Tiling your floors can add an extra punch of personality and visual interest to any room in your home. With the wide variety of tile shapes, sizes, colors, textures and patterns available today, you have endless options for creating a truly unique floor. Read on to explore the creative possibilities and learn how to pick the perfect tile to fit your style.
Why Add Patterned Tile Floors?
Plain flooring like carpet or wood can get boring pretty quickly. Patterned tile breathes new life into your floors with artistic flair you won’t find anywhere else. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using tile patterns on your floors:
- Visual Impact: Nothing makes a statement quite like a bold, artistic tile layout. Geometric patterns, artsy motifs and combinations of tile shapes grab attention.
- Complements Decor: Patterned floors don’t just stand alone, they enhance the entire decor scheme. Pick tiles in colors that coordinate with your furnishings and decor style.
- Hides Dirt/Damage: Busier tile patterns camouflage everyday dust and dirt far better than plain floors. They also hide minor scratches or damage better.
- Adds Spaciousness: Busy patterns tend to make rooms appear larger to the eye than solid floors or subtle graining.
- No Limit on Creativity: With so many tile shapes, types, materials and colors, the options for creating custom floors are endless.
Choosing a Tile Pattern
With so many possible patterns, where do you start? Here are some popular options and ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Horizontal Stripes
Alternating horizontal rows of contrasting colored or textured tiles create dramatic movement. Wider stripes expand the look of narrow rooms. Different tile heights add interest.
Diagonal Designs
Angled patterns have a lively, energetic aesthetic. They can be subtle or vivid depending on tile choice. Diagonals create a sense of action and draw the eye across the space.
Geometric Shapes
Octagons, pentagons, hexagons and triangles provide artistic punch when arranged in neat geometric layouts. Contrast matte and glossy tiles for added dimension.
Moroccan-Inspired
Vintage Moroccan patterns use lively colors and geometric shapes like diamonds, stars and zig-zags. Replicate the look with patterned cement tile or ceramic.
Statement Accent Strip
Add a bold accent stripe of patterned, colored or mosaic tile to border plain flooring. Use it define zones, lead the eye or frame the architecture.
Patchwork Design
Create a one-of-a-kind patchwork by mixing different tile shapes, sizes, textures and colors. Add interest by laying them in varied orientations.
Picture Mosaic
Make any design the focus by recreating it in tiny mosaic tiles. Opt for meaningful images or abstract shapes. Add larger tiles as borders or accents.
Best Floor Spaces for Patterns
While patterned tile floors suit most rooms, some spaces really shine with added visual pizzazz underfoot. Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, laundry rooms and mudrooms are ideal for making a lively tile statement.
Larger expanses like living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms also take well to patterns. Bold designs make better use of the generous floor space. Just pick tiles and colors that complement the room decor.
Smaller spaces like powder rooms can still feature patterns but aim for bolder, larger scale designs that won’t get lost. Make sure the colors complement the room.
Pick the Right Tile Types
Nearly any material can become a patterned tile floor, but some have inherent characteristics that lend themselves better to certain looks.
Ceramic and Porcelain: Budget-friendly and in endless colors, styles and patterns. Durable and water-resistant. Best for low to medium traffic.
Natural Stone: Elegant designs mimic natural stone patterns. With proper sealing it stands up to heavy use. Soapstone, limestone, slate and travertine are popular choices.
Cement: Cement tile is the vintage-look darling, especially for Moroccan motifs. Charming but soft, best used in low-traffic spaces and sealed regularly.
Glass: Adds a colorful, modern pop of pizzazz. Mosaics revive any tired floor. Use larger glass tiles for sleek stripes or grids. Best for decorative accents.
Mosaic: Tiny tiles perfect for recreating any pattern, image or artistic flourish. Use mosaic sheets for easier installation. Add strips or medallions as accents to plain floors.
Design Inspiration
If you’re still searching for the perfect patterned tile floor, browse online images for inspiration. Shelter magazines, interior design sites and tile manufacturer galleries abound with gorgeous examples to get your creative juices flowing.
When possible, pull colors and patterns from existing items in the space, like furnishings, wall colors or accents. For a unified look, echo patterns used elsewhere in your home, including on walls, countertops and in furnishings.
Hiring a Pro for Installation
The layout and precise execution of patterned tile floors makes a real difference in the final look. For best results, consider hiring a qualified tile installation pro, especially for intricate or large installations.
Look for tilers experienced in working with the type of tile you chose, whether porcelain, natural stone, glass or cement. Review their portfolio to see examples of patterned floor work. A pro can also offer advice on which tile types and patterns will best suit your space.
Enjoy Your Fashion-Forward Floors
With so many beautiful options, it’s easy to have fun and get creative with your floors. So explore tile patterns that reflect your personal taste. Choose textures, shapes and colors you adore looking at every day. Then enjoy how your eye-catching tile design defines your unique style and transforms the feel of your home.
FAQ About Patterned Tile Floors
What are the most popular tile floor patterns?
Some of today’s most popular patterns include subway layouts, herringbone and chevron designs, geometric mosaics, Moroccan motifs, patchwork mixes, and stripes or grids using rectangular tile planks.
How do I pick the best tile pattern for a small space?
In a smaller room, opt for larger tiles with bolder patterns to avoid a busier look. Stick to 2-3 tile sizes/shapes and limit colors. Center the pattern in the room or alcove versus covering all walls.
Should I match floor tile patterns on the walls too?
Matching floor and wall tile patterns can make a great unified statement, especially in bathrooms or kitchens. However, it’s not mandatory. Sometimes a plain wall allows a stunning patterned floor to take center stage.
Can I mix different tile patterns in one room?
Absolutely! Mixing compatible patterns and tile shapes/colors adds interest. For example, pair a Moroccan mosaic medallion and border stripes with a patchwork field. Just make sure all the tiles complement each other.
How do I clean and care for patterned tile floors?
Sweep regularly with a soft bristle broom. Mop as needed with the flooring manufacturer’s recommended cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals. Reseal grout and natural stone as needed. Address spills or stains right away to avoid setting.
When should I hire a professional to install patterned tile?
It’s smart to hire a pro installer for specialty tiles like marble, intricate designs like herringbone patterns or large open concept areas. Their skills ensure a flawless finished look. Check their experience with your tile type.
Conclusion
With the right tile choice and layout, patterned floors create a gorgeous foundation that expresses your personal style. Arrange shape, color and texture in creative new ways or echo classic motifs with artsy flair. Pay attention to the scale needed for your room size. Then get ready to enjoy stunning floors that excite your eyes every time you walk through the space!
