From classic subway bricks to whimsical scallops, use this guide to tile shapes to choose the right combination for your space.
![blue and green tiles <p>CARSON DOWNING</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/kuJT59qt0WqrOR3dvupXhxozbNI=/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/103052691_preview-690bc03fc56147d5b26a0fd10e6ef4e0.jpg)
CARSON DOWNING
Tile is a practical choice for walls and floors in high-traffic areas, but it also presents an opportunity to get creative and add some personality to your space. It also comes in a variety of different shapes: Choose a classic, like subway tile or vintage-inspired penny tile, or opt for a more unique shapes such as the rounded-edge scallop tile.
Some tile shapes are best suited for a kitchen backsplash or statement bathtub, while others are a durable flooring option for a high-traffic area such as a mudroom. The tile arrangement and grout choice is equally as important as the tile shape, as both can be used to highlight a unique shape. Whatever your style and budget is, use this comprehensive guide to different tile shapes to help you choose the right tile for your next home improvement project.
Related: The 10 Best Peel and Stick Tiles to Dress Up Your Home, DIY Style
Subway Tile
![Bathroom with white subway tile and dark grout <p>Ryan Garvin</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/nZd5X4m3hMVpyLtQb7uwXAmAcos=/fit-in/640x480/Bathroom-subway-tile-RGP-3387_9lvcuVSva46BiOqL-NKe-F-841071a9f4734a16a9d8e54547a958d5.jpg)
Ryan Garvin
Subway tile is one of the most timeless and versatile types of tile. In its most classic form, the rectangular white tile is arranged in a running bond, but if you want to put a contemporary spin on this staple tile shape, consider a stacked vertical or horizontal arrangement. Subway tile comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and finishes and is best suited for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls.
Related: 8 Subway Tile Patterns for a Fresh Twist on the Classic Material
Mosaic Tile
![herringbone kitchen backsplash with copper pots Michael Partenio](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/ioODc3sO12y_cmD6c1xqXjDKIkw=/fit-in/640x480/herringbone-copper-backsplash-70194dd1-13e8ddb30b11438db90854f68c99a55c.jpg)
To create a special accent wall behind a statement bathtub or in a luxurious walk-in shower, use mosaic tile. These mini squared tiles are used to create a mosaic floor-like effect, often creating a pattern or image. For a contemporary take on this ancient aesthetic, choose a shimmery high-gloss mosaic tile with slight variation in color to create the illusion of movement.
Hexagon Tile
![shower inset with tile "hi" Kim Cornelison](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/gI9USpuELzKfdDkCP2OLXjvMFus=/fit-in/640x480/shower-inset-tile-hi-9mDFmqKfaQMADLngmpydwi-ee3fe5181fc54da490dc4b6cdc12c048.jpg)
Hexagon tile, sometimes referred to as honeycomb tile, consists of a six-sided, clean-lined shape. It creates an intricate grid that looks just as stunning when used as a kitchen backsplash as it does on a statement wall in a bathroom. Use marble hexagon tile in the kitchen and pair it with classic white cabinets and antique brass pulls, or make a bold statement with high-gloss porcelain hexagon tile in a captivating jewel tone on your bathroom walls.
Picket Tile
![kitchen tile backsplash <p>Getty Images / Joe Hendrickson</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/NVxOjvTtYJYhO0pNlpBiEyJvjgs=/fit-in/640x480/GettyImages-1466811192-0461aaa79ebf482c851010ea8c815768.jpg)
Getty Images / Joe Hendrickson
Picket tile is a six-sided shape that looks like an elongated hexagon. It’s a cross between subway tile and hexagon tile that’s unexpected, unique, and modern. Use contrasting grout to highlight its surprising shape and go with a vertical arrangement to elongate a kitchen backsplash or bathroom wall and create the illusion of a taller ceiling.
Scallop Tile
![light green bathroom with curved shower tile <p>Chad R. Mellon</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/bPt7X7LDouEZzDNoEFQIsS23CvI=/fit-in/640x480/light-green-shower-tile-E0noT1eiaj88-Gak64vzA0-0e68510a77ac4b809ba13d8dd70eceec.jpg)
Chad R. Mellon
For a touch of whimsy, use scallop tile in your bathroom. This unique tile, which is sometimes called fish scale tile or fan-shaped tile, introduces curved lines and a detailed pattern to walls. To highlight the tile’s delicate rounded edges, use it to cover the bottom half or two-thirds of your bathroom walls, allowing the top of the tiles to create a beautiful scalloped line.
Related: 14 Types of Bathroom Tiles for Every Budget and Aesthetic
Square Tile
![white bathroom with square tile <p>Erin Kunkel</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/p0ogiQ0HuvrFiR13jKH2rC6i9fs=/fit-in/640x480/103105916-284b96a6024a4d969fb1f26241f346d2.jpg)
Erin Kunkel
Square tile is one of the most versatile wall and floor tiles. Install it as a backsplash, use it in a transitional space such as a mudroom, or cover your bathroom walls and floors with it. For a casual aesthetic, use square tiles with a flat finish in a running bond arrangement. To give the simple shape a contemporary update, opt for a glossy porcelain finish and a stacked arrangement.
Penny Tile
![two pedestal sinks and two gold mirrors in bathroom with tile floor <p>Nathan Schroder Photography</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/edPHTLUeTlF1IgMSD3ET954a4yQ=/fit-in/640x480/306Harbin05141-813c4888d7fa4f419ce11fd83f78c25e.jpg)
Nathan Schroder Photography
Penny tile gets its name from a penny coin which describes its round or hexagonal shape and small size, typically under an inch, diameter. You will often see a combination of black and white penny tiles covering a bathroom or laundry room floor where they create a decorative pattern or border. For a fun twist on this vintage tile shape, use it to spell out words such as “wash” or “dry” to give your laundry room floor a little personality.
Arabesque Tile
![gray and white tile bathroom shower <p>Laura Moss Photography</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/d3pz4Cf0Gc536eZffDdoImrtQHk=/fit-in/640x480/102684846_preview-b192c298700a45fb9f42792c72eaa579.jpg)
Laura Moss Photography
As one of the most intricate tile shapes, Arabesque tile embraces curved lines and creates a gorgeous mosaic that’s enhanced with contrasting grout. It makes for a striking accent wall behind a bathroom vanity, turns a walk-in shower into a design statement, but can also serve as an elegant kitchen backsplash if you choose a marble version of this unique tile shape.
Octagon Tile
![white tile floor <p>ADAM ALBRIGHT </p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/d-GLzbIe1gUCghRYOgfirhc8aQA=/fit-in/640x480/7003757_AA_1091_preview-e8d925ce39e649b588a4e465b35b0f6f.jpg)
ADAM ALBRIGHT
Octagon tile is an eight-sided tile shape that’s very popular in interiors. Its versatility lies largely in its scale—use a small octagon tile to create a mosaic backsplash, go with a medium octagon tile on bathroom floors, or choose large marble octagon tile to emphasize the grandeur of a large foyer with an impressive ceiling height.
Related: Can You Tile Over Tile? What to Know Before You Start
Plank Tile
![Mudroom with pet washing station <p>Jay Wilde</p>](https://www.bhg.com/thmb/X1d4pWtutVYPr-UC4tIpDuEhrUA=/fit-in/640x480/Mudroom-pet-washing-station-Capture-One-Session18792-3nVlYkjU4dLAAzeszWcrKg-8cb3e8d603e74f319a16e62e0deab8da.jpg)
Jay Wilde
Similar to a plank of wood, plank tile is rectangular in shape and makes for an excellent flooring option, especially in a high-traffic area like a bathroom, entryway, mudroom, kitchen, or laundry room. For maximum practicality, opt for a dark color and dark grout that hides dirt.
Related: How to Clean Tile Floors, No Matter What Type (and Grout, Too!)
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