Standout Tile Shapes

10 Standout Tile Shapes

Think of your walls and floors, whether inside or out, as a canvas, where great design can take on a life of its own. One way to make that visual impact is incorporating standout tile shapes. Either angled or arched, playful or classic, standout tile shapes add texture, blended with warmth of personality, modern sophistication, a nod to nature, or an eclectic mix of all the above, depending on your style. It is all about finding the right balance to make a statement that meets your design goals.

Explore standout tile shapes that take their inspiration from around the world.

Arabesque

The beauty of symmetry and repetition unite for the Arabesque shape which has been celebrated for centuries as a favored design motif. Today’s approach to this curvy classic concentrates on modern and sophisticated design, often taking a monochromatic approach to color palettes versus the more ornate looks of the past.

Diva™ glazed ceramic decorative mosaic tile features a modern take on the Arabesque shape with a splash of metallic edge – fresh and functional.

A decidedly monochromatic approach elevates the Arabesque shape with Mythos™ ceramic decorative mosaic tile in dramatic black – simplified and true to the original with an air of contemporary styling.

Circles & Squares

Circles and squares are as old as time. As the foundation of basic shapes, they are among the most utilized in interior design, and the first we recognize and learn. When it comes to tile design, they are standard shapes – that are anything but standard in look and feel. And when used together? Opposites attract for a reason!

Adding rich and saturated color to geometric shapes, as with Mizu™ glazed ceramic tile, creates an even stronger and striking design.

Just as beautiful is the use of squares on their own, often installed utilizing an offset pattern. The addition of colors taken from nature, as with Hues™ glazed ceramic tile, makes for an even more special backsplash and wall.

Squares are cool – and bold – when incorporating a 9 x 9 inch tile from the Passion™ glazed porcelain series into your next project.

Fan

When it comes to tile, the fan shape has a number of names used interchangeably – including fish scale and scalloped. The style is soft with repetitive curves, arches and undulations, reminiscent of Art Deco design elements.

Impact™ glazed porcelain decorative mosaic tile features a muted color palette which can often serve to emphasize the inherent beauty of the featured shape.

Even in simplicity the fan shape featured in Reward™ glazed porcelain decorative mosaic tile are styled to make a signature and durable moment for those investing in their next home renovation project.

Leaf

Seeking a tile design style with soft edges and a natural feel? Look no further than a leaf-shaped motif. Immediately recognizable, the curvaceous oval shape is smooth, and when seen in a repeat, ultra-special.

L’Amour™ recycled glass tile marks the convergence of versatile shapes with sustainability. What better way to make that connection than with a cascading leaf mosaic?

Hexagon

Nature’s most perfect hexagon may be a snowflake – each unique next to the rest, yet all featuring one of design’s favorite staple six-sided shape. In tile design, hexagons find their way onto walls and floors, both inside and out.

Omni™ glazed porcelain decorative mosaic tile is eye-candy for those who love symmetry and balance in design.

A series like Rhythm™ glazed porcelain tile is a perfect example of how the traditional hex can take on a unique life of its own by combining pattern and texture for a truly one-of-a-kind look.

The beauty of color variation is on full display with Splash™ glass decorative mosaic tile. Bringing together hundreds of hexagons makes the shower even more special.

Parquet

The parquet style was made popular during the days of Ancient Rome, reinvented in historic and storied European design movements and reinvigorated today. Parquet or parquetry combines a number of shapes to create an elegant geometric pattern. And because of its long history, it feels luxe after just one look.

The simple gesture of using a light and bright color palette gives the parquet style modern appeal. The Alluro™ stone decorative mosaic tile features a number of classic designs in silvers and creams.

Peak

By definition, peaks pull your eye upward toward the highest heights. Think of iconic Art Deco architectural design, like the legendary Empire State Building. What would it be without that triangular shape that soars in the sky? The use of the peak shape, coupled with color and contrasts, creates memorable tile designs, too.

Taking inspiration from iconic motifs in architecture and fashion makes for an elegant statement at home with Bizou™ groutless marble decorative mosaic tile.

Picket

Stretch a hexagon and you’ll have another iconic shape with the Picket. The name is meant to call up visuals of picket fences. A group of picket shapes may be symmetrical and orderly by design, but there is still an ornamental grace in their look and feel.

Craft II™ glazed ceramic tile offers a refreshing picket option in an array of neutrals, allowing the shape to shine.

Think about wall design differently by using a glass mosaic decorative tile like Picket™. It’s all in the name!

Rectangle

Last, but not least, the rectangle is easily the most used shape in tile design, from wood-look tile planks to popular subway tiles. There is a reason so many of today’s essential designs are rectangular in shape – cell phones for instance. The shape brooks little to no wasted space when it comes to design elements.

Double the love for rectangles with a choice that incorporates one of the most classic staples in cabinetry design – the Shaker Door. Popular in both kitchen and bath, Cuadro™ glazed porcelain decorative mosaic tile mimics the look with flair.

Another option for shining the light on a wall of squares or rectangles is utilizing contrasting grout. Doing so actually makes the shape pop in a very modern way as seen here with Catch™ glazed ceramic tile and our Signature Designer Grout in Sea Breeze blue.