Rectangular tile patterns are a classic and timeless look that can bring contemporary style to any space. With the right tile choice, layout, and colors, celebrating the rectangle through your tile design can result in a very modern, sleek, and visually appealing room. Read on to discover how to embrace the rectangular shape in your tile work to create a cutting-edge style statement.
Choosing Rectangular Tiles
The first step in designing a contemporary rectangular tile pattern is selecting the right tiles. Here are some tile types and sizes worth considering:
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile is a popular choice for modern designs because of its durability, versatility, and sleek appearance. Opt for large format porcelain tiles, 12 inches by 24 inches or larger, to capitalize on the contemporary rectangular aesthetic. The large tiles will make the space appear bigger. Stick with neutral colors like white, gray, or black for a clean, crisp look. Adding some tiles with texture through the glaze will also lend visual interest.
Subway Tiles
The classic 3-inch by 6-inch subway tile is an option that immediately evokes contemporary style. Use all white tiles or experiment with boldly contrasting grout colors, like black, charcoal, or navy blue, to create drama. The elongated shape of subway tile plays up the rectangular pattern. Offset the rows for added modern flair.
Linear Tiles
Linear tiles are long rectangles specifically designed to emphasize the horizontal. Planks that are 2 inches by 8 inches or 2 inches by 12 inches work beautifully to elongate and modernize the space. Line them up in parallel rows and allow the length of the tiles to dazzle. A stone-look linear porcelain tile in a gray shade lends an industrial vibe.
Mosaics
Tessellated mosaics made up of small rectangular tiles impart texture and movement through repeating geometric shapes. Assemble rectangles of varying sizes and colors in brick-like patterns for an ultra-contemporary tile installation. Mixing glossy and matte tiles in the mosaic adds further interest.
Layout and Pattern
Carefully planning the layout of the rectangular tiles is key to achieving a polished, professional look. Here are some on-trend options for rectangular tile patterns:
Stacked
Stacking rectangular tiles in straight, parallel rows is the most classic layout. For a contemporary edge, lay the tiles on the diagonal or horizontally instead of the standard vertical arrangement. Playing with the directional angle of the tiles gives simple stacked tiles visual intrigue.
Brick
A brick pattern offset the rows so that the tile joints form a zigzag pattern. The shifting rows add subtle intricacy and energy to the floor or wall design. Use a brick pattern in a cohesive neutral color scheme to prevent the offset rows from feeling busy.
Picture Frame
Framing rectangular tiles within a border adds definition. Outline a rectangular rug area with wood-look plank tiles, encapsulate a kitchen backsplash in subway tiles, or frame an accent wall with contrasting colors. The frame draws attention to the rectangle.
Hexagonal
Fitting rectangular tiles together in a hexagonal shape plays with geometry in an ultra-contemporary way. Alternating the direction of the tiles every other row creates a honeycomb pattern that celebrates the rectangle with artistic flair. Use large format tiles and limit color variations for the boldest hexagonal statement.
Herringbone
The herringbone pattern interlocks rectangular planks so that they point in opposite diagonals, forming a signature V shape. Wood-look planks in herringbone patterns bring rustic warmth to modern spaces. Or use herringbone in all white for a gallery-like feel.
Inlays
Contrasting rectangular tile inlays jazz up plain tiles with hints of color and visual geometry. Dot clay red rectangular mosaics across a neutral tile wall or inset wood-look rectangles into porcelain flooring. The inlaid rectangles pop against the background.
Colors and Materials
Choosing the right colors and materials for the tiles ties the entire contemporary rectangular tile design together. Consider these tips:
Neutrals
Sticking with a neutral color palette of white, gray, black, and beige allows the contemporary geometry of the rectangle to take center stage. Choose sleek porcelain tiles that mimic stone, cement, or wood in monochromatic shades.
Bold Contrasts
While neutrals provide an ideal backdrop, bold pops of contrasting colors in the tile pattern make the rectangles stand out. Try glossy black subway tiles against clean white grout or a bright azure blue linear glass tile mixed into neutral porcelain planks.
Metallic Accents
The sheen of metallic adds modern glamour. Incorporate rectangles of mirror, stainless steel, or silver, gold, and copper-toned mosaics to luxuriously catch the light. Limit metallic tiles to accents so they don’t overwhelm.
Natural Textures
Organic textures temper hard rectangles and introduce warmth. Mix in travertine, slate, or marble rectangular tiles with naturally variegated surfaces. Or add tiles mimicking weathered barnwood planks for rustic texture.
Celebrating the Rectangle in the Kitchen
The kitchen provides an excellent space for showcasing cutting-edge rectangular tile designs. Here are some inspiring ideas:
Backsplash
A rectangular tile backsplash makes a bold style statement in the kitchen. Subway tiles are a popular backsplash choice, or get creative with elongated wood-look planks, geometric mosaics, or inlaid delineated designs.
Islands and Peninsulas
Kitchen islands and peninsulas offer ample flat surfaces perfect for displaying rectangular tile patterns. Accent the sides with a stacked linear tile arrangement or create contrast with inlaid tile rectangles on the countertop.
Floors
Kitchen floors see a lot of use, so durable rectangular porcelain tile is an ideal application. Set planks or square tiles on the diagonal to elongate the look. Frame them with a contrasting tile border.
Open Shelving
Open shelving reveals the back side of a tile backsplash, so extending the design across shelves and walls creates a cohesive, contemporary look. Match the backsplash tiles or introduce contrasting rectangles.
Celebrating the Rectangle in the Bathroom
With their sleek lines and geometric shapes, rectangular tiles bring a refined modern aesthetic to bathrooms. Consider these approaches:
Full Walls
Oversized rectangular porcelain tiles make a dramatic contemporary statement when running from floor to ceiling. Choose one impactful tile instead of outdated 4-inch squares. Limit grout lines for seamless rectangles.
Showers
Linear horizontal tiles emphasize the architecture in a shower space. Or, lay contrasting porcelains in graphic inlaid rectangles. Add rectangular mosaic tiles on floors for anti-slip texture.
Niches and Backsplashes
Subway tiles or glass mosaics clad niches and backsplashes in eye-catching rectangles. In a small space, tailor the tile design to fit precisely to control the geometry.
Bands and Borders
Defining wet areas with bands of rectangular tiles contains shower water elegantly. The linear rows lead the eye horizontally to enhance the rectangular shape.
Celebrating the Rectangle Outdoors
The repeating shape of rectangular tiles pairs perfectly with the straight lines found in home exteriors and outdoor living spaces. Some ideas:
Patios
Large format porcelain planks or pavers create the illusion of expanded space on patios. Contrast the sizes and direction of the rectangles for visual diversity.
Pool Decks
Durable, slip-resistant rectangular tiles work beautifully around pools, with their resistance to water, sun, and weather. Keep grout tight for safe, hygienic decking.
Paths and Walkways
Guiding an outdoor space using tactile paved rectangles underfoot provides contemporary geometric impact. Choose permeable travertine or pebble mosaics for sustainability.
Fences and Screens
Wood-look linear rectangular planks lend privacy to fences while maintaining an open, airy vibe. For screens, turn planks perpendicular or play with horizontal and vertical rectangles.
Celebrating the Rectangle Indoors
The linear look of rectangular floor tiles pairs well with the straight lines and simple forms of contemporary furniture and architecture. Think about these indoor applications:
Entryways
Make a modern first impression by grounding an entry space in a graphic black and white mosaic rectangle rug or glossy porcelain plank tiles.
Living Rooms
Inject contemporary edge into casual living areas with snap-in wood-look vinyl plank rectangles interlocking like puzzle pieces atop existing floors.
Dining Rooms
Elongated wood-grain porcelain rectangles under the dining table instantly dress the space in sleek style. Pair with more contemporary rectangles on the ceiling.
Bedrooms
Warm up contemporary bedrooms by adding texture with linear-look slate tile rectangles on floors. Or frame the bed with porcelains mimicking weathered barnwood.
Fireplace Surrounds
Fireplaces can be transformed from dated to modern by surfacing the surround in large, sleek porcelain tiles. Stack tiles in horizontal rows.
Expert Tips for Achieving Rectangle Tile Design Success
If you’re ready to celebrate the rectangle through creative contemporary tile work, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Carefully plan the layout ahead of time so tiles fit the space precisely with minimal cuts.
- Use tile spacers for consistent grout line widths to accentuate rectangles.
- Select grout colors that complement or contrast tiles to highlight rectangular shapes.
- In wet areas, choose tiles with anti-slip properties and use waterproof grout and sealants.
- Balance sleek rectangles with some variance in texture, pattern, or colors for visual interest.
- Invest in large format quality tiles for impactful oversized contemporary rectangles.
- Hire an experienced tile installer familiar with implementing unique rectangular designs.
Contemporary Doesn’t Have to Mean Cold
Rectangular floor and wall tiles certainly make a modern design statement. But they can also impart warmth when thoughtfully integrated into a comfortable, livable space. Be sure to incorporate some softer design elements to keep a contemporary rectangular tile installation feeling inviting.
Layer in plush rugs, cozy textiles, abundant plants, and artwork for personality. Choose some tiles with organic variegation for an accessible feel. Use creams, browns, tans, and wood tones to temper stark white tiles. The rectangles will introduce sleek style while your other interior design choices ensure the space stays friendly and serene.
With limitless options for colors, materials, patterns, and layouts, rectangular tile designs offer almost endless possibilities for introducing cutting-edge contemporary aesthetics to any environment. Celebrate the artistic versatility of the basic rectangle shape through creative tile installations that bring intrigue, beauty, and wow factor to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contemporary Rectangular Tile Designs
What is the most contemporary look for rectangular floor tiles?
Oversized porcelain planks lined up in a simple stacked pattern create the most contemporary rectangular floor look. 12″ x 24″ tiles or larger help walls and floors to appear sleek and spacious.
What tile colors work best for contemporary rectangular designs?
Limiting the color palette to neutral tones like white, gray, black, and beige allows the contemporary geometry of the tiles to take center stage. Bold pops of color can be added sparingly for contrast.
What are some best practices for laying rectangular tile?
Pay close attention to the direction of the grain and shading variation in wood-look planks. Use quality tile spacers for evenly sized grout lines. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions for prep and installation.
How can you add warmth to contemporary rectangular tile designs?
Layer in natural textures and materials like stone, marble, and wood. Use neutral cream, tan, or brown-colored tiles rather than stark white. Add soft curved elements through rugs, fabrics, plants, art, and comfortable furnishings.
What contemporary patterns can you create with rectangular tiles?
Stacked, brick, picture frame, herringbone, hexagonal, and geometric mosaic patterns are all on-trend ways to configure rectangular tiles for unique contemporary style. Mixing matte, shiny, and textured tiles adds further interest.
Conclusion
Rectangle tile designs continue to top trends with their versatility, classic appeal, and contemporary edge. By embracing the linear beauty of the rectangular shape through creative tile choice, layouts, and patterns, you can fashion a style statement that celebrates straight lines and smart geometry for a spectacular modern look. Pay attention to variations in color, texture, direction, and scale when planning your installation to highlight dimensional rectangles throughout your space in new and eye-catching ways.
