Decoration
Porcelain: everything about one of the most sought-after coverings in decoration
From minimalist to industrial style, porcelain is a flexible material with a wide range of colors and textures.
By Yeska Coelho
Updated at May 5, 2023, 5:31 PM - Submitted at May 7, 2023, 10:00 AM
10 min de leitura
CLS Associated Architects - Deca Bathroom. CASACOR Minas Gerais 2022 Project.(Jomar Bragança/)
More popular than ever, porcelain tiles have become one of the most popular options among those who want to decorate their home or office with flexibility and practicality. After all, this very popular covering has established itself as a timeless element, capable of adapting to different styles and circumstances . 
Porcelain tiles are known for their democratic nature , present in everything from simpler projects to more luxurious and refined spaces. The main reason for this is their fine finish and the possibility of colors to suit all tastes. 
Another point that draws attention to porcelain tiles is the fact that they adapt to different surfaces and environments – both indoor and outdoor areas . 
We have prepared this guide with everything you need to know about porcelain and the characteristics of this material of the moment. Check it out below!
Even if you haven't used porcelain tiles for any project, you've undoubtedly heard of the material, but do you know where it comes from? The truth is that porcelain tiles are older than you might think . They first appeared in Europe in the 1980s – and just ten years later, they were already being produced here in Brazil. 
The reason for this is due to Brazil's wealth in one of the most abundant raw materials for creating porcelain tiles: ceramic . From the mixture of clay, quartz and other stones that, when subjected to high temperatures (above 1200ºC) gain more resistance, hardness and are transformed into porcelain . In this way, the previously rough material gains a finer and smoother surface, which is mainly responsible for bringing an attractive aesthetic to porcelain tiles used in interior decoration.
Porcelain tiles are known for their democratic nature , present in everything from simpler projects to more luxurious and refined spaces. The main reason for this is their fine finish and the possibility of colors to suit all tastes. Another point that draws attention to porcelain tiles is the fact that they adapt to different surfaces and environments – both indoor and outdoor areas . We have prepared this guide with everything you need to know about porcelain and the characteristics of this material of the moment. Check it out below! After all, what is porcelain?
Even if you haven't used porcelain tiles for any project, you've undoubtedly heard of the material, but do you know where it comes from? The truth is that porcelain tiles are older than you might think . They first appeared in Europe in the 1980s – and just ten years later, they were already being produced here in Brazil. The reason for this is due to Brazil's wealth in one of the most abundant raw materials for creating porcelain tiles: ceramic . From the mixture of clay, quartz and other stones that, when subjected to high temperatures (above 1200ºC) gain more resistance, hardness and are transformed into porcelain . In this way, the previously rough material gains a finer and smoother surface, which is mainly responsible for bringing an attractive aesthetic to porcelain tiles used in interior decoration. Where to use porcelain tiles?
Floors and walls are the places where we usually find porcelain tiles, but this is not limited to this. Nowadays, this covering offers more possibilities, and can be present in different elements such as countertops, islands or even panels . 
To make the right choice, it is important to look for the porcelain tile that best suits a specific purpose . For example, in the case of porcelain tiles used for kitchen or bathroom countertops , it is important to choose a rougher, more textured material, as a smooth finish can get in the way of daily tasks.
Living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and even outdoor areas can have porcelain tiles – whether on the walls or on the floor. However, it is necessary to choose different types for each situation. In environments designed for entertaining or relaxing (such as bedrooms and living rooms), smoother porcelain tiles work very well. There are options that imitate wood and even stones such as marble, capable of ensuring elegance and comfort. 
For "wet" areas such as the kitchen and bathroom , which may be accessed a lot during the day, the ideal is to choose textured porcelain tiles to avoid falls and accidents. 
For outdoor areas , the rules are practically the same as for wet areas, but it is important to look for a model that is resistant and can withstand atypical conditions such as sunlight, rain or wind . Porcelain tiles are known as porous materials with low water absorption, so there are many options for balconies and terraces .
When you buy a coating, you want it to last a lifetime. We know that in practice, it is almost impossible for this to happen, but with the right care when it comes to maintenance , porcelain tiles are quite likely to have greater hardness . The good news is that simplicity is the best tool for preserving your porcelain tiles, as you don't need several products to clean them: a mild soap and a damp cloth are enough to preserve the coating.
To make the right choice, it is important to look for the porcelain tile that best suits a specific purpose . For example, in the case of porcelain tiles used for kitchen or bathroom countertops , it is important to choose a rougher, more textured material, as a smooth finish can get in the way of daily tasks. In which environments can I place porcelain tiles?
Living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and even outdoor areas can have porcelain tiles – whether on the walls or on the floor. However, it is necessary to choose different types for each situation. In environments designed for entertaining or relaxing (such as bedrooms and living rooms), smoother porcelain tiles work very well. There are options that imitate wood and even stones such as marble, capable of ensuring elegance and comfort. For "wet" areas such as the kitchen and bathroom , which may be accessed a lot during the day, the ideal is to choose textured porcelain tiles to avoid falls and accidents. For outdoor areas , the rules are practically the same as for wet areas, but it is important to look for a model that is resistant and can withstand atypical conditions such as sunlight, rain or wind . Porcelain tiles are known as porous materials with low water absorption, so there are many options for balconies and terraces . Durability
When you buy a coating, you want it to last a lifetime. We know that in practice, it is almost impossible for this to happen, but with the right care when it comes to maintenance , porcelain tiles are quite likely to have greater hardness . The good news is that simplicity is the best tool for preserving your porcelain tiles, as you don't need several products to clean them: a mild soap and a damp cloth are enough to preserve the coating.