Tile Flooring & Tile Design

Tile has the power to shape the character of an entire space—from a quietly sophisticated backdrop to a bold architectural statement. At Central Rug and Floors, our curated selection of porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, mosaics and large-format tile gives you the flexibility to create spaces that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Our Evanston showroom gives homeowners, designers, builders and commercial clients throughout the North Shore the opportunity to see materials up close and explore how they work together. From scale and pattern to color, texture, finish and performance, our team can help you make thoughtful selections that complement your space, your architecture and your vision.

Tile for Every Room—and Every Design Vision

The beauty of tile is in the possibilities. A natural stone can bring warmth and organic character to a space, while a richly textured ceramic, intricate mosaic or expansive porcelain format can create an entirely different impression. Explore the materials, shapes, sizes, patterns and finishes that make tile such a versatile design element—and discover how the right combination can bring depth, dimension and personality to your space.

Kitchens

Create a durable foundation with tile flooring, or add personality with a backsplash, accent wall or decorative detail.

Bathrooms & Showers

From floor-to-ceiling shower tile to tub surrounds, niches and statement floors, tile gives bathrooms endless opportunities for customization.

Planning a larger bathroom project? Explore our Bathroom Remodeling page.

Entryways & Mudrooms

Tile is a practical choice for spaces that see everyday traffic, dirt and moisture while giving you an opportunity to make a strong first impression.

Living Spaces

Tile isn't limited to kitchens and baths. Large-format porcelain, stone looks and wood-inspired designs can create a sophisticated foundation throughout living areas.

Walls & Backsplashes

Use tile to add color, texture, pattern or architectural interest without committing to a full-room installation.

Commercial Spaces

Tile can deliver the durability and design flexibility required for retail, hospitality, office, healthcare, multifamily and other commercial environments.

Outdoor & Specialty Applications

The right tile can extend a design beyond the traditional interior floor or wall. Product selection must be based on the specific environmental and installation requirements.

Statement & Decorative Tile

Mosaics, patterns, specialty shapes and decorative tile can become the design feature—or the finishing detail—that brings an entire space together.

Explore Tile Materials & Styles

Porcelain Tile

Durable, versatile and available in an extraordinary range of colors, textures and formats.

Ceramic Tile

A versatile choice for walls, backsplashes and residential applications.

Natural Stone

Marble, limestone, travertine and other natural materials bring authentic variation and character.

Mosaic Tile

Ideal for shower floors, backsplashes, niches, borders and decorative details.

Large-Format Tile

A sophisticated option for creating expansive surfaces with fewer grout lines.

Decorative & Specialty Tile

Pattern, texture, shape and dimensionality can turn tile into a true design feature.

Tile Selection, Guided by Design

Our Central team can help clients consider:

Tile size and scale
Pattern and layout
Grout color and joint size
Surface and finish
Color relationships
Mixing materials
Transition between flooring surfaces
Maintenance and performance
Residential vs. commercial requirements

From Inspiration to Installation

1. Explore
Visit our Evanston showroom and see materials in person.

2. Refine
Compare colors, textures, formats and finishes with guidance from our team.

3. Plan
We'll help coordinate selections with the overall space and installation requirements.

4. Install
Our experienced team brings the finished design together with professional installation.

Tile for North Shore Homes & Commercial Spaces

Residential Tile

Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, entryways, fireplaces, living spaces and complete bathroom renovations.

Commercial Tile

Offices, hospitality, retail, multifamily, healthcare, institutional and other high-traffic environments.

Have a commercial project?
Talk with our team about product specifications, performance requirements, availability, lead times and installation coordination.

View Tile Differently

The right tile can become the foundation for an entire design. Visit Central Rug and Floors in Evanston to explore materials in person and work with our team to bring your vision together.

Visit Our Evanston Showroom

Talk With a Tile Specialist

or Browse Our Online Catalog Now

SHOP FLOORING AMERICA TILE CATALOG

A Curated Collection from Trusted Tile Manufacturers

American Olean, Ceramic Tile International, Daltile, Emser, Glazzio, Happy Floors, Interceramic, Majestic Tile, Marazzi, MSI, Paramount Tile, Phoenix Tile, Roca, Soho Studio, Topcu Tile + Stone

Tile Inspiration from Central Rug and Floors

Whether you select a porcelain that blends well with modern & rustic interiors, materials evocative of contemporary architecture, or you wish to create unexpected stylistic crossovers and combinations... Our specialists can offer inspiration, innovation, versatile and fashionable offerings.

Tile FAQs

What type of tile is best for a high-end bathroom?

The best tile depends on the look, application and level of performance you want from the space. Porcelain offers exceptional versatility and durability, while natural stone brings one-of-a-kind variation and character. Decorative ceramic, mosaics and large-format tile can add another layer of design. At Central Rug and Floors, we help you consider the entire space—from flooring and shower walls to niches, backsplashes and accent details—so the finished bathroom feels cohesive and intentional.

Is large-format tile a good choice for bathrooms and showers?

Large-format tile can create a beautifully streamlined look, particularly in contemporary and sophisticated bathroom designs. Fewer grout lines can make a space feel more expansive while allowing the character of the tile itself to take center stage. Large-format porcelain is also available in sophisticated stone-inspired finishes. Because installation requires careful planning and proper surface preparation, our team can help determine whether the format is appropriate for your space.

What is the difference between porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tile?

Porcelain and ceramic are manufactured tile products, while natural stone is quarried and naturally varied. Porcelain is known for its durability, versatility and ability to replicate the appearance of materials such as marble, limestone and travertine. Ceramic offers tremendous flexibility in color, shape, texture and decorative applications. Natural stone provides authentic variation that makes every installation unique. The right choice comes down to aesthetics, application, maintenance and how you want the finished space to feel.

Is porcelain a good alternative to natural stone?

For many projects, absolutely. Today's porcelain can capture the look of marble, limestone, travertine and other natural materials with remarkable realism while offering durability and relatively easy maintenance. But porcelain doesn't completely replace the appeal of genuine stone. If you love natural veining, variation and the individuality of a material formed by nature, authentic stone may be worth the additional care.

How do I choose tile that complements my home's architecture?

Start with the home—not just the room. The architecture, age, proportions and existing materials can all influence which tile feels right. A historic North Shore home may call for a different approach than a contemporary Evanston renovation or a modern condominium. Scale, color, pattern, texture and finish should work together with the architecture rather than compete with it. Our design team can help translate your home's character into a tile selection that feels considered rather than trendy.

Should floor and wall tile match?

Not necessarily—and they don't have to. Some of the most interesting spaces combine complementary tile rather than using one material everywhere. You might pair a quiet large-format floor tile with a textured wall tile, or use a distinctive mosaic as an accent against a more restrained backdrop. The goal is to create relationships between the materials through color, scale, texture or finish.

How do I mix different tile patterns without making a room feel too busy?

The secret is creating a visual hierarchy. If one tile has a strong pattern or dramatic variation, surrounding it with quieter materials allows it to become the focal point. Consistent undertones, complementary colors and thoughtful changes in scale can also help different tiles work together. Our team can help you balance statement tile with supporting materials so the finished design feels layered—not chaotic.

What tile is best for a shower floor?

Shower floors require careful consideration of slip resistance, drainage, tile size and installation. Smaller-format tile and mosaics can be particularly effective because their additional grout joints can work well with the slope needed for proper drainage. They also offer an opportunity to introduce pattern, texture or a subtle contrast without overwhelming the rest of the bathroom.

How important is grout color when choosing tile?

More important than many people realize. Grout can either blend into the tile for a quiet, continuous appearance or contrast with it to emphasize the shape and layout. The same tile can look dramatically different depending on the grout color and joint size. That's why grout should be considered part of the design—not simply something selected after the tile.

How can I make a small bathroom feel more spacious with tile?

Tile can have a significant visual impact on a smaller space. Large-format tile can reduce visual interruptions, while extending tile across multiple surfaces can create greater continuity. Lighter colors, carefully considered patterns and coordinated grout can also create a more open feeling. But “making it look bigger” doesn't mean everything has to be white or neutral—the right scale and material choices can make a small bathroom feel both spacious and distinctive.

Can tile be used to create a statement feature?

Absolutely. Tile can become much more than a practical surface. A dramatic marble-look porcelain, richly veined natural stone, dimensional ceramic, mosaic or distinctive pattern can create a focal point on a shower wall, backsplash, fireplace surround, entryway or other architectural feature. For clients looking to make a design statement, tile offers an opportunity to introduce personality without relying solely on furnishings or décor.

How do I coordinate tile with flooring, cabinetry and countertops?

The most successful tile selections are made as part of the entire material palette. Rather than choosing tile in isolation, consider how it relates to flooring, cabinetry, countertops, plumbing fixtures, paint and architectural details. Our team can help you compare samples and finishes together, identify complementary materials and create a palette that feels cohesive from one surface to the next.

Are warm-toned tiles replacing gray?

Warm neutrals, earthy tones and natural-looking materials have become increasingly prominent in contemporary interiors, particularly as homeowners move toward more organic and layered spaces. That doesn't mean gray has disappeared—or that you should choose a material simply because it is trending. The more enduring approach is to select colors and materials that work with your home's architecture and your personal aesthetic.

Can tile work in a luxury commercial space?

Yes. Tile can provide both design impact and performance in hospitality, retail, office, multifamily and other commercial environments. Large-format porcelain, natural stone, mosaics and decorative tile can be used to establish a distinctive identity while addressing the durability and maintenance requirements of a commercial setting. Central Rug and Floors can help commercial clients and design professionals evaluate materials based on both aesthetic goals and project requirements.

Do you work with interior designers and architects?

Yes. Central Rug and Floors works with homeowners as well as interior designers, architects, builders and commercial professionals. Our Evanston showroom provides a place to review materials in person, compare finishes and develop flooring and tile selections that work together across a project.

Incredible Tile Selections In Our Expansive Showroom