Design Dilemma: A Guidebook to Floor Tile Patterns

Mediterranean Hall by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Bravo Interior Layout

When it comes to laying tile, there are a myriad of patterns to decide on from. And each diverse pattern can lend a dramatically distinct feeling to your room. Some patterns appear to make a room contract, even though other individuals increase it. Some patterns work better in narrow spaces, and others in massive ones. Some patterns truly feel really present day, while other people really feel Old Planet. Here’s what you ought to know about picking a tile pattern for the ideal impact in your space.

Straight lay tile pattern.

Modern Entry by Portland Architects & Designers Giulietti Schouten Architects

This is almost certainly the most common floor tile pattern. Tiles are laid in a easy grid pattern with corners matched up and grout utilized in straight intersecting lines. The effect, as you can see above, is a clean, contemporary seem.  WHEN TO USE IT: This tile pattern functions well in any space with a great deal going on in terms of colours or patterns. That is due to the fact the simple straight pattern offers no distractions. What’s far more, the straight  lines can be used to direct the eye into yet another area or a highlight in space. In the entry way over, the grid pattern displays a present day zen feeling that is reflected in the use of organic wood trim. The lines of the tile lead straight to the accent wall featuring a red sculpture and tree pattern wall paper.

The Diagonal Tile Pattern

Contemporary Bathroom by Austin Interior Designers & Decorators Laura Burton Interiors

In this pattern, the simple grid pattern of the straight lay is tilted 45 degrees to achieve a diamond impact. WHEN TO USE IT: This is a wonderful pattern to use when you want a space to search larger and wider than it really is. The diagonal pattern can attain this because the angle of the tile directs the eyes out to the corners of the space, making the area feel wider.

The Working Bond Tile Pattern

Contemporary Kitchen by Los Angeles Kitchen & Bath Designers LA Dwelling

If you’ve ever witnessed a brick wall, you’ve noticed the working bond. This pattern is the most common with rectangular tiles (for instance, subway tiles) and you’ll see it used on walls, backsplashes, bathroom tiles, patios and walkways.  Each and every tile is lined up with the center of the tiles straight above and below, creating a staggered pattern, however a cohesive seem. WHEN TO USE IT: Do you have an uneven surface or crooked walls? This pattern is the way to go, because it is the greatest for hiding imperfections. The staggered patterns tricks the eye, removing the focus off of personal tiles and onto the floor as a whole, making it virtually unattainable to spot flaws.

The Herringbone Tile Pattern

Standard Family Area by Westfield Standard Contractors Anthony James Building

This tile pattern gets its title from its resemblance to the skeleton of the Herring, a bony fish. In this pattern, the tiles are lined up at a 45 degree angle so that they are all parallel. This is repeated in reverse on the other side of the tiles, like a mirror image, generating a V shape. This pattern is typical in Europe, in which it provides a sense of elegance to any area. WHEN TO USE IT: The herringbone pattern works wonderfully in tiny rooms because it will make the area seem bigger. The V form tricks the eye into following the sides of the space, comparable to the impact in the diagonal tile pattern. Be careful of using this pattern in a massive space, like the one over, or it can perhaps seem very hectic. This pattern looks excellent in hallways, bathrooms and in kitchens with islands.

The Versailles French Modular Tile Pattern

Traditional Kitchen by San Marcos Interior Designers & Decorators My Unusual Slice of Suburbia

This pattern employs a blend of 4 distinct tile sizes: 8″x8”, 8″x16”, 16″x16”, and 16″x24”. Classy and graceful, but also timeless, this pattern creates a feeling of randomness but with no the chaos given that the tiles repeat in a puzzle-like pattern that is perfectly balanced. Versailles is most typically used with stone tiles like Travertine. WHEN TO USE IT: This pattern operates specially effectively in kitchens or on patios and terraces.

A few suggestions on utilizing tile patterns:

• Larger tiles make a modest room seem larger.


• Really modest tiles can also make a little area appear bigger.


• Avoid the straight lay in a narrow area because the grout lines will echo and reinforce the lines of the walls.


• Maintain it straightforward. Use 3 different supplies or significantly less for ideal result.

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