Bathroom Renovation Essentials
Tile layout pattern is a design decision that affects how a room reads at least as much as tile colour or size. The same tile installed in different patterns creates entirely different visual effects.
Grid (straight set) layout is the most common and most restrained. Tiles are set with joints aligned both horizontally and vertically. The pattern is clean and neutral — it doesn't compete with tile colour or texture for visual attention.
Design Choices That Matter
Running bond (brick pattern) offsets each row by half a tile width. The resulting staggered joint creates a visual rhythm that appears more dynamic than a straight set. Running bond suits rectangular tiles and elongated subway formats especially well.
Diagonal (45-degree) layout rotates the grid 45 degrees, creating a diamond visual pattern. It makes rooms appear wider and has a classic, formal character. It requires more cut tiles at borders and generates more waste than straight layouts.
Hiring the Right Contractor
Herringbone creates a V-shaped pattern by alternating tiles at 45-degree angles in opposite directions. It has strong visual character that suits feature walls and floor areas with high design intent. Material and labour cost is higher than running bond.
Chevron is similar to herringbone but uses parallelogram-cut tiles rather than rectangular ones. The V-shape is more pronounced and sharper. Chevron tile must be specifically manufactured for the pattern — standard rectangular tile cannot create a true chevron.
Basket weave pairs two rectangular tiles horizontally with two vertically, alternating to create the appearance of woven material. The pattern is traditional and suits classic bathroom styles. It works well in small-scale mosaic formats.