Whether you choose squares, rectangles, or custom cuts, their sizes are quite versa-tile
If you're about to embark on a tiling project—such as retiling the floor or a wall—feel free to get just as creative as you would with, say, paint colors or patterned wallpaper. The size of your tiles, in particular, can change the energy of a room—from a spa-like bathroom tiled with a natural stone mosaic to a classic kitchen backsplash with large porcelain subway tiles. Let's walk through both standard and custom tile choices and their most popular uses today.
Quick Tips to Know About Tile Sizes
Tiles come in a full range of sizes from as small as a quarter-inch up to 24 inches. They can be found in squares, rectangles, hexagons, stars, and other custom shapes. Designers often combine an assortment of tile sizes to highlight areas of a room or create texture.
Floor Tile Sizes
Floor tiles come in large and small sizes—and their intended placement (e.g., shower, kitchen, etc.) influences the size. For example, you are more likely to see small mosaic tiles on shower floors due to their high slip resistance. Large minimalist rooms may feature equally large tiles to highlight their size. You'll even find plank-style tiles that look like wood floors and scallop tiles in decorative areas like foyers and hallways.
Wall Tile Sizes
Bathroom walls typically feature mid- to large-sized tiles, but you will find occasional mosaics as well. Smaller tiles highlight a specific wall area, such as a shower niche. You'll also find small tiles in kitchen backsplashes. Subway tiles are a popular choice for home improvement projects, especially on backsplashes, islands, and home bars.
1. Square Tile Sizes
Many homeowners choose square tiles because of their contemporary versatility. For a balanced look, line the edges of the room with a listel—or border—of small tiles surrounded by mid-size square tiles. Or go for a bold statement with large 24-by-24-inch squares. Designers typically line up square tiles in a side-by-side or diamond pattern.
Small Square Tiles
Most tiles less than 2 inches are considered mosaic tiles. These small pieces create exactly what their name suggests—a mosaic, or patchwork, of tiles. The most common sizes of square mosaic tiles are:
1/4" x 1/4"
1/2" x 1/2"
1" x 1"
2" x 2"
Many of these mosaic tile collections come in sheets several inches wide to provide easier installation for DIYers. Small tiles, as mentioned earlier, create more friction for slippery floors as well as add texture to a space. They also highlight an area of a room, such as a kitchen backsplash.
Medium Square Tiles
Mid-sized square tiles are a favorite pick for DIYers. They are easier to install than both large and heavy tiles or tiny mosaic tiles. They are also easy to replace if one chips or stains. You're most likely to find medium square tiles on backsplashes, countertops, and bathroom walls. Most common sizes include:
3" x 3"
4" x 4"
5" x 5"
Large Square Tiles
Square tiles 6 inches and above are found on floors and walls. 6-inch tiles are common picks for bathroom floors, while larger tiles work best in large, expansive rooms. The top sizes include:
6" x 6"
8" x 8"
12" x 12"
16" x 16"
24" x 24"
Pro tip: Even though oversized tiles are trending in bathroom design at the moment, installing very large tiles in a small room can look off when not placed correctly, particularly if you can only fit a few tiles. So, always bring in a local bathroom designer for help with unique design challenges.
2. Rectangular Tile Sizes
It's fascinating how the shape of a tile can help you see a room in a new way. Long rectangular tiles can lengthen a space, especially when installed perpendicular to the long side of the rectangular room. You can also create a playful herringbone pattern for backsplashes and floors.
Mosaic Rectangular
Just like square mosaic tiles, these options do best in backsplashes, shower floors, or highlighting the edge of specialty areas of walls and counters. Standard sizes include:
1" x 2"
1" x 3"
1" x 4"
2" x 3"
2" x 4"
2" x 5"
2" x 6"
2" x 8"
Subway Tile Sizes
Earning their name from the original tiles of the New York City subway, mid-sized rectangular tiles are a success on both floors and walls. Subway tiles create a clean look on kitchen walls, are often large enough for bathroom floors, and pair well with nearby mosaics. These tiles come in the following sizes:
3" x 4"
3" x 6"
3" x 8"
6" x 8"
Plank Tile Sizes
The longest proportions of rectangle tiles are often known as planks. Many modern plank tiles are made up of synthetic materials that imitate wood grain to give the appearance of hardwood floors. And while you're more likely to find this size below your feet, some designers also use it on the walls as a more durable alternative to shiplap. Sizes include:
4" x 24"
6" x 24"
8" x 32"
12" x 24"
12" x 48"
3. Custom Tile Shapes and Sizes
Once you get into the more unique tile shapes, sizes, and layouts have even more variation. Odd shapes work on their own or when paired with more traditional squares and rectangles. Some shapes, such as the star-and-cross pattern, fit together like a puzzle.
Hexagon and Octagon Tiles
Six- and eight-sided tiles create more movement and texture in a space. You'll find smaller varieties on backsplashes or shower floors and larger ones on kitchen, foyer, and bathroom floors. Everyday size variations—measured across—include:
3"
4"
6"
8"
12"
Star-and-Cross Tiles
The star-and-cross pattern is a popular option in entranceways, hallways, kitchens, and patios. You may also find smaller artisanal-style tiles in areas like backsplashes. Sizes include:
2" x 6"
3" x 3"
3" x 6"
6" x 6"
7 1/4” x 7 1/4”
Arabesque Tiles
This naturally inspired shape has been seen in many cultures worldwide but originated in the East. The delicate shape works well on kitchen wall backsplashes, shower walls, or accent areas such as the shower. You'll find symmetrical arabesques and elongated varieties. Find these in the following sizes:
2" x 2"
2 1/2” x 2 1/2”
2 1/2”" x 3"
3" x 3"
5" x 5"
9" x 11"
11" x 11"
Scallop Tiles
Quite similarly, scallop tiles imitate the layered look of natural mosaics like shells and leaves. Layered together, you can create a graceful and delicate pattern that’s ideal for farmhouse kitchens or shabby-chic bathrooms. You will almost always find scallop tiles on the walls and occasionally on shower floors. Standard sizes include:
1/2" x 1/2"
3/4" x 3/4"
1" x 1"
1" x 1 3/4"
2" x 2"
6" x 7"
9" x 13"
Keep in mind that a local tile installer will typically calculate the cost of tiling a room by square footage, not at a per-tile rate. However, the final price tag will come down to how easy it is to both find and install your chosen tile material, design pattern, and whether you opt for custom shapes, sizes, and finishes.
