Buyers of wall tiles from Morbi commonly ask for marble and stone looks, concrete and cement looks, wood looks for kitchens, handmade and glazed-brick looks, and patterned decor. Matt and satin finishes now sit beside gloss in most ranges.
Trends vary a lot between markets, and there is no single list that fits every country. This article describes looks buyers often request, not measured market shares. Your own sales data and your installers are the best guide.
Looks commonly requested
- Marble looks, from white with fine grey veins to bold dark marbles, often in gloss for bathrooms.
- Stone and slate looks, often in matt, for a natural feel.
- Concrete and cement looks in greys and warm neutrals, for modern spaces.
- Wood looks, often used on a kitchen or feature wall.
- Handmade or zellige looks, with uneven glaze and colour variation, often in small formats.
- Terrazzo looks, with chips of colour on a plain background.
- Pattern and encaustic looks, used as highlighters or on a feature wall.
- Plain solid colours, especially in subway and small formats.
Finishes and formats
Finishes have widened. Gloss remains common in bathrooms, but many buyers now ask for matt, satin and lightly textured surfaces. Structured tiles with real relief are popular as feature tiles; see 3D and structured wall tiles.
Formats move too. Some markets favour larger wall formats such as 300x600 mm and above for fewer grout lines. Others are going back to small formats for a handmade or classic look.
How trends reach Morbi
Digital printing lets Morbi plants follow trends quickly. New designs can be loaded as files, and many plants release new ranges around major trade fairs. The design cycle is explained in how often Morbi factories launch new designs.
That speed has a downside. A popular look may be copied widely and offered by many plants at once. Make sure you are not the fifth importer in your market with the same design.
How to choose for your market
- Start with your current best sellers and ask for close alternatives, not a full new range.
- Ask your installers and showroom staff what customers ask for that you cannot supply.
- Look at what is selling in your local home improvement stores and new housing projects.
- Test new looks with a small number of designs in one mixed container before a larger order.
- Ask for the number of faces on each design, since a realistic stone or marble look needs enough variety.
Choosing designs well from a large catalogue is a skill of its own. Our guide on choosing designs from a tile catalogue covers the method.
Next step
We gather current designs from several plants that match your brief and help you test them with a first mixed order. To start, book a free sourcing review.