Tile Shapes Explained

Written by

Perini Tiles

16 October 2024

•

5 min read

Tiles are a fabulously versatile design solution as they are available in an endless amount of colours, textures, sizes and shapes. This versatility allows you the freedom to create any type of look you want in your home while experimenting with a range of different design elements for that perfect finishing touch. Different tile shapes can be used to create a vast range of designs and patterns, further enhancing the amount of creative freedom offered in your next project. In this post, we explore the many different tile shapes available and how these can be used.

Timeless Subway Tile Shapes

A staple of modern interior design, subway tiles actually have a long history! First introduced in the early 1900s, these tiles were initially created to be used as a hygienic wall finish in the subway stations of New York. These first subway tiles were a simple, small white rectangular shape however since then, subway tile designs have evolved to new heights. You can now find subway tiles in a rainbow of different colours as well as textures or finishes. Maintaining their classic rectangular shape, these tiles can be used to create a wide variety of different tile layouts or patterns from the timeless brick bond layout to a modern herringbone tile layout. Find out more about subway tiles in our blog Talking Tiles where we look at the many different options available, subway tile layout patterns and more!

Timeless and elegant, the Cabo collection blends the timeless aesthetic of classic terracotta tiles with the incredible durability of porcelain. These lush tiles feature a rich matte finish along with irregular edges to create a handmade look. A luxurious reimagining of the classic subway tile, Cabo can be used in both interior and exterior applications, offering a wonderfully versatile design solution.

Creating Texture with Pennyround Tiles

Pennyround tiles are a type of mosaic tile with each individual tile being a small, circular shape. Classic and charming, pennyround tiles are available in a wide range of colours, materials and finishes, offering a stylish feature tile option that can be used all around the home. Often used as a kitchen splashback tile or as a bathroom feature tile, these tiles are a fabulous choice for those looking to add a wonderfully rich and textured element in a design scheme!

Pennyround tiles are an excellent choice for those looking to add a layer of texture in their design scheme. Our luscious Bling collection offers a rich combination of matt and glossy metallic finished pennyround tiles in your choice of copper or gold for the ultimate in luxury!

Timeless & Chic Chevron Tile Shapes

Chevron tiles offer a rich combination of classic and modern styling. These tiles come in a parallelogram shape and are laid with their pointed ends meeting to create a zig-zag effect. Chevron tiles are often used to create dynamic feature walls as well as stylish flooring patterns, making for an exceptional choice for traditional as well as contemporary styled homes.

Available in a selection of classic timber colours, the stylish Huski timber look tile collection includes a chevron tile option as well as a plank tile option. Suitable for use as a flooring or wall finish, these elegant timber inspired tiles can be used in wet areas of the home where real timber is not recommended for use, offering a hard wearing and durable porcelain alternative option.

Classic Hexagon Tile Shapes

A classic six sided tile shape, hexagon tiles add character and dimension to a space. These tiles can be found in a wide range of materials including porcelain, ceramic, natural stone and concrete, each of which providing its own unique look and feel. A popular choice for the home, hexagon tiles are often used as a flooring solution or as a feature splashback, adding a stylish pattern to any design scheme.

Available in a selection of playful colours, the Argo Concrete collection is an authentic encaustic tile that is suitable for use as a floor and wall finish in the home. These hexagon tile shapes feature a contrasting geometric design that offers a further sense of pattern.

Different Styles with Square Tile Shapes

Square tiles are perhaps one of the most popular tile shapes available. A simple square tile can come in a wide variety of sizes to suit different applications from larger 600 x 600mm sized tiles that are perfect as a flooring solution to small 100 x 100mm tiles that provide an ideal choice as a feature wall tile in the kitchen or bathroom. Similar to rectangular shaped tiles, square tiles can be laid in a variety of different ways to create stylish patterns in your design scheme; they can be arranged in a classic grid pattern, a diamond pattern or even a staggered pattern where the end of each tile meets the mid-point of the tile beneath it.

A luxurious vintage pattern tile series, Alice combines solid colours with rich motifs to create a romantic finishing touch in the home. These classic square tiles can be laid in a variety of different styles to create a range of looks in your new design scheme.

Playful Designs with Mosaic Tiles

The term mosaic tiles refers to specific tile collections that feature a series of small tiles that are attached to a mesh backing sheet for better ease of installation. These collections can include pennyround tiles, Kit Kat tiles, fishscale tiles, lantern tiles and more! Including mosaic tiles in your design scheme will add layers of colour and texture while also allowing you more freedom in your creative design choices. Many mosaic tile collections even offer a customised design option where you are able to choose or create your own patterns or artwork using your choices of colours. Mosaic tiles are an excellent choice for those that are looking to add a dynamic feature element in their home thanks to the many stylish design options available.

Mosaic tiles are available in a wide variety of tile shapes from stylish Kit Kat tiles, pennyrounds and plenty more. These small format tiles arrive to you already arranged in their pattern with each individual tile attached to a mesh backing sheet. This makes the tiles easier to lay while keeping their pattern in order. Pictured: Our luxurious natural marble, Dorado Stone collection.

Timeless Styles with Rectangle Tile Shapes

Rectangular tiles are one of the most popular options as their simple and classic shape can be used to create a range of different layouts or patterns. Similar to subway tiles, rectangular tiles can be laid in a herringbone tile pattern, a timeless stacked or grid design or in a staggered layout, with each style complementing a range of different design aesthetics. Being such a popular tiling solution, you will find an endless array of stylish options available in this tile shape!

Rectangular shaped tiles are a popular choice as a floor tile however, they can also be used in creative ways throughout the home. In this example, our luxurious Brosa tiles are laid vertically across the wall to create a modern dado effect.

Experimenting with Other Tile Shapes

Aside from the stylish tile shapes noted above, there are STILL even more shapes to experiment with! Tiles offer a world of creative possibilities as they are not only incredibly durable and long lasting, they can also be sourced in an endless array of colours, textures and of course, shapes! Crazy Paver tiles for example, feature a combination of varying shapes that that can be scattered to achieve a mismatched or uneven style. Triangle tiles can be used to create stunning geometric designs and tessellated tiles will offer a wonderfully rich sense of pattern and character in your home.

Our Crazy Paver collection is made of real marble stones that are cut into an assortment of random shapes to create a playful uneven look.

There are many exciting tile shapes available to choose from, each offering its own unique sense of character and charm in the home. From the classic look of rectangular or square shapes to the elegant textures of a timeless mosaic tile, experiment with a combination of different styles in your next project at our Melbourne tiles store where our friendly team is always on hand to provide expert advice!