Tile layouts: find the style of your bathroom
The same tile can look very different depending on how it is laid. Explore the patterns—and the details that turn a good idea into a carefully finished bathroom.
Horizontal stacked
A clean grid with the joints lined up. It suits a calm, contemporary bathroom and lets colour, texture and fittings take the lead.
Straight lines make uneven cuts easier to spot. Plan both ends of the wall before fixing the first tile.
Vertical stacked
Turning rectangular tiles upright gives a different rhythm to the room. It can draw the eye upwards, especially on a shower wall or behind a vanity.
Agree how the vertical joints meet the mirror, niche and fittings. Small shifts in the starting position can change the whole composition.
Staggered brick bond
Rows are offset to create a familiar, relaxed pattern. White tiles feel classic; dark colours or contrasting grout give the same arrangement a stronger presence.
The offset should suit the actual tile. Long rectangular tiles may need a smaller stagger than half a tile to limit visible differences in height; follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Herringbone
Rectangular tiles interlock to form a lively zigzag. A pale finish can be subtle; navy or black makes a striking feature wall. One carefully chosen area is often enough.
The pattern needs a clear centre and carefully planned edges. More cuts and setting-out work can affect the installation cost.
Chevron
Angled ends meet to form continuous V shapes. Unlike herringbone, the pieces meet along a straight central seam. Wood-effect finishes can bring warmth to a simple bathroom.
Choose tiles made for this arrangement, or confirm the cutting method. The central seam and perimeter cuts deserve particular attention.
Hexagons
A geometric alternative to rectangles. Small pale hexagons create a fine texture; larger colourful pieces make the shape part of the design.
Check the edges and the grout sample together. Contrasting grout emphasises every outline; a close colour match softens the pattern.
Mosaic
Small pieces create texture and can define a shower, niche or feature wall. A restrained surrounding palette lets the detail stand out without overwhelming the room.
Sheet edges should disappear into the overall pattern. Suitability for a shower floor also depends on the product, slip resistance and drainage design.
Large-format aligned
Fewer joints can create a calm, continuous appearance. Stone and marble effects work well when the tile faces and their arrangement are considered together.
Large tiles need suitable substrate preparation and handling. Check the cuts around doors, fittings and the shower before agreeing the layout.
A quality finish starts before the first tile
At Morfohouse, bathroom design is considered as a whole: tiles, joints, niches, fittings and lighting. The aim is for the details to work together, creating a bathroom that is as practical as it is attractive.
SimpliPlan renders can help you visualise the proposed design before renovation begins. Physical samples let you judge the colour, texture and grout together.