Exciting New Tile Trends for 2017 (And a Few Old Favorites Here to Stay)

updated Jul 23, 2020

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Hi, my name is Nancy Mitchell, and I’m a tile addict. I’m so into tile right now that I’ve joked with co-workers that I could create an entirely new blog devoted entirely to tile. This is a very, very good time for tile. The general movement we’re seeing is towards tile that makes a statement, whether it’s with interesting shapes, colors, patterns, or textures — and there are more interesting shapes, colors, patterns, and textures out there than ever before. Here are some of my favorite tile trends for 2017.

The Jungalow (Image credit: The Jungalow)

Elle Decoration via My Domaine (Image credit: Elle Decoration)

Zellige Tiles

These traditional clay tiles from Morocco come in almost any color you can imagine, and their subtle texture and shine give them a special fascination. In black or white they’re appealingly understated — an alternative to subway tile with just a little bit more zip — while in bright colors they’re a total showstopper.

Fireclay Tile (Image credit: Fireclay Tile)

Rue Mag (Image credit: Rue Mag)

Playful Shapes

Move over, subway tile — it’s not just about rectangles anymore. Even if you opt for a safe white, tiles in unusual patterns can add a punch of personality to your space that subway tile just can’t touch.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Hexagonal glazed terra cotta tiles from Domus Tiles (Image credit: Domus Tiles)

The Hexagon

Perhaps the most prevalent of these shapes is the hexagon — so simple but still a little unexpected at the same time. From teeny tiny to oversize, sleek ceramic to rough terra cotta, hex tiles are cropping up all over.

French by Design (Image credit: French by Design)

Houzz (Image credit: Houzz)

Terracotta

Terracotta, with its rough texture and variegated color, adds instant old-world charm to any space. For some people the thought of terracotta may recall the shiny, orange-toned tiles that were popular in the 70s and 80s, but the new terracotta has a subtler, more textured, more antiqued look. Terracotta tile also comes in a huge range of colors and patterns.

Little Green Notebook (Image credit: Little Green Notebook)

Make King (Image credit: Make King)

Vintage-Style Pattern Floors

Everything old is eventually new again, and that includes these intricately patterned tile floors. The possibilities are endless, the tile is relatively inexpensive, and the look is timeless.

Luigi Rosselli Architects (Image credit: Luigi Rosselli Architects)

Smink Things (Image credit: Smink Things)

Patterned Tiles

Cement tile, with its soothing texture and old-world style, has been popular for some time now, but now there are also lots of other options if you crave a little pattern. Like these tiles above, from Smink Things, whose geometric pattern paired with subtle texture simultaneously feels very timeless and very now.