How Lighting Changes Porcelain Tile

It can be easy to get carried away at all the different styles of porcelain tile and to find the right style, but it’s important to consider the type of lighting under which it will be sitting to really know the end result. Natural light, warm or cool artificial lighting, the direction of the light source and even the time of day can affect the texture, surface movement, and the way color reveals itself. A tile that appears soft and mutedin indirect light might reveal more depth, variation or detail if near a window or lit up by directional lighting. 

The finish of the tile also affects the way the tile looks. Matte surfaces tend to diffuse the light for a softer, and more consistent appearance, while polished, satin and other finishes can interact with light in waysthat are more noticeable. Subtle texture, variation in sheen, mineral-inspired graphics sometimes become more visible as light moves across the surface. It adds dimension without relying on a dramatic pattern. For this reason, it is so important to see the tile in actual room where it will be installed. Also important to the selection process is viewing it in both natural and artificial light whenever possible. 

Calypso, one of our new Italian porcelain tile collections this year, interprets natural stone through broad mineral inclusions, hinting at the mysterious beauty of a lunar landscape. It has layered tonal variation and an unexpected relationship with light. Its character comes from depth. A delicate luster interacts with surrounding light, creating subtle shifts in the surface as the viewing angle changes. 

The collection is rated V4 for a lot of variation, meaning individual pieces can vary significantly in tone and graphic. Once installed, those differences come together to create the organic movement and individuality we associate with natural stone.  

Calypso is offered in five colors, ranging from luminous to dramatic. Shine is a refined white; Glow brings soft ivory warmth; Eclipse offers a versatile light gray; Twilight moves into a sophisticated deeper neutral; and Dark provides a bold charcoal foundation. 

Our stocked field tile formats include 48” x 48”, 24” x 48” and 12” x 24”, all in the collection’s distinctive R10 matte finish. . Coordinating 1” x 4” and 2” x 2” mosaics, along with 3” x 24” and 3” x 48” surface bullnose, provide additional options for creating a cohesive installation. Additional formats and R11 are available by special order. 

For accents, the collection takes on another dimension with Stripe, a 24” x 48” three-dimensional surface available in all colors. Fine linear ribbing runs across the stone graphic, and it allows light and shadow to highlight the texture without competing with the material itself. 

It is a wonderful example of what Italian porcelain does so well: interpreting nature without simply reproducing it. Calypso combines the individuality of stone, the performance of porcelain and just enough shimmer to make you look twice.