Pattern Play: How to Mix Tile Patterns

Patterns are just better together–but we know pairing different patterns in the same space can be intimidating, so we’re here to help. From balanced to bold, we're sharing our tips on how to design a space that hits all the right angles with the perfect pattern blend.

Consider Proportions

Likely the most important thing to consider when combining patterns is proportions. When you're tiling both the walls and the floors of a space, it's important that they work together visually to keep the space feeling cohesive and the use of patterns intentional.

For example, the large scale of our 3x9 Ceramic Tile cladding the walls of this laundry room beautifully complements 8” Hexagon Tile on the floor. Pairing Field Tile in a timeless offset pattern with classic hexagons is another foolproof way to play with pattern.

The bathroom below uses Field Tile as a visual break between the Escher pattern that’s on both the floors and the niche. Proportionally, the lighter-feeling Small Diamonds are at eye level which allows for the Large Diamond in a bold blue to really stand out.

Boutique hotel Noble + Proper uses a clever trick to ensure the patterns are proportional in this kitchen: by placing the same 4x4 Ceramic Tile that’s used on the backsplash in between larger 8x8s on the floor, it creates a look that’s both cohesive and gorgeously unconventional.

In some situations you might want or need to use two patterns on the floor, such as in a bathroom where the shower pan requires smaller tile sizes. House of Hamburger’s bathroom below illustrates how pulling a color from the main bathroom floor can easily tie two different patterns together.

Mirror Shapes

For contrasting tile colors, mirroring motifs can help to visually tie your space together.

This bathroom below uses a star shape to tie two bold patterns on the floor and wall together. Another tip: if you want to use a more intricate pattern on both the walls and floors, consider using a white tile on the wall and a color on the floor to create balance.

The Brownstone Boys’ mermaid-inspired bathroom is a masterclass in pattern play, with the hexagonal floor in two sizes tying the space together visually. Notice how the smaller white Hexagon Tiles echo the ombre blue shower pan of a slightly larger Hexagon, which seamlessly leads up to an Ogee Drop shower.

This sophisticated bathroom features contrasting warm and cool-toned tiles, but the sinuous patterns from Ogee Drop and our Handpainted Ginkgo Tile tie the two elements together beautifully.

Create Contrast

If one of your tile patterns is a standout, balance it with a subtle complementing pattern with the added benefit of spotlighting the bold counterpart.

A handpainted shower niche is the perfect way to add a pop of color and a contrasting pattern to your bathroom. In the shower below, the Brownstone Boys used classic blue and white field tile to balance out the intricate niche in a matching colorway.

Another way to create contrast on the same surface is to use different tiles as a floor border, as demonstrated by Jean Stoffer’s north porch. Checkered field tile is bordered by complementing Handpainted Tile with black accents for an elevated effect.

Lean into your inspiration to create contrasting patterns, as Emily Vallely-Pertzborn did in her Art Deco-inspired bathroom. Black-accented wainscot leads to an Escher pattern on the floor, with a tight color story and intentional design focus that blends the patterns together beautifully.

Drawn to a more subtle pattern-mixing look? The kitchen backsplash below masterfully combines patterns and provides subtle contrast by pairing Subway Tile with Handpainted Sintra Tile in the same colorway.

Try Pattern-Friendly Tile

Designed for endless pattern play, the Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Handpainted Collection offers an array of complementary patterns to make it easy (and fun!) for you to design a one-of-a-kind installation. Even better? 5% of proceeds from this collection are donated to Create Peace to support community art education.

Take this graphic kitchen, featuring a blend of Field Tile and Dot Dash 7 from the Block Shop x Fireclay collection, where playful energy thrums under the surface of a serene grey-and-white scheme.

The bathroom below proves that pastel colors can be just as impactful as their vivid counterparts with help from Block Shop x Fireclay’s Squiggle Tile.

Rae Rockwell had fun playing with our Dot Dash pattern in her Jellystone Lodge, leading to an unforgettable fireplace hearth that looks good and is made for good!

If you prefer something less graphic and more soothing, the Roundabout tiles from Block Shop x Fireclay will be right up your alley. The spa bathroom below features rounded corners and lines that wind down the shower wall and across the floor to create a state of tranquility.

Go for it!

Patterns should be an extension of your personal style–and if you’re drawn to unique designs, going bold with a pattern can be a lot of fun! Here are a few of our favorite spaces that struck the right balance with their bold patterns.

We love the way Claire Thomas used two Field Tile patterns–parquet and straight-set– balanced out with a soft color story in her Kitchy Kitchen cabin’s bright bathroom.

Detroit Achievement Academy makes students’ water breaks fun with this drinking fountain wall featuring blue Brick in a playful horizontal-to-vertical pattern.

This bold bathroom's 90-degree herringbone walls are tied together by a unifying pink color scheme. If you're going for a lot of pattern, a visual break of a neutral tile like this floor can be grounding for the space.

Inspired by a trip to Paris, Erin Zubot designed the bathroom of her dreams with a Mosaic Tile floor and shower featuring a complementing Picket pattern.

J’adore! The House That Lars Built’s kitchenette is layered like a decadent cake with rows of handmade tile patterns creating a one-of-a-kind backsplash that’s anything but forgettable.