+ Plus, read to the end for four natural wood and wood-look designs to suit any space!

1. Add Authentic Craftsman Detail With Zellige Tile

Crafted, painted and glazed by hand, each piece of authentic Zellige tile is completely unique. Available in a range of colors and styles, its purposeful imperfections add rich visual texture to your design and beautifully complement a wood floor’s natural detail.

Notice the subtle shifts in tone and surface texture on the tile backsplash in this chic kitchen. The Zellige Dark Grey Gloss tile creates a resplendent handcrafted tableau that pairs nicely with the stone countertop and honey wood floor. Sleek, contemporary cabinetry and stone elements contrast the organic details, bringing balance to the gorgeous transitional design.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Transitional Design

2. Elevate Your Space With an Ornate Pattern

Wood flooring provides a natural neutral base, allowing the colors and patterns you pair with it to set the tone for your space. An ornate pattern—like the Morris & Co. Pure Net Linen tile featured here—adds dainty elegance. Inspired by the historic motifs of iconic British designer William Morris, this beautiful tile combines the look of wallpaper with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain.

Explore our exclusive Morris & Co. designer collection for more iconic designs.

3. Create a Chic “Slab” Look Backsplash

The veining of a solid block of stone echoes the natural graining in wood, but if you don’t have the budget (or don’t have the energy for the maintenance) for a backsplash-size piece of marble, wonderfully expressive marble look large format tile can cover your space with near-seamless elegance. Here, large format Icono White tile covers the wide backsplash with just four pieces. Rectified edges require only thin grout lines, making the space feel as expansive as if it were covered with a single stone slab. We love how it pairs with the rich Arbour Midlands Hickory Tavern luxury vinyl in this contemporary kitchen, but the soft beige veining and crisp white background would look equally stunning with a blonde wood floor.

Explore our wide selection of large format tile for more expansive designs. 👉

4. Pair With Marble for Ultimate Luxury

Resplendent with organic detail, marble is the epitome of luxury. Its natural veining pairs wonderfully with woodgrain, creating a space full of expressive movement. In this stunning bathroom, Rigel Grey wood-look tile adds authentic appeal in durable, waterproof porcelain, complementing the lush grey-veined Volakas marble and Arabian Lenci White marble-look tile.

If you love this opulent design, explore our wide selection of marble tile. For a similar luxurious look on a budget, shop marble look tile.

5. Add a Whimsical Pattern

Cozy elegance with a spoonful of whimsy—English country cottage design has made its way across the pond, filling American homes with a distinctly British brand of quirky sophistication. Here, the Laura Ashley Wexbord Midnight tile features a delicate, petite floral pattern. The sweet geometric design—based on the iconic brand’s original textile pattern—is charmingly complemented by blonde wood flooring, and the navy cabinetry grounds the space with a refined touch.

Shop our exclusive Laura Ashley designer collection for more quintessentially British motifs.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: English Country Cottage

6. Pick Perfect Imperfection With Handmade-Look Tile

If you love the look of authentic handmade tile but want a little more consistency—or a slightly lower price point—perfectly imperfect handmade-look tile offers a stylish solution. With subtle variations in surface texture, size and tone, this tile pairs wonderfully with the natural graining of wood floors.

In this gorgeous transitional kitchen—designed by @britneyandco.interiors—the Tribeca Gypsum White tile creates a soft, refined backdrop. Its nearly imperceptible shifts in tone and texture add rich visual interest, working with the wood flooring to bring an organic warmth that makes the space feel homey and welcoming.

Discover a wealth of designs in our wide selection of handmade-look tile.

7. Bring the Drama With Black Stone

Contrast light wood flooring with dark stone for a visually expressive look that adds drama to your space. This chic living room, designed by Timber Trails, features a Noir honed limestone tile fireplace. The natural stone details and subtle shade variation create texture that complements the woodgrain in the flooring. The white mantel provides a solid, neutral element, balancing the expressive stone and wood textures.

If you love this dramatic look, explore our wide selection of black tile. 👉

MORE TO EXPLORE | Fabulous Fireplace Tile Ideas

8. Make Your Backsplash the “Star”

This star-studded kitchen, designed by @madewelldesigns, pairs a playful patterned backsplash with honeyed wood floors. The small black motif on the Star White tile adds a cheerful sense of movement, balanced by the stately grey cabinetry.

Fanciful, floral, geometric or bold—you can find a design to suit your taste in our wide selection of patterned tile. 👉

9. Choose a Dark Blue Hue

Contrast your light wood floor with a deep, dark hue. This cool kitchen features the Zellige Azul Gloss tile. Rich in craftsman detail, this authentically handmade tile brings a perfectly imperfect appeal to the sink backsplash. The undulating navy tones add depth to the walls, while the honeyed wood flooring lends a sense of lightness to the space. This vivid hue also looks stunning paired with a light blonde wood floor.

Is this the hue for you? Shop our vast selection of blue tile. 👉

10. Layer Visual Texture

A lot is cooking in this cozy kitchen—and we don’t just mean on the stove! Tiles with varying visual and tactile textures are mixed together to create a space that soothes and stimulates the senses. The Roku White fluted tile creates small, tactile grooves along the wall, while the Kelli Fontana Kloe tiles in Ivory and In Bloom Ivory disrupt the flow with a charming diagonal pattern behind the stove backsplash. (Bonus: The smooth surface also makes it easier to clean.) Tonally consistent, the tiles’ differences create distinction between the cooking and prep spaces, making each feel larger. The soft whites pair nicely with the blonde wood floor, while the dark wood cabinets add gravity to the space.

If you love this classic, bold, whimsical style, explore our exclusive Kelli Fontana designer collection.

11. Add Magnificent Midcentury Details

You don’t need an A-frame house or an Eames chair to showcase your midcentury aesthetic. Celebrate the best of the Mad Men era with mid-1900s-inspired subway tile from Fired Earth. This Tile Shop-exclusive Stoneware tile features the sleek silhouettes, rich earth tones and speckled details emblematic of the period. Available in five retro colorways, these tiles pair wonderfully with light wood floors to create timelessly dapper spaces.

Shop Stoneware from Fired Earth in all three colorways: Linen Brick (beige), Powder White and Rainwashed (shown).

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Midcentury Modern

12. Go for a Traditional Look With Subway Tile

Popularized in the Victorian era, subway tile’s sleek, clean design still feels contemporary. Pair it with timeless light wood floors for a look that defies trends, as seen in this classically chic yet modern kitchen from Timber Trails. The Signature Slate Blue subway tile backsplash adds depth to the cooking area without clashing with the lighter elements, while the brick-lay layout grounds the space in tradition.

Shop forever-on-trend subway tile in a wide range of colors, styles and sizes. 👉

MORE TO EXPLORE | Classic Subway Tile Layouts

13. Pair White Tile With Blue Cabinets

When designing a kitchen, the color of your cabinetry is just as important as your tile selection. White tile—like the Retro Lino subway tile featured on this stove backsplash—works with virtually any cabinetry color, making it a great choice if you want the flexibility to update your style over time. We love how the slate blue cabinets, white backsplash tile, and blonde wood floor come together to create a fashionable and inviting space in this Timber Trails-designed kitchen.

Find more effortlessly elegant styles in our wide selection of white tile. 👉

14. Keep It Classy With Black-and-White Tile

Like a well-tailored suit, black-and-white tile exudes stately elegance. This sophisticated yet playful West Bay Homes-designed kitchen features Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal tile. The white geometric floral pattern against the faded black background creates a whimsical tableau with a sense of movement and order. We love how this charming patterned tile complements the muted wood floor, though it would look equally chic with honey-colored wood.

Explore more high-contrast designs in our wide selection of black-and-white tile.👉

15. Embrace Japandi Design

Made of short, thin rectangular pieces reminiscent of its namesake candy, KitKat mosaic tile—available in White (shown) and Grey—adds harmoniously symmetrical texture to your space. Neatly stacked, the small pieces draw the eye upward along this bar backsplash, creating a sense of height and soothing movement. The orderly texture contrasts beautifully with the organic wood grain of the floor and bar, creating a sense of natural tranquility that exemplifies Japandi style.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tile for Every Style: Japandi

16. Pick a Parisian Pattern

Bright and open, this European-inspired kitchen pairs the ornate, faded scrollwork design of the Alison Victoria French Connection Le Marais tile with honeyed wood floors, warm white cabinets and subtly veined marble countertops. The tile’s beige motif and crisp white background fit the serene neutral color scheme of this dreamy kitchen, but if you prefer more color, you could choose the same tile in light-blue Montmartre or dark-green Saint Germain.

Discover more of the HGTV star’s signature “city chic” motifs in our exclusive Alison Victoria designer collection.

17. Choose White Marble for Classic Elegance

Creamy or crisp, nothing epitomizes luxury like white marble. The grey veining in the Meram Blanc Carara Amalfi tile on this stately fireplace complements the movement and natural detail of the parquet floor. These organic details add expressive visual texture, drawing the eye to the fireplace while bringing warmth to the minimalist design.

Discover exquisite, understated beauty in our exclusive white marble collections: Hampton Carrara, Calacata Evora, Bianco Puro and Arctic White.

18. Create an Unexpected Checkerboard

Put a fresh spin on a traditional checkerboard design with an unexpected shape, size or color combination. This chic dining space features Fired Earth Stoneware tile in Linen Brick and Powder White. The subway tiles elongate the classic checkerboard pattern, creating a unique design that draws the eye upward. We love how the muted neutrals pair with the honeyed wood flooring, providing tonal contrast to the deep burgundy wall and dining booth.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Unique and Unexpected Checkerboard Tile Ideas

Four Flooring Ideas for a Natural Light Wood Look

If your reno includes new flooring, you may be wondering which material is best for your space. The Tile Shop offers a variety of real wood and wood-look options to suit your lifestyle and budget. Here are four flooring ideas for achieving an authentic light wood look.

1. Add Naturally Sustainable Beauty with Engineered Wood

Experience the beauty of real wood in sustainable and durable engineered hardwood flooring. Featuring an eucalyptus core and a real wood veneer, this fashionable flooring solution offers easy installation and exceptional durability. Shop styles in a range of dark and light wood looks—like the honeyed Corelee Basking Ridge Oak shown here.

Explore all seven engineered hardwood styles. 👉

2. Choose Wood-Look Luxury Vinyl for Easy Installation

Get an authentic wood look with easy-to-install, affordable luxury vinyl flooring. Available in a wide range of light and dark designs—like the Arbour Lowlands Summer Oak shown here—luxury vinyl showcases real wood details in a waterproof material that is also scratch- and stain-resistant. It’s a perfect solution for high-traffic areas or if you want a uniform floor across multiple spaces.

Shop luxury vinyl for more realistic wood, stone and cement looks. 👉

MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Install Luxury Vinyl Flooring

3. Create a Durable, Waterproof Floor with Wood-Look Tile

If you love the look of real wood but need more durability, sturdy and stylish wood-look tile—made of waterproof, scratch- and stain-resistant porcelain or ceramic—offers an excellent solution. Featuring realistic woodgrain details and available in a wide range of styles—from blonde and honey to dark woods—wood-look tile is a perfect real-wood alternative for high-traffic spaces or for achieving a wood look in a bathroom or shower.

This charming kitchen, designed by At Home With Ashley, features Baltimore Beige wood-look floor tile. Its complex light tones pair wonderfully with the Signature Binaco subway tile backsplash, providing a neutral base that lets colorful accessories pop.

For an easy-to-clean, low-maintenance floor that can withstand the wear of a busy family, explore our wide selection of wood-look tile.

4. Select Laminate Flooring for an Affordably Durable Solution

With realistic wood details and a soft bevel edge for smooth transitions, laminate flooring offers a refined, durable and cost-effective alternative to real wood for your great room, kitchen or basement. Here, the Hickory Scuol Guarda laminate flooring creates a bright and soothing space that seamlessly connects the living and dining areas.

Explore more wood-look laminate flooring styles as low as 1.99 / sq.ft. 👉

Let’s Create a Space You’ll Love!

Ready for a reno? Updating your space is easier than you think with The Tile Shop! Visit a showroom near you or schedule a free design consultation to start bringing your dream space to life.

The post 18 Stylish Tile Ideas to Pair With Light Wood Flooring appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Make Your Walls ✨Shine✨ With a Glossy Finish

The slightly reflective surface of Coco White Glossy tile (also available in Amber Grey and Canvas) adds brightness and a sense of depth to this contemporary bathroom. Installed in a neat vertical straight stack, the tile creates an orderly surface that gives the half-wall a sense of height.

2. Choose a Matte Finish to Give Your Floors Traction

While the glossy versions of Coco tile are rated for walls only, Coco White Matte and Coco Canvas Matte are suitable for walls and floors. The matte finish provides added traction, even in wet areas, making it an excellent choice for bathroom and mudroom floors. Here, Coco White Matte tile is installed in a straight stack, creating a safe and stylish bathroom floor.

MORE TO EXPLORE | How to Choose Bathroom Floor Tile | Chic & Charming Bathroom Flooring Ideas

3. Mix Finishes

A double band of vertically stacked Coco Canvas Glossy tile captures the light, creating a shiny stripe within a wall of horizontally stacked Coco Canvas Matte tile. The similar colorways maintain tonal cohesion, allowing the change in finish and layout to create subtle visual interest that uses light to highlight the unique design.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Fabulous Beige Bathroom Tile Ideas

👉 Discover even more possibilities when you shop subway and handmade-look tile.

4. Set the Mood With Amber Grey

Beautiful, undulating tones of light and medium grey create a relaxed tableau in this stylish contemporary bathroom. Installed in a herringbone pattern for a serene sense of movement, Coco Amber Grey Glossy tile evokes the tranquility of a gentle rainstorm.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Timeless Subway Tile Bathroom Design Ideas

5. Add Niche Appeal

A shower niche is the perfect marriage of form and function. It provides a convenient place for toiletries while also offering an opportunity to showcase your style. Choose a complementary stone, mosaic or patterned tile for the inner portion of the niche and line it with layered trim to create a small artistic moment. Here, Arabian Pisa Oro Matte marble-look tile adorns this chic niche, framed with layers of Calacata Evora Barnes and Alison Victoria Precious Metals Rose pencil trim.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stunning Shower Tile Design Ideas

6. Create a Sense of Movement With a Herringbone Pattern

The zig-zag of a herringbone pattern gives this soothing bathroom backsplash a dynamic sense of movement that draws the eye across the wall. The undulating tones of Coco Canvas Matte tile add distinct visual texture, further energizing the space.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Classic Subway Tile Layouts

7. Show Your Stripes

Another layout with nuanced contrast, this chic bathroom features Coco White tile in alternating stripes of Glossy and Matte finishes. By maintaining a uniform, horizontal, straight stack layout, the design relies on light to create a pattern that draws the eye across the wall.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stunning White Bathroom Tile Designs

8. Pair Coco With a Patterned Tile

The soft, subtly undulating tones of Coco White Glossy create a wonderfully neutral backdrop for a decorative patterned or mosaic tile, as seen with Morris & Co. Pure Net Cloud Grey in this elegant transitional kitchen. Framed with layers of Firenze Carrara Somerset and DURAL Plus Gold 24K trim, this charming focal point elevates the sink backsplash with intentional design. Add a picture frame feature to your shower, stove or sink backsplash to bring artistry to your tile design.

9. Add Visually Rich Expression

Rich, rust-toned veined marble-look Arabian Pisa Oro wall tile and Kasbah Cross Terracotta tile (paired with Kasbah Star Bone tile in a unique checkerboard pattern) introduce striking warm shades to this fashionable bathroom. Coco White Matte wall tile provides an elegant neutral backdrop with minute shifts in tone and surface texture, while Coco Canvas Glossy accents complement the beige shades in the marble-look tile. The result is a luxurious expression of visual complexity within a limited color palette.

10. Switch Directions

Vertical or horizontal, straight or offset, or herringbone—subway tile is an endlessly versatile style, offering a range of layout possibilities that add a sense of height, width or movement to your space. If you can’t decide between two layouts, consider combining them for a unique design, like this fashionable backsplash featuring Coco Amber Grey Glossy tile in an alternating horizontal and vertical straight stack.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Inspiring Kitchen Tile Ideas

11. Complete the Look With a Complementary Mosaic

The Hampton Hermosa Octagon mosaic tile adorns the niche in this chic shower, designed by @styleitprettyhome. The natural color variation in the marble tile complements the perfectly imperfect tones and surface variations of the handmade-look tile, enhancing the minute yet complex visual texture of this stunning space.

12. Mix Patterns to Create Interest

By now, you’ve seen how varying your subway tile layout can create interest even with a single colorway. This sleek shower, designed by @stonepillarconstruction, is another example of combining layouts to create a visually engaging space. Coco Canvas Matte tile is installed in a horizontal straight stack on the left wall and in a vertical 1/3 offset on the adjoining wall. The subtle disruption adds energy without overwhelming the senses.

13. Couple Coco With White Cabinets

Coco Amber Grey Glossy tile is a lovely complement to the crisp white cabinets in this chic contemporary kitchen. The lush shade variation in these handmade-look tiles creates an expressive tableau, contrasting with the sleek cabinetry and fixtures. We love how the grey and blue tones establish a cool color scheme—gorgeously accented with gold fixtures—but Coco in White or Canvas could also be paired with white cabinets to create a warmer look.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Creative Kitchen Backsplash Ideas to Pair With White Cabinets

14. Set a Serene Scene

This stylish shower, designed by @zandcodesigngroup, is a relaxing retreat. Coco White Glossy tile, with its soothing shades and subtle surface variations, casts gentle ripples of reflected light across the tiles. While the soft white tones and glossy finish create a stunning neutral space, any Coco tile can add rich expression to your design.

Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

Ready to design a space you’ll love? Use our Tile Visualizer to see how the Coco tile will look in your home, or schedule a free design consultation and let our experts guide you in choosing the perfect materials for your project.

The post 14 Creative Design Ideas for Coco Subway Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Because white subway tile works with so many design directions, the grout color you choose plays an important role in defining the overall look from the start. The right grout can create a crisp, uniform surface or highlight the tile’s pattern with subtle or bold contrast. Although the type of grout you use—such as sanded or unsanded—will be determined by the needs of your tile and project, the grout color itself should be chosen based on your design goals and maintenance preferences.

Read on for ideas and tips for choosing the best grout color to accompany your white subway tile.

1. Color Theory: Complementary vs. Contrasting Grout

One way to approach your tile design is to decide whether you want your grout color to be complementary or create contrast. Tonally complementary colors—grey and beige—add softness to a white tile design, while contrasting black grout creates depth and drama.

👉 Explore grout, including newly reformulated Superior grout, in a wide range of colors.

A Tale of Two Grouts

Both of the bathrooms below, designed by Julie Howard for Timber Trails, feature the same Signature Bianco Gloss subway tile. In the bathroom on the left, the tile is installed with Superior Whisper Grey grout, while the bathroom on the right uses Black Onyx grout. In both spaces, the grout was selected to match the trim rather than the tile itself—Hampton Carrara marble on the left and Black Marquina marble on the right.

Notice the difference in mood between the two spaces. On the left, complementary colors create a tranquil atmosphere, enhanced by the pale blue vanity and blue-grey walls. On the right, contrasting tones lend a stately feel, with an orderly black-and-white tile design highlighted by the black grout.

MORE TO EXPLORE | A Step Inside: Julie Howard’s “Storybook” Estate

Featuring Left: Hampton Carrara Barnes, Hampton Carrara Hex, Hampton Carrara Skirting, Signature Bianco Gloss and Hampton Carrara Subway. Right: Black Marquina Somerset, Penny Round Matte White, Penny Round Matte Black, Signature Black Gloss REL and Signature Bianco Gloss. Design by Julie Howard for Timber Trails. Photography Jonn and Maura Stoffer.

2. Monochromatic Moment: Matching Grout

Crisp, clean and effortlessly modern, pairing white grout and white subway tile creates a smooth, unified surface where the tile pattern recedes and the space’s overall design takes center stage. This subtle approach is especially popular in contemporary, Scandinavian and minimalist interiors, where simplicity and brightness define the design.

Although white grout can show dirt and stains more readily than darker options, a white-on-white installation remains a timeless choice for a fresh, polished aesthetic.

Keep Focus on Handmade Details

If your tile has unique characteristics—such as a handmade or handmade-look style—a grout color that recedes into the background will allow the tile’s natural variations to stand out. Here, the handmade-look Coco White Glossy tile is installed in a vertical stack on the wall and fireplace. The glossy finish reflects light, highlighting the purposeful deviations in surface texture.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Fabulous Fireplace Tile Ideas

Create Subtle Visual Texture

This contemporary kitchen backsplash features Signature Bianco Gloss in bevel, framed and traditional subway styles. The white grout lines are nearly indistinguishable, allowing the tile’s varying edges to stand out for seamless visual texture.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Introducing the Signature Collection

Extend White Grout to Other Tile

Here, white grout extends from the Tribeca Gypsum White tile on the left wall onto the Tribeca Basalt tile accent wall. The grout lines complement the white subway tile while contrasting with the black, softening the overall design and creating a visual thread through the black-and-white Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Toro floor tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Fabulous Black & White Shower Tile Ideas

All About Grout

Tips to Nail Your Grout Color & Design

How to Choose the Right Grout

How to Grout Tile Like a Pro

3. Soothingly Subtle: Grey Tones

Offering subtle contrast and a dirt-concealing hue, grey grout is an excellent pairing for white subway tiles. Choose grey for spaces where you want to highlight the design without creating the drama of a black-and-white color scheme, or areas where dirt and grime tend to collect—such as a shower, kitchen backsplash, or floor.

Match the Veining in Marble Tile

Here, grey grout complements the grey veining in the Royal Satin White marble subway tile. The soft, subtle lines emphasize the brick-lay layout while tonally matching the tile. The muted color allows the black fixtures and the trim around the shower niche to really stand out.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Stunning White Bathroom Tile Designs

Complement Your Modern Farmhouse Design

This farmhouse bathroom features the handmade-look Retro Lino subway tile. The intentional variations in surface texture are subtly highlighted by the grey grout lines. The muted grey hue complements the cozy-chic aesthetic of modern farmhouse design and harmonizes tonally with the dark grey Laura Ashley Wicker Charcoal patterned floor tile.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Charming Modern Farmhouse Bathroom Tile Ideas

Add Stylish Versatility

This charming kitchen, designed by At Home With Ashley, features Regent Bianco subway tile. The grey grout helps conceal dirt and stains on the backsplash, while its subtle lines contrast with the colorful wallpaper and accessories. Grey grout’s versatility also makes it easy to update your style by swapping out accessories, paint or wallpaper.

Our Favorite Subway Tile Ideas

Classic Subway Tile Layouts

Sleek & Chic Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

Timeless Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas

4. Clever Camouflage: Earth Tones

It might surprise you to learn that beige and sand-colored grout are among the best choices for masking dirt and soap residue. Even more than black or grey, which can show white soap residue and dust, earth-toned grouts excel at concealing mess, making them ideal for kitchen and bathroom walls and backsplashes.

Maintain Tonal Elegance

This elegant bathroom features Morris & Co. Hawkdale Pure Chalk subway tile installed in a vertical offset and accented with Signature Slate Blue Gloss pencil trim. The beige grout lines provide a soft, subtle contrast against the off-white tone of the handmade-look subway tile.

Celebrate Timeless Tradition

This Timber Trails–designed kitchen features a handmade-look Retro Lino tile backsplash installed in a brick-lay pattern with dark brown grout. The warm, earthy tones create subtle, soothing lines for an elegant, transitional tile design that complements the classic character of the dark blue cabinets and brass hardware.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Small Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas With Maximum Style

Create Colorful Unity

When choosing your grout color, it’s important to consider all the elements in your space—not just the tile. This stylish, contemporary space features Coco White Glossy tile installed with pinkish-beige Antique White grout. The soft tones coordinate with the countertop and sink basin, creating a harmonious, unified look throughout the room.

Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

Designing your space involves many decisions, and our friendly tile experts are here to guide you through the process. Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local Tile Shop showroom, where you’ll find the materials, tools and expert advice you need to start creating a space you’ll love.

The post Top Grout Colors for White Subway Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Serene Subway Tile Floor Design Ideas

A herringbone tile floor creates a sense of movement that draws the eye across the space, giving the illusion of added square footage. In this soothing design, the Coco Canvas Matte subway tile features perfectly imperfect detailing that enhances the layout’s natural flow.

Shop our extensive collection of subway tile to achieve this sophisticated look. 👉

2. Turn It 45 Degrees

Herringbone tile is traditionally installed on a diagonal, but rotating the layout 45 degrees adds instant visual intrigue. In this luxurious marble bathroom, a picture-frame accent on the shower wall showcases a unique intersecting herringbone pattern. Calacata Evora Honed Marble subway tiles are laid in alternating vertical and horizontal rows, creating a stair-step effect where the tile points meet—adding depth and movement to the space. We especially love how the complementary grout shade blends seamlessly with the marble’s background tone, allowing the natural variation and veining of the stone to shine through. It’s an understated yet impactful design choice that speaks to refined elegance.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design

3. Change Sizes to Create Distinction

Herringbone is a versatile pattern that easily scales up or down. Herringbone mosaic tile comes in a range of sizes, colors and materials. This beautiful bathroom features Arctic White herringbone mosaic on the floors in both Large and Small sizes. The change in scale creates distinction between the main bathroom and shower while maintaining continuity between the spaces.

MORE TO EXPLORE | 20 Mosaic Tile Designs That Will Make Your Room a Masterpiece

4. Pick a Parquet-Look Design

Recreate this timeless look with waterproof, scratch- and stain‑resistant wood‑look tile. This Timber Trails–designed mudroom features California Wood Mini Parquet porcelain tile, whose distressed white wood-look details feel both rustic and refined.

From the French word for “little compartment,” parquet flooring is traditionally made from small, precisely cut wood boards arranged in a mosaic or geometric pattern (herringbone being the most popular of these layouts). Recreate this timeless look with waterproof, scratch- and stain-resistant wood-look tile for a floor that’s as durable as it is stylish. This Timber Trails–designed mudroom features California Wood Mini Parquet porcelain tile. With its distressed white wood-look details, this tile floor feels both rustic and refined.

5. Frame the Windows

Rather than abruptly cutting off the herringbone design at the windows, this kitchen backsplash, designed by @twiggandlu_designco, frames them with vertically and horizontally stacked Look Oliva tile. Contrasting white grout accentuates the pattern, highlighting the change in direction. While we love the consistency achieved by using the same tile for both the backsplash and window frames, you could add even more interest by introducing another color.

6. Add Width with a Double Herringbone Design

Double up your herringbone layout for a chic look that’s twice as nice. Retaining the elegant sense of movement of the single pattern, the stacked layers of this style create a subtle basketweave effect. This pup-approved bathroom by @annagraham_interiors features Signature Slate Blue Gloss subway tile in a double herringbone layout, adding visual weight and texture to the wall.

7. Match a Field Tile With a Herringbone Mosaic

A “field tile” is the main tile that covers the majority of a space, providing a backdrop for decorative mosaic tile. Many of our herringbone mosaic tiles coordinate with large-format field tile, allowing you to create a beautiful, cohesive design.

Here, the Laura Park Seaside Marble large-format tile covers the walls, while the coordinating Seaside Marble Herringbone tile creates a decorative accent on the shower bench and floor. Stylish and practical, the grout joints provide traction on the shower floor for added safety.

Discover fresh, art-inspired designs for every space in our exclusive Laura Park designer collection. 👉

8. Switch Directions to Create Distinction

Your tile layout can help define a space—such as distinguishing the cooking zone from the prep area on a kitchen backsplash. This contemporary space features Tribeca Basalt subway tile installed in a bricklay layout along the prep area, then switching to a herringbone layout behind the stove. The change in layout visually separates the spaces while maintaining cohesion.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Classic Subway Tile Layouts

9. Create a Fashionable Layout with Patterned Tile

This unique layout features Nikki Chu Zulu Cement tile—also available in Graphite (black) and Pumice (beige)—installed in a herringbone pattern. By pairing two of the abstract arch designs, the patterned tile forms a zigzag that leads the eye upward and across the space, giving the chic shower dynamic visual interest.

Discover more fashion-forward, globally inspired tiles in our exclusive Nikki Chu designer collaboration. 👉

10. Use Large Marble for a Sense of Expansiveness

Just sort of the 23″ that designates large format tile, the 8″ x 20″ Volakas marble tile stretches across this elegant bathroom floor. The natural veining in the marble adds interest to the zigzag pattern, while the oversized tiles and complementary grout lines keep this design feeling refined and understated.

Explore our wide selection of large format tile to achieve this look. 👉

11. Make a Point With Chevron Tile

Add an edge to your dynamic design with chevron tile. A close kin of the herringbone pattern, this tile offers similar zigzag movement, but the ends are cut to meet at a point rather than overlapping like rectangles. The result is an invigorating geometric design, as seen in this beautiful Nikki Chu–designed space featuring Meram Blanc Carrara Chevron tile.

Explore our full selection of chevron tile for more on-point looks. 👉

12. Add Durable Style With Laminate Herringbone Flooring

Offering the timeless appeal of hardwood in a durable format that’s easy to install and maintain, laminate flooring is a stylish and affordable option for your great room, kitchen, entryway or basement. Available in two popular herringbone styles—Sundance Oak and Historic Oak (shown)—this modern flooring solution features realistic woodgrain details in a contemporary, easy‑to‑style format.

MORE TO EXPLORE | Laminate Flooring Buying Guide

Bring Your Dream Space to Life!

Invigorated by the possibilities of this dynamic design? Explore our complete selection of herringbone tile to choose from ready-made small-format mosaics, or create your own pattern using rectangular or subway tile.

Schedule a free design consultation or visit your local showroom to get started!

The post 12 Super-Chic Herringbone Tile Pattern Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. How to Decide Between Complementary Vs. Contrasting

Whether you choose a complementary or contrasting grout depends on your desired design outcome. Complementary grout creates a sense of cohesion, while a contrasting color adds drama and emphasis. Consider these two spaces, both featuring Lanse Matte Black Picket tile. In the left bathroom, complementary grout softens the diagonal lines of the tile installation, resulting in a chic, contemporary look. On the right, a traditional horizontal stack paired with contrasting grout highlights the unique picket shape, with the distinct lines enhancing the space’s eclectic aesthetic.

Featuring: Lanse Matte Black Picket.

2. Consider Your Trim

When selecting grout for her children’s bathrooms, designer Julie Howard chose colors to complement the trim pieces rather than the main tile. The bathroom on the left matches Superior Charcoal grout with the Black Marquina Somerset trim (this tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Signature Black matte square pencil trim). On the right, Superior Whisper Grey coordinates with the Hampton Carrara trim. Both rooms feature the same white subway tile, illustrating how grout can drastically transform the look of a space.

Explore our Tour of Julie Howard’s “Storybook” Estate for more inspired spaces and design tips from Timber Trails’ lead designer.

Featuring: (Left) Black Marquina Somerset (tile no longer available; achieve a similar look with Signature Black matte square pencil), Penny Round Matte White, Penny Round Matte Black, Black Marquina Skirting (tile no longer available; achieve a similar look with Signature Black matte skirting) and Signature Bianco Gloss. (Right) Hampton Carrara Capital (tile no longer available; achieve a similar look with Hampton Carrara Barnes), Hampton Carrara and Signature Binaco Gloss.

Design by Julie Howard for Timber Trails. Photography Jonn and Maura Stoffer.

Learn from a Pro! Watch Everything You Need to Know About Grout

3. Determine if you want Wide or Narrow joints

Grout joints usually range in size from 1/16 in. to 1/8 in. While the size of your grout joint may depend on your tile–rectified edges allow for smaller joints–it’s also an aesthetic choice. Smaller grout joints used with large format tile will result in a seamless look, making your space appear more expansive and cohesive. This installation method can even mimic the look of a single stone slab, as is demonstrated in the kitchen on the left.

If you’re installing handmade or handmade-look tile, wider grout joints will help accommodate and minimize the variation in the tile edges. In contrast, smaller joints tend to highlight these irregularities. The kitchen backsplash on the right features wide grout joints to soften the hand-cut edges of the handmade Zellige White Gloss tile.

Pro Tip: For smaller grout joints, honed natural stone and glass tile, use unsanded grout. Use sanded grout for larger grout joints and heavy tile.

Featuring: (Left) Calacata Evora. Design by Angelia Guthrie. Featuring. (Right) Zellige White. Design by Fox Homes.

4. Use Grout to Create Unity in Your Design

When choosing grout, it’s important to consider all the elements in the space–not just the accompanying tile. Here, the thick white grout joints accentuate the grid layout of the Look Avio tile featured on the shower wall. The alternating horizontal and vertical lines create a visual throughline that connects the shower wall to the white geometric pattern on the Ragno Taupe floor tile.

5. Consider Varying Your Joint Widths

Varying your grout joint sizes adds an extra layer of interest to your tile design. The Cool Blue tile featured in this shower is actually a 12 x 24 in. large format tile designed to mimic the appearance of smaller, handmade-look square tiles. The vertical grout line aligns with the pre-scored grout joints within the larger tile, while the thicker horizontal grout lines enhance the visual appeal and contribute to the contemporary aesthetic.

6. Match Your Grout to Your Cabinets

When developing your tile design, it’s important to consider all of the elements in your space. Kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities can influence your grout choice just as much as the tile. In this high-contrast kitchen designed by Timber Trails, the grout is matched to the white cabinetry. The white-on-black grout and tile combination adds dimension and drama while drawing attention to the cabinets.

7. Consider Cleaning and Maintenance

No matter where it’s installed, your grout is likely to accumulate dirt, dust or soap residue over time. As you might expect, dark-colored grout does a better job of hiding dirt than lighter shades. For floors–especially in high-traffic entryways or mudrooms–a dark grout can reduce the frequency of cleanings. Sealing your grout will also help keep it clean and looking fresh longer. Learn the best methods for maintenance in our How to Clean Grout guide.

When you consider your desired aesthetic and preferred level of maintenance, you can choose a grout that both enhances your space and suits your lifestyle. Discover the many hues of grout available, and if you’re planning to DIY, check out our guide on How to Grout Like a Pro. Have more questions? We’re here to help! Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, or schedule a free design consultation to get started on your project.

The post 7 Tips to Nail Your Grout Color and Design appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

16 Versatile Colors

Choose from a wide selection of contemporary colorways in both matte and glossy finishes. Coordinate pieces within a single colorway, or mix colors and finishes–these tiles are designed to complement one another.

Playing With Color

With a wide range of soothing neutrals and natural hues, Signature tiles are sure to inspire many beautiful new spaces. Discover ideas for incorporating these popular shades throughout your home with these four color guides.

10 Brilliant Blue and Green Kitchen Tile Ideas

12 Fabulous Beige Bathroom Tile Ideas

12 Brilliant White Bathroom Tile Ideas

12 Beautiful Black Bathroom Tile Ideas

Three Subway Tile Shapes

Frame and bevel subway tiles add texture and elegance to your walls. Combine two or more shapes within a single design to create visual interest and a sense of movement. Available in 3 x 6 in., 4 x 8 in., 4 x 12 in. and 4 x 16 in.

One Style, Endless Designs

Sleek and chic, subway tile is a timeless staple that offers countless layouts options and design possibilities. Find inspiration for your next project with these three guides to suwbay tile design.

13 Sleek & Chic Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

11 Timeless Subway Tile Bathroom Design Ideas

6 Classic Subway Tile Layouts

Coordinating Trim

Choose from five classic trim pieces—available in all colors and finishes—to add a polished touch to your space. Crafted to coordinate with Signature subway tile, these versatile pieces will elevate virtually any tile design. Read How to Elevate Your Space With Trim for expert design tips.

I approach design with trim the same way I do when accessorizing a bedroom or living room, by adding layers.

-Kirsty Froelich, Director of Design

Bring Design Visions to Life

Modern farmhouse, boho chic or transitional–these elevated basics are designed to complement a range of traditional and contemporary styles. Scroll through the slideshow to see how different combinations can transform the look and feel of a space.

Slide One: Signature Bianco Gloss Subway, Bianco Bevel Gloss Subway, Denim Gloss Square Pencil, Denim Gloss Skirting, Denim Gloss London and Athena (this tile is no longer available; achieve a similar look with Costes).

Slide Two: Signature Oatmeal Matte Subway, Bianco Matte Pencil, Bianco Matte Skirting, Oatmeal Matte London and Kelli Fontana Chain Reaction Pearl Beige.

Slide Three: Signature Bianco Gloss Subway, Black Gloss London, Black Gloss Pencil, Black Gloss Skirting and Hex Matte White and Black Flower.

Tile, Your Style

A range of classic shapes and colors provides endless possibilities. Explore our guides to some of the most popular design styles to discover how to achieve your ideal aesthetic.

Tile for Any Style: Modern Farmhouse

Tile for Any Style: Boho Chic

Tile for Any Style: Transitional Design

Tile for Any Style: Coastal Chic

Mass Appeal, Niche Customization

Elevate your design even further by incorporating mosaic, marble or patterned tile—Signature’s versatile colors and shapes offer endless possibilities for customization. Shop our wide selection of patterned and mosaic tile to find coordinating styles.

We’re so excited to see the unique and beautiful spaces our new tiles inspire! Explore the entire Signature collection to start bringing your designs to life, and share your next project by tagging us @thetileshop on Instagram or uploading it directly to our Customer Room Gallery (you can find even more design inspo there, too).

The post Introducing the Signature collection appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Horizontal Straight Stack

This contemporary layout features neat lines that draw the eye across the width of the wall or floor, making your room appear wider. The simple design can be created with any rectangular tile, including subway tile. Here, bands of Coco White matte and glossy tiles add a stylized touch to the bathroom wall; mixing finishes is an excellent way to elevate a simple layout.

2. Vertical Straight Stack

Just like the guards at Buckingham Palace, these “soldier stacks” stand firm and tall. Installing tile vertically creates the illusion of height in your space. Vertically stacked subway tile will make your space feel contemporary, while rectangular large format tile (tile with one side 23″ or longer) makes your space feel both taller and more expansive.

“Horizontal and vertical straight stacks are my favorite tile patterns for bathrooms because they present a clean and fresh look. It’s important to have a polished design in your bathroom.” –Kirsty Froelich, The Tile Shop Director of Design

Pro Tip: Combine vertical and horizontal stacks for a stunning, custom design.

3. 1/2 Offset Brick Lay

There’s a reason why 1/2 offset is one of the most traditional layouts. The simple enhancement of offsetting stacked tiles by 50% is visually appealing and helps hide any imperfections in the installation. Use subway or rectangle tile to achieve a classic brick-lay look, or square tile for a chic offset design.

4. 1/3 Offset Brick Lay

The stair-step effect in this pattern is created by offsetting each tile by 1/3 of its length. We recommend using a 1/3 offset when designing with tile that is 8 x 16 in. or larger. Shop large format tile to achieve this stylish design on your floors or walls.

5. Herringbone

Install large or small rectangle tile at a 45-degree angle to create a dynamic herringbone pattern. You can enhance the vertical and horizontal zigzag movements by incorporating different colors, finishes or a contrasting grout color.

6. Double Herringbone

A double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangular tiles. This layout is less common because it can be difficult to perfect. However, when executed correctly, as seen in this contemporary bathroom designed by Friedman General Contracting, the results are stunning!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to consider your grout color! A contrasting grout will accentuate your layout, while a grout that matches the tile results in a subtler design.

7. Chevron

Like herringbone, a chevron pattern creates a dynamic, zigzag design. However, this layout is created by connecting the angled ends of specially cut tiles, rather than installing rectangular tiles diagonally. The result is a fashionable V-shaped silhouette.

8. Grid

A tried-and-true design, this layout is created by simply arranging square tiles in a grid formation. It is ideal for patterned tile, especially when the pattern is enhanced by grouping four squares together, as it is on the Kelli Fontana Inlay Proper Florence Lace tile shown here.

9. Diagonal

Similar to the grid pattern, this layout consists of rows of square tile. However, as it is installed at a 45-degree angle, this pattern makes your floor or wall appear wider. We love how Timber Trails used this layout to add a contemporary twist to the classic checkerboard design. You can achieve a similar look using diamond-shaped tile.

10. Versailles

Named after the French Palace of Versailles, this classically elegant pattern consists of rectangles and squares of varying sizes. While the Versailles pattern is commonly used for floor designs, it’s also striking on walls.

11. Hex

The six-sided, honeycomb-shaped hex is a surprisingly versatile tile shape. Available in small mosaic formats and larger field tiles (up to 13 x 14 in.), all hexagon tile adheres to the same layout. However, the uniformity of similarly-sized hex tiles allows for custom patterns. Here, Bento tile in White and Charcoal are arranged in an unexpected checkerboard pattern.

Ready for a room refresh? The Tile Shop is here to help! Explore tons of unique tile combinations in real spaces with our Tile Visualizer, or schedule a free design consultation with our tile experts to get a jumpstart on your next project.

The post Tile Patterns and Layouts appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

1. Select the Best Bathroom Tile Floor Material

With so many options for man-made tile (including luxury vinyl flooring) and natural stone—selecting the right material often depends on your desired look, your overall project budget, and your preferred level of maintenance. Here are some of the benefits of our most popular bathroom floor materials.

Man-Made:

Man-made materials include clay, vinyl, cement, glass and any other material that is not naturally occurring. In this section, we’ll discuss our most popular man-made materials for bathroom floors: porcelain, ceramic and luxury vinyl flooring.

Porcelain & Ceramic

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made of clay that has been glazed and fired in a kiln. While porcelain tile, made from a stronger clay and fired at a higher temperature, is slightly more durable, both porcelain and ceramic floor tiles are robust enough to withstand typical bathroom traffic. In addition to being waterproof, these tiles are scratch- and stain-resistant, making them an excellent choice for bathroom floors. Available in a wide variety of shapes, patterns and finishes you can find porcelain and ceramic tiles to complement virtually any design. These tiles can even mimic the appearance of other materials; wood-look or marble-look tiles offer natural beauty with superior durability and easy maintenance.

From left to right: 1. Featuring: Truewood Beige. Design & Photography by Haneen Matt of Haneen’s Haven. 2. Featuring: Enredo Steel Dark Brown, Dark Stainless Steel Somerset and Quartzite Patagonia. 3. Featuring: Invisible Grey, DURAL Black Matte and Nord Ris Hex.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Waterproof, scratch- and stain-resistant luxury vinyl flooring offers the timeless appearance of natural wood and stone with unparalleled durability and hassle-free maintenance. With an affordable price point (styles start at just $1.79 per sq. ft.) and easy installation, luxury vinyl is a great option for budget-conscious or DIY projects. Plus, since all luxury vinyl styles are compatible with in-floor heat, you can create a space that looks and feels extravagant.

Note: Vinyl is a waterproof material; however, standing water can seep through the seams of your luxury vinyl planks and tiles. Ensure proper installation and promptly clean large spills to help prevent damage to the subfloor beneath. Not recommended for use in showers or wet rooms.

Pro Tip: DIY with confidence using our How to Install Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring guide.

From left to right: 1. Featuring: Cyrus Plus Fauna. 2. Featuring: Marmoreal Cement Silver Grey.

Natural Stone:

Unlike porcelain and ceramic tiles, stone is mined from the earth in large pieces and then cut into individual tiles, revealing inherently unique variations in color and veining. The Tile Shop’s stone collections include field tiles as well as coordinating mosaic and trim pieces, making them an excellent choice for a luxurious whole-bathroom remodel.

At The Tile Shop, you can find natural limestone, quartzite, slate and granite tiles, but here we’ll focus on our two most popular stones for bathrooms: marble and travertine.

These tiles are available in four distinct finishes:

Tumbled: A rough, textured look created by tumbling the stone with rocks.

Brushed: A textured look is achieved by combing the stone with a wire brush.

Honed: A smooth, matte finish.

Polished: A smooth, shiny finish with a sleek surface.

Marble

When choosing marble tile, the main considerations are color, finish, and shape. Available in a wide variety of colors–white, beige, and even green and black–marble floor tile can achieve virtually any aesthetic. Whether you like a rough, textured appearance or a smooth matte finish will determine whether you choose tumbled, brushed or honed marble. Polished marble tends to be slippery when wet, so if you prefer this shiny finish, consider a marble mosaic tile, which provides more grout joints for greater traction.

Pro Tip: Regularly treat your marble tile with made-in-U.S.A. Superior Enhancers and Sealers to keep it looking new.

Clockwise from top: 1. Featuring: Arctic White, Bandung Gris Acid, Nuovo Riad Bianco, White Pebbles (Small) and Arctic White Skirting. Design and photography by @MaryLauren. 2. Featuring: Arctic White. Design by Annie Selke. Photography by Bethany Nauert Photography. 3. Featuring: Meram Blanc Carrara, Verano White and Meram Blanc Carrara Somerset. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer. 4. Featuring: Firenze Carrara Hex. Design and Photography by The Grit and Polish. 5. Featuring: Siberian Pearl. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

Travertine

A type of limestone characterized by its formation in natural springs, travertine features rich veining and color variation, with shades ranging from brilliant silver to warm beige to black. Available in the same four finishes as marble, travertine tile has seen a resurgence in recent years thanks to its warm, earthy tones.

Pro Tip: Stretch your bathroom budget by pairing a natural stone floor with a stone-look porcelain or ceramic wall tile.

Right to left: 1. Featuring: Atlanta White, Claros Silver, Claros Silver Barnes, Claros Silver Threshold, Claros Silver Skirting and Claros Silver Hex. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting. 2. Featuring: Claros Silver. Design & Photography by Coco & Jack.

2. Select the Best Style of Flooring for Your Bathroom

Both man-made and natural stone tiles are available in a wide range of styles. From hexagons and penny rounds to checkerboards–when it comes to design, there’s no wrong choice. Virtually any floor tile will meet the functional requirements of your bathroom. Ultimately, it comes down to your individual taste. Here are some of our most popular styles to consider.

Large-Format Tile

Since it requires fewer grout lines, large-format tile makes any space feel more cohesive and expansive. Defined as any tile with one side greater than 15″, large-format floor tiles are available in styles up to 48″ x 48″. The majority of these tiles are porcelain, as the strength of this material reduces the risk of cracks and breakage, ensuring smoother installation and superior durability. Cement and stone looks are especially popular in this format, as the large tiles create the appearance of a single, seamless slab.

Left to right: 1. Featuring: Softcement Graphite, Noir Honed Hixton, Noir Honed Threshold, Noir Honed Limestone, Alvarado Matte and Livingstone Nero. Design by Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang. Build by Rick and Kelli Vogelgesang of West Bay Homes. Photography by Spacecrafting. 2. Featuring: Argile Matte White and Livingstone Melange. Design by Nikki Chu

Patterned Tile

Delicate florals, abstract shapes and textile-influenced designs are all represented in our wide selection of patterned tile. Whether bold or subtle, a pattern can reflect your personality and set the tone for your space. Explore our patterned tile collection to discover the perfect tile for your style. 

Pro Tip: “If there’s a tile that stands out to you but you’re having second thoughts because it may be too bold or too colorful, a powder bath is the perfect place to experiment.” – Nikki Chu, Celebrity Designer

Clockwise: 1. Featuring: Nikki Chu Zulu Graphite. 2. Featuring: Tribeca Gypsum White and Jeffrey Alan Marks Summerland Miramar. 3. Featuring: Imperial Bianco Bevel Gloss, Laura Ashely Leaf Cloud Blue and Laura Ashley Sunflower Charcoal with Cloud Blue.

Mosaic Tile

Besides offering beautifully intricate designs, the small pieces that make up each sheet of mosaic tile feature more grout joints per square foot, which adds traction to your floors. This makes mosaics perfect for wetrooms, showers and primary bathroom floors. While more grout joints require more cleaning and regular sealing, the results are stunning.

Mounted on mesh sheets for easy installation, this highly versatile tile is available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, materials and styles. Some mosaics, like penny rounds and small hexagons, allow for custom designs by mixing colors in the same size and shape. When you select marble or travertine mosaics from The Tile Shop’s natural stone collections, you can choose from a variety of matching field tiles and trim to complete your bathroom design.

Pro Tip: Achieve a highly designed look by using your bathroom floor mosaic to create matching accents, such as a sink backsplash or shower niche.

Right to left: 1. Featuring: Penny Round Gloss White and Penny Round Cloudy. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer. 2. Featuring: Meram Blanc Carrara Polished Niles with Grey. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer. 3. Featuring: Hampton Carrara Cardine, Hampton Niles, Noir Hixton and Hampton Carrara Threshold. Design and Photography by Mas Means More.

Subway Tile

Sleek, chic and highly versatile, subway tile consistently ranks as one of our most popular tile styles. While commonly used on walls, subway tile is just as stylish on bathroom floors. The wide range of colors, materials (stone and man-made) and sizes (from petite 2″ x 6″ to long, skinny 4″ x 24″) make this tile compatible with virtually any contemporary or traditional design style. Its versatile rectangular shape can be installed in a variety of layouts, such as brick-lay, straight stack or herringbone. Check out this guide to subway tile layouts for more ideas.

Clockwise: 1. Featuring: Coco White Matte. 2. Featuring: Coco Canvas Matte. 3. Featuring: Victoria Grey Dark.

Zellige Tile

Handcrafted by artisans using centuries-old techniques, Zellige tile is renowned for its authentic character and perfectly imperfect appearance. Available in petite subway, square and mosaic styles, the Star and Cross shapes are the most popular floor designs. These unique shapes reflect traditional Moroccan design and can be installed in alternating glossy and matte finishes to create subtle interest.

Note: part of Zellige tile’s handmade appeal lies in the slight variations in size, thickness and surface texture from tile to tile.

Pro Tip: For a slightly more uniform (and budget-friendly) floor tile, try the handmade-look Kasbah Cross and Star tiles.

Clockwise: 1. Featuring: Zellige Alabaster Gloss, Zellige Charcoal Chabone Cross Gloss and Zellige Charcoal Chabone Star Matte. 2. Featuring: Arabian Pisa Oro Matte, Kasbah Cross Terracotta, Kasbah Star Bone, Coco White Matte and Coco Canvas Matte. 3. Featuring: Kasbah Cross Terracotta and Kasbah Star Terracotta.

3. The Best-to-Clean Bathroom Flooring

Whether cleaning the bathroom is a chore you love or dread, chances are you want it to go as smoothly and effortlessly as possible. Easy to clean, stain resistant and waterproof, tile is perfect for bathroom floors. Whatever style or material you choose, a good broom and a mop will be enough for daily cleaning. However, you’ll occasionally want to do a deeper clean to address build-up in your grout joints. Large-format tile has the fewest grout joints, while mosaics have the most. Natural stone will also require extra maintenance, including regular sealing and special cleaning.

Pro Tip: A dark-colored grout will hide the appearance of dirt.

Featuring: Siberian Pearl. Design by Timber Trails Development Company. Photography by John and Maura Stoffer.

We hope this guide helps you select beautiful and durable bathroom flooring. Explore our Bathroom Flooring Ideas and shop bathroom floor tile for more inspiration. Have more questions? We’re always here to help! Visit your local Tile Shop showroom, or schedule a free design consultation to get started.

The post How to Choose Bathroom Floor Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

Floor Tile: Quarry Grey Field

This no-nonsense tile is a favorite for commercial and outdoor spaces. Unlike our other man-made porcelain and ceramic tiles, this tile is unglazed, making it less likely to show chips and scratches. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and durable tile for a high-traffic mudroom or patio, the Quarry Grey Field tile (also available in Red) is an excellent choice. Shop our vast selection of floor tile to find the style to fit your space.

Marble-Look Tile: Tresana White Polished

One of our most popular categories, marble-look tile combines the luxurious beauty of natural stone with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain and ceramic tiles. This year, warm-toned marble looks–like the Tresana White tile with its subtle brown veining–were among your favorites.

Subway Tile: Imperial Bianco Gloss

White subway tile remains an interior design staple, so it’s no surprise that the Imperial Bianco Gloss tile topped the category. This sleek, chic subway tile is versatile enough to complement a range of design styles, like this bathroom, designed by Jessica Bigham, which pays homage to 1930s Hollywood. Shop our wide selection of subway tile to find styles to fit your space, whether contemporary, retro or anything in between.

Handmade-Look Tile: Tribeca Gypsum White

Perfectly imperfect handmade-look tile mimics the uneven surface and tonal variations found in authentic handmade tiles but at a fraction of the cost. The greater consistency from tile to tile also makes installation easier. With its warm white color and worn edges, the chic Tribeca Gypsum White tile–inspired by the trendy Manhattan neighborhood of Tribeca–was your favorite artisanal-style tile of 2024.

Mosaic Tile: Hex Matte White with Black Flower

The retro-inspired Hex Matte with Black Flower tile was your favorite mosaic of the year, and we can see why! This funky, versatile tile pairs with so many styles and colors, offering a wealth of design possibilities–whether for an all-black-and-white space (like this graphic shower) or as a backsplash in a kitschy kitchen.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Timber Ridge Cashmere

A favorite among DIYers, luxury vinyl flooring is available in a variety of easy-to-install wood-, stone- and cement-look planks and tiles. The Timber Ridge Cashmere features realistic woodgrain details characteristic of high-quality wood-look luxury vinyl flooring, making it a perfect option for great rooms, kitchens or mudrooms.

Marble: Arctic White

Continuing the 2024 trend for warm neutrals, the Arctic White Brushed 12″ x 24″ tile topped the marble category. This extremely rare stone, sourced from a single Turkish quarry, is a Tile Shop exclusive. Use this tile to create a lush, luxurious design in your great room, kitchen or bathroom–like this opulent spa bath designed by Annie Selke. For more beautiful and unique looks, shop our wide selection of marble tile.

Slate: Adoni Black

Perfect for rustic outdoor installations or for adding natural texture to contemporary bathrooms or kitchens, slate remains one of our most popular stone tiles. The dark and expressive Adoni Black slate 8″ x 24″ was the fan-favorite slate tile. Shown here in the small Versailles pattern, this stone tile features ridge-like striations that create a distinct earthy texture. Shop our full assortment of slate tile to find organic looks for your space.

Travertine Tile: Legno

Travertine is a type of limestone formed by mineral springs. Available in a range of shades–from brown to beige to black–travertine tile features bold veining and color variations, creating rich, expressive designs. The top-selling Legno 12″ x 24″ tile, with its warm beige and white tones, showcases the softer side of this natural stone

Trim Tile: Hampton Carrara Polished Somerset

A Somerset (a Tile Shop-exclusive trim piece similar to a pencil trim, but with a rounded edge) provides a sleek transition between two surfaces–whether between two tiles or between a tile and a painted wall. The Tile Shop specially sources trim pieces, including Somersets, to coordinate with our most popular stone tile collections. The Hampton Carrara polished Somerset will complete your Hampton Carrara tile design or add a stylish accent to ceramic, porcelain or glass tile, as demonstrated in this beautiful bathroom. Finish your tile design with our wide selection of trim tile, available in a variety of styles and materials.

Discover more fan-favorite styles when you shop our best-selling tiles!

Let 2025 be the year you create the space of your dreams! The Tile Shop is here to help every step of the way with tile, tools and helpful advice to take your project from design to completion. Visit your local Tile Shop to get started.

Explore the other entries in our 2024 Year In Review Series:

Top 10 Bathrooms of 2024

Top 10 Kitchens of 2024

Top 10 Before and Afters of 2024

The post Year In Review: Our Top-Selling Tiles of 2024 appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.