Product Overview

Florim Rêves Perle Matte 12" x 24" Porcelain Tile (30 cm x 60 cm) is a fine Italian porcelain field tile manufactured by Florim (part of the prestigious Rêves de Rex collection). Inspired by translucent alabaster and precious onyx, the Perle (Pearl) colorway features a delicate, luminous palette of warm alabaster white, pale ivory, soft grey undertones, and warm champagne mineral veining.

Finished with Florim’s smooth Matte (Mat/Naturale) surface, this 12x24 rectangular format offers a velvety, non-reflective tactile feel with reliable foot traction. Its versatile 1:2 aspect ratio makes it ideal for bathroom floors, walk-in shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, and high-end residential or commercial spaces.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Applications

• Master Bathroom Floors & Shower Walls: The Matte (Naturale) finish provides comfortable foot traction under wet conditions (R10 / DCOF ≥ 0.42) for bathroom floors, while creating a soft alabaster look across shower walls and tub surrounds.

• Kitchen Backsplashes & Accent Fields: Delivers warm, luminous stone texture behind kitchen counters. Vitrified porcelain is 100% stain-proof and will not etch or absorb cooking oils, citrus juices, or harsh liquids.

• Patterned Wall Layouts: The 12x24 rectangular ratio is well-suited for dynamic installation patterns such as 45-degree herringbone, vertical stack bond, or 33% staggered running bond.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ CRITICAL WARNING: TILE LAYOUT 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 alabaster-white color tones.

• Running Bond Offset Rule: When setting 12" x 24" tiles in a staggered running bond layout, TCNA standards mandate 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 Perle graphic carries natural onyx shading and fluid vein detailing (V3 rating). Unbox and dry-lay tiles from multiple cartons before setting to balance ivory, pearl, and champagne tones across the layout.

• Grout Color Strategy: Pair with an ultra-light warm grey, soft ivory, or white high-performance grout (such as MAPEI® Ultracolor Plus FA in White or Frost) to make grout lines blend seamlessly into the onyx background.

Care & Maintenance

• Routine Cleaning: Clean easily using warm water and a neutral pH porcelain floor cleaner. The non-porous matte surface resists soap scum, water spots, and foot traffic marks.

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

• Zero Sealing Required: Unlike natural pearl onyx or calcite stone, glazed Italian porcelain is non-porous and never requires sealers, topical waxes, or impregnating treatments over its lifespan.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Translucent Precious Minerals, Warm Organic Spa, European Minimalist, Timeless Elegance.

• Popular Layout Patterns:

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

  • 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: Designed to coordinate directly with large-format Florim Rêves Perle 32x71, 24x48, and 48x48 field slabs, as well as companion 1x6 Matte Mosaics and Glossy (Polished) finishes within the series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Florim Rêves Perle Matte and Glossy?

The Matte (Naturale) version features a soft, non-reflective finish with enhanced slip resistance (R10 / DCOF ≥ 0.42), making it the ideal choice for main floors and wet bathroom environments. The Glossy version has a mirror-like polished finish designed to maximize light reflection on walls and accent surfaces.

Is Florim Rêves Perle Matte 12x24 suitable for shower floors?

While suitable for main bathroom floors and shower walls, standard shower pans with central point drains typically require smaller mosaics (such as the Rêves Perle 1x6 Mosaic) to conform to multi-directional slopes. However, 12x24 tiles work exceptionally well on shower floors utilizing linear trench drains.

Does this alabaster-look porcelain tile require sealers?

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