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You've finally found the perfect tile, but your work doesn't stop there! Now you need to decide on the best tile pattern for your space... There are endless ways to install and install tiles the same tile laid in different patterns can give a completely different look.

Tiles can also be stacked to make the bathroom bigger or smaller, ceilings higher, walls narrower or wider, and add WOW factor and style to your design. That's why we've compiled the most popular floor and wall tiling patterns to make it super easy for you to compare your options – and choose the best tiling pattern to match your new bathroom, kitchen, laundry room or home decor. #let's go

Straight or stackable tiles

By far the simplest tiling pattern, straight or stacked, is when tiles are placed side by side in neat lines to form a linear grid. This tiling pattern works with both square and rectangular tiles and is easiest to install if you are doing your own tiling… especially if you are new to tiling or if your tiling skills are questionable or lacking 😜

You can choose a contrasting grout color to really accentuate and pop the floor or wall tile pattern, or match the grout to the tiles for a more streamlined and minimal bathroom design.

Z+S tip • Place linear or rectangular tiles on the wall vertically to make the ceiling appear higher, or horizontally to make a narrow bathroom wall appear wider.

Stretcher Bond or Brick Bond

A stretcher bond is a a traditional brick tiling pattern where square or rectangular tiles are laid at equal offsets.

Basically, each tile overlaps the tile top and bottom by half, resulting in non-linear grout lines. Shifting grout lines can help hide imperfections in tiles and walls that aren't perfectly straight. It's also a great way to give the illusion of space and height and create a more patterned look to your bathroom design. Stretchers can be installed horizontally, vertically or diagonally on the floor and walls.

1/3 Stretch Bond

The 1/3 expansion joint is our favorite way to install large format rectangular tiles such as 600mm x 1200mm.

This spawn pattern is similar to Stretcher Bond except the plates overlap the plate top and bottom by one-third, not half the length of the plate. 2/5 Stretcher Bond overlap also works well, especially for smaller rectangular tiles such as 400mm x 800mm.

Diagonal pattern

A diagonal pattern is when there are square or rectangular tiles placed at a 45-degree angle, giving them a diamond-shaped appearance. It's an effective tile installation to accent a wall and can make a small space look bigger. Diagonal patterns require more cutting in the corners of the room, so make sure you leave enough waste.

Herringbone pattern

A herringbone plate pattern is achieved laying rectangular tiles next to each other in a zig-zag pattern.

This has the advantage of creating the visual illusion of greater width, as the V shape draws the eye horizontally and outwards. The herringbone pattern is perfect for a traditional or classic bathroom design as it is elegant and timeless and fits well modern or modern bathrooms, especially if you choose a simple and neutral color palette.

Basket weaving

Similar to the Herringbone pattern, the Basket Weave tile pattern is when two rectangular tiles are placed side by side, with the next pair of tiles at a 90 degree angle to the first pair.

This laying pattern is repeated in alternating pairs. When installing the tiles appear to be woven, much like a basket.

Chevron tiling pattern

Another of our favorite patterns, the Chevron pattern, is created with rectangular tiles with 45-degree angles at each end.

Tiles are stacked, each row is a mirror image of the adjacent row, resulting in a V or arrow shape that points alternately up and down the wall or floor surface. The pattern resembles a zigzag, which can look extremely elegant and modest.

Hexagonal plates

A hexagonal laying pattern is when The hexagonal tiles are placed so that the straight edges of the tiles line up to form a hexagonal pattern on a tiled surface.

The smaller hexagonal tiles are ideal for adding pattern and texture to a room or design and can be used for tiling floors, walls and splashbacks. Larger hexagonal tiles are best suited for tiling distinctive walls and floors. Hexagon tiles can create a classic, traditional or relaxed aesthetic and are a timeless choice for the home.

Mosaics

There are mosaics smaller tiles that are placed together to create a pattern on a wall, floor or surface. Mosaic tiles can contain one repeating color and shape, or different colors and shapes to create a larger pattern or image. Mosaics are usually sold glued to a mesh-like sheet or mat, which provides support, keeps the tiles even, and makes them easier to install. There is an additional charge for mosaic tiles and their installation.

Z+S tip • Mosaics are a great option for extra long setbacks because the pattern can be continued to any length required, unlike large stone slabs where you have to fight with the joints between the slabs. Always use a quality tiler with experience in mosaic installation to ensure that the joints between the tile sheets are not visible after grouting.

Communicate your tiling designs

Never assume your tiler knows what tile pattern you have in mind or the look you want to achieve! When you organize a quote for your tiles or meet the tiler on site, clearly communicate any tiling patterns, ideas or instructions and provide pictures which clearly depict the desired tile installation and design.

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