivals in limestone and marble, onyx and quartzite, slate and travertine. You will find fascinating colors and designs to fire the imagination.

Choose from the infinite variety of tones and textures, designs and lustrous formats of these materials that provide a completely new sparkling effect. In the meantime, the square would continue to be fashionable for some time to come.