At ZVision Remodeling, we believe that the details make all the difference in a home renovation. One of the most important design decisions you’ll make is choosing the right tile shape. Whether you’re updating your kitchen backsplash, installing new flooring, or designing a statement wall, the shape of the tile you choose can completely transform the look and feel of your space.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most popular tile shapes we love working with and share tips on how to use them to create stunning spaces in your home.
1. Square Tiles: Classic, Clean, and Timeless
Best for: Traditional, modern, and minimalist designs.
When it comes to tile shapes, square tiles are the classic go-to. These versatile tiles are available in a variety of sizes—everything from small 4×4-inch tiles to large 12×12-inch tiles—and can be used in nearly every room of the house. At ZVision Remodeling, we often recommend square tiles for homeowners looking to create a balanced, symmetrical look.
Design Impact:
- Square tiles create clean, crisp lines and a simple, organized design.
- Their uniformity makes them perfect for both small and large spaces.
- Square tiles can be arranged in a grid pattern for a traditional look, or laid in a diagonal or offset pattern for a more dynamic effect.
Where We Use Them:
- Kitchen floors, bathroom walls, and living room floors. Square tiles are perfect for everything from sleek, modern spaces to more traditional or rustic looks.
2. Subway Tiles: Sleek, Modern, and Expansive
Best for: Contemporary, modern, and industrial designs.
If you’re looking for a sleek, sophisticated look, the most iconic is the classic subway tile, often 3×6 inches, but rectangular tiles come in many sizes and can create a variety of visual effects. At ZVision Remodeling, we love using rectangular tiles to elongate a space and add a touch of modern flair.
Design Impact:
- Rectangular tiles give the illusion of a larger space, especially when used in a horizontal or vertical layout.
- They’re perfect for creating clean lines and enhancing the flow of a room, whether you’re looking for a minimalist or industrial style.
- The versatility of rectangular tiles means they can be used on floors or walls, in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.
Where We Use Them:
- Backsplashes, bathroom walls, and floors. We especially love rectangular tiles in contemporary kitchens or as a statement feature in a bathroom.
3. Hexagon Tiles: Geometric, Bold, and Artistic
Best for: Bold, modern designs; statement floors; mid-century modern or contemporary interiors.
For homeowners looking to make a statement, hexagon tiles are a fantastic option. These six-sided tiles have a unique shape that forms a honeycomb pattern when arranged together. Hexagons bring an artistic, geometric feel to any room, and they’re one of the most exciting tile shapes we work with at ZVision Remodeling.
Design Impact:
- The intricate pattern of hexagon tiles adds dimension and visual interest to a room.
- Perfect for creating bold, contemporary designs or adding a playful touch to a more traditional setting.
- You can experiment with different colors, sizes, and layouts to create a customized look.
Where We Use Them:
- Bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes, and entryways. Hexagons also work wonderfully in living rooms or offices for a striking feature wall.
4. Octagon Tiles: Vintage Charm with a Timeless Appeal
Best for: Retro-inspired, traditional designs.
If you love a vintage look, octagon tiles are a great choice. Often paired with small square tiles in contrasting colors (think black and white), octagonal tiles are a classic design element that brings an old-world charm to any room. At ZVision Remodeling, we love incorporating octagon tiles in spaces where nostalgia meets sophistication.
Design Impact:
- Octagon tiles are perfect for creating intricate, elegant patterns, often in the classic “octagon and dot” style.
- The shape brings a sense of vintage elegance without feeling outdated, especially when paired with modern fixtures and finishes.
- Octagon tiles add a sophisticated touch to any floor, wall, or backsplash.
Where We Use Them:
- Perfect for retro-inspired bathrooms, kitchen floors, and entryways. They also work well as a feature element in foyers or living rooms.
5. Penny Round Tiles: Whimsical, Retro, and Playful
Best for: Small spaces, playful designs, vintage looks.
For a fun, retro-inspired tile shape, penny round tiles are always a hit. These small, circular tiles have a distinctive look that brings character and texture to a space. At ZVision Remodeling, we often recommend penny round tiles for homeowners who want to add personality and charm to their bathroom floors or shower walls.
Design Impact:
- Penny round tiles have a whimsical, playful vibe that works well in vintage, mid-century, or eclectic designs.
- These tiles are small enough to be laid in a variety of ways—creating a unique pattern with contrasting grout or using one color to maintain a more streamlined look.
- The round edges of the tiles soften the overall design, giving it a more organic, flowing feel.
Where We Use Them:
- Bathroom floors, shower walls, and backsplashes. Penny round tiles are also a great option for adding personality to kitchens or small accent walls.
6. Triangular Tiles: Bold, Dynamic, and Artistic
Best for: Modern, contemporary, and geometric designs.
For those looking for something truly unique, triangular tiles offer a bold and dynamic option. While not as commonly seen as squares or rectangles, triangular tiles have become more popular in recent years due to their versatility and ability to create eye-catching patterns. At ZVision Remodeling, we use triangular tiles to add an artistic, geometric element to any project.
Design Impact:
- Triangular tiles create sharp, angular lines that can be used to form intricate, bold patterns.
- They’re ideal for modern designs that require a touch of visual drama and movement.
- The unusual shape allows for creativity in installation, as they can be arranged in a variety of ways to create a sense of depth and flow.
Where We Use Them:
- Statement walls, feature backsplashes, and flooring in contemporary spaces. Triangular tiles are perfect for creating unique accents in kitchens, bathrooms, or entryways.
7. Diamond Tiles: Elegant, Luxurious, and Dynamic
Best for: Classic, sophisticated designs; high-end renovations.
For a more sophisticated, high-end look, diamond-shaped tiles are a luxurious option. These tiles can be used to create striking patterns and bold visual effects. At ZVision Remodeling, we love how diamond tiles add a sense of elegance and drama to both modern and traditional spaces.
Design Impact:
- Diamond tiles introduce sharp angles and dynamic patterns that can make a room feel more dramatic and upscale.
- This shape can be used to enhance the feeling of space, especially when installed in a large pattern.
- The striking geometry of diamond tiles makes them a great choice for creating a standout feature in any room.
Where We Use Them:
- Living rooms, foyers, entryways, and as feature walls in kitchens and bathrooms. Diamond tiles can also add a luxurious touch to high-traffic areas like hallways and corridors.
8. Pickett Tiles: Textured and Elegant with a Contemporary Twist
Best for: Classic yet contemporary designs; high-end and luxury spaces.
Pickett tiles, often referred to as Pickett-style brick tiles, are a form of rectangular tiles that have a unique, textured surface. These tiles are designed to look like small bricks but with a subtle pattern or texture that adds dimension to a wall or floor. They are perfect for achieving an elegant, high-end look with a modern edge.
Design Impact:
- Pickett tiles add texture and depth to a space without overwhelming it, creating a sense of sophistication.
- The rectangular shape allows for versatile patterns, including straight, offset, or herringbone layouts.
- Their textured finish brings warmth and luxury, especially when used in a neutral color palette.
Where We Use Them:
- Living rooms, entryways, accent walls, and backsplashes. Pickett tiles are also a great option for creating focal points in kitchens and bathrooms.
9. Travertine Stone Tiles: Natural Beauty and Timeless Appeal
Best for: Rustic, Mediterranean, and luxurious designs.
Travertine stone tiles offer the timeless beauty of natural stone, with each tile having unique patterns and colors. Travertine’s subtle texture and earthy tones make it a popular choice for homeowners looking to create a luxurious, rustic, or Mediterranean-inspired design. At ZVision Remodeling, we often incorporate travertine to bring warmth and a sense of authenticity to our remodeling projects.
Design Impact:
- Travertine’s natural variations in color and texture make each tile unique.
- This stone is perfect for creating a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere in both modern and rustic settings.
- Travertine tiles can be polished or left with a more rustic, tumbled finish depending on the style you want.
Where We Use Them:
- Floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways. Travertine is also a popular choice for accent walls, fireplace surrounds, and outdoor spaces.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tile Shape for Your Space with ZVision Remodeling
From the classic appeal of square and rectangular tiles to the natural beauty of travertine and the geometric allure of Pickett tiles, there’s a tile shape to suit every style and design vision. At ZVision Remodeling, we understand the power of tile in transforming your space, and we’re here to help you choose the perfect tiles for your next renovation.
If you’re ready to explore tile shapes and materials for your home, reach out to our team today. We’ll help you select the right tile that reflects your style and enhances your home’s beauty.