Tag: home renovation

Herringbone tiles have become one of the most iconic interior design trends of recent years, especially heading into 2025. Their structured yet artistic layout brings a unique sense of movement that instantly elevates kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas. Whether you’re renovating a splashback or updating your flooring, the herringbone pattern can completely transform the look and feel of your home.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about choosing the right herringbone tile pattern—from design ideas to materials, colours, pros and cons, and expert styling tips. If you’re considering herringbone tiles but aren’t sure which direction, size, or finish works best, this article will help you make a confident decision.

What Are Herringbone Tiles?

Herringbone tiles are rectangular tiles laid in an interlocking, V-shaped zigzag pattern. The layout gets its name from the resemblance to the bone structure of a herring fish. Originating in ancient Roman roads and European wood parquet, the pattern has evolved into a timeless design feature for modern interiors.

Unlike traditional straight-lay tiles, herringbone adds dynamic movement and visual rhythm. The alternating angles create depth and texture, making it perfect for homeowners looking to add subtle character without overwhelming a room.

Herringbone patterns can be installed in several ways—horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or even double-herringbone—allowing for endless creativity. Tile size also impacts the outcome: long, narrow tiles feel sleek and modern, while short, chunky tiles create a classic, heritage-inspired look.

Why Herringbone Tiles Are Trending in 2025

Herringbone tiles are among the top tile trends for 2025, and for good reason. Designers, renovators, and homeowners are embracing this pattern for both subtle and bold design projects. Here’s why the trend is growing stronger than ever:

1. Adds Instant Elegance

Herringbone brings a luxury aesthetic to even the simplest spaces. Its structured pattern makes kitchens, bathrooms, and floors feel custom-designed and high-end—no matter the tile material.

2. Works With Every Style

From minimalist Scandinavian homes to rustic coastal spaces, herringbone is incredibly versatile. You can make it muted and soft or bold and attention-grabbing depending on your colour and material choices.

3. Perfect for Small and Large Spaces

The angled pattern can make narrow rooms appear wider, and vertical herringbone can make walls look taller. In large open-plan areas, herringbone floors add architectural interest and break up broad spaces with style.

4. Expanding Material Options

Manufacturers are releasing more herringbone-friendly shapes in porcelain, ceramic, marble, timber-look tiles, terrazzo, and even peel-and-stick formats—making the pattern more accessible than ever.

5. The Rise of Textured Tiles

Textured and handmade-look tiles are trending in 2025, and herringbone magnifies these finishes beautifully. Imperfect edges, matte glazes, and subtle colour variations look stunning in a zigzag layout.

Design Ideas for Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Living Rooms

Herringbone tiles shine in virtually any room. Below are the top 2025 design ideas tailored to each major space.

✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Kitchens

1. Splashback Feature Walls

A herringbone splashback instantly elevates your kitchen, even if the rest of your design is simple. Classic white subway tiles in a herringbone layout remain a top trend, bringing a clean, crisp look with a designer touch.

2. Bold Coloured Splashbacks

Deep navy, emerald green, charcoal grey, and terracotta are 2025 favourites for statement splashbacks. When paired with the herringbone pattern, these colours create a striking focal point that feels modern and artistic.

3. Timber-Look Herringbone Flooring

Porcelain tiles that mimic timber arranged in herringbone style give kitchens the warmth of wood with the water-resistant durability of porcelain. This is ideal for busy family homes.

4. Mixed-Material Textures

Combining matte herringbone tiles with glossy accents or vice versa adds depth. This works especially well in kitchens with open shelving or minimalist cabinetry.

✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Bathrooms

1. Shower Walls in Herringbone

A full herringbone shower wall creates a luxurious spa-like atmosphere. Choose marble-effect tiles for elegance or soft pastels for a serene boutique feel.

2. Small Bathroom Floors

Micro herringbone mosaic tiles are trending for small bathrooms because they add pattern without overwhelming the space. Lighter shades like greige, cream, and pale sage make rooms feel larger.

3. Vertical Herringbone for Height

Installing herringbone vertically elongates the room, making low ceilings appear taller—a great trick for compact bathrooms.

4. Accent Niches and Borders

Using herringbone tiles inside a shower niche or around a bathtub adds subtle luxury and helps define the space beautifully.

✨ Herringbone Tile Ideas for Living Rooms and Open Spaces

1. Herringbone Flooring as a Statement

One of the most popular living room trends for 2025 is porcelain or engineered wood flooring in a herringbone layout. It adds sophistication and warmth while remaining durable and easy to clean.

2. Feature Walls with Texture

Larger-format herringbone tiles or panels create stunning feature walls behind TV units, fireplaces, or open-plan living areas. Textured stone or matte ceramic works especially well.

3. Hallways and Entryways

A herringbone entryway creates a memorable first impression. Darker tones add drama, while lighter colours feel airy and welcoming.

4. Outdoor Living Areas

Porcelain outdoor tiles in herringbone patterns are becoming popular for patios and alfresco spaces, blending indoor and outdoor living beautifully.

Popular Herringbone Patterns, Materials, and Colours for 2025

⭐ Trending Herringbone Patterns

Classic herringbone
Double herringbone
Broken herringbone
Diagonal herringbone
Vertical herringbone
Micro herringbone mosaics

⭐ Popular Materials

Porcelain (durable and versatile)
Handmade-look ceramic tiles
Marble and stone tiles
Timber-look porcelain
Terrazzo tiles
Slate
Glass mosaic tiles

⭐ Trending Colour Palettes for 2025

Muted sage, eucalyptus green
Soft blues and seafoam tones
Terracotta and warm clay shades
Pearl grey and creamy whites
Dusty charcoal
Matte black for bold designs
Brushed metallic accents

These colour and material trends allow you to tailor your herringbone pattern to match both modern and classic design styles.

Pros and Cons of Herringbone Tiles

✔ Pros

Adds luxury and texture
Works in small and large spaces
Pairs with nearly every design style
Wide material and colour options
Increases design value and resale appeal

✘ Cons

More complex installation
Requires careful alignment
Slightly higher labour cost
Mistakes are more visible than straight-lay patterns

Despite the added installation effort, the visual payoff often makes herringbone the star feature of a renovated space.

Styling Tips for Choosing the Right Herringbone Pattern

1. Consider Room Size

For small spaces, choose lighter colours and smaller tiles. In large rooms, oversized herringbone tiles create a bold, modern effect.

2. Think About Grout Colour

Matching grout blends the pattern softly, while contrasting grout highlights every line and angle. Choose based on whether you want subtlety or standout impact.

3. Choose the Right Direction

Diagonal: modern and dynamic
Vertical: adds height
Horizontal: widens narrow spaces
Classic orientation: timeless and elegant

4. Use Lighting to Highlight Texture

Wall lights, under-cabinet lighting, and natural sunlight all enhance the shadows and highlights in herringbone tiles.

5. Balance with Simple Décor

Because herringbone has natural movement, pair it with clean lines, minimalist finishes, and neutral tones for harmony.

FAQS

How do I choose the right herringbone tile size for my space?

Tile size depends on the scale of your room and the look you want. Small bathrooms or splashbacks look best with smaller or micro tiles, which create a delicate, refined pattern. Larger rooms benefit from long, narrow tiles that create a bold, sweeping effect. Always match tile size to room proportions for balance.

Is herringbone a good option for kitchen splashbacks?

Yes, herringbone is one of the best patterns for kitchen splashbacks because it adds detail and impact without overwhelming the space. The zigzag pattern enhances simple cabinetry and works beautifully with both modern and traditional kitchens. Whether you choose classic white tiles or bold colours, herringbone creates a designer-level finish.

Can herringbone tiles make small rooms look bigger?

Absolutely. Herringbone tiles create visual movement that tricks the eye into seeing a larger space. Diagonal or vertical layouts can elongate walls or floors, while lighter colours help open up small bathrooms or kitchens. When paired with minimalistic décor and good lighting, herringbone is a smart design choice for compact rooms.

What materials work best for herringbone tile floors?

Porcelain is the most popular choice because it’s durable, water-resistant, and available in many colours and textures, including timber-look designs. Marble and natural stone create a luxurious look but may require sealing. Ceramic is great for walls, while terrazzo adds a modern, textured feel perfect for contemporary homes.

Why Subway Tiles Are Making a Comeback in Home Renovations

By Timothy Balls-Headley

On September 25, 2025

In Herringbone Tiles

Introduction

When it comes to home renovations, few design elements strike the perfect balance between timeless charm and modern flair quite like subway tiles. Once considered a humble choice, subway tiles are now back in the spotlight, bringing a sense of style, versatility, and practicality to contemporary interiors. Whether in kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces, these tiles are making a bold comeback in 2025’s renovation trends.

History and Origins of Subway Tiles

Subway tiles first appeared in 1904 when they were used to line the walls of New York City’s subway stations. Their clean, glossy, white surfaces reflected light beautifully, creating bright underground spaces. This practical yet stylish design soon gained popularity beyond the subway, finding its way into residential kitchens and bathrooms. More than a century later, subway tiles remain iconic, blending heritage with contemporary appeal.

Why Subway Tiles Are Timeless

The enduring popularity of subway tiles lies in their simplicity. Their rectangular form is sleek yet versatile, allowing them to complement a wide range of interior design styles—from classic to ultra-modern. They are also incredibly adaptable, with countless layout patterns and finishes that can transform the overall feel of a space. This timelessness ensures they never truly go out of style.

See more: Understanding LVL Timber Formwork Prices in Today’s Market

Different Types of Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are no longer confined to the traditional white ceramic 3×6 format. Today’s options are diverse and innovative:

Ceramic Subway Tiles – Affordable, durable, and widely available.
Glass Subway Tiles – Offer a sleek, glossy finish with a reflective quality that enhances light.
Marble Subway Tiles – Add luxury and sophistication with unique veining patterns.
Metallic Subway Tiles – Perfect for modern and industrial-style interiors.
Finishes – From matte to glossy and even textured surfaces.
Sizes – Standard 3×6 tiles are still popular, but larger and slimmer variations are trending in modern homes.

Creative Ways to Use Subway Tiles

While subway tiles are often seen in kitchens and bathrooms, today’s homeowners are pushing creative boundaries. Some popular ideas include:

Kitchen Backsplash – A timeless application that works with both rustic and modern cabinets.
Full-Wall Accent – Extend subway tiles from countertop to ceiling for a dramatic effect.
Bathroom Feature Walls – Use contrasting grout colors to highlight the tile pattern.
Fireplace Surrounds – Add a sleek and unexpected twist to living rooms.
Mixed Patterns – Experiment with herringbone, basket weave, or vertical layouts to make a statement.

How to Choose the Right Subway Tiles for Your Space

When choosing subway tiles, consider the following factors:

Color – White is classic, but bold colors like navy, green, or even matte black are trending.
Finish – Glossy tiles reflect light, making small spaces appear bigger, while matte finishes create a modern, understated look.
Size – Larger tiles can make a space look more contemporary, while smaller tiles emphasize traditional charm.
Grout – Don’t overlook grout color—white grout creates a seamless look, while darker grout adds contrast and definition.

Subway Tiles in Modern Interior Design

In contemporary interiors, subway tiles are used far beyond their traditional scope. Designers are now pairing them with natural stone countertops, wooden cabinetry, and metallic finishes for a layered, stylish look. Subway tiles also work beautifully in open-plan spaces, offering a clean backdrop that allows furniture and accessories to shine. Their adaptability makes them ideal for blending tradition with innovation.

Installing Subway Tiles: DIY or Professional?

The decision to install subway tiles yourself or hire a professional depends on your skill level.

DIY Installation – If you’re handy with tools, tiling can be a manageable weekend project. With proper preparation, adhesive, and grout, you can achieve great results.
Professional Installation – For complex layouts, large surfaces, or high-end materials like marble, hiring a professional ensures a flawless finish and long-lasting durability.

Maintaining Subway Tiles

One of the reasons subway tiles remain popular is their ease of maintenance.

Cleaning – Regularly wipe with mild soap and water to maintain their shine.
Grout Care – Grout can stain over time, so sealing it after installation is highly recommended.
Repairs – Individual tiles can be replaced easily if damaged, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Conclusion

Subway tiles have stood the test of time for more than a century, and their comeback in home renovations proves they’re here to stay. With endless design possibilities, a wide range of materials, and easy maintenance, subway tiles combine tradition with modern innovation. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or living area, subway tiles remain a versatile, stylish, and enduring choice.

FAQs

Why are subway tiles popular again in home renovations?

Subway tiles are popular because they combine a clean, classic look with versatility. They work with nearly every design style, from farmhouse to contemporary, and offer countless layout options. Their affordability, durability, and timeless charm make them an easy choice for homeowners looking to update their spaces without overwhelming their budget.

Can subway tiles be used outside of kitchens and bathrooms?

Yes! Subway tiles can be creatively applied in living rooms, around fireplaces, in entryways, and even on accent walls. Their adaptability allows them to blend seamlessly into both modern and traditional spaces, offering endless design opportunities that go far beyond their traditional use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Are subway tiles easy to install for beginners?

Subway tiles are among the most beginner-friendly tiles to install, thanks to their uniform size and shape. With careful preparation and the right tools, a DIY enthusiast can tackle small projects. However, for intricate layouts or premium materials, hiring a professional ensures a polished finish.

What grout color works best with subway tiles?

The best grout color depends on the desired effect. White grout creates a seamless and clean look, perfect for classic styles. Dark grout, like gray or black, highlights the tile layout and adds a modern, striking contrast. Colored grout is also trending for homeowners seeking a unique, playful touch.