Simple Rules in Choosing Tile Patterns

While interior designers usually look for inspiration for floor tile patterns in architecture, textiles and even quilts designs, there are certain simple rules that should guide you while you choose the patterns for your floor tile. While a tightly focused pattern in lighter shades of floor tiles makes a room look larger than it is, a strong large pattern can make a room appear quite small. However, the advantage of having large patterns in vivid colors is that it can take your mind off the "boxiness" of a room. One must also take some time before zeroing in on the color of the tiles. For example, a dark-colored floor can create an illusion of a higher ceiling. Besides this, elements such as the architectural design elements of the room and furniture must be considered while selecting floor tile patterns. The pattern of the tiles on the floor should invoke a sense of order, depth and vitality to the room. To help you on your way to designing your floor, here is a list of the common floor tile pattern layouts. Floor Tile Pattern Ideas There are many options for arranging floor tiles especially, if you are using accent tiles. You can use innovative ideas for creating patterns in the center of the room or around its edge using porcelain or ceramic tile flooring. Square Tile Patterns Straight Course: Visualize a tic-tac-toe board and that is what your straight course tile laying pattern will look like. This standard tile pattern which is commonly used is formed by stacking square tiles with grout lines running vertically and horizontally along it. It works best when alternating colors or shades are used. The checkerboard pattern is one such popular floor tile pattern wherein black and white tiles are laid alternately. Diagonal/Diamond Pattern: Similar to the straight grid, the diagonal tile layout is made by installing square tiles and running the grout lines at a 45 degree diagonal. This pattern has a great effect when the tiles are laid diagonally from the most important entrance to the center of the room. Brickwork Pattern: This is one of the popular floor tile patterns that requires laying straight courses of tiles and alternating each row with the previous row in a running bond or brick pattern. The tiles that are placed in the second row are placed in such a way that the midpoint of the tile overlaps with the meeting point of the two adjacent tiles in the upper row. Rectangular Tile Patterns Basket Weave: For the basket weave pattern, you need to place 2 tiles horizontally on top of each other. After placing two tiles horizontally, the next two tiles need to be laid vertically. Continue laying the tiles vertically and horizontally in pairs all the way across the desired surface. Herringbone: Much more difficult as compared to the earlier pattern, a herringbone pattern basically includes a 'V'-shaped repetition. Here the tiles have to be laid diagonally. First a rectangular tile is placed horizontally, and then a tile is laid vertically right under this tile. An alternate pattern of vertical and horizontal tiles is laid. Both rectangular and square tiles may be create this complex floor tile pattern. Diagonal Herringbone: Although not as random as the herringbone pattern, the diagonal herringbone pattern allows you to place only rectangles in a row of diagonal line. In this case, the second tile and all those following it begin at the middle of the previous tile. For this you need to fit the second course of tiles underneath the first one, with the first tile fitting into the slot that's created between the first and second tiles, along the first course above. This has to be continued for each course of the diagonals. Other Floor Tile Patterns: You can also lay the tiles in the ribbon pattern. For the ribbon pattern, you need to alternate rectangular tiles with square ones in either a stacked or a brick-like pattern. A hexagonal pattern would also look great. All you need to do is lay hexagonal-shaped tiles one above the other. Another interesting floor tile pattern is the pinwheel or windmill pattern. This can be created by surrounding a square tile with four rectangular tiles on either side with each of the tiles overlapping the other. This was some information on some of the commonly used tile patterns for floors. Remember that while choosing the floor tile patterns there are a number of things that you must decide upon. You should decide whether you want a design that carries through the room or a design that would break up the basic pattern of grout lines. After all, the more effort that goes into a tile pattern, the more time and money it will cost. One must seek the advice of professionals to understand how to incorporate tiles that have different finishes and surface texture and make sure that the new floor matches up with the other floors. So do your homework on the floor tile patterns so that you get the desired results.

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