Posted by Victoria Fouche on 23rd May 2025

Tile 101: Picking from Popular Tile Shapes to Define Your Space

Stepping into a tile showroom can feel like entering a candy store – so many colors, textures, and finishes! But before you fall in love with a specific look, it's essential to understand the power of tile shape. The shape of your tile plays a monumental role in defining the aesthetic, perceived size, and overall feel of your space.

At Portland Direct Tile & Marble, we believe that understanding the basics is the first step to creating a stunning design. So, let's dive into Tile 101: Picking from Popular Tile Shapes to help you make informed decisions for your next project.

1. The Classic: Square Tiles

What they are: Timeless, symmetrical tiles where all sides are equal. Common sizes include 4x4, 6x6, 12x12, 18x18, and larger formats like 24x24 inches.

Why they're popular:

Versatility: Squares are universally appealing and adapt to almost any style, from traditional to contemporary.
Ease of Installation: Generally straightforward to lay, especially in larger sizes.
Visual Stability: They create a sense of order and balance in a room.
Perceived Size: Larger square tiles (e.g., 24x24) can make a small room feel more expansive by minimizing grout lines.

Best for: Floors in any room, classic bathroom walls, traditional backsplashes.

2. The Enduring Icon: Rectangular Tiles (Subway & Large Format)

What they are: Tiles with a longer length than width. The most famous is the "subway tile" (typically 3x6 or 3x12 inches), but rectangular tiles now come in vast sizes like 4x16, 6x24, 12x24, and even 24x48 inches.

Why they're popular:

Subway Charm: The classic brick-like pattern is timeless, clean, and endlessly adaptable. It can be laid horizontally, vertically, in a herringbone pattern, or stacked.
Creating Illusions:
- Horizontal Layouts: Can make a room feel wider.
- Vertical Layouts: Can make a ceiling feel taller.
- Large Formats (e.g., 24x48): Drastically reduce grout lines, creating a sleek, monolithic surface that enhances the feeling of space and luxury, especially with materials like marble-look porcelain.
Modern Appeal: Longer, skinnier rectangles offer a contemporary edge.

Best for: Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, shower surrounds, modern flooring, creating expansive looks.

3. The Geometric Darling: Hexagon Tiles

What they are: Six-sided tiles that create a honeycomb-like pattern. They range from tiny mosaics (1-2 inches) to large format (6-10 inches or more).

Why they're popular:

Visual Intrigue: Hexagons instantly add personality and a unique geometric flair, breaking away from standard grids.
Versatile Sizing: Small hexagons are perfect for intricate patterns and grip in wet areas, while larger ones make a bold, contemporary statement.
Historical & Modern: They have a vintage charm but also fit perfectly into modern, eclectic, or industrial designs.

Best for: Bathroom floors, shower floors (smaller hexagons for better slip resistance), kitchen backsplashes, accent walls, creating unique patterns.

4. The Statement Maker: Picket Tiles (Elongated Hexagon/Rhombus)

What they are: Often confused with hexagons, picket tiles are typically elongated hexagons or rhombus shapes that can be laid to create dynamic, arrow-like, or stacked patterns.

Why they're popular:

Dynamic Movement: Their unique shape allows for patterns that create a strong sense of direction and visual flow, making a surface feel alive.
Modern & Artistic: They offer a fresh, contemporary alternative to traditional shapes, perfect for those seeking a more artistic or bespoke look.
Eye-Catching: Automatically becomes a focal point, drawing attention to the tiled area.

Best for: Feature walls, striking kitchen backsplashes, unique fireplace surrounds, modern bathroom accents.

5. The Organic Touch: Irregular & Zellige-Inspired Tiles

What they are: Tiles designed to mimic the handmade quality of traditional Moroccan zellige, featuring subtle variations in size, irregular edges, and undulating surfaces.

Why they're popular:

Authentic Craftsmanship: They bring a warmth, character, and tactile quality that machine-made tiles often lack, creating a "perfectly imperfect" aesthetic.
Unique Light Play: The uneven surfaces beautifully catch and reflect light, adding depth and subtle shimmer to walls.
Soulful & Inviting: They create a sense of history, artistry, and organic charm, making a space feel truly lived-in and special.

Best for: Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, accent walls, creating a warm, artisanal ambiance.

Choosing the Right Shape for Your Project

When selecting your tile shape, consider these factors:

Room Size & Purpose: Larger tiles can open up a small room, while smaller mosaics provide grip in wet areas.
Desired Aesthetic: Do you want sleek and modern, rustic and charming, or bold and geometric?
Grout Lines: More tiles mean more grout lines. Consider the visual impact and maintenance needs.
Installation Complexity: Some shapes and patterns (like intricate geometrics) require more skill and time for installation.

At Portland Direct Tile & Marble, we have an extensive, in-stock inventory of all these popular tile shapes in a myriad of materials, colors, and finishes. From classic squares to contemporary pickets, our expert team is here to help you navigate the options.

Ready to find the perfect tile shape to define your space?

Visit our showroom at Portland Direct Tile & Marble today! With Oregon's largest in-stock selection, we're confident you'll find exactly what you need to bring your design vision to life.