Decorating
Bored of Standard Metro Tiles? Here’s How to Update Them
Want to make a statement on your walls without splashing the cash? Grab some metro tiles and get creative
Timeless, budget-friendly and easy to lay – the simple metro tile is a great choice for kitchen and bathroom walls. But if you’re tired of the usual brickwork layout and want to make a bold design statement, check out these ideas for giving these plain rectangular tiles a fresh look.
Take it sideways
The same pattern can have a very different effect if the rows are laid horizontally. The herringbone design in this bathroom is the same as in the previous kitchen, but the angle makes the pattern appear less uniform.
Find tilers and worktop professionals near you
The same pattern can have a very different effect if the rows are laid horizontally. The herringbone design in this bathroom is the same as in the previous kitchen, but the angle makes the pattern appear less uniform.
Find tilers and worktop professionals near you
Design on the diagonal
Or how about laying your herringbone design diagonally? Tiles positioned vertically and horizontally form diagonal points, but the overall effect is of a grid.
It works well here with black grouting, which emphasises the geometric pattern and the contrast with the circular mirror.
Or how about laying your herringbone design diagonally? Tiles positioned vertically and horizontally form diagonal points, but the overall effect is of a grid.
It works well here with black grouting, which emphasises the geometric pattern and the contrast with the circular mirror.
Give it some teeth
For an interesting alternative, ditch the edging and let the herringbone form a zigzag finish.
Complement your tiles with gorgeous tableware from the Houzz Shop
For an interesting alternative, ditch the edging and let the herringbone form a zigzag finish.
Complement your tiles with gorgeous tableware from the Houzz Shop
Big Up Basketweave
Showcase squares
The owners of this kitchen wanted simple finishes for a fresh look. To add some very subtle texture to the space, they laid the tiles in a basketweave pattern. The simple design is created by setting the tiles perpendicular to each other in groups of three.
Here, the white grouting ensures the pattern is understated enough to blend into the background, while the basketweave design brings character to the room.
This pattern can look equally appealing laid diagonally, so try rotating the squares 45 degrees for a different take.
Showcase squares
The owners of this kitchen wanted simple finishes for a fresh look. To add some very subtle texture to the space, they laid the tiles in a basketweave pattern. The simple design is created by setting the tiles perpendicular to each other in groups of three.
Here, the white grouting ensures the pattern is understated enough to blend into the background, while the basketweave design brings character to the room.
This pattern can look equally appealing laid diagonally, so try rotating the squares 45 degrees for a different take.
Play with pattern
If a uniform basketweave doesn’t appeal, try a more random design. Here, just a few of the tile squares have been flipped over to break up the pattern and catch the eye without being too shouty.
If a uniform basketweave doesn’t appeal, try a more random design. Here, just a few of the tile squares have been flipped over to break up the pattern and catch the eye without being too shouty.
Vote for Vertical
Up the ante
By simply turning the classic brickwork pattern 90 degrees, you can change the look of your metro tiles. Here, a dividing wall stands out with its vertical tile pattern, which is laid at a right angle to the horizontal brick design elsewhere.
The change of tile and grout colour helps to reinforce the difference, but the contrast is subtle enough to keep the space feeling harmonious.
Up the ante
By simply turning the classic brickwork pattern 90 degrees, you can change the look of your metro tiles. Here, a dividing wall stands out with its vertical tile pattern, which is laid at a right angle to the horizontal brick design elsewhere.
The change of tile and grout colour helps to reinforce the difference, but the contrast is subtle enough to keep the space feeling harmonious.
Hint at tongue-and-groove
Here’s the same idea, but with a different effect. This time the vertical pattern contrasts with a hexagonal mosaic above.
The grey tiles are laid only halfway up the wall and along the bath – an interesting take on timber tongue-and-groove panelling.
Here’s the same idea, but with a different effect. This time the vertical pattern contrasts with a hexagonal mosaic above.
The grey tiles are laid only halfway up the wall and along the bath – an interesting take on timber tongue-and-groove panelling.
Stack ’em High
Create columns
Make a statement by keeping your design ultra-simple. These long, linear metro tiles have been positioned in straight columns to form a neat grid.
By laying them along the bath as well, the designers have made the effect more dramatic, and the black grout adds to the graphic look.
Create columns
Make a statement by keeping your design ultra-simple. These long, linear metro tiles have been positioned in straight columns to form a neat grid.
By laying them along the bath as well, the designers have made the effect more dramatic, and the black grout adds to the graphic look.
Bridge the gap
Here, smaller tiles work nicely in columns to chime with the stacked wall cupboards and break up the expanse of rich wood.
Tell us…
Are you planning to be creative with metro tiles? Did any of these rooms inspire you, or do you have another idea up your sleeve? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments section.
Here, smaller tiles work nicely in columns to chime with the stacked wall cupboards and break up the expanse of rich wood.
Tell us…
Are you planning to be creative with metro tiles? Did any of these rooms inspire you, or do you have another idea up your sleeve? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments section.
Go up the wall
For an instant update on classic metro tiles, consider laying them in a herringbone pattern.
This contemporary kitchen is full of sleek surfaces and neat lines that move vertically and horizontally. It’s the ideal streamlined backdrop to a wall of pattern, created by laying white rectangular tiles in diagonal columns. The idea is simple, yet the effect is quite stunning.