A Visual Guide to Tile Patterns and Layouts

One tile, so many options.

Running Bond
The standard tile pattern. Classic, traditional and always timeless.

Images: The Merry Men Interiors, Three-D Conceptwerke

Horizontal Stack
A contemporary twist to the classic. Works best with slightly shorter tiles. If you don’t want to feel super modern with this layout, stick with organic-looking, “handmade” tiles.

Images: Cozyspace, The Interior Lab

Vertical Stack
Lends a modern and really graphic element to a space. Great way to accentuate taller ceilings or to make your room seem taller.

Images: Ethereall, Reimage Decor

Vertical Stack Offset
For something visually softer than the vertical stack, offset your tiles slightly. This tile layout also makes things look a little more traditional.

Images: Collective Gen, Lunchbox Architect

Vertical Running Bond
A vertical alternative to the classic running bond pattern. Like vertical stack, it can also lengthen the height of your ceiling

Images: Fuse Concept, Starry Homestead

Diagonal Running Bond
If you want something a little out there, this tile pattern is it. Tiles run similar to the running bond, but are laid out diagonally.

Images: Starry Homestead, Opun

Classic Herringbone
A popular tile pattern that was trendy a couple of years back although it has transcended its hip status to become quite a classic. Stick with simpler looking tiles. A contrasting grout will make the herringbone pattern pop.

Images: Fifth Avenue Interior, Archive Design, Meter Square

Straight Herringbone
A more modern take. Much easier to lay than the standard herringbone pattern. Tiles are set at 90-degree angles to one another.

Images: Icon Interior Design, Create/Enjoy

Sideways Herringbone
A refreshing way to enliven the classic herringbone pattern. Tiles are laid in a 45-degree angle, resulting in “arrows” that draw the eye either left or right.

Images: The Local Inn.terior, Design 4 Space

Basketweave
Less conventional, but will be lovely for a country style or a more traditional setting. If you want to use it in a modern home, go with simple, neutral-toned tiles. In this pattern, tiles are laid in alternating grids and look like weaves on a basket.

 

Images: The Decorologist, Caitlin Wilson

Which will you be going for in your home? Share your favourite tile patterns and layouts with us!