The Tile Shop Logo

Rectangle Tile

A classic for a good reason, rectangular tiles are a timeless choice for a multitude of surfaces. Rectangular tiles come in marble, porcelain, ceramic, travertine, slate and more, and there are hundreds of options in each of these materials so that you can get the precise look you want. The variety of patterns that most rectangular tiles can be arranged in further enhances their versatility.

Kitchen backsplash with grey subway tile and square patterned wall tile.

A classic for a good reason, rectangular tiles are a timeless choice for a multitude of surfaces. Rectangular tiles come in marble, porcelain, ceramic, travertine, slate and more, and there are hundreds of options in each of these materials so that you can get the precise look you want. The variety of patterns that most rectangular tiles can be arranged in further enhances their versatility.

Kitchen backsplash with grey subway tile and square patterned wall tile.

The Unparalleled Flexibility of Rectangle Tiles

From luxury vinyl planks to subway tile, rectangle tiles are by far the most popular tile shape. Because a rectangle is seen as the most basic tile shape, every other aspect of the tile becomes a playground for experimentation and self expression.

Versatility in Design

There are a surprising variety of rectangle tile patterns, each of which can add its own charm to your space, such as herringbone, basketweave and staggered. This adaptability makes it a great choice for many different design aesthetics, from marble floor tile to ceramic wall tile.

Featured Tile: Tremezzo Branco

A shower wall with an alternating pattern of horizontal and vertical stacked subway tile.

Featured Tile: Tribeca Oatmeal

Featured Tile: Patch Opera Branco

Choosing the Right Rectangle Tile

Tile size

The size of the tile will affect the overall look of the space. Smaller tiles can create a more intricate and detailed look. Larger tiles, on the other hand, can make a space feel more open. A good rule of thumb is to scale your tile size to the size of your room: the bigger the space, the bigger your tile should be.

 

Color and pattern

Because rectangle tiles tend to be seen as a more subdued design choice, many homeowners enjoy playing with more interesting or unexpected colors and patterns. When doing this, it's important to make sure the tile complements the other colors, patterns and textures in the room.

 

Room size

It's also important to consider the room's size when choosing a color. White rectangle tile is a good choice for smaller spaces like a galley kitchen backsplash, while black rectangle tile can add striking drama when used as an accent wall.

Rectangle Tiles are Easy to Install

Rectangular tiles are remarkably easy to install, especially when laid in a basic offset pattern with each tile staggered by half its length from the one above. This requires less complex cutting and arranging, reducing the chance of mistakes and wasted materials and is one of the central reasons why rectangle tiles remain so popular among professionals and DIYers alike.

The floor of a living space is covered in large-format porcelain tile in layered shades of green that realistically mimic the appearance of natural slate.

Featured Tile: Slate Way Green

Living space with wood-look tile plank flooring with high-contrast graining in dark and light browns. The overall look emulates tropical wood floors.

Featured Tile: Burned Wood

Oversized rectangular floor tiles in marble-look porcelain feature a white background, grey veining and polished finish.

Featured Tile: Marradi Calacatta Cielo

We Can Help

Whether you need help getting started or have a clear picture of your finished project in your mind, the best place to start is by talking with one of our tile experts at one of our showrooms.