The Best Tile Patterns To Use in Your Home

Tile is a versatile material that adds depth and texture to your home. It can be colorful, neutral, patterned, solid, etc. There are so many tile options out in the world (that sometimes it can even become overwhelming to choose one!). Depending on the material, tile can be an affordable option for flooring, kitchen backsplashes, outdoor spaces, and interior walls and bathrooms. 

While sourcing and selecting your tile may have been a breeze, deciding how to position it in your space can be a little more complicated. With numerous tile layout patterns available, we’ll help you find the perfect tile pattern to help your tile installation go smoothly. 

‍Types of Tile Patterns

With so many different tile design options available, you might not know where to start. Have you ever worked with an installer before, had them ask you how you’d like the tile placed, and in return, you drew a blank stare? We’ve been there before! Below, we’ll cover each type of pattern, what materials work best with them, and which rooms you can use them in. 

1. Herringbone

Think of the classic herringbone pattern on a shirt or jacket. Each small line is placed at a 45-degree angle with the next. The same pattern is true of herringbone tile. Each tile will be placed in a V-shaped design. 

Herringbone tile patterns can be created with small subway tiles or individual wood planks, but you can also find square tiles with a herringbone design. Simply connecting these tiles creates a herringbone pattern and cuts down on as much grout as possible. 

2. Stacked or Grid Pattern Tile

Tiles stacked directly on top of each other are called stacked or grid tiles. For this pattern, you’ll see clean lines and perfect symmetry. The grid pattern works best for framing fireplaces or creating a framed backsplash in a kitchen more so than floor tile patterns. 

An updated twist on grid tile patterns is vertically stacked tiles. Using rectangular tiles, you’ll stack each tile on top of the other. When used on walls, this can give the room more height. The added height is helpful in smaller rooms and when ceilings are particularly low. 

3. French Tile

Also known as Versailles tile, this tile layout pattern connects two different size tiles, usually square tiles and rectangular tiles, to create a puzzle-like design. A popular method for patios, pool decks, and bathroom floors, French tile adds elegance and charm without being distracting or overpowering. 

4. Chevron

Both herringbone tile and chevron tile patterns use 45-degree angles for tile placement. The difference is in the planks themselves. Herringbone tiles are blocked off on each end, while chevron tiles have a slant at the end that is cut at a 45-degree angle. Chevron tile placement is playful and works well for bathroom tiles or floor tiles in smaller spaces. 

5. Basketweave

Basketweave is a distinct geometric tile pattern. Designers usually rely on mosaic tiles to create this eye-catching pattern. It often incorporates large and small square tiles to complete a checkerboard-like pattern. Basketweave design earned its name because the tiles look like they are woven over and under one another. 

6. Diagonal 

Think of the diagonal or diamond pattern as a grid pattern placed at a 45-degree angle. This popular wall tile design also pops up in flooring to delineate specific areas, like an entryway. Diagonal tile placement works well with small tiles and is usually a solid option for DIY projects like installing your own kitchen backsplash. 

7. Artistic

Picked the perfect hexagon tiles but need help to make them work in your small bathroom? We get it. Artistic, random, or zig-zag patterns are perfect for this type of tile, which can evoke specific patterns. 

Artistically placing your tiles allows you to format tiles in a design that is unique and entirely your own. Just remember that if you plan to sell your home, some tile layouts are more popular than others. 

8. Pinwheel

A pattern that is less frequently used than most layouts is the pinwheel. Sometimes referred to as hopscotch, this pattern is mostly seen with ceramic tiles. It creates the illusion of a spinning pinwheel by using large and small square tiles. 

Looking to make a small space look larger during your next remodel? Try using pinwheel pattern floor tiles. It’s a hack that will prevent you from knocking down walls and save you precious time.

9. Running Bond

The name might not sound familiar, but you’d instantly recognize this pattern if you saw it. Often associated with subway tiles, this style has a staggered brick pattern.

Each tile is placed on top of another, in the center of the tile beneath it. A classic brickwork design, you’ll typically find running bonds in wood-look tile, porcelain tile, and stone tile. 

10. Modular Tile

Similar to the Versailles tile layout, a modular tile layout features unique shapes of tiles placed together like a puzzle. The difference is that with modular tile, you’ll typically have more than two different shapes and sizes of tile. 

Natural stone tiles are a popular choice for modular layout because the design allows the natural striations in the stone to become more noticeable. 

Working With Patterned Tile

Your floor tiles or wall tiles will take on a pattern that is one of a kind when you work with patterned tiles. It may seem complicated to lay patterned tile, but it’s actually an easy way to create a focal point in any room. 

1. Prepare your space. Make sure the area you plan to tile has been stripped and cleaned and is ready for you to lay adhesive and your tiles.

2. Find the center. When laying patterned tile, first place the tiles in the center of the floor. Lay additional tiles outward in a circular or square pattern. 

3. Spread adhesive and lay the tiles. If you run into snags (like tiles that aren’t perfectly level), grab a rubber mallet to help press them in. 

4. Grout. Once your tiles have dried, go back through and create your grout lines. 

Patterned tile can be beautiful, and you can grab inspiration and discover patterned tile brands by browsing through our product discovery feed. The Spoak discovery feed is a place where you can find inspiration for new creative projects in your home, discover new brands, and find items that spark joy in your space. 

For more help, we recommend using our design suite. No matter the size of your project, the suite of digital design tools we offer can help you with new ideas, planning, preparation, and follow-through. In short, you become your own interior designer with no bachelor’s degree or training required. Or, you can find an amazing interior designer to help guide you on your way. There's no wrong answer!

Tile It Up

Adding tiles to your home helps add texture, design, and a whole lot of personality and style. The pattern you choose can change the way your room looks and feels and can even make a room look smaller, larger, or taller. There’s one other thing it will certainly do (when done right): elevate your space!

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_Sources:

_{How to lay patterned floor tiles | Goodhomes Magazine}

_{How to Choose a Grout Color | SFGate}

_{How to Grout a Tile Floor | The Spruce}

_{55 Bathroom Tile Ideas - Bath Tile Backsplash and Floor Designs | House Beautiful}