Striped Tiles? Yes, You Can Pull Off This Look–Here’s How

If the thought of striped tile makes you hesitate, you’re not alone—but here’s the secret: this bold design choice is actually a classic way to bring depth and style to your space. And this look is easier to pull off than you might think.

Whether you’re looking to make a statement in a modern bathroom or add a touch of elegance to a kitchen backsplash, striped tiles offer endless possibilities. The key is in the placement and the palette–you can go bold with contrasting colors or keep it subtle with tonal stripes for a more refined look. Whatever your style, there’s a striped tile pattern that’s perfect for your space.

This trend has the stamp of approval from familiar designers like Jean Stoffer and Joy Cho of Oh Joy! because it’s adaptable to any space from bold and eclectic to strictly traditional. And with the wide range of materials and colors available, it’s easier than ever to design stripes that work perfectly for your project.

“I love using striped tiles because they add a sense of movement and energy to the space,” designer and influencer Becki Owens told us. “The patterns create visual interest and can make a small room appear larger, while also offering a modern and fun look that feels fresh and clean.” Her Rosemary Project bathroom below illustrates this point, with vertical green and white stripes stretching up, up, up towards the ceiling (even better: this tile is part of our in-stock Essentials Collection which starts at just $12).

Designing stripes in your space is a breeze with our custom Design Packages (complementary for Fireclay Trade members). Available by room, Design Packages are the secret to creating with confidence since they allow you to preview how your striped tiles will look in your actual space with accurate dimensions, finishes, lighting, and all.

Each package includes free samples so you can touch and see your favorite colors in person, a dedicated design team including your own Design Consultant, Rendering Artist, and Project Manager, three design options in high-quality photorealistic renderings, and more.

Striped Tile Tips & Inspiration

We’ve rounded up our favorite striped tile installations, along with top tips on how to design with tile stripes–let’s get into it!

1. Nervous? Start Small

Striped tile can be as bold or as subtle as you like! Dip a toe into this trend with a row or two of vertical alternating colors along a pool waterline or petite backsplash.

2. Don’t Limit Yourself to Two Colors

If you love color, embrace that with your striped tile. Multicolored stripes make the most unforgettable tile moments, as the rainbow bathroom below demonstrates.

3. Play With Orientation

Orient your tile stripes in different directions for a look with no shortage of visual interest. Detroit Achievement Academy’s cafeteria below features an accent wall with Glazed Thin Brick stripes of horizontal Elk and vertical Sierra Nevada.

4. Incorporate Stripes Into a Larger Motif

Abstract tile designs can benefit from a smattering of stripes. We love how Oh Joy! created a one-of-a-kind shower with glossy glass squares hung in stripes and blocks.

5. Use Handpainted Stripes

Instead of trying to crack the code on your perfect combination, why not use tile that comes already striped? Roundabout 4 from our Handpainted Block Shop x Fireclay Tile Collection features parallel lines that create a sophisticated pinstriped look.

6. Break Up The Pattern

We love how the bathroom below added perpendicular stripes to interrupt the elongated pattern wrapped around the walls.

7. Make Each Stripe Unique

For the boldest expression of this trend, use different tiles and patterns for each individual stripe. The House that Lars Built did just this with its kaleidoscopic kitchenette, using Handpainted Tiles and vibrant alternating colors in each row.

8. Get Creative with Shapes

Stripes don’t need to be two different colors–you can create tile stripes solely by using different shapes, like the gorgeous kitchen below did with a clever installation of 1x1 and 1x6 Mosaic Tile.

9. Pair Solids with Patterns

Solid-colored tile stripes offer beautiful contrast to stripes of Handpainted Tile, simultaneously allowing the Handpainted Tile’s pattern to shine while creating an entirely new pattern.

10. Consider One Eye-Catching Stripe

Take a page out of Jean Stoffer’s book and incorporate this look in even the most traditional of spaces with one large racing stripe of Handpainted Tile in between tonal tiles for a subtle and stunning result.