As 2023 passes its halfway mark, the ceramic industry has not witnessed groundbreaking revolutionary products but rather focused on improving specifications, textures, craftsmanship, and glossiness of existing products, continually upgrading decorative effects and physical performance.

This year's most popular new products include subways, velvets, satin glazes, deep glazes, skin tiles, soft light tiles, mold-surface porcelain tiles, among others, which have garnered considerable attention in the market.

With a plethora of product styles, techniques, and concepts emerging in recent years, navigating the diverse landscape of ceramic tiles can be perplexing, even for seasoned ceramic enthusiasts.

Subway Tiles

Definition: A combination of tiles with the same color, texture, and varying specifications that facilitate seamless wall and floor tiling, simplifying decision-making for consumers.

Subway tiles are not a distinct category but rather a combination of tiles with identical colors, similar textures (with a color similarity of over 95%), and different specifications. These combinations cater to consumers seeking integrated wall and floor tiling for a harmonious overall aesthetic. Subway tile sets come with preset matching specifications for ease of use.

In subway tile sets, the larger tiles are often referred to as "main tiles," while the smaller ones are called "sub-tiles." Most ceramic companies primarily use a one-to-four ratio, with sizes like 400×800mm, 800×800mm, 600×1200mm, 750×1500mm, and some even incorporating 600×600mm tiles, as well as a few 900×1800mm patterns.

Velvet Tiles

Definition: Tiles with a surface that mimics the velvety feel of fabric, providing a soft and smooth texture.

Velvet tiles draw inspiration from velvety fabrics, replicating their full and soft texture, offering a delicate touch. These tiles prioritize the lifelike quality of their glaze, enhancing it to be more realistic, delicate, and soft. They have gained popularity in recent years due to their compatibility with minimalist design styles. Velvet tiles are often featured in solid colors, light patterns, and a soft gloss, appealing to consumers who seek a gentle, refined look.

Deep Glaze Tiles

Definition: Tiles that exhibit a pronounced texture, resembling the roughness of natural stone surfaces.

In 2023, a tile called "Deep Micro-Texture Glaze" was introduced in Zibo, Shandong. This product boasts clear textures, strong layering, fine glaze, higher abrasion resistance, and excellent anti-slip properties. It vividly replicates the rough texture of natural stone surfaces, reaching a Mohs hardness of 6. It surpasses natural stone in slip resistance, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning. These tiles are ideal for various spaces, including public areas and villas, catering to the demand for natural stone-like surfaces.

Satin Glaze Tiles

Definition: Tiles with a soft, silky glaze finish, reminiscent of satin fabric's sheen.

Satin, a fabric characterized by its dense texture and shine, inspired the development of satin glaze tiles. These tiles retain the smooth and glossy appearance of satin, offering a luxuriously soft surface. In the ceramic industry's pursuit of modern decorative trends, technical advancements have resulted in satin glaze tiles, which are characterized by a lower level of gloss compared to soft light tiles. Their surface is smooth, silky, and radiant, akin to the sheen of satin. Satin glaze tiles provide a subdued, opulent appearance and are favored by consumers who appreciate lower levels of gloss.

Skin Tiles

Definition: Tiles that mimic the texture of baby skin, emphasizing surface touch and feel.

Skin tiles, also known as "skin-feel tiles," are characterized by the texture of their glazed surface, similar to that of baby skin. The term "skin tiles" is essentially a marketing concept, with a focus on tactile sensations, much like velvet or satin tiles. In essence, skin tiles are similar to velvet and satin glaze tiles, but they have been reintroduced in recent years under the marketing buzz of "skin glaze" or "skin tiles."

Soft Light Tiles

Definition: Soft light tiles are ceramic tiles with gloss levels between gloss and matte finishes. The degree of gloss typically falls between 20-50 degrees.

Soft light tiles have gained popularity in recent years, especially when paired with minimalist design styles and the "Morendi" color trend. They offer a comfortable and gentle sheen, reducing glare and visual fatigue associated with highly reflective surfaces. Soft light tiles maintain a slight light refraction in well-lit areas without excessive exposure. However, in low-ceilinged or poorly lit spaces, they may not be suitable.

Matte Tiles

Definition: Matte tiles are ceramic tiles with a lower level of gloss than soft light tiles. They lack the smoothness and brightness associated with glossy surfaces, offering a more subdued appearance.

Matte tiles, often found in glazed varieties, such as glazed antique tiles, come in a wide range of colors and sizes. They offer a soft and comfortable appearance with no risk of light pollution, making them ideal for use in well-lit areas, balconies, and outdoor spaces. Matte tiles are also resistant to scratches and aging, and their non-reflective surface is beneficial for households with elderly residents.

Granule Finish Tiles

Definition: Granule finish tiles are created using a novel technique where granules are adhered to the surface using adhesive before firing, resulting in a textured appearance.

Granule finish tiles, compared to traditional glaze finishing, offer a different tactile and visual experience. Depending on the specific application, they can create various effects, from a subtle shimmer resembling freshly mopped floors to a textured, three-dimensional appearance. Some variations, called "stop-slip granules," enhance the texture, providing both abrasion resistance and slip resistance. These tiles are versatile and can cater to a wide range of consumer preferences.

Mold-Surface Tiles

Definition: Mold-surface tiles are ceramic tiles created by pressing into a fixed-shaped precast mold, glazed and fired. This process allows for a wide variety of patterns, including flat and 3D designs.

Mold-surface tiles exhibit strong textures, a three-dimensional effect, and superior layering compared to regular tiles. They have a highly artistic and decorative appeal, suitable for consumers looking to express their unique and personalized style. Due to irregular shapes and complex production processes, mold-surface tiles are not mainstream products and are primarily used as complementary tiles in home decoration.

These trends reflect the ceramic industry's pursuit of innovation and diversification, offering consumers an array of options to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces.