The shape of things: choosing the perfect tile for your project

Skinny metro tiles

Skinny metro tiles have been particularly popular in recent years, and this is our considered take on the trending shape. We have paid close attention to the balance of the tile’s proportions, and at 6 x 21cm, it is a touch longer than most, and narrower, making it easy on the eye and striking a beautiful visual balance when installed, between grout line and tile.

You will find skinny metro tiles in a rich variety of delicious colours and finishes within our Isles, Marlborough Matts and Kennet collections.

Scallop tiles

A panel of scallop tiles has a real ‘wow’ factor, lending character and creativity to a space. Our Soho collection features scallops with stunning depth of colour, which comes from the subtle yellow undertones lurking beneath the vibrant blues and greens. To achieve this, we have drawn upon traditional techniques first used by the Victorians, such as adding cobalt and copper oxides into the glaze.

Scallops have a pretty delicacy about them and create an elegant pattern made up of looping, soft curves. They can be laid with the curve uppermost in the pattern for an art deco effect as shown below, or facing downward for a ‘fish scale’ pattern like this. Alternatively, you might choose a playful and creative Arabesque pattern, as shown here.

Square tiles

Fashions come and go, but square tiles stand the test of time. They produce a balanced look that doesn’t emphasise either height or width. The feeling is classic, calm and confident. Choose a contrasting grout to draw the eye, or alternatively, a grout in a harmonious colour to blend with the tiles.

You will find small square tiles at 11 x 11cm in our Isles, Halcyon, Kensington, Ullswater, Landscapes and Neutrals collections, and larger format 13 x 13cm square tiles in our Aged Crackle, Contemporary Classics, Elements and Savernake collections.

Hexagon shaped tiles

Hexagons are certainly having a moment when it comes to interior design, but they’re also a classic geometric shape. In our Latitude collection, you’ll discover hexagons in a host of gorgeous blues, greens and greys which coordinate beautifully with wooden flooring, like thes ones shown below, in Dogger. Choose a single shade for a colour block effect, or a mix for a more creative composition.

Don’t feel you have to use hexagons throughout a room – they’re stunning in a small panel or on a feature wall. Thanks to their size, our Latitude hexagon tiles work well with tiles in other shapes. Try them alongside bricks to create impact.

Long brick tiles

A larger tile creates fewer grout lines, and a look that is both clean and spacious. Our long brick tiles measure in at 11 x 33.5cm, and have a cool, contemporary feel. Their large format means that they are very well suited for use over an entire wall, such as in a wet room. Tiles in this size are the perfect addition to a Shaker-style kitchen, and are particularly well suited to the space above a range cooker. Find them within our Cool Companions and Latitude collections.

Brick tiles

A true design classic. Bricks can be used to wonderful effect with many layouts – from brick bonds to herringbone patterns. Our small bricks are a petite 6.3 x 13cm, and work beautifully in a restricted space where they make a big impact. Our medium bricks are a classic 7.5 x 15cm size. Both have beautiful visual balance. Whichever you choose, bricks are a dependable choice.

Find small bricks within our Aged Crackle , Contemporary Classics and Savernake collections, and medium bricks within our Marlborough Matts, Aged Crackle, Posterity, Seasons, Soho, Underground and Vintage collections.

Large bricks

Our large brick tiles measure 10 x 20cm. Fewer grout lines mean that they can fill entire walls comfortably without ever making a space feel busy. Being larger, these tiles are easy to lay and give a precise, neat look. Their traditional size and timeless appeal suit both classic and contemporary interiors. Kitchen units tend to measure 60 x 60cm, and these tiles divide neatly into those dimensions, which can be useful when designing your space.