Mosaic Tile Patterns: Beyond Color, Shape & Texture

Mosaic tiles are more popular than ever. And it’s no wonder given their wide array of applications and incredible selection of colors, shapes and textures.

However, there is another design element with mosaic tile that is often overlooked: patterns. While the straight (or stack bond) is the most common and simplest tiling pattern, it isn’t necessarily the optimum choice. Depending on the intended impact, alternative mosaic tile patterns can add drama, interest and wow to kitchen backsplashes, showers, walls, niches and even spas and pool waterlines.
Some of the creative mosaic tile patterns to consider, include:

The Hexagon Pattern

This beautiful Eastern style creates a compelling mosaic effect in your space.  From the bathroom and kitchen to the laundry room and patio, hexagonal tiles look amazing as flooring, feature walls and backsplashes.
 
Hexagon mosaic tile patterns elevate your interior design. The six-edge shapes offer renovators and builders plenty of options as they come in a wide range of colors finishes, materials and sizes. Additionally, hexagonal tiles are suitable for any style you may have in mind, no matter how bold or subtle.

Subway Pattern

Considered a classic that never goes out of style, subway tiles are brick-shaped and named after New York’s famous tile pattern in its subways. Porcelain or glass, subway tiles can be used in your home in many different ways including kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms. This is a good pattern to choose for an uneven wall or an imperfect surface. Because the tiles don't line up with one another exactly, the eye is fooled into seeing a cohesive whole.
 
Normally, subway tiles are stacked horizontally. But if you’re looking for versatility, consider stacking subway tiles vertically. This can make ceilings feel taller and work well behind your counters.
 
Subway tiles can also be laid diagonally or in a step ladder pattern. Subway tile bricks rotated at a 45-degree angle adds a surprise in the kitchen because it’s so unique and not expected. A step ladder pattern looks great in a surround shower pattern and makes the space feel larger and more open.

Herringbone Pattern

Many feel there is something quite romantic and dreamy about this pattern. Even though it looks fancy it’s quite easy to make – simply place the short end of a subway tile against the long end of another subway tile, and build off that.
 
The herringbone pattern is an arrangement of rectangles so named for a fancied resemblance to the bones of a fish such as a herring. Because the “V” in the pattern acts like arrows pointing you in the right direction, the herringbone pattern is achieved by laying rectangular tiles in a zigzag pattern.
 
The tiles can be rectangles or parallelograms. The block edge length ratios are usually 2:1, and sometimes 3:1.
 
There are two ways to create herringbone: at a diagonal or 90 degree angle. The diagonal option is a bit softer and more classic while the 90 degree angle gives a more modern and geometric vibe. This pattern is perfect for hallways. outdoor paths and smaller rooms. But there are many ways to use the herringbone pattern from a relaxing and minimal bathroom, to a statement wall with an extra pop of color.

Arabesque Pattern

An arabesque shape jumps out at you because the curving lines in arabesque tile are exciting and has the potential to feel very formal and glamorous. That’s not surprising considering this style of decoration has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to Hellenistic artisans working in Asia Minor. Its ornamental design originated from a naturalistic theme of intertwining plants as well as abstract curvilinear patterns.

Appreciation for these softer, intricate shapes implies an appreciation for travel, exotic foods, music and cultures in general. Gray arabesque mosaic tile patterns have become very trendy as kitchen backsplashes and the focal point of featured walls.

Modular (Mixed)

Feeling creative and bold? Then modular mosaic tile patterns may be for you. In this designer technique, tiles of different sizes are mixed together. Modular tiles patterns can be used in any room to provide extra interest and compelling backdrops to interiors of all styles.

Flooring is often a target of modular, especially if the aim is to create a more provocative look than regular, same-sized tile laid in a strictly linear way.
Modular supporters claim that tiles laid in a linear fashion permit the eye to rest on the surface and take in the overall size of a room more easily -- this compared to tiles laid in a linear fashion which can make a room look either smaller or narrower than it is.

Trapezoid Pattern

In case you don’t remember high school geometry, a trapezoid is a 4-sided flat shape that has a pair of opposite sides parallel. You can also think of it as a rectangle from which one corner has been removed.

In the world of mosaic tile, trapezoid patterns are considered very modern and best used in contemporary designs where a minimalist yet edgy effect is desired. Ideal for kitchen backsplashes, accent walls and bathroom borders.

With a little work, even more intricate designs can be created with trapezoid-shaped mosaic tile – everything from pinwheels to kaleidoscopes.

Linear Pattern

Designers choose linear mosaic tiles to create pathways because of the tile’s smooth, geometric look. Linear patterns can combine varying rectangular widths of mosaic tile in a distinct interlocking format to produce unique and stunning shower stalls or feature walls.

To create an artistic focal point, you can continue a linear tile pattern up a wall as a bed wall backdrop or fireplace surround. As the linear pattern continues up from the floor it creates an elongating floor-meets-ceiling effect for an impressive finish that adds some flair and personality into your home.

The right linear floor tile can perfectly change the visual appeal of your home and make your space appear longer, wider, or more uniform than it really is.

Mosaic Stone Pattern

The natural, free-form pattern of pebble tile brings a unique warmth and rustic look to walls, backsplashes, niches, countertops and bathrooms. Our interlocking pebble tile mosaics capture the exotic beauty of nature. Available in a myriad colors and styles, natural stone patterns are sure to add organic, aesthetic appeal.

For example, take our Sahara Flat Stone Pebble Tile. This provocative but natural looking stone pattern is perfect for a backsplash in a kitchen with appliances that have neutral colors.

The design possibilities are substantial. Besides flat stone, be sure to check out our other great mosaic stone tiles: shaved pebbles, pebbles and hopscotch.

Do A Test Run First

Sometimes an idea sounds better than it looks. That’s why we recommend always dry-fitting your pattern first to make sure you like it as well as helping you think about your cuts in advance, grout lines needed and if there’s anything obscuring the pattern.

Just be sure to set some planning time ahead in advance. Your installation will proceed smoothly and you'll feel more confident when making decisions.
 
------------
Need help with tile patterns? Or maybe you have other questions? The tile experts at AquaBlu Mosaics are here to help you! Call us at (800) 971-1442 or fill out our contact form.