Product Overview

Florim Rêves Bleu Glossy 12" x 24" Porcelain Tile (30 cm x 60 cm) is an Italian porcelain field tile manufactured by Florim (part of the prestigious Rêves de Rex collection). Inspired by rare, translucent alabaster and exotic precious onyx, the Bleu colorway features an ethereal, luminous palette of pale sky blue, soft ice blue, pearl grey, and subtle warm amber-gold mineral veining.

Factory-finished with a high-reflection Glossy (Polished) glaze, this 12x24 rectangular format magnifies color contrast, light transmission, and crystalline stone depth. It provides a luxurious onyx-look field with excellent layout versatility for master shower walls, vanity backdrops, powder rooms, fireplace surrounds, and commercial accent spaces.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Master Shower & Bathroom Feature Walls: Delivers a cool, tranquil spa backdrop for full-height shower walls, tub surrounds, and vanity feature walls.

• Kitchen Backsplashes & Accent Fields: Adds subtle blue-grey mineral elegance behind kitchen counters. Vitrified porcelain is 100% stain-proof and will not etch or absorb oils, citrus juices, or harsh liquids.

• Patterned Wall Layouts: The 1:2 rectangular aspect ratio makes it ideal for dynamic wall layouts like 45-degree herringbone, vertical stack, or 33% staggered running bond.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: POLISHED PORCELAIN TILE PROTOCOL

• Thinset Mortar Selection: Set using a high-performance, polymer-modified thinset specified for porcelain tile (ANSI A118.4 or ANSI A118.15 like MAPEI® Ultraflex 2 White or LATICRETE® 254 Platinum White). Using white thinset preserves true translucent ice-blue color tones.

• Protect the Polished Glaze: Use non-marking rubber floats and clean tools during installation. Avoid abrasive sponges or harsh scouring pads that could scratch the polished glossy surface during grout cleanup.

• Running Bond Offset Rule: When setting 12" x 24" tiles in a staggered running bond layout, TCNA standards recommend offsetting joints by no more than 33% (approx. 8 inches) rather than a 50% half-brick bond to eliminate potential tile bow lippage.

• Rectified Micro-Grout Lines: Precision-rectified edges allow tiles to be installed with tight 1/16" to 1/8" grout joints.

Professional Recommendations

• Dry Lay & Vein Blending: The Rêves Bleu graphic carries fluid onyx veining (V3 rating). Unbox and dry-lay tiles from multiple cartons before setting to randomize blue, grey, and amber tones across the layout.

• Grout Color Strategy: Pair with a soft ice-blue, light grey, or white high-performance grout (such as MAPEI® Ultracolor Plus FA in White or Frost) to make tile joints blend seamlessly into the onyx background.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Wipe down using warm water and a neutral pH porcelain cleaner with a microfiber cloth. Avoid oil-based soaps or wax-based cleaners that leave a dull film over glossy glazes.

• 100% Acid & Stain Proof: Impervious vitrified porcelain stoneware (< 0.08% water absorption) protects against cosmetic acids, hair dyes, oils, wine, and household cleaning chemicals.

• Zero Sealing Required: Unlike natural blue onyx, calcite, or alabaster stone, glazed Italian porcelain is non-porous and requires no topical sealers, waxes, or impregnating treatments over its lifespan.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Translucent Precious Minerals, Cool Organic Spa, Contemporary Coastal Luxury, Art Deco Revival.

• Popular Layout Patterns:

  • 33% Staggered Running Bond: Classic rectangular layout for walls and floors.

  • Herringbone: Set at a 45-degree angle for dramatic geometric impact on feature walls and backsplashes.

  • Vertical Stack: Modern, linear grid orientation that draws the eye upward to elevate ceiling heights.

• System Cohesion: Coordinates directly with large-format Florim Rêves Bleu 32x71, 24x48, and 48x48 field slabs, as well as companion Matte (Naturale) finishes and mosaics within the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Florim Rêves Bleu Glossy and Matte (Naturale)?

The Glossy version features a mirror-like polished finish that accentuates the depth of the onyx veins and maximizes light reflection—ideal for walls. The Matte version offers a soft, non-reflective finish that provides better foot traction for floor installations.

Is Florim Rêves Bleu Glossy 12x24 suitable for walk-in shower floors?

Polished glossy porcelain can become slippery when wet. While it is an exceptional choice for shower walls, a matte finish or smaller mosaic format is recommended for walk-in shower floors.

Does this blue onyx-look porcelain tile require sealers?

No. Florim porcelain stoneware is vitrified and non-porous (< 0.08% absorption), requiring zero sealers or topical waxes over its lifespan.