20 August 2026: Choosing tiles is no longer just about colour, finish or material. Layout plays an equally important role, with the right pattern helping to make kitchens and bathrooms feel more spacious, brighter and more stylish, often without the cost or disruption of a full renovation.
From classic metro layouts and contemporary vertically stacked tiles to statement herringbone, tile layout is becoming one of the easiest ways to personalise hard-working spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, shower areas and cloakrooms. For homeowners ready to try a more decorative finish, herringbone remains one of the most impactful ways to add movement, pattern and a premium feel, especially when used on a splashback, shower wall or compact feature area.
With a breadth of wall and floor tiles spanning timeless mosaic styles, marble and stone-effect finishes, statement patterns and larger-format options, it's easier than ever for customers to find a look that suits their space, budget and confidence level, alongside the tools, needed to complete the job.
B&Q Tiling Expert Lottie Preddy says: “Tiles are one of those impactful updates that can make a room feel completely different, without changing everything else around it. The layout is where you can really have fun, herringbone adds instant interest, brick layouts feel timeless, stacked tiles bring a cleaner look, and vertical tiles can help smaller spaces feel taller.
“My advice is to start with how you want the space to feel, then choose a layout that helps you get there. If you’re new to tiling, focus on one hardworking area, like a splashback, basin wall or shower zone. It keeps the project manageable, but still gives you that brilliant ‘I did that’ moment every time you walk into the room.
“And don’t forget the finishing touches. Grout can quietly blend everything together or make the pattern pop, so it’s worth choosing carefully. With a bit of planning and the right tools, tiling is a project more people can feel confident taking on.”
Lottie’s guide to choosing the right tile layout for your space
Choose herringbone for a more premium, patterned finish: Herringbone is a brilliant choice for customers who have level walls that want to add movement and interest without using a bold colour or heavily patterned tile. It works particularly well on kitchen splashbacks, basin walls, shower areas and cloakrooms, where the pattern can become a focal point without overwhelming the space. As it requires a little more planning and precision than a standard layout, B&Q’s step-by-step YouTube guide with Kent shows customers how to tile a herringbone wall with confidence from start to finish.
Use a brick layout for a timeless look: A classic brick or metro tile layout is one of the most forgiving and versatile options for kitchens and bathrooms. It creates a familiar, practical finish that works well with both traditional and contemporary schemes, especially when paired with simple white, neutral, marble-effect or gloss tiles. It’s easier to lay and stands the test of time.
Try stacked tiles for a cleaner, more contemporary feel: Stacked tiles, where each tile is aligned directly above the other, can create a sharper and more modern look. A horizontal stack can feel sleek and streamlined, while a vertical stack can help draw the eye upwards, making it a useful option for smaller bathrooms, shower enclosures or compact splashbacks.
Consider large-format tiles for a calmer finish: Large-format tiles can help reduce the number of grout lines, creating a more seamless look that works well in bathrooms and open kitchen spaces. They are particularly effective for customers with big spaces who want a spa-inspired or minimalist finish, but it is important to plan carefully and use the right tools when handling larger tiles. They are also easier to keep clean, with less grout to maintain.
Make smaller zones work harder: A splashback, basin wall, shower niche or half-height feature wall is a great way to introduce a more decorative tile layout without committing to a full-room redesign. This approach keeps the project manageable while still creating a strong visual impact.
Plan before you start: Tile layout has a big impact on the finished result, so take time to measure, mark out your centre line and dry lay tiles before applying adhesive. For more detailed patterns such as herringbone, allow extra tiles for cutting and wastage. When tiling using the herringbone pattern, we recommend purchasing 15% more tiles than you think you’ll need to allow for the extra cutting involved, and any accidental breakages.
Work in small sections: Apply adhesive to a manageable area at a time and keep checking the alignment as you go. Using spacers and checking regularly with a level will help keep the finish neat and consistent, whether you are laying tiles in a brick, stacked or herringbone pattern.
For more helpful wall and floor tile advice, visit our Ideas and Advice hub, where customers can find step-by-step support for planning, cutting and laying tiles with confidence, from standard wall tiling to more decorative herringbone and mosaic projects.
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