25 Floor Tile Ideas

If you are in search of some floor tile inspiration then you have arrived at the right place as this article will give you plenty of ideas for when the time comes for you to choose a new flooring option. The role of the floor tile is not only to provide a hardwearing surface but also to produce a look which fits within the style theme of the room itself. The good news is there are plenty of varieties to choose from so you will be sure to find a look which is just right for your design layout. The versatility of many floor tiles means they are not only acquired for Bathrooms and Kitchens but other parts of the home too, including; Porches, Hallways, Living Rooms, Bedrooms, Conservatories and Dining Areas. There are also floor tiles which are suitable for exterior areas so even your garden doesn’t have to miss out on a new facelift.

What’s better than the look of natural wood on a floor? The look of natural wood on a floor with all the practical benefits of an engineered product, that’s what! Capturing the timeless beauty of this much sought-after natural material, wood effect porcelain certainly offers the best of both worlds with its authentic look and practical nature. The plank-style is yet another product feature which encapsulates the charm of real wood flooring. Highly versatile wood porcelain is not only used as part of bathrooms and kitchens but looks superb throughout living areas, particularly within open plan designs. If you are concerned about the cold surface of tiles being less than comforting to walk upon in the mornings then please don’t worry at all as these tiles can be used with electric underfloor heating mats. There are also a range of styles to choose between too, from light oak varieties to darker walnut tiles.

Great For: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Hallways, Living and Dining Areas

If you are on the lookout for a natural material which will provide floors in your home with a unique character then porcelain might just be the perfect option. The veined style creates a distinctive appearance and makes marble tiles a great option for expansive areas of flooring. It is no surprise that marble is often the first tile people think of when they are looking to provide a standout floor design within their home. Popular marble colours include cream and grey and this ensures that this natural stone can be incorporated within neutral, contemporary decors. In terms of where marble can be used in the home, it is first and foremost a much-loved material for modern bathrooms and kitchens. In living rooms, a popular technique is to contrast a marble floor with a textured feature wall comprised of Rock Panel Wall Cladding.

You may wish to introduce the look of natural stone within your home but would prefer all the low maintenance benefits of an engineered tile. The good news is that your wish can come true with natural stone effect tiles. The primary material used to make stone effect tiles is porcelain although ceramic varieties are also available. These tiles may emulate a specific natural stone like marble, slate, limestone and sandstone or they may just have a general natural stone appearance which is not specific to just one category. On floors, stone effect tiles are well suited to conservatories as they offer a rustic charm in a part of the home which is a transitional area from interior to exterior. Stone Effect tiles are available in many different finishes with textured rock providing a surface which produces both character and a high level of slip resistance in equal measure.

Famous for its strength and durability, Granite is a floor tile which is prevalent in both homes and commercial properties alike. Its distinctive mottled features are enhanced further by a polished finish which offers a sleekness which is well suited to modern kitchen layouts when matched with wood style units and worktops. On the subject of worktops, granite is a much-loved countertop material and can be used in stunning fashion to complement a granite floor. Granite has a dense structure due to its formation as a result of volcanic activity as magma cools. The tough nature of granite makes it ideal for high traffic areas and it is therefore a great material for families who may have children and/or pets. Granite is probably most recognisable in a black or grey colour but is also available in other colours like white and red.

With its distinctive colour and surface covered in sparkly mirror flecks, black quartz is unsurprisingly a real favourite for modern bathroom and kitchen floors. This sparkly appearance is enhanced further by a highly polished finish. Black quartz creates a spectacular look when light shines upon its surface as it glistens majestically. Black has a timeless quality and matches which virtually everything which means it can be incorporated within a vast array of design layouts. A popular design trend in bathrooms is a contrasting black and white theme with black quartz floor tiles being complemented by white bathtub panels and sink applications. Black quartz does not only have an unforgettable style but also ticks all the right boxes from a practical perspective. Quartz has an incredibly low moisture absorption rate, is great for high traffic areas and is also easy to clean and maintain.

This natural stone is certainly a one-off as its truly unique appearance sets it apart from the rest. The distinctive look of slate owes much to its riven textured surface which adds a rustic charm to any flooring area. Slate is the preferred choice for floors in farmhouse style kitchens in which wooden ceiling beams and Aga ovens are the order of the day. Slate, however, shouldn’t be typecast specifically for this role as it also works superbly as part of modern interiors. In addition to a traditional flooring design in kitchens, conservatories, dining areas and living rooms, slate is also recommended for steps and staircases. Slate tends to be grey or black in colour but multi slate, which comprises of these colours in addition to red and brown, is another popular choice. Slate flooring is almost always sealed in order to protect it from staining through moisture and dirt.

We did promise you that the focus would not be solely on the interior of your home but the exterior would also get a look-in and here we are! Outdoor Porcelain Paving is a modern phenomenon, providing gardens with stylish patios and all the practical qualities you would expect from this hardwearing engineered material. It tends to have a thickness of up to 20mm and offers a heavy duty exterior flooring covering. Available in the traditional stone colours of grey and cream and with a hardwearing surface, capable of both withstanding the elements and providing a high level of slip resistance, what’s not to like? In landscaped gardens, an Outdoor Porcelain Paving feature is often surrounded by rock panel wall cladding or brick slips.

This natural stone is admired for its understated beauty and elegance. The soft colours and subtle features of limestone makes it a great flooring option if you are looking for something to play an integral part in the overall design of your room but won’t necessarily steal the show. Limestone shades include neutral colours like ivory, cream and grey which all lend themselves to minimalist contemporary designs. This is a soft stone but its hardwearing nature should not be underestimated as when laid as part of floor designs it provides an incredibly durable covering, meaning you will often see it within the high traffic areas of shopping centres and airports. Limestone is porous so sealing is highly recommended, making it a stylish and practical choice for modern bathrooms and kitchens. An additional feature of limestone is apparent in its naturally occurring fossils as a result of this sedimentary rock being formed through the skeletal fragments of marine organisms.

I’m sure you are fully appreciative of the role mosaics play as part of modern wall designs, whether that is within a backsplash feature or as a border layout. You may, however, not be quite so familiar with its uses as a floor covering. Mosaics are actually a very practical floor covering for certain parts of the home. Shower areas in wet room bathrooms, for instance, can benefit massively from a bathroom floor design because the flexibility of these tiles enables them to be applied on the sloping substrate which surrounds the drain. The multiple grout lines will also provide a higher level of slip resistance in these areas opposed to standard format tiles. A mosaic floor border is another option as these tiles can be applied a small distance from the wall to complement the overall floor design. You can choose from many varieties of mosaics including natural stone Travertine and sparkly Quartz.

Patterned tiles have made a real comeback in recent years, with the ‘busy’ look being equally well received in homes as it has been throughout shops, restaurants and cafes. Patchwork patterns, in particular, have caught the eye with their multitude of shapes and designs offering a really eye-catching appearance. These tiles are great for feature floor designs. In the home, they are really well suited to porches and hallways in addition to conservatories. The patchwork quilt look offers a retro style and is nearly always contrasted by plain or subtle wall designs. You can acquire the colour and style which best suits your home layout with monochrome tiles offering an understated appeal. Patchwork designs comprising of multiple, bright colours are also available if you are looking for something which will real really catch the eye.

This natural stone is a sedimentary rock and is a close relation to the aforementioned limestone. It is formed near hot natural springs and is notable for its colour slight colour variations which tend to be from light cream to a darker beige shade. It might be something to do with its formation in close proximity to water (or then again it could be a total coincidence) but Travertine is particularly sought after for bathrooms and en suites. The soft neutral colours combine superbly with regular applications within a modern bathroom including chrome fittings, white panels and clear glass shower doors. As part of a floor designs, rectangular tiles are arranged within a classic running bond formation (brick style) as this helps to emphasise the truly unique character of Travertine. In terms of finishes, a honed matt surface is preferred for areas of flooring.

You can introduce a feel of the Mediterranean throughout your home with these clay-based, predominately red, tiles. If you have ever holidayed in countries like Italy and Spain then you are sure to have seen these distinctive tiles. Terracotta tiles tend to have a small square format and are used as flooring in many parts of the home. These tiles are ideal for porches and hallways and are also well suited to traditional kitchen layouts. They tend to be arranged in a classic grid formation with a lighter coloured grout to emphasise the red colour. Terracotta is traditionally red in colour although it can vary from a darker and more distinctive shade to a more subtle pastel variation. Orange/red Terracotta tiles are also fairly common. These tiles have a rustic character and match superbly with reclaimed wood wall designs.

This is a colour and style which never seems to go out of fashion. Plain black tiles work well in bathrooms and kitchens for various reasons, not least because the dark colour conceals dirt and dust effectively and this is particularly true of matt varieties. Polished black porcelain tiles have a reflective quality and sleek appearance, ideal for contemporary layouts when matched with modern fittings and applications. Black tiled flooring is often contrasted with a white tiled wall, with metro brick style ceramics being a good accompaniment. The most popular variety of plain black tiles on the market today are porcelain which provides a floor design which is easy to clean and maintain. If you are opting for a plain style on a floor then it is often a good idea to choose wall tiles with an eye-catching pattern or bright and vibrant colour.

If you’re not satisfied with plain styles and what could be considered ‘safe’ interior options then sparkly white quartz may just be your design saviour. These tiles have a surface covered in mirror pieces which shimmers and glows to create a floor covering which will bring any room to life. This appearance is emphasised further by a high gloss, polished surface. White Quartz tiles offer the kind of glitz and glamour that other tile varieties can only dream about. These tiles are chosen for modern bathrooms and en suites in which they match superbly with chrome features and fittings. You can match these tiles with a light coloured grout and this is perfect for creating a ‘seamless’ floor layout. These tiles also tick all the right boxes when it comes to cleaning and maintenance as they have an impermeable surface and do not require sealing.

If you are thinking of a colour and style which will keep everybody happy then plain cream tiles must be near the top of the list. The combination of this soft colour and uncomplicated design makes them ideal for creating a neutral look in modern bathrooms and kitchens. Plain cream porcelain tiles tend to have either a matt or polished finished. These tiles look superb in contemporary bathroom suites. As a kitchen tile, cream porcelain is really versatile as it looks equally at home in standard kitchen layouts as it does in open plan kitchen/diner layouts. You can choose the perfect shade of cream to match your home design from lighter varieties to darker beige tiles. Finding a wall tile to match them with should not be a problem either as cream complements just about anything. Wall tiles which go well with plain cream tiled floors include Dark Emperador style marble and brick ceramics.

When thinking of classic floor designs, a concrete style might not necessarily spring to mind but you may be surprised. ‘Concrete’ just doesn’t sound all that interesting to be honest but modern porcelain tiles with this design have been ‘hot property’ within the interior design world over the past few years and for good reason too. With a grey colour and classic concrete pattern, these porcelain tiles provide a sophisticated look which could grace the floors of any home, shop or restaurant. They are often complemented by a patterned floor border or alternatively, patterned tiles on walls. Monochrome designs have seen something of a renaissance recently which could also explain why concrete porcelain has become so desirable. A ‘stripped back’ style is also very ‘in’ at the moment with exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood designs, along with concrete porcelain of course, fitting seamlessly within this new age of shabby chic.

If you love the look of marble but would prefer a stress-free flooring option opposed to the maintenance requirements which can be associated with natural stone, then these tiles offer an excellent option. Comprising of a classic veined marble style, these tiles help to encapsulate the true character of this much sought after natural stone. Marble effect tiles are available in both porcelain and ceramic varieties although porcelain seems to be the number one choice on the market today. You can acquire marble effect porcelain tiles which are an imitation of genuine marble including renowned brands like Carrara, Crema Marfil and Emperador. Marble effect floor tiles are selected for modern bathroom and kitchen layouts but other areas of the home including living and dining areas can also be transformed by these products. In addition to the home interior world, tiles with a marble style have also proven popular for commercial projects.

Believe it or not, a plain grey floor is just about the most sought-after design for kitchens and bathrooms. Its popularity is hardly surprising really when you consider this neutral colour matches with just about anything and fits perfectly within both contemporary and traditional layouts. When it comes to plain grey tile options, you have a range of products to choose from. You can acquire both polished and matt grey porcelain for your floor and these tiles will not only produce a stylish look but are also hardwearing and easy to clean and maintain. Monochrome interiors are a trend at the moment so combining a grey floor with black and white colours is certainly worth considering. Alternatively, you could go for a contrast by pairing a grey floor design with a bright backsplash or feature wall. You can choose between grey tiles which range in shade from light to dark and it is standard practice to use a light ivory coloured grout for a subtle contrast.

White floor tiles with a plain design are particularly well suited to modern bathroom layouts. Some people consider white designs as quite clinical and more functional than fashionable but if you complement your white floor design with a wall feature that really catches the eye then you could be on to a real winner. When it comes to finishes, both matt and polished surfaces are available. A polished finish really helps to emphasise the white colour and in the case of porcelain it can have what is considered a reflective quality. Matt tiles absorb light opposed to reflecting it and therefore have a more understated feel. You can complement white tiles with a similar coloured grout for a seamless floor finish. Alternatively, dark grouts including both grey and black will accentuate the white colour and provide a stylish contrast in any room. White is a great colour for smaller bathrooms and en suites as it helps to emphasise the available space.

Square and rectangular tiles are yesterday’s news! Only joking, but even still, for something a little different you could choose tiles with a hexagon format. As a floor covering, hexagon tiles are best suited to modern bathrooms. When it comes to style and layout you can really have some fun with these tiles. You could choose two, or even multiple, colours and arrange them together as part of a standout floor pattern. Singular colours also have a real design impact on bathroom floors and you can always contrast these with a different coloured grout in order to emphasise the hexagon pattern. A popular style is to have a hexagon tile design which ‘flows’ from the wall to the floor in a contemporary bathroom. You can acquire hexagon ceramic tiles in a range of colours to suit your interior theme.

This classic design, which uses two contrasting colours, has been a popular floor feature for decades. A chequered floor is often seen in hairdressers/barbers, cafes, car showrooms and shops but it is also equally well suited to homes. The most traditional combination of colours is black and white although other combos can be just as effective. Square tiles are used as part of this layout which can be applied in many different parts of the home. You can create a retro style in modern kitchens with a chequered floor pattern and bathrooms can also benefit from this style. Living areas and conservatories can also be transformed by this timeless décor. As a result of the ‘busy’ nature of this feature, plain wall tiles are often preferred as a stunning contrast. Depending on your style preference, you can choose either large format or smaller square tiles in order to create the chequered layout.

We looked at patchwork patterned floors earlier and now it is time to focus on floor tiles with floral designs. Floral tiles have a traditional feel and are perfect for adding character to kitchen and bathroom interiors. Retro designs have been a big hit within the interior design world recently and it is no surprise to see floral patterns among the most desirable styles at the moment. Floral tiles look superb on floors in other parts of the home, not just kitchens and bathrooms, as they can transform the appearance of porches, hallways and conservatories too. With a vast array of products on the market to select from, the floral style you choose is entirely up to you. Floral tiles are available in a range of different colours from monochrome styles to tiles which feature a multitude of bright colours.

We looked at patchwork patterned floors earlier and now it is time to focus on floor tiles with floral designs. Floral tiles have a traditional feel and are perfect for adding character to kitchen and bathroom interiors. Retro designs have been a big hit within the interior design world recently and it is no surprise to see floral patterns among the most desirable styles at the moment. Floral tiles look superb on floors in other parts of the home, not just kitchens and bathrooms, as they can transform the appearance of porches, hallways and conservatories too. With a vast array of products on the market to select from, the floral style you choose is entirely up to you. Floral tiles are available in a range of different colours from monochrome styles to tiles which feature a multitude of bright colours.

Logic would suggest that large format tiles are only suitable for larger style bathrooms but this isn’t necessarily the case. Of course, large format floor tiles look great in expansive bathrooms but they are also of great value from a style perspective in smaller bathrooms and en suites too. In smaller bathrooms, larger floor tiles are ideal for creating a streamlined, minimalistic style as the reduced number of grout lines – in comparison to standard format tiles –produces an uncluttered design which accentuates the available space. From a practical perspective, grout can sometimes suffer from water damage so installing large tiles therefore reduces the chances of this happening further. For a trendy contrast, large format tiles are often paired with a ‘busier’ wall style through the use of patterned tiles, mosaics or brick tiles. There are many types of large format tiles to choose from including square 600x600mm porcelain and even extra-large marble effect tiles in a 1200x600mm size, now these would be better suited to a larger bathroom!

Onyx is a type of natural stone with a banded and veined marble-type appearance, created by its chalcedony structure. Natural onyx is incredibly expensive but thankfully porcelain tiles with an onyx style offer a cost effective and practical alternative. Onyx Porcelain is certainly the perfect option if you are looking to create a real design statement in your home. These tiles tend to be polished are a great option for contemporary bathroom layouts. These tiles are available in subtle colours like ivory, cream and beige and soft neutral designs. Some varieties of Onyx Porcelain have a real standout appeal and are great for producing a wow factor which is guaranteed to impress your guests. Creating an all-round Onyx porcelain design by choosing the same tile variety for both the wall and floor in a modern bathroom is a popular trend. Not only are these tiles hardwearing and low maintenance but they have a sleek, gloss surface which is easy to clean.

When it comes to choosing floor products for your home, you have a range of options available. Carpet and real wood flooring both have their own merits but overall there are many different reasons why tiles provide a superior floor covering, and we look at these below: