1. Horizontal Straight Stack

This contemporary layout features neat lines that draw the eye across the width of the wall or floor, making your room appear wider. The simple design can be created with any rectangle tile, including subway tile. Here, bands of Coco White matte and glossy tiles add a stylized touch to the bathroom wall; mixing finishes is an excellent way to elevate a simple layout.

2. Vertical Straight Stack

Just like the guards at Buckingham Palace, these “soldier stacks” stand firm and tall. Installing tile vertically creates the illusion of height in your space. Vertically stacked subway tile will make your space feel contemporary, while rectangular large-format tile makes your space feel both taller and more expansive.

“Horizontal and vertical straight stacks are my favorite tile patterns for bathrooms because they present a clean and fresh look. It’s important to have a polished design in your bathroom.” –Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop Director of Design

Pro Tip: Combine vertical and horizontal stacks for a stunning, custom design.

3. 1/2 Offset Brick Lay

There’s a reason why 1/2 offset is one of the most traditional layouts. The simple enhancement of offsetting stacked tiles by 50% is visually appealing and helps hide any imperfections in the installation. Use subway or rectangle tile to achieve a classic brick-lay look, or square tile for a chic offset design.

4. 1/3 Offset Brick Lay

The stair-step effect in this pattern is created by offsetting each tile by 1/3 of its length. We recommend using a 1/3 offset when designing with tile that is 8 x 16 in. or larger. Shop large-format tile to achieve this stylish design on your floors or walls.

5. Herringbone

Install large or small rectangle tile at a 45-degree angle to create a dynamic herringbone pattern. You can enhance the vertical and horizontal zigzag movements by incorporating different colors, finishes or a contrasting grout color.

6. Double Herringbone

A double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangle tiles. This layout is less common because it can be difficult to perfect. However, when executed correctly, as seen in this contemporary bathroom designed by Friedman General Contracting, the results are stunning!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to consider your grout color! A contrasting grout will accentuate your layout, while a grout that matches the tile results in a subtler design.

7. Chevron

Like herringbone, a chevron pattern creates a dynamic, zigzag design. However, this layout is created by connecting the angled ends of specially cut tiles, rather than installing rectangular tiles diagonally. The result is a fashionable V-shaped silhouette.

8. Grid

A tried-and-true design, this layout is created by simply arranging square tiles in a grid formation. It is ideal for patterned tile, especially when the pattern is enhanced by grouping four squares together, as it is on the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Florence Lace tile shown here.

9. Diagonal

Similar to the grid pattern, this layout consists of rows of square tile. However, as it is installed at a 45-degree angle, this pattern makes your floor or wall appear wider. We love how Timber Trails used this layout to add a contemporary twist to the classic checkerboard design. You can achieve a similar look using diamond-shaped tile.

10. Versailles

Named after the French Palace of Versailles, this classically elegant pattern consists of rectangles and squares of varying sizes. While the Versailles pattern is commonly used for floor designs, it’s also striking on walls.

11. Hex

The six-sided, honeycomb-shaped hex is a surprisingly versatile tile shape. Available in small mosaic formats and larger field tiles (up to 13 x 14 in.), all hexagon tile adheres to the same layout. However, the uniformity of similarly-sized hex tiles allows for custom patterns. Here, Beginning in the Middle created an elevated polka dot effect by adding Back Marquina hex to their Firenze Carrara hex design.

Ready for a room refresh? The Tile Shop is here to help! Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post Tile Patterns and Layouts appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite custom tile patterns created by designers and DIYers alike that’ll be sure to give you all the inspiration you need and get those creative juices flowing!

Penny Round Patterns

A tried-and-true style, penny round tiles instantly bring a chic, vintage feel to your space – plus, they’re super easy to build custom patterns with! As you can see in the photos below, these small circular porcelain tiles can be used to create stylish borders, floral-inspired designs, retro stripes, and more! With a variety of colors in both matte and glossy finishes, our penny rounds offer endless options when it comes to creating an eye-catching design.

One of our new favorite spaces is this small but stunning powder room designed by Chris Loves Julia. If you want even more CLJ bathroom inspo, check out their modern cottage primary bathroom – trust us, you’ll be swooning.

If you love the penny round look but aren’t quite ready to design your own pattern, explore our new patterned penny round mosaics!

Subway Tile Patterns

It’s no secret we love subway tile – it’s versatile, easy to install, and allows for maximum creativity with endless colors, materials, and finishes to choose from. Keep scrolling to see all the different ways it can be used to showcase design styles ranging from bright and bold to soft and calming.

All about the bright and playful aesthetic? Check out these six tips for designing with color from color-enthusiast and interior designer Ashley Wilson of At Home with Ashley.

Small but impactful trim pieces bring the perfect amount of elegance to this beautiful bathroom. Learn everything you need to know about incorporating tile trim and accessories into your design with our in-depth guide.

Checkerboard Patterns

Checkerboard is back, in a big way. One of our favorite current design trends is custom checkerboard patterns featuring mixed materials – as you can see in the photo below featuring our Volakas marble and Legno limestone. Of course, you can never go wrong with a classic black-and-white color palette either! Explore our extensive selection of square tiles to find the perfect combination for your own custom checkerboard pattern.

This whimsical handmade-look tiled backsplash was created in a kitchen renovation during the Spring 2021 One Room Challenge – check it out to see the before photos, as well as even more breathtaking transformations!

Hex Patterns

Quickly growing in popularity, hexagon tiles bring striking dimension to any space with their bold geometric shape. Smaller hex tiles can achieve the same intricate look of penny-rounds with sharper edges, while larger hexes bring a more dominant feel to a design. We can’t get over these especially creative designs that take tile artistry to the next level!

We absolutely adore the handmade-look tile in this farmhouse kitchen. Along with the fun hex flooring, you can also spot a subtle checkerboard patterned backsplash that offers effortless cohesion and visual interest. Find out just what makes handmade-look tile so special, and see more incredible spaces featuring it, here.

Feeling inspired to make a custom tile pattern of your own? Schedule a free design consultation with one of our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project. Oh, and be sure to tag us @thetileshop on Instagram so we can see your unique creation!

The post Custom Tile Patterns to Personalize Your Space appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.