Choosing the type of tile you want to use in your home or renovation project is only half the work; choosing the pattern is a whole other story. You can choose the most beautiful type of tile, but if you choose the wrong design, it can ruin the whole feel of what you’re trying to achieve, so it’s important to put just as much effort into choosing your style pattern as the actual tiles.
The subway tile is a timeless choice that opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to patterns. In this article, you’ll find seven subway tile patterns that will surely inspire you and help you find the perfect pattern for your tiling project.
Horizontal stack
When it comes to tile patterns, you really can’t get any simpler and classic than the horizontal stack. While it is rather simplistic, the look of having the tiles placed in perfect symmetrical lines adds a modern grid pattern. The best part is, the design is relatively easy to create, so it’s great for those who are up for a DIY tiling project.
Horizontal offset
Following on from the effortless horizontal stack comes a subway tile pattern that is just one step up in complexity – the horizontal offset. This tile pattern is formed by stacking the tiles horizontally, but instead of lining them up perfectly, they’ll be laid with each column offset half a tile. This is a great option when you’re trying to get a simple yet modern or contemporary look.
Offset
Commonly known as the running bond or the offset pattern, this is the perfect pattern to add a traditional feel that still has a modern and edgy look. It’s a safe choice for most projects and is great for shower and floor tiles. The offset pattern differs slightly from the horizontal offset because each row will be offset half a tile length from the one above and below.
Vertical stack
If you want to make your spaces appear more elongated while still keeping a minimalist appeal to your rooms, then you should definitely consider going for the vertical stack. With this pattern, you’ll lay the tiles in straight vertical lines to create a modern grid appearance.
Vertical offset
The vertical offset, also known as the vertical brick bond has the same effect as the vertical stack in which it gives the illusion of a space having longer walls, but with a more dynamic look. It’s perfect for those compact rooms where you just want it to feel a little bigger. This pattern is achieved by stacking rectangular tiles vertically and offsetting the columns by half a tile on either side.
Basket weave
The basket weave pattern, also known as the crosshatch, is achieved by grouping the tiles into squares and alternating the direction of each set when laying the tiles. This is one of the more complex patterns and will not work with every tile, so you need to be mindful and rather ask for advice before going ahead with it. But it definitely adds a sophisticated and elegant look to any space.
Herringbone
The herringbone tile pattern is hands down one of the most popular tile patterns. It’s the go-to for anyone trying to give their spaces a modern and striking facelift. This type of pattern is achieved by angling your subway tiles at 45 degrees so that they form a V-shape.
Tips for choosing the right type of pattern
Everyone has different tastes when it comes to what they want their home to look like, which means the right tile pattern is ultimately going to depend on your preferences and the space you’re working with. While the choice is completely up to you, here are a few tips to keep in mind when trying to make the “right” choice:
- Consider the size of your space – for small rooms where you want to create the illusion of more space, keep the patterns simple and opt for bigger tiles
- Consider the aesthetic you are trying to achieve – for a minimalist look, it’s best to stick to more simple patterns and tiles, but for something more dramatic and creative, then it’s good to go for something busier
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Final Thoughts
Don’t settle for anything less than a tile pattern that makes you fall in love with your surroundings. This means you need to take your time and compare the different tile patterns to find the right one. If you’re set on going for a subway tile, then these timeless options should give you a good idea of what you can do with them. And keep our tips in mind so you can achieve the design you’re going for.
