Product & Trends Pattern Play: Transforming Walls & Floors with Dynamic Tile Patterns
Jun 05, 2025When it comes to updating your space, few details deliver as much visual impact as a well-chosen tile pattern. Whether you're designing a cozy powder room or a bold backsplash, the way you lay your tile can take a simple material and turn it into a major design feature.
At Crossville Studios, we carry a wide range of floor and wall tiles—from artisanal looks to sleek modern finishes—so you can find the perfect pieces to create the pattern that fits your style. Let’s break down some of the most popular wall tile patterns and why they work.
Classic Subway, Reinvented
The horizontal subway layout is a forever favorite, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. Try vertically stacked tiles for a modern twist, or go diagonal for a playful vibe. Want to get even more creative? Try unexpected sizes, unique shapes, or contrasting grout to really make the pattern pop and highlight the layout.
Where it works: Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom and shower walls, laundry rooms
Pairs well with: Glossy and matte finishes, bold grout, or mixed sizes for variation
A vertical offset tile pattern brings modern movement to kitchen walls—ideal for elongating the space and adding subtle texture with a contemporary twist. Shown: Morrocan-inspired Fez ceramic subway tiles .
Add height and texture to your shower walls with a vertical brick tile pattern—perfect for elongating small spaces and creating a modern, spa-like feel. Shown: Nomad ceramic tile.
A fresh take on vertical offset, this curved-edge subway tile with contrasting grout creates a soft diagonal rhythm across the wall—adding movement, dimension, and a modern spa-like vibe to any bathroom. Shown: Grace ceramic subway tiles
This vertical stacked layout uses elongated, textured subway tiles to create a sleek, structured look with extra dimension—proof that minimal doesn’t have to mean flat. Shown: Texiture ceramic wall tile.
Play with Color for a Fresh Twist
Sometimes it's not about changing the tile shape—it’s all in the color. Mixing different hues in a classic tie layout, like a staggered brick pattern, can completely change the vibe. Whether you go bold with contrast or keep it subtle with tone-on-tone shades, using color in creative ways is an easy way to add personality and make your backsplash (or floor!) stand out.
Where it works: Backsplashes, feature walls, and floors.
Why we love it: Color-driven patterns give you the best of both worlds—classic structure with a custom feel.
Mixing bold and soft hues in a classic brick pattern (running bond or offset) brings playful energy to this coffee shop wall—proof that color alone can redefine a familiar layout. Shown: Retro Active 2.0™ porcelain floor and wall tile.
A vertical stack tile tile layout gets a fun twist with alternating colors that mimic a checkerboard & bringing unexpected charm. Shown: Colour Notes ceramic wall tile.
Double the Pattern, Double the Style
Want to level up your tile design? Try mixing two different patterns. Combining layouts adds movement and interest without overwhelming the space. It’s a simple way to create a one-of-a-kind look that feels custom and creative.
Where it works: Backsplashes, feature walls, or large-format floors.
Design tip: Keep the color palette cohesive so the patterns shine without clashing.
This clever combo of vertical stacked and offset tile patterns on this bathroom wall creates soft movement and texture. Shown: Limerick ceramic wall tile.
This wall pairs vertical and horizontal stack tile patterns with color-blocked accents, creating a clean grid that’s subtly disrupted for a fresh, artistic twist. Shown: Rebels ceramic wall tile
Alternating vertical and horizontal stack patterns wrap seamlessly around built-in shelving—adding structure, depth, and a polished, architectural feel to the space. Shown: Skin ceramic wall tile.
Herringbone for the Win
Elegant, eye-catching, and full of movement, the herringbone pattern instantly elevates any space. And with so many ways to vary the look—from straight-set or diagonal layouts to mixing finishes, colors, or tile sizes—this classic pattern offers endless design potential. It’s a go-to for designers who want a little drama without going over the top.
Where it works: Feature walls, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, floors
Design tip: Want a bold, modern twist? Try large-format tiles in a herringbone layout for maximum impact and unexpected elegance.
A classic 45-degree herringbone tile layout brings energy and fresh color to the bath—elevated by a glossy teal glaze that catches the light from every angle.Shown: Flow ceramic wall tile.
This straight, or square, herringbone tile layout (roffers a modern take on the timeless 45 degree herringbone pattern—bringing soft movement and structure to this blush-and-white shower design. Shown: Alchemist ceramic wall tile.
This oversized herringbone pattern adds bold texture and a modern edge to the shower wall. The large-format tiles in the herringbone pattern make a big design impact. Shown: Hide and Sleek™ ceramic wall tile.
Chevron Chic
Similar to herringbone but with cut angles for a continuous zigzag, chevron patterns are all about polish and precision. They’re a little more luxe and very eye-catching.
Where it works: Shower walls, entryway statement walls, floors
Extra style points: Try using tiles with subtle veining to emphasize the flow.
This chevron shower wall pairs wood- and marble-look porcelain tiles in perfect symmetry—creating a spa-like space that feels both natural and refined. Shown: 60 Degrees porcelain tile.
This mixed-width herringbone floor in wood-look tile channels Japandi design—blending natural warmth, subtle texture, and clean geometry for a calming, curated bedroom retreat. Shown: Elisir Touch wood-look porcelain tile.
This clean ceramic chevron floor brings subtle movement and modern geometry to the space—perfect for minimalist interiors that still want a touch of texture. Shown: WOW Floor Chevon
Parquet: A Fresh Take on Tradition
Parquet patterns—sometimes called crosshatch or finger block layouts—bring a woven, multi-directional look to your walls. Tiles run in both directions, creating a dynamic grid that feels both structured and stylish. It’s a nod to classic wood flooring, reimagined for modern wall design.
Where it works: Statement walls, fireplace surrounds, behind open shelving
Why we love it: It adds texture and symmetry without feeling too formal
This soft green wall tile in a parquet-style layout creates a woven, crosshatched effect—adding rhythm and charm to this airy, modern dining space. Shown: Fayenza ceramic wall tile.
This crosshatch tile pattern gets a playful upgrade with pastel pink, soft gray, and glossy white—turning a traditional parquet layout into a fresh, design-forward focal point. Shown: Alchemist ecramic wall tile.
With just two colors and a left and right mirrored graphic, Snippet™ creates a bold parquet-style wall with dynamic geometry—offering near-endless pattern possibilities through simple repetition.
Grid & Stack: Clean and Contemporary
This modern favorite skips the offset and lines tiles up in crisp rows. Also known as horizontal stack, it's a sleek, no-fuss look that's perfect for minimalists—and it works great with large-format tiles, too.
Where it works: Modern kitchens, accent walls, bar areas
Why we love it: It makes a space feel open and organized
This horizontal stacked layout features nuanced shades of white and gray, creating soft stripes that add depth, dimension, and a calming rhythm to the wall. Shown: Crafted ceramic wall tile.
Laid in a clean horizontal stack, these water-inspired wall tiles ripple with soft movement and shine—bringing a refreshing, organic feel to this bright kitchen nook. Shown: Flow ceramic wall tile.
Sleek and understated, this large-format stacked tile wall brings refined simplicity to the space—perfect for modern spaces that favor clean lines and quiet luxury. Shown: Hide and Sleek ceramic wall tile.
Let’s Make It Personal
With so many options—colors, sizes, textures, and finishes—tile patterns let you tell your story, your way. Whether you're drawn to timeless layouts or ready to try something totally unexpected, the team at Crossville Studios is here to help you explore the possibilities.
Ready to get started? Visit one of our 28 showrooms nationwide or browse online for tile inspiration you can really build on.