Are you planning to cover your floor or wall with new tiles soon, but you don't know yet which laying pattern is best for the tiles? Don't worry! In this article, we are happy to help you with a number of handy tips for different laying patterns, so that you can make the perfect choice for your space.

Why is the laying pattern important?

The direction in which you lay your tiles is crucial to the overall look and feel of your space. The laying pattern you choose can not only affect the perception of the size and shape of a room, but also the style and feel of the space. For example, tiles laid in a horizontal pattern can make a room appear wider, while tiles laid vertically can make a room appear taller.

In addition, the laying pattern of tiles can affect the incidence of light in the room. Tiles that are placed parallel to the largest light window will reflect light differently than tiles that are perpendicular to the window. This can contribute to how light or dark a room feels and can be used to make a room feel warmer or cooler and sleek to make .

Choosing the right tile pattern also plays an important role in the functionality of the space. In busy areas, such as hallways or public spaces, a more robust and simple laying pattern such as block or diagonal bond may be more suitable, as these patterns are often more stable and durable. In less busy areas, such as bathrooms or bedrooms, you can opt for more decorative laying patterns such as herringbone or Hungarian point bond.

The different tile patterns: Which laying pattern suits your space?

Discover which tile pattern best suits different spaces and how your chosen laying pattern can affect the size and light of the space. We also offer advice on the ideal tile choice for each laying pattern and describe the look and feel that each laying pattern brings, so that you can make an informed choice for your space.

Solid brick bond

Solid brick bond is a tile laying pattern in which the tiles are placed in straight lines next to and above each other, creating a clear block pattern. This laying pattern is one of the simplest and most commonly used tile laying patterns, ideal for creating an orderly and sleek look. This tile bond works well with both square tiles and is extremely suitable for spaces where a minimalist and modern atmosphere is desired.

• Which space: Solid bond is ideal for commercial spaces and modern residential interiors that require a clean, organized look. The clean design is perfect for spaces that emphasize a professional or minimalistic look.

• Large Space: This laying pattern is effective in both small and large spaces. In small spaces it helps to create a sense of greater order and spaciousness, while in large spaces it contributes to a sense of continuity and cohesion.

• Light incidence : Solid brickwork uses straight, uniform lines that distribute light evenly throughout the space. This feature can add brightness to a space because of the way light reflects off the surfaces of the tiles. It results in a bright and open atmosphere, making it ideal for spaces where natural light needs to be utilized.

• Ideal tile choice: Both square and rectangular tiles are ideal for Solid Stone Bond. These shapes promote uniformity and regularity of the pattern and support the sleek, uncluttered look that characterizes this laying pattern. Tiles can vary from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone, depending on the specific requirements of the space and the desired level of maintenance.

• Look and Feel: Solid bond is ideal for those who prefer a clean and structured look. It can be used to create a sense of calm and order, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces. This pattern works well with modern interiors that want a minimalist or industrial flair.

Block bond

Block bond is a refined laying pattern that can be applied to both walls and floors. In this pattern, several (1 to 4) smaller rectangular tiles are grouped together to form a square or 'block'. These blocks are then placed alternately horizontally and vertically, resulting in a visually interesting and dynamic effect.

• Space: Block bond is ideal for bathrooms, toilets and other spaces where a sleek, modern design is desired. This pattern also works well in kitchens, hallways and even outdoor applications such as patios, depending on the materials used.

• Size: This laying pattern is suitable for both small and large spaces. In smaller spaces, such as bathrooms, block bonding makes the space appear larger and more structured, while in larger spaces it adds an organized and contemporary feel.

• Light incidence: Block bond subtly plays with light and shadow by alternating horizontal and vertical blocks. This pattern creates a depth effect that makes a space more lively and ensures that light is reflected in different ways, which contributes to a dynamic appearance.

• Ideal Tile Choice: For block bond, smaller rectangular tiles are best suited. This pattern works best with materials such as ceramic, porcelain, or even natural stone, depending on the application and desired aesthetic. For outdoor spaces, clinkers are often used to implement this pattern.

• Look and Feel: Block bond gives a sleek, modern and orderly effect to any space. The woven appearance of the tiles creates a unique texture and adds visual interest, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This laying pattern is particularly suitable for those who want to create a contemporary, yet timeless look.

Herringbone pattern

The herringbone pattern is a classic tile laying pattern characterized by rectangular tiles laid in a broken zigzag pattern. The tiles are placed at a 45 degree angle to each other in this laying pattern. This creates a zigzag pattern. This laying pattern is named after the skeleton of a fish, which it resembles. The herringbone pattern is particularly popular in wooden floors but is also often used with ceramic and vinyl tiles. Adding this laying pattern to a room brings a sense of elegance and dynamism, perfect for enhancing both traditional and contemporary interiors.

• Which room: Herringbone is particularly suitable for living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms that are aiming for a classic or luxurious look. The elegant laying pattern enhances the aesthetics of any room and adds a touch of sophistication.

• Room Size: This pattern can visually lengthen or widen a room, depending on the direction the tiles are laid. It is very effective in narrow spaces, where it helps to make the room appear larger, and can also serve as a visual focal point in larger rooms.

• Light incidence: Herringbone pattern creates a dynamic effect by playing with light and shadow. The angular placement of the tiles catches the light in different ways, adding depth and dimension to the space. This interaction between light and structure brings a lively and changing ambiance to any room.

• Ideal tile choice: Elongated tiles, such as parquet or longer ceramic tiles, are ideal for the herringbone pattern. These tiles emphasize the zigzag pattern and maximize the visual effect of the laying pattern.

• Look and Feel: Synonymous with luxury and elegance, the herringbone pattern adds a classic, timeless element to the floor. It is suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors and is an excellent choice for those who want a stylish and sophisticated look. This pattern offers a unique combination of historical charm and modern flair, making it a popular choice for a variety of interior designs.

Elbow bandage

Elbow bond, also known as running pattern, is characterized by placing tiles at a 90-degree angle to each other, similar to the formation of an elbow. This laying pattern is popular for both wall and floor tiles and provides a linear, ordered appearance that adds structure and rhythm to a space. It is an ideal laying pattern for spaces that require a subtle yet interesting floor or wall covering without being too dominant.

• Which room : Elbow bond is particularly suited to kitchens and bathrooms, where structure and order are important design elements. This laying pattern enhances the functional aesthetic of these spaces by providing a clear and organized layout.

• Space Size: The linear orientation of elbow bonding contributes to a sense of space. By placing the tiles at right angles to each other, a continuous laying pattern is created that makes spaces appear larger and more expansive, which is especially useful in smaller or narrowly constructed areas.

• Light Ingress: Elbow bandage provides an even distribution of light throughout the room, which helps to minimize harsh shadows. The straight, perpendicular placement of the tiles ensures optimum reflection and diffusion of natural and artificial light, making the space bright and inviting.

• Ideal Tile Choice: Rectangular tiles are ideal for elbow bonding because they emphasize the geometric precision of the laying pattern and make the structural lines clear. This type of tile helps to create the distinctive 'L' shape that is essential to the effect of elbow bonding.

• Look and Feel: Elbow bandage offers an organized and clean look, making it a favorite choice for both classic and modern interiors. The laying pattern enhances the aesthetic qualities of spaces by providing a sense of order and precision, making it both functional and visually appealing.

Romanesque bond

The Roman pattern, also known as the Roman tile pattern, is a more complex pattern that combines multiple sizes of tiles in a repetitive, yet asymmetrical laying pattern. Inspired by the floors of ancient Roman architecture, this pattern adds a historic and luxurious feel to any space. The Roman pattern is particularly suited to natural stone and creates a rich sense of depth and diversity, ideal for larger spaces where the floor is a defining element of the design.

• Space: Romanesque pattern is ideal for larger open spaces such as lobbies, living rooms, and patios where a rich, historic flair is desired. This pattern adds a sense of grandeur and timeless elegance to any space.

• Size: This laying pattern works particularly well in large spaces. The combination of different tile sizes fills the space effectively, creating a sense of fullness and complexity. This makes the Roman tile pattern ideal for large areas that need to make a statement.

• Light incidence: Romanesque laying pattern subtly plays with light through the variation in tile sizes. This pattern creates a dynamic light display in the space, with the light being captured and reflected in different ways by the different tile sizes, adding depth and visual interest to the environment.

• Ideal Tile Choice: Natural stone is often the best choice for a Romanesque laying pattern, as it enhances the historic and luxurious look of the pattern. Ceramic and porcelain tiles can also be used, depending on the desired aesthetic and maintenance requirements.

• Look and Feel: Romanesque pattern offers a rich and elegant look that fits perfectly into classic and luxurious interiors. This tile pattern adds depth, character, and a sense of history to any space, making it ideal for those looking to achieve a dramatic and timeless look.

Honeycomb bond

The honeycomb pattern, or hexagon pattern, uses hexagonal tiles to create a striking and sleek tile pattern reminiscent of a honeycomb. This geometric pattern is very dynamic and can add a modern, almost artistic flair to a space. The honeycomb pattern is suitable for both floors and walls and can be executed in a variety of colors and materials to create a unique, eye-catching look.

• Which room : Honeycomb pattern is great for playrooms, bathrooms, or as a dynamic accent wall. This pattern offers a modern and playful look that makes the space vibrant and interesting.

• Room size: The honeycomb pattern is versatile and works well in both small and large spaces. In small spaces, this tile pattern can serve as a visually interesting element, while in larger spaces it helps to distribute the attention evenly across the surface, enhancing the perception of space.

• Light incidence: The unique hexagonal shapes of the honeycomb laying pattern play with light and shadow, creating captivating lighting effects that create a dynamic and lively atmosphere. This makes the laying pattern ideal for spaces that can benefit from varied and interesting light plays.

• Ideal Tile Choice: Ceramic or porcelain tiles are often the best choice for the honeycomb laying pattern, especially when used in a variety of colors or shades to maximize visual impact. These materials are durable, easy to maintain, and can show off the fine details of the laying pattern well.

• Look and Feel: Honeycomb pattern adds a playful and modern element to any room, making it ideal for creating a striking focal point. This pattern is particularly effective at adding character and style to a space, making it a popular choice for contemporary interior designs.

Diagonal tile pattern

Diagonal laying pattern places the tiles at a 45 degree angle to the walls, creating a dynamic effect that transforms standard rectangular or square tiles into a more complex visual spectacle. This tile pattern is ideal for visually enlarging small spaces and adding movement and interest without the need for additional decorative elements.

• Which space : Diagonal laying pattern is perfect for small spaces like bathrooms or kitchens. This laying pattern makes even the smallest spaces feel bigger due to the diagonal lines that create visual depth.

• Space Size: Diagonal tile pattern makes small spaces appear larger by using angled lines that draw the eye from one corner to the other, visually expanding the space.

• Light incidence: Diagonal laying pattern breaks up the light in an interesting way, adding depth and making the space visually more dynamic and lively. This tile pattern is ideal for lighting up a space without any additional decorative elements.

• Ideal Tile Choice: Square tiles work particularly well in a diagonal laying pattern, as they maximize the symmetry and visual impact of the pattern. This type of tile pattern emphasizes the unique angle and creates a dramatic effect.

• Look and Feel: Diagonal laying pattern offers a dynamic and contemporary feel to any space. This pattern is ideal for those looking for a subtle yet striking design that adds visual interest without overwhelming the space.

HALF BRICK BOND

Half-brick laying pattern is a variation on the standard tile pattern where each row of tiles is offset by half a tile length from the row below. This laying pattern creates a staggered effect that breaks up the monotonous look of a standard laying pattern and adds visual interest.

• Which room : Half-brick laying pattern is suitable for all rooms, but is especially popular in living and dining rooms. This tile pattern adds character and dynamism to the room without overwhelming it.

• Space size: Half-brick tile pattern offers a balance between spaciousness and coziness. This laying pattern creates a sense of movement and continuity, which can make a space feel larger and more inviting.

• Light incidence: Half-brick laying pattern spreads light evenly without dominant shadow lines. This tile pattern ensures that the light incidence is spread smoothly and evenly throughout the space.

• Ideal Tile Choice: Rectangular tiles are best suited for half-brick laying patterns as they enhance the staggered effect and emphasise the symmetry of the laying pattern.

• Look and Feel: Half-brick laying pattern offers a traditional yet vibrant look. This tile pattern is ideal for those who want to give a space a timeless yet modern touch.

Choosing the right laying pattern for your tiles is more than just a practical consideration; it’s an opportunity to transform the look and feel of your space. Whether you choose the sleek, modern look of a block pattern, the classic elegance of a herringbone pattern, or the playful dynamics of a honeycomb pattern, each laying pattern offers unique benefits that can enhance your space.

By considering the size of the space, the desired incidence of light, and the desired aesthetic effect, you can make an informed choice that perfectly matches your interior style and functional needs. Remember that the right combination of tiles and laying pattern not only enhances the beauty of a space, but also contributes to its comfort and functionality. With the insights from this article, you will be well prepared to choose the ideal tile pattern that will take your interior to the next level.

Also read our article: In which direction should you lay tiles?