Tile Laying Patterns 101: How to Elevate Your Space with the Right Layout

Rosie Haggard
Jun 4
4 min read

Modern bathroom with a glass shower, white corner bathtub, dual sinks, and brown-striped walls. Warm, cozy atmosphere with elegant lighting.

When it comes to interior design, tiles are more than just a surface covering—they're an opportunity to infuse personality, style, and function into your space. While selecting the right tile material and color is essential, the way you lay your tiles can dramatically impact the room's aesthetics and feel.

At RMH Kitchen, Bath & Interiors, we believe that every detail matters. Let's explore some popular tile laying patterns and how they can elevate your home.

Horizontal Stack

The horizontal stack is one of the most straightforward and commonly used tile layouts. Tiles are arranged in straight, even rows—creating a clean and orderly grid. It’s perfect for achieving a timeless, minimalist look, especially with subway or rectangular tiles. This layout is a great choice for small spaces, as the horizontal lines can visually widen a room. It’s also ideal for first-time DIYers because of its simple alignment and easy installation.

Hot Tip: Play with contrasting grout colors to accentuate the tile shape and make your design pop!

Modern kitchen with Horizontal stack tiles, white cabinets, stainless stove, and wooden floor. Marble counter holds a kettle, plant, and bowl of lemons. Bright, clean vibe.

Vertical Stack

In a vertical stack, tiles are aligned in straight columns, creating height and a sleek, contemporary look. This layout is excellent for smaller bathrooms or kitchens with low ceilings, as the vertical lines naturally draw the eyes upward. It adds a modern edge to classic tiles like subway styles and works beautifully on shower walls or narrow backsplash areas. While it’s simple in pattern, it delivers a bold and clean aesthetic.

Hot Tip: Want an ultra-modern look? Pair vertical stacked tiles with a glossy finish and slim grout lines.

Brick Bond / Running Bond

Inspired by traditional brickwork, this pattern offsets each tile by half the width of the tile in the next row. It offers a relaxed and classic feel that helps hide imperfections and is more forgiving on uneven surfaces. Running bond patterns soften the formality of tiled surfaces and work wonderfully for both floors and walls. It’s also a smart pick for spaces with lots of movement, since the staggered layout absorbs minor shifts more gracefully.

Hot Tip: Running bond layouts pair especially well with rustic or handmade tiles for an organic, cozy look.

Bright bathroom with white brick bond tiles, freestanding tub, toilet with a high cistern, and window view. Vase of tulips on the sill.

Herringbone

The herringbone pattern is achieved by laying rectangular tiles in a V-shaped, zigzag formation. It instantly adds movement and energy to a space, making it a favorite for statement walls, backsplashes, or entryways. This layout can visually expand narrow spaces by guiding the eye along the pattern’s direction. While it requires precision in installation, the dramatic effect is well worth the effort.

Hot Tip: Use a single color tile with contrasting grout to really make your herringbone pattern stand out.

Chevron

Chevron tiles are similar to herringbone but feature precisely cut angles (typically 45 degrees) to create a seamless V pattern. This design offers a sleek, continuous flow and a more refined look than the jagged lines of herringbone. It’s perfect for high-end aesthetics and adds dynamic energy without being too busy. Chevron layouts look stunning in hallways, kitchens, and even shower floors.

Hot Tip: For a bold effect, alternate two colors in your chevron pattern to create a striking visual rhythm.

Modern kitchen sink with a black faucet, set against white chevron tile backsplash. A gray towel and soap dispenser are on the white counter.

Basketweave

The basketweave pattern mimics the look of woven fabric using rectangular and square tiles. It adds a vintage charm to bathrooms and kitchens, especially in traditional or transitional interiors. Despite its detailed look, the layout is quite symmetrical and balanced. It’s a great choice if you want subtle texture without loud patterns.

Hot Tip: Consider marble or high-contrast stone tiles for a luxurious twist on the basketweave look.

Windmill

Windmill patterns use one small square tile at the center, surrounded by four rectangular tiles. This creates a repeating geometric motif that resembles a pinwheel or windmill. It adds texture and visual interest, ideal for statement walls or decorative flooring. Though intricate in design, it works best with monochrome palettes to maintain balance.

Hot Tip: Keep grout lines consistent and narrow to highlight the symmetry of the windmill layout.

Modern bathroom with black and white windmill floor tiles, white subway tile walls, and white vanity. Potted plant and bottles on sink. — *Photo Courtesy of Ant Tile*

Elegant bathroom with marble Versailles pattern tile walls, a white bathtub, folded towels, vintage sconces, and a wood vanity with a mirror, creating a serene mood.

Modular / Versailles

The modular pattern (also called Versailles) combines different tile sizes in a repeating layout for an Old World or Tuscan feel. It’s commonly used with natural stone or travertine for timeless elegance. This layout adds depth and dimension, perfect for open-plan living spaces or outdoor patios. While it looks complex, most tile suppliers provide set patterns that make installation easier.

Hot Tip: Stick to one color family for all tile sizes to maintain a cohesive, sophisticated look.

Diagonal / Diamond

Tiles are installed at a 45-degree angle to the wall, creating a diamond effect. This layout adds visual intrigue and can make small spaces appear larger by drawing the eye outward. It’s particularly striking with square tiles and works well in entryways or powder rooms. Diagonal patterns require precise cutting but offer a polished and upscale finish.

Hot Tip: Use diagonal layouts in tight spaces to subtly enhance width or length without changing the footprint.

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, gold handles, gray countertop, and diamond-patterned backsplash. Green plant and tray on counter. — *Photo Courtesy of* *Home Depot*

Wooden sink in front of hexagonal teal tiles, with a round mirror, plants, and soap bottles creating a modern, calming bathroom vibe. — *Photo Courtesy of Marble Systems*

Hexagon / Honeycomb

Hexagon tiles create a honeycomb effect that feels both classic and modern. Available in various sizes and materials, they add geometric interest and a unique pattern flow. This style is especially popular in bathrooms and kitchens for floors or backsplashes. You can keep it subtle with a neutral palette or go bold with color variations.

Hot Tip: Try mixing matte and glossy hex tiles in the same color for a textured, dimensional surface.

Which Tile Laying Pattern Should You Choose?

Choosing the right tile pattern is more than just a design decision—it influences how your space feels, functions, and flows. Whether you're aiming for timeless elegance or bold, modern impact, the layout you choose can make even simple tiles look high-end. Take time to consider your room size, tile shape, and even grout color before committing. And if you're still unsure, working with a design professional can help you confidently select a pattern that fits your vision and lifestyle.