Unique Bathroom Tile Flooring Patterns

If you are building a new bathroom or remodeling an existing bathroom you are probably considering different tile flooring options.  There are many different flooring types, patterns, colors and sizes but, generally speaking, flooring is installed in some version of a linear pattern.  There is nothing wrong with the standard tile laying patterns that are traditional but many homeowners today are looking for ways to make their home more unique and custom looking.  Choosing a unique bathroom tile flooring pattern is a simple way to add subtle or bold visual interest to your bathroom.

Most bathroom tiles are square or rectangular (excluding mosaic options) and are thus laid in some pretty standard patterns – they are usually offset slightly or perhaps laid at a diagonal.  But, whether you are choosing a neutral or bold tile, there are more options for tile laying patterns that will make your bathroom more unique. The best part about laying bathroom tiles in a unique pattern is that it can be done with inexpensive or high-end tile.  If your budget is smaller but you do not want to sacrifice aesthetic, consider choosing a more inexpensive tile but laying it in a unique pattern.

There are many different tile floor laying patterns including straight, diagonal, running bond (offset), checkerboard, basketweave, herringbone, and so much more.  And, you can combine two types/shapes or tile in unique lay patterns to create even more interest!  Better Homes and Gardens describes the advantages of using various tile laying patterns, “Herringbone is a look created when rectangle tiles are installed in a 45 degree angled  V shape. Popular in Europe for hundreds of years, the intricate herringbone pattern is an elegant way to visually expand a small room. The wide Vs create movement, drawing the eye outward to create the illusion of more width…Checkerboard alternates two colors of same-size square tiles in either a straight line or diagonal pattern. Although traditionally created with black and white tiles, you could also use different shades of a color for a subtle look or go wild with bold, contrasting hues. The checkerboard pattern makes a strong statement, so it is most commonly used in smaller spaces like bathrooms or mudrooms. It can also look great in a large kitchen or living room…The basket-weave pattern re-creates the crosshatch stitching found on woven baskets by laying rectangular tiles into square blocks, alternating between horizontal and vertical. Extremely popular in the early 1900s, basket weave is a classic way to add interest to floors. Marble is a classic choice for this design, but it can be pricey so many homeowners limit the material to a small bathroom. Matte porcelain tiles are an affordable alternative for a traditional space and glazed ceramic creates a flashy shine in a modern home.”