Bathroom Design
Decorating Guides
9 Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Styles
Get acquainted with the basics of combining shapes, colors and finishes for a symphony of tiles
For tile fans such as myself, the more tile, the better. But though I’d happily cover every surface with it, there are certain things to consider when combining tiles of various sizes, shapes and patterns on walls and floors. Because tiling large areas requires a sizable investment, it’s worth getting samples and experimenting with how tiles work together. These nine tips offer guidance on how to combine tiles for the best look.
2. Pair Pattern With Plain
Restrict your use of patterned tiles to one surface — either the floor or a feature wall. Here, black and white penny tiles laid in a hexagon pattern take center stage, while the white subway shower tiles provide a light-enhancing background.
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Restrict your use of patterned tiles to one surface — either the floor or a feature wall. Here, black and white penny tiles laid in a hexagon pattern take center stage, while the white subway shower tiles provide a light-enhancing background.
Shop for penny tiles
3. Play With Scale
One of the most important tips for mixing tile well is to create balance by combining small- and large-scale patterns. In this bathroom three tile types are combined successfully: tiny hexagonal mosaics on the bath and walls, medium hex tiles on the basin surround and large oblong tiles on the floor. The monochrome palette helps create a harmonious whole.
Bathrooms Awash in Black and White Tile
One of the most important tips for mixing tile well is to create balance by combining small- and large-scale patterns. In this bathroom three tile types are combined successfully: tiny hexagonal mosaics on the bath and walls, medium hex tiles on the basin surround and large oblong tiles on the floor. The monochrome palette helps create a harmonious whole.
Bathrooms Awash in Black and White Tile
4. Treat Stone as a Neutral
Floor-to-ceiling light blue subway tiles make a statement in this supersize shower. To soften the look and create a cohesive design, pair them with natural gray stone, which adds visual interest with a neutral pattern that doesn’t try to compete.
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Floor-to-ceiling light blue subway tiles make a statement in this supersize shower. To soften the look and create a cohesive design, pair them with natural gray stone, which adds visual interest with a neutral pattern that doesn’t try to compete.
Work with a pro to install tile in your home
5. Combine Matte Finishes
For a bathroom with tactile appeal, choose two types of matte tile and break up large areas with an alternative surface, such as this exposed brick, or with plain painted walls.
New to home remodeling? Click here to learn the basics
For a bathroom with tactile appeal, choose two types of matte tile and break up large areas with an alternative surface, such as this exposed brick, or with plain painted walls.
New to home remodeling? Click here to learn the basics
6. Juxtapose Matte and Glossy
Get away with combining similar-size tiles and busy patterns by choosing one matte style and one shiny. These high-gloss subway tiles on the vanity wall work beautifully with the matte finish hexagon floor tiles.
Get away with combining similar-size tiles and busy patterns by choosing one matte style and one shiny. These high-gloss subway tiles on the vanity wall work beautifully with the matte finish hexagon floor tiles.
8. Be Consistent With Pattern
Use tiles in different colors and sizes, but keep the shape consistent for a harmonious effect. This bathroom includes oblong tiles in two different colors, but the same brick pattern on each surface creates a visual connection between the planes.
Use tiles in different colors and sizes, but keep the shape consistent for a harmonious effect. This bathroom includes oblong tiles in two different colors, but the same brick pattern on each surface creates a visual connection between the planes.
9. Limit Your Color Palette
For a bathroom with a lot of different surfaces, minimize competition between patterns by choosing a restricted color palette. With just gray and white throughout, this shower scheme feels elegant and cohesive.
For a bathroom with a lot of different surfaces, minimize competition between patterns by choosing a restricted color palette. With just gray and white throughout, this shower scheme feels elegant and cohesive.
Tell us: How have you mixed and matched tile in your home? Share your tips and photos in the Comments.
More on Houzz
How to Choose the Right Tile Layout
Find a bathroom remodeler
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More on Houzz
How to Choose the Right Tile Layout
Find a bathroom remodeler
Shop for bathroom tile
Use small statement tiles, such as these small glass tiles, to create a feature on a backsplash or another small area rather than across an entire room. Combine them with large-scale plain tiles and you’ll avoid a design that makes your eyes go funny.
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