Classic and classy, hexagon tile lends itself to customized patterns like this posh polka-dot tile bathroom floor designed by Beginning in the Middle. Using the marble Firenze Carrara honed hex and the Black Marquina polished hex tile, this bold layout is both elegant and whimsical. Shop our full selection of hexagon tile to create your own customized design.

When considering your tile layout design, don’t forget about your grout joints. The thickness of your joints—and the color of your grout—are essential to your tile design. We love the new trend towards wider grout joints, as is exemplified in this shower featuring the Cool Blue tile. The band of white grout between the tiles is a fresh break from the dark blue squares. Shop our pro-grade grout, including The Tile Shop exclusive Superior grouts with updated formulas.

Create an elegant sense of movement to your space with a chevron design. Characterized by the distinct "v shape" this tile will zigzag across your wall or floor. The grey veining in the Meram Blanc Carrara chevron marble tile, featured in this lovely kitchen designed by Nikki Chu adds an extra organic flow to this design. This layout can be created by expertly cutting rectangular subway tiles, but we have a wide variety of easy-to-install chevron mosaic tiles to achieve this look.

A collection of different-sized square and rectangular tiles goes into creating a traditional Versailles pattern. This classic floor tile pattern is perfect for creating a distinguished but understated design like this kitchen designed by Wit and Delight. The Queen Beige Tumbled Small Versailles tile combines elegant creamy marble with the intricate design for a floor that complements a range of styles, even a boldly veined marble backsplash.

Subway tile is a staple that never goes out of style, but if you want your design to go beyond the everyday try combining two subway layouts. This chic kitchen features a classic brick lay design with a herringbone pattern to highlight the stove backsplash. For a complex layout like this one, it's important to commit to a single tile. The sleek and chic Tribeca Basalt tile adds character to this space with its handmade-look details.

Rectangular 12" x 24" tiles are one of our most popular sized tiles. While they are in a wide variety of materials and looks, many people choose this size for stone or stone-look tiles. Install these tiles in a straight stack for a continuous slab look, or stagger them, as is done for the Trecento Calacatta Marbello luxury vinyl tile in this luxurious utility room designed by Craven Haven.

Small squares are interwoven with larger rectangles for an elegant basketweave pattern. This classic layout will look stunning in either a traditional or contemporary design, like this coastal-inspired bathroom designed by Timber Trails and using the Meram Blanc Carrara Niles with Grey tile. The natural veining in the marble tile creates extra interest in this intricate mosaic tile design.

This mix of vertical and horizontal stacked subway tile creates a unique and modern layout in this classy kitchen. We like how uniform the Coco Amber Grey glossy tile design looks, but you could easily mix colors or finishes for dramatic effect. Want more subway tile ideas? Check out this guide to subway tile layouts.

A new twist on subway, picket tile is characterized by its elongated form and pointed ends. Typical layouts are vertical or horizontal, but we love how this tile looks when turned forty-five degrees. The matching grout looks elegant with the Lanse Matte Black Picket tile, but for an even more dramatic design, try a contrasting grout.

Don't let the simplicity of the grid layout deceive you, there are a lot of ways to customize this orderly design. Whether you choose small mosaic squares or oversized 24 x 24 in. tile or anywhere in between, the material, look (patterned or solid color) and size of the grout lines will make a huge difference in your design. This basic grid layout designed by Fox Homes features the Zellige White Gloss handmade tile. The variation in size and uneven surface of this tile creates natural interest and the wide grout lines add to the appeal. Shop our full assortment of square tiles to make your own grid look.

Tile is a hard material, but a curved edge will lend softness to your design. The Wave tile (shown here in Old Cream) will add gentle movement to your tile design when installed in an alternating pattern. We love how this pattern creates a flow to this bathroom wall, but read on for another layout idea.

This charming modern kitchen shows how your tile layout can change the look and feel of your space. The Wave Grey Owl tile is installed in an offset pattern, giving this backsplash a pillowy rather than a wave effect. The versatility of this tile makes it perfect for a variety of styles. Shop it in all four colorways: Blue Reef, Old Cream, White and Grey Owl.

A vertical subway tile will give your space the illusion of height, perfect for a cramped shower or bathroom. This gorgeous shower uses the Brick x Brick by Alison Victoria in Petal tile for a modern twist on a brick wall. We love how the layout is continued into the shower niche for an elegant, cohesive design.

Don't let the tile edge limit your layout. By expertly cutting tiles to fit together, you can create your own unique design. That's what Bari J. Ackerman did in this ultra-glam, art deco bathroom. The Imperial Ivory matte hex and Imperial Pink gloss hex tile where precisely cut to create these stunning arches. For instructions on how to create your own customized design, check out this comprehensive How to Cut Tile guide. 

Another example of how a mix of subway tile layouts can create interest in your tile design, this bathroom features a stunning double vertical stripe of the Coco Canvas glossy tile in a horizontal wall of the Coco Canvas matte tile. We love the way the vertical stripe perfectly bisects the wall and creates a visual separation from the upper and lower half of the room, like wainscoting in a traditional design.

Another unexpected subway tile layout, this stunning bathroom uses the Coco White glossy tile and the Coco White matte tile in vertical stripes. The mix of finishes creates a gorgeous, but subtle design, allowing the light to do most of the work. Use this tile design in a room with large windows to get the effect you desire.

Like an accent wall or backsplash, a tiled focal point in a shower will create interest and add a highly designed element to your space. This shower features a stripe of the Toris Bandes black-and-white patterned tile. This space shows how important layout is for patterned tile. The tile pieces are mirrored for a diamond design but turn the pieces to face all the same direction, and you’d have zig-zag lines. Either way, we love how this simple black and white pattern is a beautiful contrast to the Amazona Amendoa Wood Look tile.

Another tiled focal point, a picture frame is a great way to add interest to your design. This beautiful kitchen backsplash features a picture frame highlighting the decorative Vintage Nero patterned tile. Trim is important to this design element. You can layer the trim or use a single simple piece like the Firenze Carrara Somerset shown here. Find tips on designing with trim in our Q & A with Director of Design, Kirsty Froelich.

The uniform size of the Herringbone Gloss White and the Herringbone Gloss Black tile allow for a chic, custom design. Create your own layout like this fun backsplash design with the look of geometric, tiled drips. Discover all the possibilities by shopping our full assortment of herringbone tiles.

This classic layout uses the traditional Moroccan tile shapes. The Zellige Charcoal Chabone Star matte and the Zellige Charcoal Chabone Cross glossy tile create a beautiful variation of a checkerboard pattern. The mix of finishes makes for an elegant effect as light moves through the space. If you love this classic design and perfectly imperfect handmade tile, shop our full assortment of Zellige tile.

Stripes are a simple design element that will instantly elevate your space. While this design can be achieved with virtually any tile, we love how Timber Trails used paired the Legno travertine and San Dona marble tiles to create this elegant shower design. The natural horizontal veining in the stone tiles adds extra movement and interest to this space. If you like this relaxed, neutral design, read our Coastal Chic style guide.

Another favorite subway tile layout, the vertical stack will add height to a cramped space like this low-ceilinged shower designed by Coco and Jack. If you like everything neatly lined on your shelves, the straight stack will provide a calming sense of order. This space uses the Splendor Blanco handmade-look tile, the slight variation in the tile adds interest to this elegantly simple design.

A checkerboard design comes in so many winning combinations, from classic black and white to patterned and multi-colored. Any square tile can be used to create this fun design. Timber Trails used the Bucak Light Walnut travertine and Arctic White marble tile to create this stunning layout. The natural texture and veining in the stone add interest to this classy design.

Inspired by the look of glazed pottery and the colors of the California coast, the newest tiles from designer Jeffrey Alan Marks feature a glossy abstract overlay and a matte beige base. The Big Sur —available in Sea Spray and Off the Hook (shown here)—include six distinct tile faces that can be installed in a variety of layouts for a customized pattern.

If you can't decide between a vertical or horizontal subway layout, mix them both with a fun and unexpected grid stack. By stacking four subway tiles (or three, if you're using wider tiles), you can create an intricate basketweave movement to your walls or floors. This stunning shower wall uses the Look Avio tile. The slight variations in the tone and texture of this handmade-look tile add a sense of movement to this space.

A tiled accent wall is the perfect way to highlight a special feature. This free-standing tub is made even more impressive with the Casablanca Mosaic tile framed by the Black Marquina Barnes trim. While the beautiful mixed stone mosaic creates a charming design, the thick Barnes trim border adds a sense of grandeur and drama to this space—demonstrating that the right trim can make a huge difference in your design. If you love this impressive trim border, shop our full selection of barnes tiles.