9 Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Styles

For tile lovers, the more tiles, the better. Although I would love to cover every surface with it, there are certain things to consider when combining tiles of various sizes, shapes, and patterns on walls and floors. Since laying large areas of tiles requires a large investment, it is worth getting samples and experimenting with how the tiles work together. These nine tips provide guidance on how to combine tiles for the best look.

1. Balance Busy Patterns

Use small tiles, such as these small glass tiles, to create a feature on the backsplash or other small areas rather than the entire room. Combine them with large plain tiles, and you’ll avoid a design that dazzles you.

2. Match the Pattern with a Plain Color

Limit patterned tiles to one surface – a floor or feature wall. Here, black and white penny tiles laid in a hexagonal pattern take center stage, while white metro shower tiles provide a backdrop for enhanced light.

3. Play with Scale

One of the most important tips for mixing tiles is to create balance by combining small and large-scale patterns. In this bathroom, three tile types are successfully combined: a small hexagonal mosaic on the bathtub and walls, a medium-sized hexagonal tile around the basin and a large oval tile on the floor. A monochromatic color palette helps to create a harmonious whole.

4. Think of Stone as Neutral

Light blue metro tiles from floor to ceiling make a statement in this oversized 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.

5. Combine a Matte Finish

For a bathroom with tactile appeal, choose two types of matte tiles and separate large areas with alternative surfaces (such as this exposed brick) or plain walls.

6. Juxtapose Matte and Glossy Finishes

By choosing a matte style and a glossy style, avoid combining similar sized tiles and complicated patterns. These high-gloss metro tiles on the vanity wall match perfectly with the matte hexagonal floor tiles.

7. Change the Shape, Not the Color

For easy blending in any space, take two tile designs of the same color but different shapes, and let the grouting lines form a pattern.

Here, light brown hexagonal floor tiles are an ideal complement to large size rectangular shower tiles of the same color.

8. Be Consistent with the Pattern

Use tiles of different colors and sizes, but keep the shape consistent for a harmonious effect. This bathroom includes two rectangular tiles of different colors, but the same brick pattern on each surface creates a visual connection between the planes.

9. Limit Your Color Palette

For bathrooms with many different surfaces, minimize competition between patterns by choosing a limited color palette. The overall grey and white colour of this shower solution gives it a sense of elegance and cohesion.