7 Ways Simple Square Tiles Can Transform Your Walls
Dare to be square and you can add a stylish twist to any space, as these diverse schemes demonstrate
Amanda Pollard
25 January 2018
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors and architecture.
Senior Editor at Houzz UK and Ireland. Journalist and editor specialising in interiors... More
Square tiles are appearing on many a well-designed wall at the moment, and their sheer simplicity makes them a trend worth sticking with. Their even shape means it’s easy to be creative with them, and they work well with a number of different interior styles. Take a look at these rooms for inspiration on how they could work in your own home.
Contrast the grout
A plain square white tile might not seem like the most adventurous choice for your walls, but in fact its simplicity allows you to be quite creative. Experiment with colour, grout and layout to design different looks to suit your style.
Here, the brickwork pattern has been enhanced by dark grey grout to make the tiles stand out. The bold design works well here, as it contrasts with the soft grain in the wooden worktop and shelf.
A plain square white tile might not seem like the most adventurous choice for your walls, but in fact its simplicity allows you to be quite creative. Experiment with colour, grout and layout to design different looks to suit your style.
Here, the brickwork pattern has been enhanced by dark grey grout to make the tiles stand out. The bold design works well here, as it contrasts with the soft grain in the wooden worktop and shelf.
Be bold with colour
You don’t have to stick to white, of course – a simple square tile can look stunning in a vivid colour. The green units and shelves in this kitchen have been finished off with a panel of tiles in a similar shade.
It’s a brave choice, but it’s paid off and resulted in an original kitchen with bags of personality.
You don’t have to stick to white, of course – a simple square tile can look stunning in a vivid colour. The green units and shelves in this kitchen have been finished off with a panel of tiles in a similar shade.
It’s a brave choice, but it’s paid off and resulted in an original kitchen with bags of personality.
Go for a grid layout
The way you position your square tiles will impact on the whole look. Take this expansive grid, for instance – a brickwork pattern would have looked completely different and might have been too busy with the tiny hexagonal floor tiles.
Instead, the rigid lines make a feature of the wall without overpowering other elements in the room. And this is a great design if you’re finding it hard to work out how many square tiles you need.
Find out how terrazzo can give your home a style update
The way you position your square tiles will impact on the whole look. Take this expansive grid, for instance – a brickwork pattern would have looked completely different and might have been too busy with the tiny hexagonal floor tiles.
Instead, the rigid lines make a feature of the wall without overpowering other elements in the room. And this is a great design if you’re finding it hard to work out how many square tiles you need.
Find out how terrazzo can give your home a style update
Do the twist
For something altogether different, try turning each tile on its head. By twisting the squares to form a diagonal pattern, the designers of this kitchen have created white surfaces that add character and interest to the minimal space.
Plain white square tiles are often inexpensive, so this is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen or bathroom a designer feel.
For something altogether different, try turning each tile on its head. By twisting the squares to form a diagonal pattern, the designers of this kitchen have created white surfaces that add character and interest to the minimal space.
Plain white square tiles are often inexpensive, so this is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen or bathroom a designer feel.
Showcase other objects
Square tiles work in much the same way as metro tiles, in that they can be a great neutral backdrop for other elements.
For instance, if you’d like a patterned floor and vintage furniture to take centre stage, as in this bathroom, consider using some low-key squares on the walls. A simple design like this is subtle and timeless, and will allow you to showcase more elaborate pieces.
Don’t fancy square tiles? Here’s how hexagonal tiles can elevate your bathroom
Square tiles work in much the same way as metro tiles, in that they can be a great neutral backdrop for other elements.
For instance, if you’d like a patterned floor and vintage furniture to take centre stage, as in this bathroom, consider using some low-key squares on the walls. A simple design like this is subtle and timeless, and will allow you to showcase more elaborate pieces.
Don’t fancy square tiles? Here’s how hexagonal tiles can elevate your bathroom
Make them the main event
Alternatively, you can give your square tiles star billing. These beautiful grey numbers are a key element in this calm, tranquil bathroom. Their mottled texture reflects the light and gives them a soft look that adds to the cosy feel of the room.
Alternatively, you can give your square tiles star billing. These beautiful grey numbers are a key element in this calm, tranquil bathroom. Their mottled texture reflects the light and gives them a soft look that adds to the cosy feel of the room.
Provide some shimmer
Here’s another show-stopping look – a wall of glossy tiles in a deep emerald tone takes this plain kitchen up a level. The tiles here are made from a rich-hued terracotta and have a shiny pitted glaze that plays with the light beautifully.
What do you think of square tiles? Are they a design you’re thinking of using, or have you already gone for it? Share your thoughts, ideas and photos in the Comments section.
Here’s another show-stopping look – a wall of glossy tiles in a deep emerald tone takes this plain kitchen up a level. The tiles here are made from a rich-hued terracotta and have a shiny pitted glaze that plays with the light beautifully.
What do you think of square tiles? Are they a design you’re thinking of using, or have you already gone for it? Share your thoughts, ideas and photos in the Comments section.
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How about adding texture & pattern, it can
be a very effective way of adding character.
Small square joints do look more busy, but balance out large areas with fewer joints. I wouldn't have put these small quartzite tiles all over my bathroom but on one wall they work.