The Definitive Guide to Tile Patterns

Basketweave Pattern Tiles
Basketweave pattern tiles are perfect for updating smaller spaces thanks to their more subtle design. You can form basketweave tiles into other configurations as long as you focus on looking at the overall picture.

Basketweave tiles are well known for their distinctive shape, classic style, and flexibility. You can change the tiles to rest differently on a diagonal plane or tilt the design, so it runs parallel, focusing on the lines between each row of tiles.

Herringbone Pattern Tiles
If you’re looking for something sleek and stylish, you can’t go wrong with herringbone pattern tiles. When you use herringbone tiles to create a pattern, you draw the eye to the tiles and invite a full view of the space.

Pair light herringbone tiles with fresh visual accents, such as plants, for a modern and intriguing look.

Subway Pattern Tiles
Subway tiles have become extremely common, but that doesn’t mean that they’re boring. With these tiles, you have a wide variety of colours, thicknesses, and even materials to choose from.

Choose light subway pattern tiles for a neutral vibe, like when staging a home for sale. Go with dark subway tiles when you want to make a bold statement, like in the parents retreat or a moody powder room.

Windmill Pattern Tiles
If you want a bold-looking floor, you might want to use windmill pattern tiles. In one large tile square, you’d have four smaller squares sliced in half diagonally to create right triangles. 

Windmill pattern tiles usually come in black and white. However, choosing different colours will make the room pop. You can also opt to colour only a few windmills on your floor for a more unusual look.

Pinwheel Pattern Tiles
Pinwheel pattern tiles are similar to windmills. In each larger square, four rectangles surround a different-coloured small central square. Usually, the centre will have a darker colour than the outside rectangles.

In some cases, all of them will have different colours, but the centre is always drastically different. These look best on floors in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Stretcher Bond Pattern Tiles
This pattern employs long subway-style tiles in a staggered, brick-like style. However, they are all the same size. Stretcher bond pattern tiles work best on walls, especially in bathrooms. Lighter shades look best on the walls as they open the room up.

Cobblestone Pattern Tiles
If you want something outdoorsy, try out cobblestone pattern tiles. Each tile should be textured, and it can vary in shape and size. You have a lot of freedom with this style, but most patterns are rounded.

It’s worth noting that indoor cobblestone doesn’t work as well. This pattern looks best on patios and driveways.

English Bond Pattern Tiles
English bond pattern tiles vary between a row of long tiles and one with short tiles. Since it is brick-like, it looks best as accent walls or in bathrooms. However, you can get away with more colours with English bond tiles than other brick-like patterns.

English Cross Bond Pattern Tiles
English cross bond pattern tiles are a lot like standard English bonds. However, the lines of short tiles will intersect periodically by replacing one of the long tiles. An even shorter tile next to the crossed set can push them in the correct position and keep everything aligned.

Making the crosses different colours than the rest of the tiles will add a fun feel to this classic brick-style pattern. You could also keep the short tiles one colour and the long tiles another for a simpler variation.

Brick Bond Pattern Tiles
Brick bond pattern tiles bring that classic feel to a space. Whether you choose a small square, subway, encaustic, or any other tile, you can style it in a brick-like pattern.

You can go for a bold look by mixing and matching colours, prints and styles. Or, you can make a brick bond pattern with one type of tile for a simpler look that still attracts attention.

Diamond Pattern Tiles
Consider diamond pattern tiles for a classic look that still attracts some visual interest. You can find them in solid shades, simple prints, or with a textured look.

If you opt for one of the brighter tiles, you could pair it with a simple off-white wall and colourful furniture for a retro feel. The textured tiles add an earthy vibe to the room, especially paired with plants, wood, and natural stones.

Mosaic Pattern Tiles
Mosaic pattern tiles are extremely versatile. If you are willing to take risks, they are a great way to change the look of a space and make it unique to you! It’s a show stopping tile, so use cautiously if you’re trying to maintain a neutral space.

Using mosaic tiles, you can make the individual squares small, large, or even go with a completely different shape.

Horizontal-Stacked Pattern Tiles
While brick bond patterns stagger the tiles, horizontal-stacked pattern tiles align same-size tiles horizontally and evenly. This pattern creates a sleek, modern look suited for bathroom and kitchen walls.

Try using lighter colours to open the space of the room. If you use the horizontal-stacked pattern tiles on an accent wall, you can experiment with darker shades. You’ll probably want to avoid tiles with prints with this style as it can look overly busy.

6 Tips for Tile Patterns
1- Grab some tile samples to see what you like!
2- Choose a tile retailer that offers design consultations to talk through your ideas
3- Buy a few full sized samples to be able to play around with different potential tile patterns
4- Use light colours to open up a room
5- Keep dark colours to floors and accent walls
6- Consider the grout colour you would use for your tile pattern as this will affect the overall look.

Find the perfect tiles for your home today!
Finding the right tile for your next renovation project is all about bringing the vision you have for the room to life. The right tiles can change the look of a space from coastal cool to farmhouse chic in the blink of an eye. Find the perfect tiles for your home today with fast delivery and expert design advice at TileCloud.com.au.