A Guide to Tile Layout Styles: Heritage, Character, and How They Shape a Space

Tile layout is one of the most overlooked decisions in a renovation.

Most people focus on tile colour or size, but it’s the layout that defines how a space feels, calm or busy, generous or tight, timeless or trend-driven.

Every tile layout has a history. Many come from centuries-old building traditions, others from modernist architecture. Used well, they bring balance and intention to a space. Used poorly, they can overwhelm it.

This guide breaks down the most common tile layout styles, where they come from, and what they actually do for a room, especially in Sydney homes.

1. Stack Bond (Straight Lay)

Heritage & origin
Stack bond is a modern layout, popularised by mid-century and contemporary architecture. It rejects traditional masonry logic in favour of clean alignment and repetition.

The look

• Calm

• Minimal

• Architectural

Tiles are laid directly on top of each other, with vertical and horizontal grout lines perfectly aligned.

What it does for a space

• Emphasises order and structure

• Makes spaces feel intentional and refined

• Highlights tile size and surface quality

Best colours & finishes

• Soft neutrals (warm whites, stone tones, greys)

• Large-format porcelain

• Natural stone with subtle movement

Builder’s note
Stack bond is unforgiving. Any substrate imperfection shows immediately. It works best when the structure and preparation are spot-on.

2. Brick Bond (Subway / Offset)

Heritage & origin
Rooted in traditional brickwork and early 20th-century interiors. This layout exists because it hides inconsistencies, a practical solution that became a classic.

The look

• Familiar

• Comfortable

• Timeless

Tiles are offset (usually by 50% or ⅓), creating movement across the wall.

What it does for a space

• Softens irregularities

• Adds visual rhythm

• Feels approachable and lived-in

Best colours & finishes

• Whites and off-whites

• Gloss finishes

• Handmade or slightly irregular tiles

Builder’s note
A full 50% offset isn’t suitable for all large-format tiles due to warping. Often, a ⅓ offset performs better and looks cleaner.

3. Herringbone

Heritage & origin
Dating back to Roman roads and later European palaces, herringbone was originally a structural solution, strength through interlocking.

The look

• Elegant

• Expressive

• Detailed

What it does for a space

• Adds movement and texture

• Draws the eye

• Elevates smaller areas

Best colours & finishes

• Soft neutrals

• Muted stone tones

• Matte finishes

Builder’s note
Herringbone requires precision. Small inconsistencies multiply quickly, which is why it’s best used selectively, feature walls, floors, or niches.

4. Chevron

Heritage & origin
Chevron evolved from classical European flooring but became popular in modern luxury interiors due to its symmetry.

The look

• Sharp

• Directional

• Statement-driven

What it does for a space

• Creates strong visual direction

• Adds drama and formality

• Makes spaces feel designed rather than decorated

Best colours & finishes

• Tonal palettes

• Stone-look porcelain

• Consistent colour ranges

Builder’s note
Chevron demands accurate cutting and alignment. It’s less forgiving than herringbone and works best in controlled, well-proportioned spaces.

5. Vertical Stack (Vertical Subway)

Heritage & origin
A contemporary reinterpretation of classic subway tiles, influenced by modern European bathrooms.

The look

• Fresh

• Subtle

• Modern

What it does for a space

• Emphasises height

• Makes ceilings feel taller

• Lightens compact bathrooms

Best colours & finishes

• Whites and light neutrals

• Gloss or satin finishes

Builder’s note
Vertical layouts amplify alignment issues. Grout lines must be consistent or the effect is lost.

6. Grid / Square Lay

Heritage & origin
Inspired by modernist architecture and Japanese interiors, where order and proportion are central.

The look

• Balanced

• Rational

• Calm

What it does for a space

• Creates visual stability

• Suits minimalist interiors

• Lets materials speak

Best colours & finishes

• Stone tones

• Concrete-look porcelain

• Muted, earthy palettes

Builder’s note
Grid layouts reward precision. When done well, they feel effortless, when rushed, they feel rigid.

7. Mixed & Feature Layouts

Heritage & origin
Feature tiling has existed as long as tiles themselves — from Moorish interiors to Art Deco bathrooms.

The look

• Layered

• Personal

• Expressive

What it does for a space

• Creates hierarchy

• Draws attention intentionally

• Adds character without overwhelming

Best colours & finishes

• Contrasting textures

• Muted base with expressive accents

Builder’s note
Feature layouts work best when restrained. One strong moment is more effective than many competing ones.

How to Choose the Right Layout for Your Home

Before choosing a layout, consider:

• Room size and ceiling height

• Tile size and material

• Light quality

• Substrate flatness

• Overall interior style

The best layouts feel inevitable, not forced.