Tiles are everywhere: kitchen backsplashes, bathroom floors, shower walls, entryways, and even fireplaces.
The style, shape, color, and finish of a tile can drastically change a room’s atmosphere. The right tile can make a space feel cozy, bold, fresh, or modern.
Choosing the right tile is key, but with so many options available, it can feel overwhelming. Some tiles are small and detailed, while others are large and minimalist.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through various tile styles, from classic to modern, and explain how shape and finish impact the overall look. I’ll also highlight where each tile works best.
With a little guidance, you don’t need to be a designer to choose the perfect tile for your space.
What to Consider Before Choosing a Tile Style?
When choosing a tile, think about how it will function in your home, not just how it looks. The best tile fits the space, withstands daily use, and matches your style.
For bathrooms and kitchens, choose water-resistant, easy-to-clean tiles.
In entryways and mudrooms, opt for strong, grippy materials. Living rooms and bedrooms offer more flexibility in comfort and style.
Consider your routine; if you have pets, kids, or a busy household, go for tiles that hide dirt and are easy to clean. Glossy tiles may not be ideal for areas that get wet or messy.
Also, think about size and color. Large tiles make small rooms feel bigger, while lighter colors brighten darker spaces. Choose a tile that’s practical and suits your style.
Tile Styles for Every Room and Look
From soft, natural stone to bold patterns and clean, modern lines, the right tile can transform a room’s feel and function.
1. Subway Tile
Subway tile is one of the most recognizable and versatile styles. It features a rectangular shape, often 3 “x6”, and is traditionally laid in a staggered brick pattern.
These tiles gained popularity in early 1900s subway stations for their clean look and easy maintenance, which explains the name.
They come in glossy and matte finishes, and beyond the classic white, modern versions include bold colors, beveled edges, and larger sizes to suit both traditional and contemporary homes.
2. Checkerboard Tile
Checkerboard tile uses alternating squares, most often black and white, to form a high-contrast grid pattern. This style instantly adds drama and vintage charm.
Popular in 1950s-era kitchens and retro bathrooms, it remains in use today, both in classic color combinations and more muted modern variations, such as gray and cream.
It’s ideal for entryways, dining spaces, and open kitchens where the floor becomes a visual focal point.
3. Terracotta Tile
Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay that’s kiln-fired, resulting in warm, earthy tones like burnt orange, brick red, and soft brown.
They’re porous and have a rustic, handcrafted appearance that fits Mediterranean, Spanish, and southwestern-style homes.
These tiles bring warmth and texture to floors and walls, especially in kitchens, patios, and sunrooms. Due to their porosity, they require sealing to prevent moisture damage.
4. Hexagon Tile
Hexagon tiles feature six sides and provide a distinctive geometric layout that suits both classic and modern interiors.
They can be small and mosaic-like for detailed work or large and bold for expansive surfaces. Hex tiles are commonly used on bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes, and accent walls.
Their shape adds movement without clutter, and they work beautifully in both monochrome and patterned arrangements.
5. Penny Round Tile
Penny round tiles are small, circular tiles mounted on mesh sheets for easy installation. They first gained popularity in early 20th-century bathrooms.
These tiles are available in a variety of colors and finishes, ranging from classic white to bold hues, and can be made from ceramic, porcelain, or glass.
Their numerous grout lines provide excellent slip resistance, making them ideal for use in wet areas, such as shower floors.
6. Basketweave Tile
Basketweave tiles recreate the appearance of woven fabric by arranging small rectangles in alternating horizontal and vertical patterns.
This layout adds subtle movement and a traditional feel, often used in historic homes or classically styled bathrooms.
They’re typically done in marble or porcelain, and pairing them with contrasting grout lines makes the pattern more pronounced.
7. Large-Format Tile
Large-format tiles are oversized tiles, usually 12 “x24” or larger. Their generous size helps reduce grout lines, creating a smooth and expansive appearance.
These tiles are popular in modern designs that feature a clean, open look.
Commonly used for bathroom walls, living room floors, and open kitchens, they’re also easier to maintain due to fewer seams.
8. Concrete-Look Tile
Concrete-look tile mimics the industrial appeal of real concrete but in a more manageable form.
Made from porcelain or ceramic, it offers a modern, raw finish without the weight or complexity of pouring concrete.
Ideal for minimalist homes, lofts, or urban-style spaces, it brings a calm, neutral palette and is often used in large, open-plan areas.
9. Monochrome Tile
Monochrome tile designs stick to a single color, such as white, black, gray, or navy, to create a calm, unified appearance.
These tiles are great for minimal and Scandinavian spaces. You can play with texture, finish, or shape to add depth without introducing multiple colors.
Perfect for bathrooms, backsplashes, and floors that need a clean and simple vibe.
10. Herringbone Tile
Herringbone refers to a zigzag pattern created by laying rectangular tiles at 45-degree angles. It’s a timeless layout that adds energy and visual interest.
Often used for backsplashes, bathroom floors, and even wood-look tile floors, herringbone creates a sense of motion.
It suits both traditional and modern interiors and looks great in both small and large formats.
11. Chevron Tile
Chevron tiles are similar to herringbone but cut at an angle so they join in a continuous point, forming perfect “V” shapes.
This gives a clean, geometric look that flows smoothly across the surface.
Chevron is more precise and modern than herringbone and is popular for feature walls and stylish floors in bold, high-end interiors.
12. Geometric Tile
Geometric tiles utilize angular shapes, such as triangles, diamonds, and hexagons, to create dynamic, modern patterns.
They’re often used in small doses—such as entryways or powder rooms—where their bold appearance adds a touch of personality.
You’ll find them in a variety of materials and finishes, ranging from simple matte tones to bold, graphic designs.
13. Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look tile mimics the appearance of hardwood flooring while offering the durability of porcelain or ceramic.
These tiles are ideal for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. They come in planks that replicate the grain, knots, and color variation of real wood.
It’s a practical solution for those who love the look of wood but need something more durable.
14. Slate Tile
Slate tile is a durable natural stone known for its rugged surface and earthy tones, like charcoal, dark green, or rust. Each tile is unique, featuring natural texture and color variations.
Slate is water-resistant and slip-resistant, making it a wise choice for entryways, mudrooms, bathrooms, or outdoor patios.
Its toughness means it can withstand heavy foot traffic while still offering a warm, grounded look. It works well in rustic, farmhouse, or cabin-inspired interiors.
15. Travertine Tile
Travertine tile is a type of limestone with a soft, natural palette of cream, beige, and light brown. It often has small pits and holes, giving it a slightly weathered appearance.
Travertine is commonly used in traditional bathrooms, hallways, and pool decks. It adds warmth and an old-world elegance to any space.
Available in polished, honed, or tumbled finishes, it suits both formal and relaxed styles. Sealing is necessary to protect it from stains and moisture.
16. Cobblestone Tile
Cobblestone tile brings an old-world charm to modern spaces, utilizing rounded or irregular pieces of natural stone. These tiles are most often used outdoors on driveways, garden paths, or patios.
Their naturally uneven surface adds texture and improves grip, even when wet. Cobblestones age beautifully, developing a lived-in look over time.
They’re perfect for traditional homes or outdoor areas where a historical, timeless feel is desired.
17. Flagstone Tile
Flagstone tile utilizes flat, irregularly shaped slabs of stone to create a relaxed and organic appearance. No two flagstones are the same, so each installation looks natural and unforced.
Typically used in patios, garden walkways, and pool surroundings, flagstone is durable and blends easily into outdoor landscapes.
Its textured surface offers grip, and its earthy tones help it feel like a natural extension of your yard or garden.
18. Moroccan Tile
Moroccan tile is known for its bright colors and intricate, geometric patterns. Each tile is typically hand-painted or hand-glazed, adding artisan character.
Moroccan tiles are often used in stair risers, kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, or even flooring in small spaces.
They bring boldness and artistic flair, working well in eclectic, bohemian, or Mediterranean-inspired homes. Because of their detail and vibrance, they’re usually best used as accents.
19. Encaustic Tile
Encaustic tiles are made from colored cement where the pattern is pressed into the surface—not printed—so the design won’t wear off over time.
These tiles often feature traditional, floral, or geometric patterns and are popular in vintage and European-style interiors.
They’re heavier and thicker than ceramic tiles, making them suitable for statement floors or decorative walls. Their matte, chalky finish gives a handcrafted look and rich depth.
20. Zellige Tile
Zellige is a traditional Moroccan tile made from hand-cut clay. Each tile features a high-gloss glaze and irregular edges, ensuring no two are identical.
Zellige reflects light beautifully, giving a space a shimmering, textured surface. It’s most commonly used in backsplashes, shower walls, or fireplaces.
Due to its handcrafted nature, installation requires care, but the final effect is rich, warm, and full of character.
21. Terrazzo Tile
Terrazzo tiles are made by embedding chips of marble, quartz, or glass into a cement or resin matrix.
The result is a speckled, multi-colored surface that feels both vintage and modern.
It’s highly durable and used for floors, counters, and stairs. Popular in mid-century modern and trendy commercial spaces.
22. Mosaic Tile
Mosaic tiles consist of many tiny tiles—glass, ceramic, or stone—arranged in a pattern or design. These tiles can be ceramic, glass, metal, or natural stone.
Mosaics are often used on shower floors, backsplashes, and decorative borders. Because they’re small and flexible, they’re great for curved surfaces or tight corners.
With endless patterns and color mixes, they allow for plenty of creativity and fine detail.
23. Arabesque Tile
Arabesque tiles have a soft, curved shape, often inspired by Moroccan or Spanish design. Their elegant outline brings a flowing quality to walls and backsplashes.
These tiles often come in glossy finishes and are used in neutral tones or deep jewel shades.
Arabesque tile adds old-world charm and a romantic touch to kitchens, bathrooms, or accent areas.
24. Glass Tile
Glass tiles are sleek, shiny, and highly reflective. They are typically used in backsplashes, shower walls, and accent strips to brighten spaces and reflect light.
Available in solid colors, iridescent finishes, and mosaic blends.
It’s water-resistant and easy to clean, but it does show fingerprints and smudges more easily than other materials.
25. Metal-Look Tile
Metal-look tiles offer the sleek aesthetic of materials like brushed steel, copper, or bronze, without the weight or maintenance requirements.
Usually made from ceramic or porcelain with a metallic finish, they add edge and shine to kitchens, bathrooms, or feature walls in industrial-style homes.
They’re a bold choice for modern spaces, offering durability with a high-end, reflective look that instantly draws attention.
26. 3D Textured Tile
3D textured tiles have raised surfaces or sculpted patterns that add depth and shadow to walls. These tiles are great for feature walls, fireplace surrounds, or contemporary bathrooms.
Depending on how the light hits, the texture creates visual interest that changes throughout the day.
Popular in modern and minimalist homes, 3D tiles bring dimension without needing color or pattern.
27. Polka-Dot Tile
Polka-dot tiles use repeating circular shapes to create a fun, vintage look. These are often achieved using small penny rounds in a contrasting grout or alternating colors.
Polka-dot tiles work exceptionally well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or kids’ spaces where a playful touch is welcome.
They feel both retro and modern, depending on the color palette and layout.
Combining More Than One Tile Style
Mixing tile styles can add interest and depth to a space, but it needs balance. Too many shapes or colors can feel busy or mismatched.
Keep a clear focus. Select a base tile that sets the tone, such as a large neutral floor tile. Then add a smaller patterned tile as an accent, maybe in a backsplash or niche.
Stick to a color family. Different tiles can work together if they share similar tones and colors. Try mixing textures or shapes within the same palette to keep things unified.
Vary the scale, not everything. Combine large and small tiles, or mix matte and glossy finishes, but avoid using multiple bold patterns at once.
When done right, combining tiles adds layers and personality without overwhelming the room. Less is often more; let one style stand out, and let the others support it.
Budget Tips When Picking Tile Styles
Planning a tile project? These smart tips will help you stay on budget without sacrificing style or quality.
- Set a clear budget first: Know how much you can spend per square foot, including installation and extras like grout or trim.
- Start with cost-effective materials: Ceramic tiles are usually more affordable than porcelain or natural stone, yet still offer a great look.
- Use expensive tiles as accents: Choose a small area, such as a backsplash or border, to feature pricier tiles, and use simpler ones elsewhere.
- Look for look-alikes: Wood-look or marble-look tiles give you a high-end appearance without the high price.
- Buy a little extra: Plan for 10–15% overage to cover cuts, breakage, or future repairs, so you don’t have to reorder later.
- Check clearance or outlet stores: You can often find quality tiles at a discount if you’re flexible with color or size.
- Keep the layout simple: Intricate patterns may raise labor costs. A basic layout is quicker to install and more cost-effective.
Conclusion
When it comes to tile styles, there’s no single correct choice, just the one that’s right for you. You might like clean, white subway tile that makes a space feel open.
There are styles to suit every space, including bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, patios, and more. And each one has its mix of function, texture, and mood.
The best tile for your project depends on where you’re placing it, the level of wear it’ll receive, the desired look, and your budget.
Take your time. Compare a few styles. Look at samples in your lighting. The right tile doesn’t just fill a space, it finishes it. Pick one that makes your home feel more like you.