Shop Tile by Shape

Shop Tile by Shape at BELK Tile

Tile shape can change the entire character of a room before you even consider color or material. A classic rectangle creates a different impression from a six-sided hexagon, while curved arabesque and fish scale mosaics introduce softer movement.

At BELK Tile, we make it easier to explore tile shapes and patterns for kitchens, bathrooms, showers, fireplaces and other approved applications. Whether you prefer simple geometry or an intricate mosaic, understanding how each shape works can help narrow your choices.

Written by Mike Belk, Tile Expert at BELK Tile.

Popular Tile Shapes

Subway Tile

Subway tile is one of the most versatile rectangular tile formats. Its familiar proportions work in traditional, farmhouse, transitional and contemporary spaces, depending on the material, finish and installation pattern.

A running bond layout creates a classic backsplash, while stacked horizontal or vertical arrangements can produce a more contemporary appearance. Longer subway formats can also change the visual proportions of a wall.

Explore Subway Tile.

Hexagon Tile

Hexagon tile uses six sides to create a distinctive geometric pattern. Small hexagon mosaics can give a bathroom a vintage-inspired appearance, while larger hexagons can create a bolder contemporary design.

Hexagons are available in a variety of materials and finishes. Some are appropriate for floors, while others are designed for walls only, so always verify the specific product's application rating.

Square Tile

Square tile is simple, balanced and surprisingly flexible. The repeating grid can feel contemporary with crisp edges or more handcrafted when the tiles have irregular surfaces and shade variation.

Small square mosaics create more frequent grout joints, while larger square formats emphasize the individual tile surfaces. The right choice depends on the scale of the room and the overall design.

Penny Round Tile

Penny round mosaics use small circular pieces to create a recognizable pattern. They work especially well in vintage-inspired bathrooms, decorative backsplashes and contemporary spaces where rounded geometry softens straight architectural lines.

Because penny rounds create many grout joints, they can contribute to traction when paired with an appropriate floor-rated material. However, the shape alone does not guarantee that a tile is suitable for a shower floor.

Explore Penny Round Tile.

Picket Tile

Picket tile is an elongated geometric shape with pointed ends, often resembling a narrow hexagon. It creates more visual movement than a standard rectangular subway tile without requiring a complicated decorative pattern.

Depending on the layout, picket mosaics can emphasize vertical height or introduce a repeating geometric rhythm across a backsplash or accent wall.

Diamond Tile

Diamond-shaped tiles create angular movement and can be used in simple repeating layouts or more elaborate geometric designs.

Depending on color placement and tile proportions, diamond patterns can produce everything from a subtle decorative background to a striking dimensional illusion.

Decorative and Curved Tile Shapes

Arabesque Tile

Arabesque tile features flowing curves and ornamental geometry inspired by traditional architectural designs.

Its distinctive outline makes it particularly attractive for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom accent walls and decorative installations. White marble can create an elegant traditional look, while colorful glass or ceramic can make the pattern feel more contemporary.

Fish Scale Tile

Fish scale tile, sometimes called scallop or mermaid tile, uses overlapping curved shapes to create a flowing pattern.

It is especially popular in coastal-inspired bathrooms and backsplashes, although the shape can work in many other settings. Blue and green finishes emphasize the aquatic association, while neutral colors allow the geometry to become the main feature.

Pebble Tile

Pebble mosaics use rounded or organic shapes to create a natural-looking surface. Some designs feature individual stones, while others use manufactured materials shaped to resemble pebbles.

Pebble tile is often considered for shower floors, bathroom floors and accent walls. For wet walking surfaces, confirm the specific product's suitability, surface characteristics and installation requirements.

Tile Patterns and Layouts

Not every design commonly described as a tile shape is actually an individual tile shape. Herringbone, chevron and basketweave are primarily patterns or arrangements, although many are sold as ready-made mosaic sheets.

Understanding the difference helps when comparing products.

Herringbone Tile

Herringbone uses rectangular pieces arranged at alternating angles to create a broken zigzag pattern.

It adds directional movement to backsplashes, shower walls and other surfaces. Some herringbone mosaics are preassembled on sheets, while other installations use individual rectangular tiles.

Chevron Tile

Chevron creates a continuous V-shaped pattern using pieces with angled ends.

Compared with herringbone, chevron usually produces a sharper, more uninterrupted visual line. It can be especially effective on a feature wall where the repeating geometry becomes the main design element.

Basketweave Tile

Basketweave mosaics arrange rectangular pieces to create the appearance of interwoven material.

The pattern is often associated with marble and traditional bathroom designs, but material and color combinations can give it a more contemporary appearance.

Waterjet Mosaic Tile

Waterjet mosaics use precision-cut pieces to create detailed geometric, floral or decorative patterns.

These mosaics often combine multiple stone colors or materials within a single design. They can work particularly well for accent walls, decorative bathroom installations and other focal areas.

Choosing Tile Shapes for Kitchen Backsplashes

Kitchen backsplashes offer considerable flexibility because the tile is primarily a decorative wall surface.

Subway and square tile create clean, adaptable backgrounds. Hexagons and pickets introduce stronger geometry, while arabesque, fish scale and waterjet mosaics can turn the backsplash into a focal point.

Consider the countertop before selecting a busy pattern. A heavily veined countertop may pair better with a simpler tile shape, while a quieter surface can give a decorative mosaic more room to stand out.

Explore Kitchen Backsplash Tile.

Choosing Tile Shapes for Bathroom Walls

Bathroom walls can support a wide range of tile shapes, from traditional rectangles to intricate mosaics.

A vertical subway layout can emphasize height, while square tile creates an orderly grid. Hexagon and fish scale mosaics can add personality without requiring strong color.

In smaller bathrooms, the grout color also affects how busy the wall appears. Matching grout tends to soften the pattern, while contrasting grout emphasizes individual shapes.

Choosing Tile Shapes for Shower Floors

Shower floors require more consideration than decorative walls.

Small-format mosaics, including some hexagons, penny rounds and pebble designs, are frequently used because they can accommodate the slope toward a drain. Their grout joints may also contribute to traction.

However, shape and grout-joint density do not independently establish slip resistance. Select a tile specifically approved for shower floors and follow the manufacturer's installation requirements.

Explore Shower Floor Tile.

Choosing Tile Shapes for Larger Floors

Floor tile should be selected for both appearance and performance.

Larger square or rectangular formats can create a quieter surface with fewer visible grout joints. Smaller mosaics and geometric shapes introduce more pattern and can be useful for decorative areas.

Always verify the tile's floor-use rating, expected traffic conditions and wet-area requirements where applicable. A decorative wall mosaic should never be assumed suitable for a floor simply because its shape looks appropriate.

How Tile Size Changes the Appearance of a Shape

Two tiles can share the same geometry and create completely different results because of their size.

A small hexagon mosaic produces a detailed repeating pattern, while a larger hexagon emphasizes the individual shape. The same principle applies to squares, rectangles and diamonds.

For backsplashes and compact areas, smaller pieces may introduce useful detail. On larger walls or floors, larger formats can create a calmer appearance, although the best choice depends on the surrounding design.

Choosing Tile Shapes by Material

Glass Tile Shapes

Glass mosaics are often selected for their color, reflectivity and decorative possibilities. Hexagons, rectangles, squares and other shapes can create vibrant backsplashes and feature walls.

Glass products vary in their approved applications, so confirm suitability for showers, pools or other demanding environments before ordering.

Ceramic Tile Shapes

Ceramic tile offers numerous shapes, sizes, finishes and handcrafted-inspired looks.

Subway, square, picket and other decorative ceramic formats can work especially well on interior walls. Some ceramic products are also floor-rated, but that must be verified individually.

Porcelain Tile Shapes

Porcelain is available in a wide variety of geometric formats, including hexagons, squares, rectangles and mosaics.

Its technical properties can make it useful for many demanding installations, but the specific product still needs to be approved for the intended floor, shower or exterior application.

Marble and Natural Stone Shapes

Marble and natural stone mosaics are particularly attractive in basketweave, herringbone, hexagon, arabesque and waterjet patterns.

Natural veining and color variation make every installation visually distinctive. Stone may also require sealing and material-specific maintenance, depending on the product and environment.

How Grout Changes a Tile Pattern

Grout can either emphasize the shape or allow the tile surface to take center stage.

A contrasting grout outlines each individual piece, making hexagons, subway layouts and geometric mosaics more pronounced. A closely matched grout creates a softer, more continuous appearance.

With intricate mosaics, grout-joint width and consistency are especially important. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations rather than selecting a joint width based only on appearance.

Choosing Between Simple and Decorative Tile Shapes

When selecting a shape, consider how much visual activity already exists in the room.

If your countertop, cabinetry or flooring contains strong patterns, a simpler subway or square tile may create better balance. If the surrounding surfaces are relatively quiet, a distinctive hexagon, arabesque or waterjet mosaic can become a focal point.

There is no single best shape for every room. The goal is to choose geometry that complements the materials, scale and architectural character of the space.

Shop Tile by Shape at BELK Tile

Whether you are searching for classic subway tile, hexagon mosaics, penny rounds, picket tile, fish scale designs or decorative waterjet patterns, BELK Tile makes it easier to compare the possibilities.

Start with the shape that interests you, then narrow your choices by material, color, finish and approved application.

You can also explore Shop All Tile or browse Mosaic Tile for additional designs.