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Nowadays, bathrooms are increasingly becoming the focal point of contemporary interior design projects. When creating a space where you can unwind, bathroom designs blend looks and practicality to perfection. Imitation stone tiling is one of the biggest  trends in recent years and one that has been reworked to incorporate materials that combine beauty and performance.

Today, using the latest generation of porcelain stoneware technology, manufacturers can reproduce the textures of stone with outstanding precision to create 100% waterproof tiling with superior durability.

Stone-effect bathrooms, the trend that is driving contemporary design

Nowadays, a bathroom is perceived as a place for pampering and me-time and in line with this, the tiling used is a vital factor to create the perfect conditions for unwinding. The 2025-2026 trends have shown  a decisive return to the natural-looking textures with sensory appeal of products inspired by materials like stone, sand, and travertine.

Next-generation ceramic surfaces offer unique sensory experiences  through natural colours and rich texturing that interact with light, taking the concept of bathroom tiling to a new level.

Stone-effect porcelain tiles this kind of porcelain is a durable, sustainable material  that is produced using technologies that reduce CO emissions and optimise consumption of resources resulting in highly energy-efficient low-impact processes.

A wide assortment of shades, finishes, and sizes allow users to create coordinated, stylish, and functional spaces, where every detail works together to form a sense of  harmony and realness.

What is the best material for a stone-effect bathroom?

When it comes to designing a stone-effect bathroom, the question we get asked the most is “Which are better for a bathroom, natural stone tiles or porcelain stoneware tiles?”

Well, both materials offer their own advantages:

  • Real natural stone: is beautiful and every product is entirely unique, but it also requires constant care and specific treatment to protect it from dampness.
  • Stone-effect porcelain tiles: offer a faithful reproduction of stone tiles, in terms of looks, but they also provide a compact, waterproof body with antibacterial properties. They are scratch-resistant and unaffected by limescale and mould, and have much lower maintenance costs.

That is why stoneware is  held to be the best material for a stone-effect bathroom, as it is ideal for tiling walls and walk-in showers, as well as  coordinated furniture.

Extra-large ceramic slabs for high-impact bathroom designs

The introduction of extra-large ceramic slabs has revolutionised the way we conceive ideas for bathroom tiling. Optimum Surfaces has developed an exclusive 1840×3300 mm slab (the largest available on the market) to offer stylish, seamless surfaces.

This distinctive feature minimises joints to create fluid surfacing for bright, high-impact designs, bringing a sense of spaciousness to even the smallest of bathrooms.

1840×3300 cm slabs for joint-free surfacing and seamless, high-impact designs

The extra-large size of these stoneware slabs means virtually no joints are needed, ensuring visual continuity and maximum hygiene. These extra-large stone-effect slabs increase the sense of spaciousness and enhance textures and colours, adding impact to any bathroom design.

Applications: walk-in showers, floor-to-ceiling wall tiling, and coordinated tops

Optimum porcelain stoneware slabs can be applied to shower walls and to build bathroom tops, shelves, and coordinated furniture.  Their versatility  and the possibility of combining surfaces with the same texture and finish make them ideal to craft an elegant, cohesive look.

The perfect solution for high-end commercial and residential projects

The technical quality of Optimum porcelain stoneware makes it suitable for both residential and commercial projects, where reliability and durability are essential. These slabs can withstand moisture, steam, and chemicals and still maintain their beauty, even in spaces where intensive use is normal.

Design and style of Optimum porcelain stoneware slabs: the elegance of stone-effect tiles in bathrooms

In the world of contemporary design, Optimum porcelain stoneware slabs combine the natural beauty of stone and modern architecture.
Stone-effect materials are not only decorative, they offer designers a means of expression, a way to create a bathroom that conveys a sense of wellbeing, brightness, and visual continuity.

Optimum stone-effect surfaces feature:

  • Textures with an increased sense of depth, produced using exclusive Rilievo™ technology. 
  • Contemporary colour palettes, ranging from warm beige to intense greys. 
  • Versatility of use, ideal for creating continuity between the various surfaces in a bathroom, including walls cladding in specific areas, and furniture. 
  • Timeless style, appropriate for minimal, industrial, or natural settings, with a guaranteed balance of comfort and design.
    Choosing Optimum means bringing a concept of sustainable understated luxury into your bathroom; with Optimum, materials become a key feature of your design and every detail contributes to an aesthetic imbued with elegance and authenticity.

Optimum stone-effect collections for the bathroom

Optimum Surfaces offers various stone-effect collections designed for bathroom  walls that recreate the allure of prestigious natural materials with outstanding accuracy.

Limestone Ivory

This limestone-effect line is the result of a design exploration that combines balanced colour and light. Measuring 1840×3300 mm, its exceptional size amplifies the contrasting effects of light and shade, conveying a simple timeless elegance. It is perfect for those seeking a relaxing space with a contemporary feel.

Travertino Lumina

Featuring beige and light grey shades against an ivory background, Travertino Lumina offers harmony and visual continuity. Enhanced by exclusive  Rilievo™ technology, which introduces 3D variations  integrated flawlessly into the ceramic texture, it is incredibly realistic both visually and to the touch. The elegant, velvety surface coordinates with the Soft Touch finish, to create a unique sensory experience.

Green Moon

This granite-effect porcelain stoneware collection combines sage green, mineral grey, and mother-of-pearl accents to form a stylish, harmonious whole, making it ideal for bold, distinctive bathroom wall tiles. Rilievo™ technology is used to create a sophisticated texture that accentuates the pale quartz-coloured veining and details reminiscent of rock stratification. 

Black Tempest

Inspired by anthracite quartzite, the Black Tempest collection features a distinctive combination of dynamic grey shading and pale veining that brings vibrancy to the material. Ideal for bold bathroom designs, it gives off a contemporary energy.

Portland

Portland recreates the warm, natural tones of the limestone found in cliffs around the British coastline. The extra-large ceramic slabs bring a contemporary slant to this beauty, creating a simple yet striking aesthetic.

Pietra di Fez

Inspired by grey limestone, the pale veining and vivid shades of the  Pietra di Fez collection combine tradition, modernity, and a sense of artisan craftsmanship. It is perfect for bathrooms offering a blend of modern design and natural warmth.

Stoneware bathroom tiling for excellent damp resistance

Dampness is one of the main challenges that any bathroom tiling has to  stand up to and stone-effect porcelain is the ideal, most reliable material for this kind of setting. It is waterproof and can withstand build-ups of mould and limescale, and  it is durable.

Optimum extra-large stone-effect porcelain slabs are unaffected by exposure to water, steam, and different temperatures, making them long-lasting and easy to clean.

Unlike natural stone, which requires regular treatments to protect it,  porcelain stoneware maintains its outstanding performance without any special maintenance. This means it is also ideal for windowless spaces or walk-in showers that are regularly exposed to moisture and water.

How should I clean the stone-effect tiling in my bathroom?

Looking after your porcelain stoneware is pretty straightforward. For daily cleaning, simply use neutral detergents and a soft cloth to keep it shiny.

Do not use products  that are abrasive or acidic though, as they could alter the surface finish. Porcelain stoneware is  much easier to clean than natural stone tiles used in  bathrooms. They do not require waxes, oils, or any other kind of protective treatment, and  they can withstand significant differences in temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are stone-effect tiles suitable for use in a bathroom?

Yes, Optimum porcelain stoneware tiles are designed to ensure maximum grip and safety, even in damp environments. The effects, which are inspired by various varieties of stone found in nature, offer a perfect balance of stunning looks  and outstanding performance.

Is stoneware also suitable for shower walls?

Yes, as it is completely waterproof, stoneware is ideal for stone-effect bathroom walls, even in areas that come into direct contact with water.

How should I clean stone-effect bathroom wall tiles?

Just use neutral, non-abrasive detergents. Stoneware does not require any kind of periodic treatments to protect it.

How does the average cost per square metre compare against natural stone?

Generally speaking, stoneware is more affordable; it offers a similar look to natural stone but with lower fitting and maintenance costs.

How long do stoneware slabs last?

Stone-effect porcelain can withstand impacts, scratches, and moisture, making it is one of the most durable and stable materials. 

Which stone-effect collections does Optimum offer for modern bathroom designs?

Black Tempest, Green Moon, Imperial Brown, Limestone Ivory, Pietra di Fez, Portland, and Travertino Lumina: all in the same unique size (1840×3300 mm).

What advantages do tiles featuring Rilievo™ technology offer over conventional materials?

Rilievo™ accentuates the texture, making it more pleasurable to the touch, and enhances its visual appeal, without impacting technical performance.

Choosing a stone-effect porcelain tile for your bathroom means combining design, innovation, and a true appreciation for the material.

Optimum extra-large ceramic slabs will turn your bathroom into a sensory haven of elegance that is designed to last. Through exclusive technologies like Rilievo™, stoneware offers a new level of sensory pleasure that combine looks and performance to perfection. 

Explore the Optimum stone-effect collections and get inspired by all the options  that bring together Italian-made technology, aesthetics, and design.

Please contact us for further information

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