Knowing your project’s exact dimensions will help you choose a tile size that harmonizes with your room’s dimensions and best creates a pleasing pattern. Generally speaking, a tile installation looks best (and will require less labor and thus less money to install) when it’s planned so that the fewest number of tiles need to be cut. For example, if you’re installing an 8-in.-wide trim on a fireplace surround, choose 2-in.-, 4-in.-, or8-in.-wide tiles rather than 3-in.-or 6-in.-wide tiles. If you’re tiling a narrow hallway, avoid using large tiles laid on the diagonal, which results in very few “field”(uncut) tiles, requiring a lot of cutting and substantial waste.
In addition to size, tile shapes can be used to create interesting borders and other patterns. Shapes range from every geometric pattern imaginable to more organic shapes custom-made to suit your unique vision.
