December 22, 2023

The design possibilities are nearly endless when it comes to wall tile patterns. Patterns are used to create unique tile designs with visual appeal, allowing even the most ordinary tiles to be transformed. Tile patterns are created when the tiles are laid out and installed a certain way, but it’s not just the installation that makes a pattern. Designers can create patterns within patterns with tile colors, grout colors, textures, shapes, sizes, and tile finishes, resulting in tile patterns that are layered and dimensional. Whether the tile design is the focal point of a space or works in harmony with other dramatic accents, tile patterns have a big role in the overall design picture. Let’s look at some tile patterns with Crossville Studios wall tile collections.

Brick Tile Patterns

The classic subway tile laid horizontally in a brick-like pattern is the most universal wall tile pattern. Also called running bond, the brick 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, balanced look and creates a tranquil backdrop for busy areas. 

Vertical brick patterns draw the eye upward and can visually elongate a space. Vertical tile is great for drawing attention to a certain focal point or adding visual height to a room.

For even more excitement, brick patterns may include tiles in two or more colors or sizes, rows of varying widths or lengths, or contrasting finishes.

*Staggered brick, or offset, is similar to the brick bond, except the tiles overlap the tile above by at least one quarter instead of half, creating a softer, more natural look. When any one side of the tile is longer than 15 inches, in most cases, you’ll want to use the staggered offset pattern to prevent lippage. (Lippage refers to the difference in elevation between two adjacent tiles installed on the floor or wall. When tiles are longer than 15 inches, there is a higher possibility that they are not completely flat.)

Horizontal Brick Patterns

Flow ceramic subway tiles in Cosmic Sapphire installed in a standard brick pattern.
 

Down to Earth ceramic wall tile in Deep Sea.


Crafted subway tiles (Smoke) installed in a horizontal brick pattern, but the two different lengths change the look. 

Retro Active 2.0 porcelain tile in a multicolor brick pattern.
 

Vertical Brick Patterns

Color by Numbers subway tile in Tea for Two with contrasting grout makes a statement on this kitchen backsplash. 

Swatches wall tile in Brilliant Deduction Spruce and Neutral Territory Sea Ice.

Bejmat ceramic subwway tiles in Carmine, Tan, and White.

Aquarelle ceramic wile tile in Vapor.

Diagonal Staggered Brick Tile Patterns

Staggered offset tiles are laid diagonally for a fun "tilt" on the basic brick pattern.

Retro Active 2.0 porcelain subway tiles in Roasted Chestnut.

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 orderly look and contemporary edge. Like brick tile patterns, stacked tile patterns can run horizontally or vertically,

Horizontal Stacked Tile Patterns

Flow ceramic wall tile in Atoll Blue


Sweet Bars ceramic wall tile in Indigo

Hide and Sleek ceramic wall tile in Lapis

Vertical Stacked Tile Patterns

Texiture ceramic wall tile in Garnet


Color Perspectives ceramic wall tile in pollen and marine. These vertical stacks are balanced by horizontal color blocks that create a striped effect, so the patterns are both vertical and horizontal.


Warehouse Row ceramic wall tile in Blu Notte.

Herringbone Tile Patterns 

Herringbone tile patterns are the most challenging to install, but they pay 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. 

Flow ceramic subway tiles in Burgundy. This tile pattern is a double herringbone.

Hide and Sleek ceramic wall tile in Khaki 3D

Crafted ceramic wall tile in Black.

Color Perspectives 4" x 12" beveled subway tiles in Tea.

Parquet  & Ladder Tile Patterns

Also known as a crosshatch pattern or finger blocks pattern,  parquet is a multi-directional woven pattern, meaning the tiles run in both directions equally. The ladder tile pattern is installed much like a brick pattern, but this time having the width be the offset area. 

Parquet/Crosshatch Tile Patterns

Fez ceramic subway tiles in Grey.


Snippet ceramic wall tile in Cotton.

Aquarelle ceramic wall tile in Olive.

Ladder Tile Patterns

Hammer ceramic wall tile in Emerald


Aquarelle ceramic wall tile in Toffee

Grid & Diagonal Tile Patterns

The square straight grid pattern is one of the easiest to install. Simply tacking square-shaped tiles in a grid pattern is a timeless design. The diagonal layout, or diamond pattern, is very similar to the grid pattern, but with tiles installed in a 45-degree angle.

Square Grid Tile Patterns

Mestizaje Ceramic wall tile in Aqua

Casbah ceramic wall tile in Indigo.

Diagonal/Diamond Tile Patterns

Roots porcelain tile in Cotto and Sand

Flow ceramic tile in Blue and White.

These are just some of the many tile patterns that can be created. Crossville Studios is here to help you explore the world of tile patterns for your next interior design project. The tile pros at 27 dedicated locations are ready to assist you in exploring the latest tile trends and help you specify your tile projects with confidence. Connect with us today!