Metro Tile Laying Patterns

Harriet Goodacre

December 20, 2023

Blush metro tile in a linear stacked laying pattern

Metro tiles have been in vogue for several years, offering a timeless style that is easy to get right so we don’t see them going out of fashion any time soon. But how can you make yours feel different and most importantly, suit your interior style? We show you some different ways of laying the simple Metro tile to help transform it.

Classic Victoriana

Traditionally, the Metro tile is associated with the Victorian era, simple, practical yet bold and colourful. From decorative underground stations to elaborate hallways, they were easier to keep clean whilst retaining the Victorian love for colour and surface decoration. Recreate the look by using a muted but bold hue like Metro Blue or Forest Green, these jewel-like shades stand up by themselves, but they also look great with lavish wallpapers, rich colour palettes and interesting textures whether it’s in your hallway or your bathroom. Choose the classic brick bond to allow the colour to take centre stage.

Dark green metro vertical laid above a black marble tiled bathroom

Bloomcore

Not really known for its delicate nature, the Metro tile is simple and blocky, however choose a blush pink shade and a contrasting orange grout and it suddenly feels more modern and feminine. Go one step further and lay the tile in a basket weave pattern, it feels more abstract and natural, perfect for tapping into the Bloomcore trend. Finish the look with a dramatic floral wallpaper if you want to go full bloom.

Blush pink metro tile laid in a basketweave pattern with a brown contrasting grout line

Scandi Simplicity

With a minimalist interior style, the way to create an all-encompassing look is to consider the textures you are using and how they interact in the space you are decorating. If you’re looking for a Scandi feel, then simplicity is required. A classic white Metro is given a contemporary twist with a matt finish in an elongating stepladder pattern, this allows it to become the perfect foundation for layering. In a compact bathroom, this is as simple as some gold hardware, wicker accessories and fluffy towels. Ensure to stick to a neutral colour palette and you’ve nailed the look.

Matt white metro tile laid vertically with a light blue grout for a modern shower room

Marble Luxe

What do you get when you mix two classic designs together? The marbled Metro tile. Simple and classic but beautifully abstract in its imitation of marble’s natural veining. Let the marble do the talking and pair it with sleek sanitary ware with hints of greenery for a serene bathroom setting. In the kitchen, you can go full on drama with matt black wood units and accents of oak. As the marble effect is randomised in a box, you can afford to go all out with the laying pattern, but we’d advice opting for a complementary grout colour such as a white or light grey to allow the marble detail to shine over the laying pattern rather than compete with it.

Marbled metro tile in a herringbone pattern in a clean white bathroom

Black Accents

Tap into a more masculine style by using grounding accents of black. This could be playing with the laying pattern to include a Metro Black border in amongst classic white, or it could mean getting creative with black metal trims. Go full monochrome for a timeless feel by opting for white walls and a black floor, we’d advise choosing a floor tile with a matt, textured finish to contrast nicely with the Metro White’s glossy surface.

Have you been inspired to get creative with laying patterns? Check out our full laying pattern guide on our Knowledge Base for more ideas, and you can shop our classic Metro range online and in store.

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