The Ultimate Guide to Tile Shapes for Your Next Home Renovation Project

From definitive subway brick to capricious crenel , apply this guide to tile shapes to choose the right combination for your space .

CARSON DOWNING

Tile is a pragmatic option for wall andfloors in high - traffic areas , but it also presents an opportunity to get originative and add some personality to your infinite . It also number in a variety of dissimilar shape : Choose a classic , likesubway tileor time of origin - root on cent tile , or prefer for a more unique form such as the rounded - edge scallop tile .

blue and green tiles

Credit:CARSON DOWNING

Some roofing tile shapes are best suited for a kitchen backsplash orstatement bathtub , while others are a durable flooring option for a high - traffic orbit such as a mudroom . Thetile arrangementand grout choice is equally as important as the roofing tile shape , as both can be used to highlight a alone embodiment . Whatever your style and budget is , use this comprehensive scout to different roofing tile shapes to help you opt the correct tile for your next home improvement projection .

Subway Tile

Ryan Garvin

Subway tileis one of the most timeless and various type of tile . In its most classic form , the orthogonal white roofing tile is arranged in a running adhesion , but if you want to put a present-day whirl on this staple tile shape , consider a stacked vertical or horizontal arrangement . Subway roofing tile comes in a variety of colors , sizes , and finishes and is well suited for a kitchen backsplash orbathroom wall .

Mosaic Tile

To make a special accent wall behind a assertion bath or in a luxuriouswalk - in exhibitor , practice mosaic tile . These mini squared tiles are used to create a mosaic floor - like effect , often creating a pattern or image . For a contemporary take on this ancient aesthetic , choose a shimmery high - gloss mosaic roofing tile with slight variation in color to make the illusion of bm .

Hexagon Tile

Hexagon roofing tile , sometimes referred to as honeycomb roofing tile , consists of a six - sided , clean - lined shape . It create an intricate power system that depend just as stunning when used as a kitchen backsplash as it does on a statement wall in a bathroom . habituate marble hexagon roofing tile in the kitchen and pair it with classicwhite cabinetsand antique brass get out , or make a bold argument with high - gloss porcelain hexagon roofing tile in a captivatingjewel toneon your bathroom walls .

Picket Tile

Getty Images / Joe Hendrickson

Picket tile is a six - sided shape that looks like an elongated hexagon . It ’s a hybridizing between underpass tile and hexagon roofing tile that ’s unexpected , unique , and modern . Use contrasting grout to spotlight its surprising shape and go with a vertical arrangement to elongate akitchen backsplashor bathroom wall and create the illusion of a taller cap .

Scallop Tile

Chad R. Mellon

For a touch of whimsy , use scallop tile in your bathroom . This unique roofing tile , which is sometimes called fish scale tile or lover - shaped tile , introduces curved line and a detailed pattern to paries . To highlight the tile ’s finespun rounded edges , practice it to cover the bottom half or two - thirds of yourbathroom wall , allow the top of the tiles to create a beautiful scallop line .

Square Tile

Erin Kunkel

Square roofing tile is one of the most various paries and floor tiles . instal it asa backsplash , use it in a transitional space such as a mudroom , or cover your bath bulwark and floors with it . For a perfunctory aesthetic , use square roofing tile with a flat ending in a functional bond certificate agreement . To give the simple contour a contemporary update , opt for a glossy porcelain finish and a stacked arrangement .

Penny Tile

Nathan Schroder Photography

cent roofing tile capture its name from a penny coin which account its round or hexangular form and small size , typically under an inch , diam . You will often see a combination of black and white penny tile covering a bathroom or laundry room level where they create a decorative pattern or border . For a fun twist on this vintage tile configuration , use it to write out word such as " lavation " or " teetotal " to give yourlaundry way floora little personality .

Arabesque Tile

Laura Moss Photography

As one of the most intricate tile form , Arabesque tile embracement curving agate line and creates a gorgeous mosaic that ’s enhanced with contrasting grout . It makes for a striking accent paries behind a lav vanity , turn awalk - in showerinto a blueprint assertion , but can also assist as an refined kitchen backsplash if you opt a marble rendering of this unique tile shape .

Octagon Tile

ADAM ALBRIGHT

Octagon tile is an eight - sided roofing tile bod that ’s very popular in interior . Its versatility lies largely in its scale leaf — use a small octagon roofing tile to make a mosaic backsplash , go with a medium octagon roofing tile onbathroom floors , or choose large marble octagon tile to emphasize the grandeur of a large foyer with an telling ceiling top .

Plank Tile

Jay Wilde

standardised to a board of woods , plank roofing tile is rectangular in shape and realize for an fantabulous flooring selection , especially in a high - traffic orbit like a bathroom , entryway , mudroom , kitchen , orlaundry elbow room . For maximum practicality , prefer for a dark coloration and dark grout that hides grease .

Bathroom with white subway tile and dark grout