Floor
Tile Patterns Style Guide
There
are many ways to
install flooring to achieve a look that will
compliment the rest of the house and make a bold statement. Whether you are
going for a traditional, contemporary or rustic feel, floor tile patterns can
be used wherever you want to create an interesting look on your floor.
Patterns
that Pop
How
floor tiles are laid out can completely change the look of the room. Certain
tile patterns can create the illusion of bigger spaces and how they are
positioned can make a big difference to the room. The size and colour of floor
tiles is only the beginning, what will influence the feel of the room the most
is the layout. Whether you are working with a natural stone like
custom
granite or ceramic
tiles, some floor tile pattern ideas are:
- Straight lay – This arrangement is one
of the most common and simplest tile patterns around, that will showcase the
beauty of the tile. Tiles are laid side by side to create balanced
intersections. Ceramic
tiles are typically used in straight lay patterns since they
already have mosaic designs that must be laid side by side for the overall
pattern to emerge.
- Diagonal – Tiles are laid pretty
much the same was as with a straight lay, but the tile is set on a 45 degree
angle, which makes the floor feel expansive. This pattern will result in more
waste, so it is advised to have more tiles when laying a diagonal pattern.
- Brick or offset pattern – Another popular choice (often
seen in kitchens), with this pattern, the tiles are staggered by half the width
of the tile. This layout can use square or rectangular tiles and is especially
useful for uneven surfaces and compliments flooring where imperfections need to
be hidden.
- Checkerboard – This pattern alternates
two colours of square tiles. The tiles can be placed straight or on a diagonal.
Checkerboard can create a busy look, so its recommended use is as an accent or
a motif, instead of being used as the pattern for the entire floor.
- Pinwheel – A more complex tile
pattern involving a small square tile that is surrounded by four larger ones.
It is created by surrounding a small square tile with four larger tiles usually
that are two different colours for the pattern to stand out.
- Basket Weave – Unique and highly
attractive, this classic pattern uses squares and rectangles to create a woven
effect. This layout is best for moderately-sized areas, as large floors can
make the pattern look complex and distracting.
- Herringbone – Much like the basket
weave, herringbone uses rectangular tiles to create a visually stimulating
effect. The daring pattern adds a sophisticated touch that will give some
movement to the floor and can be matched to its surroundings.
- Windmill – The windmill pattern uses
small square tiles and four rectangles, to form a single square unit. Each unit
should be laid side by side like in a basic straight lay and the pattern will
emerge like a grid of dots.
Floor
tile patterns allow you to unleash your creativity and create an exclusive look
in your home.