Do you have a favorite tile pattern? What are key design principles that you should keep in mind when you're thinking about renovating or decorating your space? Some individual tiles need to be installed in different directions to get a specific look or pattern and to make new and interesting patterns. Maybe ones you haven't considered, basic tile doesn't have to be so basic. In this guide, we share the tile patterns 2022. 

No.1 Best Tile Pattern - Running Brick Pattern

A running brick pattern is a classic pattern where tiles are laid very much like brickwork. They can be offset by a third or half. Meaning the tiles in each row shift to one side by either half a tile width or by a third. The reason this pattern is so popular is that it's so versatile. It can be used almost anywhere. The pattern is classic because it's practically expected when you think of tiles and tile patterns especially when you consider something called subway tile.

Subway tile is typically a rectangular-shaped tile where its proportions are usually two times wider than it is taller. It's very popular in bathrooms. It provides a clean even seamless look to large wall areas. This pattern runs along very smoothly and it's a great tile if you want to feature other aspects of the room. Because it can be a great unassuming backdrop to things like beautiful faucets or a teak bench. 

If you match the grout to the tile the pattern just fades into the background creating a beautiful simple wall texture that envelops the room. However, if you'd like to showcase this running brick pattern, use a grout that contrasts the tile, and all of a sudden it's no longer just a backdrop. It becomes a feature. Or choose a tile that is vibrant and deep in color. Not so plain jane anymore. And it's not just popular in bathrooms kitchens love this tile pattern too. Kitchens tend to have strong horizontal elements because of the natural lines of upper and lower cabinetry. This running brick pattern continues that feeling with simplicity.

Another key feature of a running brick pattern it's not exclusive to subway tiles. Any tile that is rectangular in shape with similar proportions can be installed in a running brick pattern. Porcelain, stone, glass, and marble which you can turn 45 degrees and angle it too. Angling any pattern will make the space feel more spacious. Use this pattern especially when spaces are small. Use a matching grout and the pattern will visually extend the space as it drops back into the background.

No.2 Best Tile Pattern - Stacked Tile Pattern

Each tile is installed in line with the one below. The great thing about this installation is that even though it's simple in terms of math. It actually offers up many different results. First off, it can be stacked horizontally or vertically and that changes the way it looks in the room. Stacking tiles vertically gives this classic tile a more modern slant.

Stacking it on its horizontal edge also provides a clean grid-like pattern. The rectangular grid is more evident in a horizontal installation. But choosing which direction should be based on whether you'd like to emphasize the length and width of the room versus its height. You can use a stacked tile to create a feature wall. It's installed vertically bringing your attention up to the ceiling and those great pendant lights.

Stacked tiles don't have to be rectangular either. The not-so-distant past when square tiles were very prevalent. If you're looking for that vintage look consider a stacked square tile. If you add the second color with the same tile, you've created a  classic floor pattern, the checkerboard. A black and white checkerboard floor is a great statement. Magic happens when you turn the whole pattern by 90 degrees, it visually expands the space magically. 

If you want some more magic to add one more color to the mix and you can create a plaid look. It's a bit of an illusion but it works really well. You'd think simply stacking tiles would be an easy decision. There's a bit more that goes into it in the end.

No.3 Best Tile Pattern - Herringbone Tile Pattern

Herringbone tile can be installed in two ways. The classic more traditional way is where the pattern's peaks point up and down. It zigs it zags. Traditionally this is the way herringbone wood floors are installed and in most cases, herringbone tile floors are installed the same way. This classic approach is beautiful and some would say it's too traditional. But it really depends on the tile that is being installed instead of the pattern itself. 

A classic herringbone pattern visually expands the space. Making it perfect for small spaces like entryways. You can use slate herringbone or any natural stone herringbone because it creates a lovely mottled look on the floor. It's perfect in a mudroom, also the longer each tile is, the more modern the overall look is.

The second way to install herringbone is called a right angle herringbone where the pattern is turned 90 degrees so that there's one flat edge along the bottom. It looks more like a stepped pattern. And it looks great when you have large spaces of wall. This pattern becomes quite geometric, but you lose the stepped herringbone pattern when you have smaller portions of the wall. The double herringbone where the tiles are doubled up, it's a great alternative to the classic herringbone pattern.

The best thing you can do is stick with the classic horizontal herringbone pattern because you always get the full effect of the pattern. The best part of the herringbone pattern is that very pleasing zigzag, it creates visual interest and movement. It's definitely not a static pattern. Those zigzags are what makes it popular.

No.4 Best Tile Pattern - Crosshatch Tile Pattern

This pattern was very popular in the 60s, with what was called parquet wood flooring. Small blocks of wood lined up at right angles create a woven geometric look. It's a great alternative to the other patterns we tend to see more often, some people call it crosshatch, some might call it a basket weave. You might find it very easily as a mosaic tile. The larger scale of using full tiles to create a woven look.

This tile pattern on walls just makes the basic rectangular tile look more interesting than a basic running bond or stacked installation. You will love this even larger scale of this pattern with floor tiles. If you're really trying to make enemies with your tile installer, ask them to install multiple colors in a crosshatch pattern or install this clever pattern on the diagonal. Depending on the size and type of tile you can really be creative with this pattern and it will definitely attract some attention.

There's no such thing as a basic tile, not when you can use math and geometry to install it in new and creative ways. Even predictable brick and stack tile patterns can be exciting and new with a change in the angle. The color or even the direction the tiles are installed and grout can offer up a whole new look as well. Herringbone can be doubled up and then there are the possibilities of a crosshatch pattern. Tile installations are one of the best ways to really make a statement in your home and it's not just about the tile.