Floor Tile Patterns to Transform Your Home

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.