As interior designers, we are constantly in the know and like to stay educated on the latest and greatest in the design industry. We love learning about new products, innovative techniques, trends that are in (and out!), and so on. Recently, our design team took a trip to Moderno Porcelain Works’ showroom in Minneapolis, MN to learn more about how porcelain can be used in interior design– from flooring to wall panels, countertops, fireplaces, and even furniture! So for today’s blog, we thought it would only be fitting to shed some light on all the ins and outs of porcelain and how it can be used in the home.
What Is Porcelain?
Porcelain is made from a type of ceramic material that is fired at extremely high temperatures to create a strong, non-porous surface. Porcelain is known for its durability, low maintenance, and resistance to heat and stains.
For use in the design industry, porcelain is typically made into large format slabs– similar to your standard countertop material– that range in thickness from ¼” to ½”. These slabs are made as large as 10 feet in length and 5 feet in width, giving you a large area to work with. One of our favorite properties of porcelain is its ability to mimic the look of other natural materials, such as marble and granite.
Different Uses For Porcelain In Interior Design
Porcelain is and has been a popular choice for tile in the design industry, but it hasn’t been until the last few years that porcelain has gained popularity in other uses, such as countertops and large format wall panels.
Flooring and Wall Tile
One of the most common uses for porcelain in interior design is floor and wall tile. Many tile manufacturers use porcelain because of its durability and resistance to water, which is why a porcelain tile is a great option for bathrooms. We have started seeing a growing trend in larger format porcelain tiles, used both on floors and walls. These can range in standard sizes from 2 feet by 4 feet to large 5 foot by 10 foot panels. One of our favorite properties of the larger format porcelain tile is that the larger you go, the less grout lines you have, which gives you a more clean, modern look. We especially love this look for shower walls with porcelain tile that mimics the look of marble!
Rivertown Remodel Project Photographed by Spacecrafting Photography 
Skyline Spectacular Project Photographed by Spacecrafting Photography
Fireplaces
Similar to the large format wall tile, porcelain is a great material to consider for fireplace surrounds. Its heat resistance means you can use it next to high-heat sources such as a fireplace. With porcelain slabs often mimicking marble or other natural stones, you can get the same elevated look without the added weight since porcelain can be made as thin as ¼”. Oftentimes, marble cannot be made thinner than ¾” because of its brittleness.
When using a porcelain application on a fireplace surround, something else to consider is the width. Porcelain slabs do not typically exceed 5 feet in width, therefore you will likely need to have multiple slabs, thus a seam. If you are going with a marble or stone look that has dramatic veining, you will need to consider how the veins line up at the seams. Two options for this area are what’s called a “book match seam” or a “pattern match seam”. A book match seam means you have two slabs that mirror each other, whereas a pattern match seam means that the veins line up between the seams and appear as if it is one continuous slab of porcelain. In our Rivertown Remodel, we used book-matched porcelain slabs on the fireplace! This can also be referred to as a “butterfly” installation.
Countertops
Growing largely in popularity, porcelain countertops are a great alternative to marble, quartz, or granite. Porcelain countertops are extremely durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to heat and stains, making it a favorable option for families with children, those who love to cook, or those wanting the look of marble without ongoing maintenance. In fact, porcelain countertops are so durable that they can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, and are often the material of choice for outdoor kitchens.
Porcelain countertops are fabricated from large slabs that are typically ¼” or ½” thick. Because of their thin nature, all of the countertop edges are mitered to create the effect of a thicker countertop material. This also allows you to determine how high you want your mitered edge to be. Oftentimes a thicker edge gives a more modern look.
Newer to the market and also growing in popularity is the use of concealed induction cooktops with porcelain countertops. The induction unit is installed underneath the porcelain countertop with a control unit that can be installed in a drawer below the countertop. The induction unit is completely concealed leaving you with what appears to just be countertop space. When in use, the induction cooktop leaves the porcelain countertop completely cool to the touch. These are great for a second prep space in a kitchen or in a kitchenette, and for those that want a modern, clean look.
Furniture
Another unique and innovative way that porcelain can be used in interior design is in furniture pieces. From coffee tables, end tables, dining tables, and even outdoor fire tables! Essentially, if you can dream it, it can be made.
What does the cost look like?
In terms of pricing, porcelain is generally considered to be more affordable than granite or marble, however, the cost can still vary depending on the brand, design, fabrication, and installation because it is a more specialized product. When sourcing this product keep in mind the advantages porcelain offers over its natural counterparts. They are extremely durable and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective long-term investment. Plus, porcelain offers a wide range of design options, including patterns that mimic the look of granite or marble, and application options making it the new go-to for a wide variety of projects!
Needless to say, we are excited about the growing interest and endless possibilities that porcelain presents to the design industry and home design. Thinking porcelain would be a great candidate for your next home project? Let’s chat!
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XO
Amy & The Interior Impressions Team
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