Floor Tile Patterns

Patterned floors have always been a favorite when it comes to remodeling of any house. Floor tile patterns seem to have prevailed through the ages and across different cultures. Since it is the largest area of any room, it is only natural that the pattern of the tiles on the floor invoke a sense of order, depth and vitality to the room.

Interior designers usually look for inspiration for floor tile patterns in architecture, textiles and even quilts designs. However, there are certain simple rules that guide your choice of patterns for your floor tile. While a tightly focused pattern in lighter shades of floor tiles makes a room look larger than it is, a strong large pattern can make a room appear quite small. However, the advantage of large patterns in vivid colors are that it can take your mind off the "boxiness" of a room. Also, while choosing the color of the flooring, it is vital to consider the color of the tiles. For example, a dark colored floor can create an illusion of a higher ceiling. Besides this, elements such as, the architecture of the room and furniture also determine the choice of the floor tile patterns. To help you on your way to designing your floor, here is a list of the common floor tile pattern layouts in use today.

Floor Tile Pattern Ideas
There are many options for arranging floor tiles especially, if you are using accent tiles. You can use innovative ideas for creating patterns in the center of the room or around its edge using porcelain or ceramic tile flooring.

Square Tile Patterns
Straight Course: Visualize a tic-tac-toe board and that is what your straight course tile laying pattern will look like. This standard tile pattern which is commonly used is formed by stacking square tiles with grout lines running vertically and horizontally along it. It works best when alternating colors or shades are used, unless you prefer the simple grid pattern.

Diagonal or Diamond Pattern: Similar to the straight grid, the diagonal tile layout is made by installing square tiles and running the grout lines at a 45 degree diagonal. This pattern has a great effect when the tiles are laid diagonally from the most important entrance to the center of the room.

Brickwork Pattern: This ceramic tile pattern requires laying straight courses of tiles and then each row is alternated with the previous row in a running bond or brick pattern. This works for the rectangular tile patterns as well.

Rectangular Tile Patterns
Basketweave: For the basketweave pattern you require rectangular tiles that are two to three times its height. Place 2 tiles horizontally on top of each other, creating a square, followed by 2 vertical tiles. Then follow this up with another square of 2 horizontal tiles and continue this pattern all the way across the desired surface. When you start the next course, again begin with 2 vertical tiles and follow it up with 2 horizontal tiles.

Herringbone: Much more difficult as compared to the earlier pattern, a herringbone pattern requires you to use both rectangular and square tiles. It basically consists of interchanged rectangles and squares placed in a random manner. However, you need to make the pieces fit together to add variety to the pattern.

Diagonal Herringbone: Although not as random as the herringbone pattern, the diagonal herringbone pattern allows you to place only rectangles in a row of diagonal line. In this case, the second tile and all those following it begin at the middle of the previous tile. For this you need to fit the second course of tiles underneath the first one, with the first tile fitting into the slot that’s created between the first and second tiles, along the first course above. This has to be continued for each course of the diagonals.

Ribbon Pattern: You need to alternate rectangular tiles with square ones in either a stacked, or a brick like pattern.

Pinwheel Patten: The pinwheel or windmill pattern is created by surrounding a square tile with four rectangular tiles on either side with each of the tiles overlapping the other.

Remember that while choosing the patterns there are a number of things that you must decide upon, like whether you want a design that carries through the room or do you want it to just break up the basic pattern of grout lines. After all, the more effort that goes into a tile pattern, the more time and money it will cost. The other things to keep in mind are the surface of the tile,how to incorporate tiles that have different finishes and surface texture and how well your new floor matches up with the other floors. So do your homework before going in for the floor tile patterns. You can browse through your favorite interior magazines or visit tile shops to get a better idea. With some creative imagination you can add pizazz to your home and increase its value as well.