Tile Trends That May Be Losing Popularity
Home design trends often shift quicker than most people can update their spaces. Tile styles that were once everywhere can suddenly start to feel outdated.
If you’re planning a renovation or just keeping an eye on what’s in and out, it helps to know which tile trends are losing popularity. Here’s a look at some that seem to be fading.
The information in this article is based on general design observations, relevance may vary depending on region, personal taste, and project goals.
1. Subway Tile Overload
The classic white subway tile has dominated kitchens and bathrooms for over a decade. Designers are now seeking fresh alternatives to this ubiquitous rectangular staple. Many homeowners want something with more personality and less of that commercial bathroom feel.
Color variations and different arrangements helped extend subway tile’s reign, but even these tweaks are starting to feel predictable. Newer homes are featuring more geometric shapes, handmade tiles with character, or larger format options that minimize grout lines.
2. Bold Moroccan Patterns
The vibrant, intricate patterns of Moroccan-inspired tiles created statement floors and feature walls in trendy homes for years. However, their busy designs are beginning to feel visually overwhelming and dated to many homeowners and designers.
These eye-catching patterns often limit other design choices in a space and can make rooms feel smaller. Current trends favor more subtle textures and simpler patterns that create a calming atmosphere. For those still drawn to Moroccan influence, smaller accent pieces rather than full-room applications are becoming the preferred approach.
3. Chevron Pattern Overuse
Zigzagging its way through homes everywhere, the chevron pattern became nearly inescapable in the 2010s. Applied to everything from bathroom floors to kitchen backsplashes, this once-fresh pattern has become a victim of its own popularity.
Design experts note that trendy patterns like chevron can quickly date a space. Many renovators are now removing these distinctive zigzags in favor of more timeless arrangements. For those who still appreciate geometric interest, more subtle herringbone patterns or randomized layouts offer similar movement without the immediately recognizable time-stamp.
4. Glass Tile Backsplashes
The shimmery, reflective quality of glass tiles made them a popular backsplash choice in the early 2000s. Their glossy finish and often bold colors were once considered the height of kitchen modernity. Now, these gleaming surfaces are being replaced by more subtle options.
Glass tiles can create a dated look reminiscent of early 2000s design trends. Current kitchen designs favor matte finishes, handmade ceramic tiles, or even extended countertop materials as backsplashes. The high maintenance aspect of glass tiles, which show every fingerprint and water spot, has also contributed to their declining popularity.
5. Tiny Mosaic Tiles
Remember those penny-sized mosaic tiles that covered shower floors everywhere? Their popularity is waning as homeowners discover the maintenance headache they create. The excessive grout lines between these tiny tiles become magnets for mildew and discoloration.
Cleaning these intricate patterns requires constant attention and specialized tools. Modern bathrooms are moving toward larger format tiles or alternative materials altogether. Even designers who once championed these detailed mosaics are reconsidering their recommendations due to practicality concerns.
