Patterns to lay tile floor
Tile Patterns and Layout Designs
Different Types of Tile Patterns
Wherever you're laying tile in your home, our experts at The Tile Shop are available to help you choose a beautiful pattern - either subtle or eye-catching - that enhances your room's decor.
1. Herringbone
This pattern is made up of V-shaped rows of 45-degree angled tiles. This layout is a classic but more graphic way to install both large or small rectangular tiles.
Popular on backsplashes, subway tiles attain new heights of style in a herringbone layout. A contrasting grout color highlights the unique design.
2. Offset/Staggered Brick
Also known as a running bond, this common brickwork pattern has each tile start at the center of the tile below it. This is a clean and classic layout for subway tiles on walls and floors.
Brick-look tiles in this layout create an industrial vibe in your space. This pattern also flatters handmade-look tiles while adding authenticity.
3. 1/3 Offset
Each tile in this pattern offsets the tile below it by one third of its length, creating a staggered diagonal effect. This layout is often used with one-, two- or three-color designs.
Wood-look and other plank tiles are frequently installed using this layout. In fact, some large-format tiles are required to be 1/3 offset instead so the installation is sound.
4. Grid (Stacked)
This layout is a basic pattern where square tiles are set in a straight line to create a look that’s simple and clean. Rectangular tiles look modern and clean in this arrangement.
For a more traditional look, stack classic square tiles in a grid pattern. A framed accent transforms this backsplash into a statement piece.
5. Stacked Vertical
In this pattern, tiles are stacked vertically, emphasizing the height of your space by making your walls seem taller. Subway tiles suddenly take on new life and geometric appeal in this layout.
Vertically stacked large-format tiles serve to extend your walls and floors in both directions.
Add texture and it’s enough to take an all-white wall to the next level.
6. Pinwheel (Hopscotch)
This pattern uses a smaller square tile at each corner of a larger square to mimic the look of a spinning pinwheel. This layout is a popular flooring pattern, especially with ceramic tile or in small bathrooms.
The subtle pattern created by the pinwheel layout offers the opportunity to incorporate an accent color or tile into another area of the room, tying the whole look together.
7. Random
The design possibilities are endless when you have the freedom to create. This layout is perfect for unconventional spaces. Experiment with three, four or more colors to make a big impression.
Get creative and install your tile in a layout without a distinct pattern. Create bold and graphic interest using black and white hues.
8. Versailles (French)
This elegant pattern uses a combination of square and rectangular tiles to create a puzzle-like, repeating design.
We love using the Versailles layout on floors with natural stone like travertine.
The Versailles pattern gets a modern makeover in a cool-toned, monochromatic space. The mixed and matched tile sizes draw subtle attention to the floor without distracting from the rest of the space.
9. Basket Weave (Geometric)
This timeless design uses a mosaic of tiles with tiny squares that resemble the over-under stitching motion of a woven basket.
Basket weave mosaics deliver soft patterning and can be styled in a traditional or contemporary way depending on the surrounding tiles and decor.
10. Diagonal (Diamond)
This layout uses square tiles laid at a 45-degree angle. A great way to make your floors appear wider, we also love it for walls and backsplashes.
A picture frame accent is always a good idea. By laying coordinating tiles on an angle, you create subtle interest without distracting from the main color.
11. Chevron
Similar to herringbone, this layout instead has the shorter end of the tiles lined up to form a mitered 45-degree joint.
Unless your tile is specifically designed for this layout, it will have to be cut to fit.
Play with mixing and matching different colors to create a bold chevron design. This black-and-white accent wall is endlessly stylish and classic at the same time.
Nothing beats seeing the tile in person. Come in to browse our huge selection of tile options at a store near you.
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TILE PATTERNS BY LOCATION
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TILE PATTERNS BY SHAPE
TILE PATTERNS BY MATERIAL
Tile Patterns for Floors, Walls and Backsplashes
Tile Layout Ideas by Installation Location
The pattern you decide for your tile layout is just as significant as the color, texture and shape. It’s important to consider how the arrangement of your tile installation can add a special element to any room in your home.
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Floor Tile Pattern IdeasInstalling tile flooring is a practical decision that’s also an effective way to impart your personal aesthetic and set the tone for any room’s decor. The wide variety of tile patterns available means that there’s one that will complement any budget or style, from contemporary to rustic to traditional. Whether you’re working on your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or entryway, patterns like chevron, Versailles, herringbone, offset, diagonal or basket weave can define your space and set it apart. One stylish statement we love is installing a rug pattern in your entryway for a fun focal point.
2. Wall Tile Pattern Ideas
From eye-catching to subtle, installing an attractive tile design can turn your walls into a work of art. A border or listello with a burst of pattern and color will draw the eye and add an engaging, decorative element to your home. Consider creating an accent or feature wall to draw attention in a room, whether it’s your fireplace surround, behind your bed’s headboard or where your TV is mounted.
Your shower area is an opportunity to showcase an interesting tile layout that will create a vibe that’s lively and welcoming. Our selection of architectural tile has a variety of textures and even 3-D effects that are a perfect way to inject some life into your wall patterns, no matter which room you’re working on in your home.
3. Backsplash Pattern Ideas
Installing a tile backsplash in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room or entryway ensures that you’ll have a durable surface that’s easy to clean. Adding a bold pattern can make your walls pop with personality and establish an area that stands out. From arabesque to mosaic to diamond, there’s really no end to the design possibilities for your tile backsplash pattern. We love how an exciting pattern can brighten up your area above the stove or sink. A striking band of decorative listello tile can provide a bold break from the rest of your wall, and a unique border design can mimic the look of artwork inside a picture frame.
Your backsplash is an ideal area to flex your creative muscles with an interesting pattern design.
4. Shower Tile Pattern Ideas
A quick way to elevate the look and feel of your bathroom is by installing an interesting tile pattern in your shower area. Create a focal point by making your largest wall (or the most visible one) into an accent wall with a striking mosaic, herringbone or geometric layout. Even subway and 1/3 offset patterns can make your shower area stand out when you select a stylish finish. Your shower is a place where you’re going to spend a lot of time, so it makes sense to make your space a special one.
Nothing beats seeing the tile in person. Come in to browse our huge selection of tile options at a store near you.
Schedule Your Design Consultation
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Ways of laying tiles on the floor
Tiles are indispensable in modern housing, and at least one room in a house or apartment has ceramic flooring.
For example, for floors in a bathroom or bathroom, this is the best option. Another question is which pattern is better to lay the tiles. Ways of laying tiles on the floor can be different, quite a lot of them have been invented.
If you have not yet purchased the tiles, then first it makes sense to find out how you can lay them so that the room looks interesting and unusual. Although you can, of course, use the usual methods of masonry. nineOl000 deck
Installation methods
There are many ways to install tiles. Experienced craftsmen sometimes combine several of them in order to achieve exclusivity of projects, but, one way or another, they are based on three traditional ones, on the basis of which new options are born.
Basic patterns include laying diagonally, evenly, and offset by half a tile, i.e. type of brickwork. These methods are familiar to everyone, and anyone, even an inexperienced tiler, understands how to work with them. nine0003
laid out from tiles of the same color, there may be options with two, three or more colors of the material, which lay out various patterns - this masonry is called mosaic or chess.
More sophisticated techniquesOther, more complex masonry, such as deck, herringbone, labyrinth, wattle, parquet or carpet, have an individual character and are designed for specific interiors made in certain styles. To know how they look and what kind of interior they fit, you first need to understand the technique of their laying. nine0003
Basic method
This installation option is familiar to everyone and quite popular. It is he who is the easiest way to transform the floors in the room with the help of ceramic tiles.
Due to the ease of its installation, many of them independently, without the involvement of specialists, cope with this work.
The tiles are laid in rows without shifting. The most difficult moment with this method of laying is maintaining the evenness of the rows and the seams between them. nine0003
Video: An interesting way to maintain the level and distance between tiles
With a well prepared subfloor, installation work will not take much time.
The positive qualities of this laying method are economy and less labor intensity. This coating will require much less material than other methods, since you will have to cut the tile less and only at right angles.
Large tiles that do not have a pattern can visually make the room larger. Floor material that has deep, rich colors and is neatly laid in this way looks just as good as more complex installation methods.
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If two colors of tiles are used for this flooring, it can create a great, invigorating checkerboard pattern that will make the room look wider. It is especially good to use this color effect for the kitchen area, since most apartment kitchens have a small area.
floor tiles
"brick" method
Another familiar method is the "brick" or "staggered" method. This is an even simpler method of laying tiles than the first, as it requires only longitudinal rows to be perfectly even. The tiles are laid in subsequent rows with an offset of half a tile, so if the shift occurs one or two millimeters more in one direction or the other, this will not be visually noticeable. This fact and the fact that the elements do not have to be cut diagonally greatly simplifies the work, and you can also do it yourself. nine0003 Staggered laying
In order for the process to proceed smoothly, one rule must be remembered: if the first row starts with a solid tile, then the next one must start with a half, and so on.
To maintain an even horizontal seam, you need to use special crosses.
It should be borne in mind that if tiles of two different colors or having a different texture are chosen for installation in this way, then the floors will visually appear uneven - this fact is considered by tilers to be a disadvantage of this method.
Diagonal laying Tiles laid diagonally
Diagonal laying can be carried out both with the basic method and with the “brickwork” method. It is called diagonal due to the fact that the main direction of laying runs from one corner of the room to the opposite. The presented diagram clearly shows how the elements will be located when laying in this way. Before starting work, it would be nice to make a drawing showing the specific arrangement of elements. If two or more colors are selected for a tile, then they need to be tinted in the picture. nine0003 For starters, it would be nice to draw up a diagram
To cut tiles diagonally, you need to have some experience, and if you don’t have it, then it’s better to entrust this work to a specialist.
In this case, when the checkerboard arrangement of the two colors of tiles is planned to be laid diagonally, the room will also appear larger, but not in width, but in length. Therefore, such a pattern should be chosen when it is necessary not to visually expand, but to lengthen the room. nine0003
Herringbone pattern
This utterly charming way of laying flooring imitates parquet. It looks neat and always attracts the eye, so the work on laying it must be done very carefully. A Christmas tree pattern will not work out of a square tile, therefore, if such an arrangement is intended, you need to purchase rectangular models.
Herringbone installationIf you want to expand the room visually using the herringbone method, choose narrow tiles for installation. The work will take a little longer, but you will get the desired effect. nine0003
If the room is too large and lacks comfort, then it can be made visually compact by large rectangles.
Multi-colored tiles that will replace one another are perfect for this method - this will give the room individuality and brightness.
Laying such a pattern begins with solid elements, having previously marked the first row of their location. Small triangles can be laid at the end of work.
Labyrinth method
This way of laying tiles is called "maze" or "braid". It can be made in different versions, but it always creates the impression of intertwining stripes, in the middle of which a square of a darker or lighter color appears.
An interesting way of laying - "braid" or "maze"For interlacing elements, choose a rectangular tile, for the middle - a smaller square. When purchasing material for such styling, you need to immediately fold one of the sections of the pattern in the store so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions. nine0003
This styling looks very rich in the interior, especially if you choose the right colors.
For a bathroom that does not have windows, a warm yellow tint is perfect, which will create a kind of backlight, and the room will look brighter due to it.
Deck method
A very interesting way of laying a ceramic coating that mimics the shape of a deck plank device. The tile is laid with a slight offset, and it is very important that this distance is the same throughout the floor plane. nine0003 “Deck” – like a real wood flooring
The method is somewhat reminiscent of brickwork, but the displacement of the elements does not occur by half a tile, but by a small distance. The pattern on the material is also of great importance - if it is a wood structure and an unglazed type of coating is chosen, then at first glance such a floor will completely pass for wood.
Offset method
This method uses small and large square tiles that can vary in size by four, six or eight times. This is a rather complicated method, and without the appropriate experience, masonry can turn out to be sloppy.
The difficulty lies in the fact that the whole structure can go skewed, it is enough to make a mistake in only one place. Therefore, having conceived such a complex coating, it is better to entrust its device to a specialist. nine0003 Laying offset
But it should be noted that such a pattern of the floor, when choosing a suitable color, will well hide the slope of the surface and create the atmosphere of a medieval castle or palace hall.
Carpet method
In this way, you can decorate any room by choosing the desired pattern. The photo shows one of the many options that can be more difficult or easier.
A kind of panel - “carpet” The essence of this method is that two or more colors of tiles are used and a border that frames several elements along the perimeter. If you have experience with ceramic coating, then it will not be difficult to arrange such a coating. This option is well suited for a bathroom if it has a large enough area, for a hallway and even a hall if there is a warm floor.
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“Kaleidoscope” method
This method of laying tiles is not quite common and very interesting, especially since you can make a drawing for it yourself by drawing a diagram and coloring it in the right colors. The work must be carried out strictly according to the outline, as it is easy to get confused in the prepared elements. It would be nice to draw a floor plane to make it easier to navigate while working.
Motley “kaleidoscope”It should be noted that the method is quite complicated, it is impossible to level the floor surface, so it must be brought into perfect condition in advance. This flooring is suitable for the hallway and bathroom, as well as the kitchen area. nine0003
Laying tiles with cut corners
This flooring will certainly decorate the room, bringing an atmosphere of order and solidity into it. The work is carried out in much the same way as laying ordinary tiles diagonally or in the basic traditional way, but small squares installed between large elements create a special mood and charm in the room.
Usually this type of flooring does not have bright colors, it is made with discreet pastel colors, well matched to each other. This is what creates the rich look of a floor decorated in this way. nine0003
Video: the original way of laying tiles
Installation tips
- The first thing to prepare perfectly so that the tile looks aesthetically pleasing and has sufficient rigidity is the base.
- The finished base plate must be thoroughly cleaned using a vacuum cleaner. nine0010
- Depending on the humidity of the room, the composition of the adhesive is selected.
- Markings are required on the surface of the cleaned floor if the tiles are to be laid using one of the difficult methods.
- Prepare part of the tile, if it needs to be cut, and lay it out on a thick cloth or paper of the same size as the area for which it is intended.
This moment is very important if the method "carpet" or "kaleidoscope" is chosen - Next, you need to determine the center of the floor of the room, since you need to start laying some complex patterns from it. If simple masonry is used, then work can be started both from the middle and from any angle. nine0010
- Before laying the tiles, it is best to treat the base with liquid waterproofing agents, then it will adhere to the surface reliably. After the impregnation has dried, you can start laying the tiles.
- After the tile adhesive has dried (the manufacturer indicates the required time on the packaging), you can start grouting. For grouting, it is very important to choose a quality material that has a color that will organically combine with the colors of the ceramic coating. nine0010
tile adhesive
Interior floor tiles
It should be noted right away that in residential premises, tiling is carried out only with heated floors.
Ceramic coating is an environmentally friendly material that does not cause allergies, as it does not accumulate a large amount of dirt and dust, such as carpet. Therefore, it is perfect for any room with underfloor heating, provided you choose a non-slippery type of tile. nine0003 Interior with strict even tiling
The photo shows the interior of the living room with traditional ceramic tile flooring. Despite the usual masonry, the floors look quite rich and neat. Tiles with a laminate pattern are in perfect harmony with the decorative design of the interior, emphasizing its modernity.
Interior with “masonry” on the floor In this case, the method of laying the material “brickwork” was used. The floors have soothing shades that blend seamlessly with the pastel colors of furniture upholstery, walls, curtains and other living room accessories. Despite the absence of a carpet, the room looks cozy precisely thanks to the correctly selected warm color shades of the floor and individual decorative elements of the interior.
nine0003 The original tiled “carpet” in the living room
In this version, the tiles are laid in the form of a carpet, which combines a complex of two laying methods - diagonal and basic traditional, framed by a decorative ceramic border. This design of the floor of the room makes it respectable and rich. In addition, such a "carpet" divides the dining room into two zones - a dining area, under which it is laid, and a recreation area, which is decorated with diagonal masonry. The combination of warm and neutral gray tones, as well as the pattern on the tiles, bring noble hues to the interior. nine0003 This two-tone diagonal installation visually lengthens the room.
Floors laid out diagonally from black and white tiles visually stretch the room and give it unusualness and mystery. The perception of reality changes in the person who enters such an interior due to the abundance of shapes and colors surrounding him. Despite the fact that the floor covering, as it were, exists separately from all the accessories available in the room, the interior is quite harmonious.
Of course, not every apartment owner will want to have such impulsive color combinations in their living quarters, but they can be replaced with calmer and warmer shades. With such changes, the room will acquire a completely different character. nine0003
Whichever method of laying the ceramic flooring is chosen, it must be remembered that the floors and the material from which they are made play one of the most important roles in creating the overall image of the house. Therefore, this issue must be approached with all responsibility.
Floor tiles - By floor
Floor tiles are designed not only to improve the quality of the floor, but also to decorate the appearance of the room. However, most of us use only boring grids of squares and stripes of rectangles. Many do not even realize that ordinary tiles can be laid, so that the room will sparkle with a new and interesting mood. But hidden inspection hatches for tiles must be chosen correctly. nine0213
Contents
- 1 How to lay tiles
- 2 Floor Tiling Patterns - Ideas
How to lay tiles
When interior designers wonder how to tile, they look to architecture and textiles for inspiration.
When laying out patterns from tiles, you must follow simple rules. Light drawings visually enlarge the room. Large ones make the room small. Bright structural patterns divert attention from the "limited" space. nine0003
Before choosing a tile color, you need to know that a dark floor creates the illusion of a higher ceiling. In addition, the pattern and design of the tiles should be combined with furniture, evoke pleasant and positive feelings. To make it easier for you to choose a pattern for your floor, here are some of the most common ways to lay out a pattern.
Floor Tile Patterns - Ideas
There are many options for how to glue tiles on the floor, the number of patterns increases several times if two contrasting colors are used. In the center of the room, you can lay out a larger drawing, and lay out a decorative drawing in a different color scheme along the edges. See how this can be done in the photo below. nine0003
Square patterns
Even square patterns can be laid out in different ways.
Diagonals can run both along and across the floor. Best of all, such a pattern looks in two colors, that is, when the color is interspersed in a checkerboard pattern. By gluing the tiles diagonally at 45°. The pattern is obtained in the form of rhombuses and looks completely different from straight squares.
Brickwork pattern
Rectangular tiles in the form of bricks for the floor are one of the most popular. It is laid out in rows, alternating the stripes of each row in the form of brickwork. So that the middle of the tile of each second row coincides with the junction of two adjacent tiles of the first row. nine0003
Weaving pattern
Patterns made up of rectangular tiles can be very diverse. To lay it out in the form of weaving, similar to weaving from a vine, you need to put two tiles horizontally opposite each other. Under them, two tiles are laid vertically. The pattern continues to be laid vertically and horizontally in pairs over the entire surface.
See the diagrams of the drawings in the photo below.
Herringbone pattern
Laying out a herringbone pattern is somewhat more difficult, since the tiles are laid in the shape of the letter "V". To simplify the process, outline two lines - horizontal and vertical, along which tiles will be laid. And guided by the level, combine the previous elements of the pattern. An alternative to the herringbone pattern can be the same alternation of rectangular tiles with square ones. See the pattern in the photo below.
The diagonal herringbone is not as chaotic as the herringbone described above. It is laid out in one row of rectangles arranged diagonally. Subsequent rows are stacked and aligned according to the pattern of the first row. nine0003
The tile pattern on the floor can alternate with ribbons of individual patterns. The hexagonal patterns also look very nice. All you need is to lay out an even row and then just line up the edges of the next tiles evenly.
Another very simple but interesting pattern for laying tiles on the floor is a pattern similar to a children's spinner or windmill. When four pairs of rectangular tiles are laid out around a square tile on the sides.
The options listed, showing how to lay tiles, are the simplest, so they are most often used for floors. However, there are a large number of other more complex drawings. Always remember that when thinking about how to lay out a tile, there are a number of important things to consider. First of all, you need to decide what result you want to achieve. Emphasize the design of the room or focus on the floor. nine0003
In the end, complex drawings and patterns will require more professionalism, effort, time and a lot of money from you. Before buying a tile, you need to consult with professionals in order to understand how to properly combine colors and textures. How to lay out the tiles in such a way as to combine the transitions to other floor coverings of the apartment.
