When it comes to wall tile patterns, the possibilities are nearly endless. Even the most ordinary tiles can be transformed when patterns are used to create unique designs and visual appeal. And while tile patterns are created when the tiles are laid out and installed a certain way, it’s not just the installation that makes a pattern. Tile colors, grout colors, textures, shapes, tile sizes, and even tile finishes can all be used to create patterns within patterns, resulting in tile patterns that are layered and dimensional. Whether you want the tile to be the statement in the space or work in harmony with other dramatic accents, tile patterns are big part of the overall design. Let’s take a look some wall tile patterns featuring Crossville tile collections.
Horizontal Brick Pattern
The simplest, most universal wall tile pattern is the classic subway tile laid horizontally in a brick-like pattern, all one color. Also called running bond, this pattern is simple to lay out and doesn’t require a lot of complicated tile cuts. Each line of tile is offset by the width of half a tile.The symmetrical layout presents a cohesive look creates a serene backdrop for busy areas like kitchens.
Similar to the brick bond, staggered brick, or offset, is similar except the tiles overlap the tile above by at least one quarter instead of half, creating a softer, more natural look. Use the staggered offset pattern when any one side of the tile is longer than 15 inches to prevent lippage. (Lippage refers to the difference in elevation between two adjacent tiles that are installed on the floor or wall. When tiles are longer than 15 inches, there is a higher possibility that they are not completely flat.)
Glass Blox glass tile in Desert Dawn
For even more excitement, brick patterns may include rows of varying widths or lengths, tiles in two or more colors, or contrasting finishes.
Color by Numbers wall tile in Carbon 14 and One of a Kind.
Retro Active 2.0 porcelain tile in a random color pattern.
Handwritten wall tile in a brick pattern, but the two different tile lengths completely change the look.
Vertical Brick Patterns
Install subway tiles in a vertical brick pattern in one or more colors to create the illusion of taller walls and higher ceilings. This eye trick works very well with the slender, elongated subway tiles.
Swatches wall tile in Brilliant Deduction Spruce and Neutral Territory Sea Ice.
Use a contrasting grout to make a dramatic statement.
Color by Numbers subway tile in Tea for Two.
Diagonal Staggered Tile Patterns
Staggered tiles are laid diagonally for a fun “tilt” on this basic tile pattern.
Retro Active 2.0 porcelain tile in Roasted Chestnut
Horizontal Stacked Tile Patterns
One of the easiest subway tile patterns to install is the stacked bond pattern (also called straight set or straight lay). Same-size tiles are aligned in evenly stacked rows to create a minimalist pattern that gives spaces an an orderly look and contemporary edge.
Swatches subway tile in Necessary Objects Eggshell and and Brilliant Deduction Petrol.
Swatches ceramic subway tile in Brilliant Deduction Pineapple and Brilliant Deduction Cobalt
Stacked patterns aren’t just for subway tiles, though! Large format tiles in a horizontal stacked pattern make an eye-catching focal point with a sleek, modern vibe.
Hide and Sleek 12″ x 36″ field tiles in Lapis.
Vertical Stacked Tile Patterns
Turn subway and other wall tiles vertically to construct an unconventional composition. A vertical straight set installation is great for spaces with low ceilings or other small, cramped areas.
Color Perspectives beveled subway tiles in Topaz.
These vertical stacks are balanced by horizontal color blocks that create a striped affect so the patterns are both vertical and horizontal.
Color Perspectives ceramic wall tile in Pollen and Marine.
Cotto Moderno 3″ x 10″ ceramic brick in Naranja and Bianco. The undulating finish adds another layer of visual interest to the patterns.
Again, larger format stacked tiles make a statement, this time with contrasting smooth and dimensional tiles used to create an interesting pattern.
Hide and Sleek wall tiles in Coral smooth and Coral 3D.
Herringbone Tile Patterns
Herringbone tile patterns are the most challenging to install, but it pays off with tons of visual interest. Tiles are laid in “V” shapes at alternating 45-degree angles. You will also find 90-degree herringbone patterns that have a stair-step appearance.
Handwritten wall tile in Pen Pal.
Finger Blocks Tile Pattern
Also known as a crosshatch pattern, these parquet-like finger blocks are woven patterns that are multi-directional, meaning they run in both directions equally.
Snippet wall tile in Cotton. Thanks to Snippet’s graphic geometry, you can achieve an almost endless array of patterns within the many varied installation patterns that are possible. Try out the Snippet pattern builder to see for yourself!
Nest wood-look porcelain tile in Levity Mosaic.
Two-Tile Patterns
As the name implies, two-tile patterns are two-tile layouts combined. The possibilities are nearly limitless, creating an excellent opportunity to personalize spaces for a one-of-a-kind installations
Snippet wall tile in Cotton. The tile pattern includes both a horizontal brick pattern and vertical stack pattern.
Mix It Up!
Combining different tile patterns and colors in the same space is a great way to define areas while adding visual interest.
Color Perspectives beveled subway tiles in Tea, Water and Light in vertical brick, horizontal brick and horizontal stack patterns.
Hide and Sleek wall tiles in Khaki smooth in a horizontal stack pattern and the 3D tiles in a herringbone pattern.
Patterns with Shapes
The more shapes a wall tile collection contains, the more tile patterns you can make. Our Cursive is a versatile tile collection with nine trending colors that allows you to create unique and inspiring patterns with triangles, circles, half circle demilunes, squares, and rectangles. Even corner options are available to frame the circles and demilunes.
The patterns you can create are nearly endless. Try your hand at creating your tile patterns with our Cursive pattern builder. Here are just a few of the many creative ways to use these shaped tiles.
There are many hundreds of tile patterns at play throughout the design world. We’ve showcased a few of the most popular styles, but don’t stop there. You can find many more tile patterns and mosaic patterns on our website, and be sure to play with our Snippet pattern builder and our Cursive pattern builder and see if you can invent your own unique tile pattern!
Love What You See? Great Design Starts With A Sample!
You can quickly and easily order a sample of any Crossville tile through Crossville’s Sample Express. To quickly order free tile samples, just set up an account here to get started. Once you have an account, ordering a tile sample is as simple as clicking a button — and samples are always free.
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