Bang for Your Buck: Herringbone Tile Floors
Make an Ordinary Tile Extraordinary for Extra Pizzazz Underfoot
It's the age-old dilemma: You want to update your home. You want something that looks unique and expensive. But you don't have a huge budget. Here's a trick for you: Save money on pre-patterned tiles and mesh-mounted mosaics by laying standard rectangular tiles in a herringbone pattern. Depending on your contractor, it may cost slightly more in installation and labor, but an inexpensive tile can be made instantly eye-catching without breaking the bank.
Take this luxury bathroom for instance. A standard 3"x6" tile laid in a more unexpected pattern give this bathroom a stunning element of style. Imagine this same bathroom with a large field of tile laid in a standard grid. It would not appear nearly as luxurious or interesting.
Using a herringbone tile pattern creates more movement on the floor, guides the eye and makes the space feel more open and airy.
Even a more warm and rustic setting can benefit from a herringbone pattern. This room sets itself apart by setting a tumbled stone tile in a herringbone pattern with a larger grout line, giving it a paved look.
Laying the herringbone pattern at a 45-degree angle to the room is a dynamic look that elongates the room and draws your eye toward the back of the space.
Lay your herringbone pattern at a 90-degree angle to the room for a more subdued and structured feel. This pattern is easier to lay and requires fewer tile cuts since it typically lines up with the edge of the room, as opposed to being laid at an angle.
You don't have to just stick to the expected rectangular sizes to get this look. Save money by using a standard field tile and simply create a bordered inset using uniquely shaped accent tiles.
Add an accent piece within the pattern for a unique touch. This floor ties the room together and grounds that intense red backsplash with a simple and strategically placed accent tile. This herringbone floor pattern will take some planning, because a few tiles will need to be shorter than the rest to accommodate the accent pieces.
Whether you are hiring a contractor or installing tile yourself, carefully plan your floor pattern to see where your joints lie and where cuts can be made. By planning out in advance and weighing the costs of labor and materials, you can come up with a plan that elevates your style and fits your budget and your space. Have fun, be creative with your tile patterns and the result will be stunning!
More:
Unique Takes on Tile
Weave Stone Tile for an Elegant Bath
Choosing Tile: Durable, Versatile Porcelain
More guides to tile
More:
Unique Takes on Tile
Weave Stone Tile for an Elegant Bath
Choosing Tile: Durable, Versatile Porcelain
More guides to tile