Introducing San Francisco: Large-Format Industrial Porcelain Tiles for Statement Interiors

Urban design continues to influence residential and commercial interiors, with weathered metals, concrete-inspired finishes and large-format surfaces playing a major role in contemporary schemes. The new San Francisco porcelain tile range brings these elements together in a bold yet refined collection designed for modern spaces.

With its metal-inspired surface detail, layered colour movement and subtle lappato sheen, San Francisco offers the raw character of industrial materials with the practical performance of porcelain. Available in four distinctive colours and a generous 1200 x 600mm format, the range is ideal for retailers looking to expand their offering of design-led wholesale tiles for walls and floors.

San Francisco at a glance

Measurements: 1200 x 600mm / 47.2 x 23.6”

Quantity per square metre: 1.38 tiles

Material: Porcelain

Finish: Lappato

Suitable for: Walls and floors

Colours: White, Black, Graphite and Aquamarine

The large format helps create a clean, architectural appearance with fewer grout lines, while the gently reflective lappato finish enhances the depth and movement within each design.

An industrial tile with a more refined finish

Industrial interiors are often associated with raw concrete, dark metal and heavily distressed finishes. San Francisco takes inspiration from this style but introduces a more sophisticated surface.

The tiles feature weathered markings, softened tonal variation and darker edge detail that give them the appearance of aged metal. Rather than being completely matt or highly polished, the lappato finish provides a subtle sheen that catches the light and highlights the layered surface.

This balance makes San Francisco versatile enough for both dramatic statement schemes and more restrained contemporary interiors. The finish can feel rugged and urban in one setting, yet elegant and architectural when paired with refined cabinetry, glass, timber or metallic fittings.

Why choose large-format 1200 x 600mm tiles?

Large-format porcelain tiles have become increasingly popular in both residential and commercial design. Their generous proportions allow the surface pattern to be seen more clearly while reducing the number of visible grout joints.

The 1200 x 600mm format offers several design benefits:

• It creates a more continuous, spacious appearance.

• Fewer grout lines give walls and floors a cleaner finish.

• The rectangular shape can be installed horizontally or vertically.

• The format suits expansive open-plan and commercial environments.

• Large tiles emphasise the weathered metal effect of the collection.

• The same tile can be used across walls and floors for a coordinated design.

  
  

When installed horizontally, the tiles can make a wall appear wider. A vertical arrangement can help draw the eye upwards and emphasise ceiling height.

Because large-format tiles require a suitably flat substrate, correct preparation, handling and installation are especially important.

Explore the San Francisco colour range

The four colours share the same industrial character but create very different moods.

San Francisco White

San Francisco White is the lightest option in the collection. It combines pale grey and off-white tones with weathered edges and subtle areas of darker movement.

The colour is ideal for interiors where designers want the texture of an industrial tile without creating an overly dark scheme. It can be paired with pale timber, white sanitaryware, brushed metal fittings and soft neutral furnishings.

Possible applications include:

• Contemporary bathroom walls

• Light industrial kitchens

• Reception areas

• Feature walls

• Minimalist retail interiors

• Open-plan living spaces

  
  

The lappato finish helps reflect light, while the weathered detailing prevents the tile from appearing flat or clinical.

San Francisco Graphite

Graphite offers a cool mid-grey surface with deeper edges and layered tonal variation. It is a strong all-round option for contemporary interiors and works particularly well with black, chrome and brushed steel details.

Its balanced shade makes it suitable for:

• Bathroom walls and floors

• Modern kitchens

• Commercial washrooms

• Offices and studios

• Feature walls

• Hospitality settings

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Graphite can be used as the main surface throughout a room or combined with San Francisco White to create a tonal contrast.

San Francisco Black

San Francisco Black is the darkest and most dramatic colour within the range. Its charcoal surface includes subtle brown, blue-grey and metallic undertones, producing a rich, layered finish.

This tile is particularly effective in larger rooms and commercial interiors where the darker colour can be used confidently.

Design ideas include:

• Boutique retail spaces

• Hotel bathrooms

• Restaurant interiors

• Dark statement walls

• Contemporary shower areas

• Kitchen feature walls

• Media and fireplace walls

  
  

Pair Black with warm timber to soften the industrial effect, or combine it with brushed brass and ambient lighting for a more luxurious finish.

San Francisco Aquamarine

Aquamarine introduces a distinctive green-grey tone to the collection. The colour retains the weathered metal character of the other options but adds a softer, more individual finish.

It is a strong choice for customers looking for an alternative to conventional grey tiles while still maintaining a sophisticated and highly usable palette.

Aquamarine can work especially well with:

• Natural wood cabinetry

• Brushed brass fittings

• Black-framed shower screens

• Warm neutral paint colours

• Concrete-effect surfaces

• Indoor planting

• Contemporary commercial interiors

  
  

Its muted colour allows it to act as either a statement surface or a textured backdrop.

Where can San Francisco tiles be used?

The combination of porcelain construction, large format and distinctive surface detail makes San Francisco suitable for a broad range of design projects.

Bathrooms and wet rooms

San Francisco can create an urban, hotel-inspired bathroom when used across walls and floors. The large format reduces visual interruption and allows the surface detail to become the main feature.

Possible layouts include:

• A full-height shower feature wall

• Tiles behind a freestanding bath

• Coordinated wall and floor installation

• A darker vanity backdrop

• A contrasting wall using Aquamarine or Black

  
  

The substrate and wet area must be correctly prepared and waterproofed before installation. Tiles and grout do not replace an appropriate tanking system.

Kitchens

Metal-effect porcelain works particularly well in modern kitchens. San Francisco can be used as a floor tile, a full-height splashback or a feature wall behind dining and preparation areas.

Graphite and Black work well with handleless cabinetry, while White can brighten darker kitchen units. Aquamarine adds colour without losing the industrial aesthetic.

Open-plan living areas

Using the same large-format tile across connected spaces can help create continuity. San Francisco is particularly effective in open-plan kitchens, dining rooms and living areas where the architectural format can unify the overall design.

A tiled feature wall can also provide a focal point behind:

• A media unit

• A dining table

• Open shelving

• A fireplace

• A contemporary console

  
  

Retail and commercial environments

For businesses sourcing design-led wholesale tiles, San Francisco offers a strong option for commercial specifications.

The collection can complement:

• Fashion and lifestyle stores

• Restaurants and cafés

• Salons

• Hotels

• Offices

• Bars

• Showrooms

• Reception areas

  
  

Its layered surface gives commercial interiors depth and character, while the large format supports a sleek, professional finish.

How to style metal-effect porcelain tiles

Metal-inspired tiles are highly versatile, but the surrounding materials will influence whether the finished space feels industrial, luxurious or minimalist.

Pair with natural timber

Wood softens the cooler, weathered appearance of the tiles. This combination works particularly well in kitchens, bathrooms and hospitality spaces.

Warm oak can balance Graphite and Black, while darker timber creates a sophisticated contrast with White and Aquamarine.

Add black architectural details

Black-framed shower screens, slimline lighting, metal shelving and dark taps reinforce the urban character of the range.

This works especially well with Aquamarine, White and Graphite.

Introduce warm metals

Brass, bronze and copper fittings can add warmth and create a more luxurious finish. Their reflective surfaces complement the subtle sheen of the lappato tile.

Use simple cabinetry

Because the surface already contains texture and movement, simple furniture and cabinetry can prevent the overall design from becoming too busy.

Handleless units, floating vanities and clean architectural lines allow the tiles to remain the main feature.

Layer tonal colours

San Francisco does not need to be paired with a strong contrasting shade. Combining several greys, charcoals or soft neutrals can create a calm and cohesive interior.

Why porcelain is ideal for metal-effect tiles

Real metal surfaces can bring distinctive character to an interior, but they may also require specialist installation and ongoing maintenance.

Porcelain offers a more practical way to achieve a similar visual effect. It provides:

• Strong resistance to everyday wear

• Low water absorption

• Straightforward cleaning

• Suitability for walls and floors

• Dimensional stability

• Consistent sizing

• No requirement for metal polishing

• A surface that will not rust like untreated metal

  
  

This makes metal-effect porcelain suitable for areas where the authentic industrial look is desired without the maintenance demands of real sheet metal.

Important installation considerations

Large-format tiles should be installed by someone with the appropriate tools, knowledge and experience.

Before installation, the surface should be:

• Sound

• Stable

• Clean

• Dry where required

• Suitably flat

• Free from dust, grease and loose material

  
  

The correct adhesive should be selected according to the tile, substrate and installation environment. Large-format porcelain often requires a flexible cementitious adhesive and a suitable solid-bed installation method.

Back-buttering may also be required to achieve adequate adhesive coverage. Always refer to the relevant adhesive and tile technical information.

A suitable tile levelling system can help reduce lippage during installation, but it does not replace correct substrate preparation or professional fixing techniques.

San Francisco for tile retailers and commercial customers

For tile retailers seeking fresh, distinctive collections, San Francisco combines several strong selling points:

• On-trend industrial styling

• A premium lappato finish

• Large-format 1200 x 600mm sizing

• Four coordinated colours

• Wall and floor versatility

• Residential and commercial appeal

• A distinctive alternative to standard concrete-effect tiles

  
  

Navarro Tiles supplies wholesale tiles to retailers throughout the UK and Ireland, with a broad range of porcelain, ceramic, stone-effect, marble-effect, wood-effect and large-format collections.

San Francisco provides retailers with a strong design-led option for customers looking beyond conventional grey porcelain. The addition of Aquamarine, alongside the more familiar White, Graphite and Black, gives the collection greater showroom impact and more scope for creative specifications.

Frequently asked questions

What type of tile is San Francisco?

San Francisco is a large-format porcelain tile collection with a weathered metal-inspired design and a refined lappato finish.

What size are San Francisco tiles?

The tiles measure 1200 x 600mm, equivalent to approximately 47.2 x 23.6 inches.

How many San Francisco tiles are required per square metre?

Approximately 1.38 tiles are required to cover one square metre, before allowing for cuts, breakages and installation waste.

What colours are available?

San Francisco is available in White, Black, Graphite and Aquamarine.

Can San Francisco be used on walls and floors?

Yes, the collection is designed for use across both walls and floors, subject to correct specification and installation.

What is a lappato finish?

A lappato finish is partially polished rather than fully matt or highly polished. It creates a gentle sheen that enhances surface movement while retaining a more tactile, contemporary appearance.

Are metal-effect tiles suitable for bathrooms?

Porcelain metal-effect tiles can be suitable for bathroom walls and floors when they are correctly specified and professionally installed. Wet areas also require an appropriate waterproofing system behind the tiled surface.

Are large-format tiles suitable for small rooms?

Yes. Large-format tiles can work very well in smaller rooms because fewer grout lines may make the space appear cleaner and less visually divided. Careful planning is needed to manage cuts and proportions.

Discover the San Francisco tile range

San Francisco combines the depth and character of weathered metal with the performance and practicality of large-format porcelain.

From the pale, architectural appearance of White to the dramatic depth of Black, the versatile Graphite and the distinctive green-grey tones of Aquamarine, the collection offers a strong design option for modern residential and commercial interiors.

For retailers sourcing design-led wholesale tiles, San Francisco adds a bold, contemporary range to the showroom while meeting continued demand for large-format porcelain and industrial-inspired surfaces.

Contact the team for trade enquiries, samples and further information about the San Francisco collection.