Which Floor Tile Pattern is Right for Your Home? | STL Tile Company (2024)

From a traditional straight lay pattern to a trendy chevron pattern, tile dramatically transforms every space in your home. However, it can be overwhelming to choose wall or floor tile patterns that suit your needs.

At St. Louis Tile Company, we do more than help you choose tile. We also help you find a tile pattern that suits you and your design project, so you have a space you love for years to come.

Popular Wall and Floor Tile Patterns

Straight Lay Pattern

Which Floor Tile Pattern is Right for Your Home? | STL Tile Company (1)

As the simplest way to install tile, a straight lay tile pattern is versatile, reliable, and easy to install. It is one of the most popular floor tile patterns and is ideal for walls, countertops, backsplashes, and outdoor spaces.

To install a straight lay pattern, all you have to do is set square or rectangular tiles horizontally, square to the wall in parallel rows.

Diagonal Pattern

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Otherwise known as a diamond tile pattern, diagonal tile pattern refers to a specific tile layout technique. The diagonal tile pattern involves square-shaped tiles, which are laid at a 45-degree angle to create a diamond effect.

The diagonal tile pattern creates a dynamic look that makes any small space appear larger than it is. It is one of the best floor tile patterns for small areas, such as entryways, halls, and bathrooms.

Brick Tile Pattern

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A brick tile pattern is a simple option that adds the illusion of height and space. As a common choice for kitchens and bathrooms, the brick pattern has offset grout lines that make it difficult to focus on minor flaws.

The brick tile pattern is a popular option for both wall and floor tile patterns. To achieve the brick tile pattern, you need to create staggered grout lines by lining the end of each tile with the center of the tiles above and below it.

Herringbone Pattern

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Popular in Europe for hundreds of years, a herringbone tile pattern is an elegant, timeless option that involves rectangular tiles. Herringbone tile pattern utilizes a wide V shape, which creates movement and draws the eye outward to create the illusion of additional width.

While the herringbone tile pattern is one of the most common floor tile patterns, it also adds visual interest to walls and backsplashes. It is a popular option for kitchens and bathrooms, as well as outdoor spaces like walkways and patios.

To create a herringbone tile pattern, you will take a rectangular tile and turn it at a 45-degree angle to form one side of a V shape. You will then add a second tile, so it is perpendicular to the end of the first tile, which forms the other side of the V shape.

Checkerboard Pattern

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A checkerboard tile pattern imitates the look of a checkerboard and alternates two colors of the same-size tiles in either a straight or diagonal pattern. Although black and white tiles are the most popular option, you can use other colors for a bold, contemporary look.

As one of the most classic floor tile patterns, a checkerboard tile pattern adds vintage flair to any room, including living rooms, entryways, mudrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.

To install your checkerboard tile pattern, you should use chalk lines to find the center of the room and dry lay your first four squares around the point. Next, you will work the pattern out to the walls, so cuts will surround the perimeter of the room.

Chevron Pattern

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Similar in design to herringbone, a chevron pattern is a lively, unique option for every space in your home. The chevron tile pattern imitates movement with rhombus shapes that join together to form an arrow-like effect.

To achieve a chevron tile pattern, you need to create rows of rectangle tiles. Every row should face the opposite direction of the tile next to it, which creates a V shape and an overall textured zig-zag pattern.

Choose the St. Louis Tile Experts

St. Louis Tile Company is your go-to destination for wall and floor tiles. If you want to shop our extensive selection, visit our showroom in Ellisville. We are open seven days a week, with extended evening hours. To schedule your appointment, contact us online or call (636) 220-3550.

Which Floor Tile Pattern is Right for Your Home? | STL Tile Company (2024)

FAQs

Which Floor Tile Pattern is Right for Your Home? | STL Tile Company? ›

The straight lay tile pattern is best for rooms where you want to keep the design simple, yet modern. However, the simple elegance of a straight lay tile pattern can also be perfect for rooms with intricate designs and vibrant color palettes.

What is the best pattern to lay floor tiles? ›

Best Tile Patterns
  • Square-Set or Grid Tile Pattern. It is the most common and the easiest of square tile patterns. ...
  • Diagonal Pattern. ...
  • Running Bond/Brick Tile Pattern. ...
  • Herringbone Pattern. ...
  • Chevron Pattern. ...
  • Basket Weave Tile Pattern. ...
  • Windmill Pattern or Pinwheel (Hopscotch) Pattern.
Nov 9, 2019

What is the most popular tile pattern? ›

The straight lay pattern is the most common and straightforward tile pattern. Tiles are laid out in a straight line, with each row being offset by half the length of the tile. This creates a uniform, clean look that works well in modern, minimalist, or traditional spaces.

Why is 50% tile pattern not recommended? ›

"For large tiles exhibiting the maximum allowable warpage, 50% offsets are guaranteed to exhibit lippage. To address this on a practical basis, some manufacturers recommend against any patterns with offsets in excess of 33%, if the tile being used has an edge larger than 18 inches.

What is the 3 4 5 rule for tiling? ›

To get a perfectly square corner, you want to aim for a measurement ratio of 3:4:5. In other words, you want a three-foot length on your straight line, a four-foot length on your perpendicular line, and a five-foot length across. If all three measurements are correct, you'll have a perfectly square corner.

How do I choose a floor pattern? ›

Aim for a pattern and color shades that look fit and neat rather than cluttered and busy. Another flooring layout tip is to always run the planks along the longest direction of the room, meaning that for a rectangular shaped room, the long side of the plank or tile should be in line with the longest wall.

What tile pattern makes a room look bigger? ›

Diagonal and Diamond Arrangement

Not only do diagonal or diamond tile patterns help create a statement feature wall, but they will also help break up any harsh lines. As the boundaries and harsh-lines are less defined, this subtle arrangement tricks the eye into perceiving the space to appear much bigger than it is!

What tile pattern has the least waste? ›

While the patterns for a tile can depend on personal preference and the general layout of a room, you're likely to cut down on waste by selecting a straight pattern. It's easier to plan the number of tiles you need, and you're more open to sizes and shapes.

What is the hardest tile pattern to lay? ›

What Is the Most Difficult Tile Pattern?
  • Herringbone Pattern. A pattern where rectangular tiles are laid in a zigzag pattern. ...
  • Pinwheel Pattern. ...
  • Quatrefoil Pattern. ...
  • Pebble Pattern. ...
  • Versailles Pattern. ...
  • Basketweave Pattern. ...
  • Windmill Pattern. ...
  • Hexagon Pattern.

What is the best tile pattern for uneven floors? ›

Running Bond Tile Pattern

This design uses rectangular or subway tiles and is perfect for hiding imperfections in your flooring. For example, the running bond tile pattern can help conceal floors that are slightly uneven.

How do you determine floor tile layout? ›

Draw Reference Line to Measure Area
  1. Mark the Wall Centers. Measure the length of one wall and divide it in half. ...
  2. Snap First Chalk Line. Take a chalk line and place it on the nail. ...
  3. Create Second Reference Line. Measure the length of your chalk line and then divide it in half. ...
  4. Lay Tile Using Reference Lines.
Sep 28, 2020

How do you transition from one tile pattern to another? ›

Using Wide Strips or Decorative Profiles: An alternative approach to transitions between flooring materials involves using wide strips of mosaics or pebbles as detailed transition borders. These strips add an eye-catching design element and create a distinct separation between the materials.

What is the most efficient tiling pattern? ›

The honeycomb conjecture states that hexagonal tiling is the best way to divide a surface into regions of equal area with the least total perimeter.

What is the best direction to lay floor tiles? ›

As a general rule, make sure to lay your floor in the same direction as the main light source in a room and in the same line as the most frequently used entrance. If there are several doors and windows, then opt for the direction that's the easiest to install.

What is the best way to lay flooring pattern? ›

To lay your flooring in a basic pattern, design experts recommend starting from the most visible wall of the room from the entrance. Lay your planks so that they run from end to end, parallel against this wall. It's recommended you start ¼ of an inch off the wall.

References

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