Choosing tile for your home isn’t just about color or material—it’s about scale, shape, and how those choices impact the look and feel of your space. The right tile size can make a small powder room feel more spacious, while the right shape or pattern can add personality to a kitchen backsplash or bring clean lines to a modern bathroom.

In this guide, the team at House of Carpet in Richmond, VA breaks down the most popular tile sizes and trending shapes by room to help you choose with confidence.

Popular Tile Sizes by Room

Bathroom Floor:
Bathrooms often benefit from a combination of large tiles and smaller mosaic accents.

• 12” x 24” – A modern favorite for clean lines and fewer grout lines
• 6” x 24” – Great for wood-look tile with a natural feel
• 1”–2” mosaic tiles – Ideal for shower floors thanks to better grip and slope versatility

Kitchen Floor:
Kitchen floors get heavy traffic, so tile needs to balance function and aesthetics.

• 12” x 12” – A timeless choice that fits many budgets
• 18” x 18” – Larger tiles open up small kitchens visually
• 6” x 36” – Wood-look planks are gaining traction for their warmth and length

Backsplash:
Backsplashes are your chance to play with patterns and materials like glass or metal.

• 3” x 6” subway tile – Traditional and always in style
• 4” x 12” – A sleeker, more modern twist on the subway classic
• Mosaic sheets (1”–2”) – Available in hex, penny round, or square—ideal for eye-catching detail

Popular Tile Shapes & Patterns

Tile Shapes:
Shapes add personality and can set the tone for an entire room.

• Subway – Clean, rectangular tiles for classic or modern looks
• Hexagon – Playful geometry for floors or accents
• Penny Round – Vintage flair, great in showers and backsplashes
• Square – A simple shape that adapts to most designs
• Arabesque – Curvy and decorative, ideal for high-end looks
• Plank – Long and narrow, perfect for wood-look tiles

Installation Patterns:
Even with basic tiles, the layout pattern can transform the space.

• Herringbone – Adds movement and interest to backsplashes and floors
• Stacked (straight lay) – Minimalist and modern
• Offset (brick or running bond) – Timeless and forgiving
• Basketweave – Elegant and traditional for vintage-inspired spaces
• Diagonal – Makes small rooms feel bigger by drawing the eye outward

How to Choose What’s Best for Your Space

The right choice depends on your room size, your lifestyle, and your home’s overall design style.

• Room size matters: Larger tiles work best in bigger rooms to reduce grout lines and create seamless flow.
• Maintenance counts: More grout = more cleaning. If low-maintenance is a must, opt for larger tiles or tightly laid mosaics.
• Match your home’s style: Traditional spaces might lean toward subway or basketweave. Modern homes often feature stacked planks or bold geometric shapes.
• Need help? Our team of flooring experts at House of Carpet can guide you through every step—from material to layout.

Let’s Find the Right Tile for Your Home

Choosing the perfect tile can truly transform your space but the details matter. From bathroom floors to kitchen backsplashes, we’re here to help Richmond homeowners make smart, stylish decisions that stand the test of time.

Explore tile flooring options or contact House of Carpet today to speak with a local expert.