a guide to floor tile layout patterns

choose wisely — and in every case, make sure you’re working with an experienced tile installer who has successfully worked with the tile you’re using and lays out your installation in advance, carefully blending the tile color variation for your desired effect.

don’t forget grout, either, which can amplify — or bring more subtlety to — your pattern. make sure the installer provides you with ample grout boards so you can see the effects of grout color, size, and even lighting on your pattern.

note that many of these tile layout patterns can be approximated with patterned tile — less traditional, but often a somewhat more straightforward option!

14 stunning tile patterns to inspire you

grid

the grid is one of the simplest, yet most versatile tile layout patterns. all you need are square tiles, aligned at the four corners, just like… a grid.

a simple pattern, but infinitely versatile, surprisingly stylish.

the grid is one of the most popular layout patterns here at clé. it’s simple, which can be recommendation enough on its own. but the simplicity also allows for an incredible amount of experimentation and variation, with the other aspects of the tile, such as the on-tile pattern, color, and scale.

there’s quite a range of possibilities when changing even just a single variable.

you could play with scale for an entirely different look: compare and contrast the effect clé white thassos in a petite (4x4”) creates versus an oversized square (24x24”) on this floor tile layout.

or swap out your zellige pixie (2” x 2”) for the same in a new color, for a completely different look — even in kitchens with similar shelving and overall styles.

grid: classic checkerboard

you can alternate color on a grid for a perennial clé favorite, the checkerboard. check out cinema collection: mythology for infinite checkerboard inspiration.

grid: broken checkerboard

alternatively, keep the basic structure of a grid and break the grid of the checkerboard with the colors.

to extend the possibilities of the grid even further, use patterned tile: even when it’s laid out in a simple grid, the pattern on the tile can create a completely different look.

the same basic structure, but with a whole lot of color and pattern.

secondary patterns can be created by changing just one element of a tile within the grid, like color, finish, texture, or direction of installation. (it’s especially fun to play around with the bold patterns on our cement tiles.)

with a simple turn of a patterned tile (and this category includes dimensional, 3d, sculptural, or relief tile), you can create a multitude of layout pattern options. and that’s all while staying within the grid pattern.

grid: diamond

a diamond pattern is the classic grid pattern, but set at an angle to the walls of the room for a different look.

grid: non-square

a related pattern is a grid-like pattern of non-square tiles.

stacked

a stacked tile pattern is similar to the grid, but is created with rectangular tiles. may we offer you a baguette (2” x 6”), cigar (2” x 8”), or blade (3” x 12”)?

horizontal stacked

the horizontal stacked arrangement creates long horizontal lines which can help a space feel wider, or visually tie spaces together, as the eye follows the lines.

color, finish, and on-tile pattern can create stripes and other designs within the stacked pattern.

vertical stacked

a vertical stacked pattern is somewhat less common, and feels a bit more modern. the long vertical lines can make a space feel taller, or emphasize the height of an already lofty space.

although a similar color, the fluted surface and narrower format of tiles in clé’s lapidary sculpted shapes collection adds an extra emphasis to the verticality of this pattern.

here color creates a unique, dynamic pattern within a vertical stacked layout pattern.

offset or staggered

whether installed vertically or horizontally, this is the most common pattern of all. if you’re taking note of tiles in the wild, you’ll see this one again and again.

as such, it goes by many names: running bond, offset, staggered, brick pattern or subway pattern. whatever you decide to call it (we’re partial to “running bond”), the tiles are staggered in alternating rows with the end of each in the middle of the tile above and below it. 

with running bond, scale and finish can have a huge impact on the final look.

a running bond pattern can also be used with color or pattern to create new patterns.

vertical off-set stacked, with varied widths

clé offers numerous bundles and blueprints for mixing tile sizes into a dynamic, unexpected pattern. these include our moroccan le sol terracotta and our fornace brioni + clé casale rustico tiles.

diagonal

a diagonal pattern is a grid, stacked, or running bond pattern that is arranged diagonally across a space. since the longest continual line across a space is diagonal, this pattern has the ability to make a space seem larger, since we perceive more space when we look at longer lines.

the introduction of a new angle of lines (as opposed to following the line of the floor or wall joints) adds more movement to the space and will work well for a space that requires activation or expansiveness. it also works well for a kitchen tile to wood floor transition.

herringbone

a herringbone pattern is made up of rectangular tiles laid at 45 degrees that meet at straight edges to form a zigzag pattern.

the only cuts needed for this pattern are edges and trim, similar to a stacked pattern. the angle of the herringbone will always be 90 degrees, as one straight edge is placed against the other.

the herringbone pattern adds a great deal of visual interest to a space while remaining classic: tiles have been found arranged in the herringbone pattern as far back as the roman empire. (and if we’re talking textiles or jewelry, the design goes back much farther to ancient egypt.)

herringbone is more decorative than stacked or running bond, but it can range from bold to quite subtle depending on the tile used.

chevron

not be confused with herringbone, tiles in a chevron pattern have their edges cut to meet flush with the next pattern, instead of overlapping. the effect is somewhat similar, but with unbroken long grout lines.

the herringbone tile layout is generally more common, as the chevron pattern requires a considerable amount more contractor work and waste if starting with rectangular tiles, as each tile must be cut twice at an angle.

if you’re looking for a chevron effect, but with a touch more drama and a great deal less work (and waste), we recommend our zenith tile from the cement standards collection, which has an additional benefit: it can be laid out in a myriad of ways. an even more dramatic alternative would be marrakech terrace, also from our cement standards collection.

mosaic

mosaics are usually small pieces of tile (or stone or glass or even shell) arranged in a pattern to create a decorative surface on walls and floors. an ancient tradition, the earliest mosaics date back to 3rd century bce in mesopotamia. and in byzantium, between the 4th and 14th centuries, it even became the dominant pictorial art form.

for a less traditional, more modern mosaic look, but with slightly larger form factor, our exclusive zio & sons + clé collaboration features classic octagon bouchon-shaped zellige tiles in a wide range of bundles that range from tone-on-tone to high contrast. 

basketweave

basketweave is an ancient pattern with numerous variations. 

this version of the traditional basketweave pattern is created when sets of tiles are laid perpendicularly at right angles. each set alternates between vertical and horizontal installations. then, the direction of the sets of tile alternate in the next row.

another common pattern is also referred to as "basketweave": a mix of rectangular and square tiles that mimic a woven pattern, which you might recognize from vintage bathrooms. we might consider this collaboration with cristina celestino to be the definitive clé basketweave #2.

lacework

you may come across the term “lacework” in tile layout literature but it does not have a standard definition. we think of it as tile used to create a more intricate design that approximates lace.

this effect can be achieved in a variety of ways, from the use of patterned tile to more imaginative layouts. 

casale rustico from fornace brioni + clé, offers two pattern bundles in normale and misto (employing different size tiles for a striking effect) to give a lacework effect. a more matte, urban version of this look is also available in cement tile.

patterned tile options are another way to create a more intricate look, including those from our cement standards collection (particularly moroccan, circles and curves, hexagons, traditionals, and zig zags). for a more elevated and even more organic look, explore our collaborations with artists such as erica tanov and eskayel.

in addition, the classic blue and white look from our 17th century maiolica de celft collection offers the intricacy of lace.

creating pattern from tile is a matter of thoughtful, more intricate layout achievable with clé’s exclusive bundles, and the intentional use of grout as a part of the pattern. and for the ultimate lacework effect, look to clé granny squares.

grid pattern with border

adding borders can be a way to add definition, interest, and character to the classic grid. it can set off a space, “frame” an area or a grouping of tile, or even create a dado effect.

in our 17th century maiolica de delft collection, for example, borders offset the classic square blue and white tiles, creating an elegant separation between different types of tile for more of a maximalist effect.

windmill

windmill is another broad-based term that refers to any tile effect that recalls the blades of a windmill or the spokes of a bicycle wheel. it is often characterized by a central point from which tiles radiate outward.

this effect can also be created (more simply) with our cement tile patterns such as cubicon slant, xtra credit, and checkered past. 

pinwheel

pinwheel (closely related to windmill) typically refers to a geometric pattern revolving around a contrasting smaller square tile.

versailles

a versaille pattern is built of square and rectangular tiles, and it adds a little more interest than a grid while remaining traditional. you’ll commonly see it with simpler tiles, since its layout is already more complicated.

tips for mixing and matching floor tile patterns

as always, we recommend working with your interior designer to mix and match floor tile patterns! there are few “rules” (except to use tile, of course).

here’s what to consider:

• how will you use the space? that will dictate what tile you can use. from there, it’s up to you and your designer. what works as a living room tile won’t necessarily work in a bathroom. always refer to the usage information and material guidelines available on every product page.
• consider the spaces immediately next to the room you’re looking at and how they will flow together or juxtapose.
• color: do you want a serene space or a more vibrant, dynamic one? do you want to color block, or keep things more uniform? that will dictate your color choices. when in doubt (and even if not) consider using cement tile from the mythology collection, which comes in artist-designed palettes centered on color stories. choose two or more palettes from a single color story, and (as long as you’re not mixing up the different palettes) you can use the different tile palettes in different patterns in contiguous spaces.
• you might think that you need to stick to a specific style (classic or minimalist) but if your tastes and personal preferences run to eclectic, why not mix it up?
• keep in mind your walls: what’s on them: are they or will they be patterned or neutral? and will you be putting rugs over the floors?
• our cardinal rule holds here too: make sure you do a dry run to see if you like your layout before you actually undertake the installation.

the choice, as always is yours!

choosing tile layout patterns for specific rooms

again, we recommend working with your interior designer because (again) there are no rules!

the only one is to make sure that the tile you’re using for your layout pattern is a tile that can be used in that space. always refer to the usage information and material guidelines available on every product page.

one rule in particular we think you can consider breaking is using smaller patterns for smaller spaces. we don’t believe that the size of a space should dictate what pattern you use.