Roundup : Classic Patterned Floor Tile from Lowe’s
With our basement bathroom renovation officially underway, I thought it might be interesting to share the floor tile options I pulled during the design phase of the project. It has been awhile since I’ve used porcelain patterned floor tile in a space, and I wanted to change that! I envisioned using a classic pattern in the bathroom atop the radiant heated floor. Why? Click through to find out and to see a big roundup of the tile options and swatches I saved before landing on this classic black and white number! I’ve also got tips for selecting timeless patterns.
*This post is sponsored by Lowe’s. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we actually use & enjoy!
It’s no secret I’m a fan of using patterned floor tile. Remember our previous kitchen, pictured above? Having lived without fun patterned floor tile for over a year now, I was ready to add some to our current home– but this time in a neutral way… in our basement bath.
Thinking back to the last time I installed patterned floor tile in a bath setting, the below image comes to mind. Maybe you’ve seen it floating around Pinterest? Wayyyy back in 2015, I helped my talented friend, Debbie, design this beautiful bathroom for a show home. All of that to say- it’s time for more patterned porcelain.
How I Landed on Patterned Porcelain Tile
I knew I wanted a patterned floor tile to add some interest to the space. Why not draw attention to the floor? After all it is going to be heated and that’s pretty special! I also think timeless patterned tile is a smart move in terms of design. I landed on an old world black and white encaustic pattern tile from Della Torre, an Italian company, that feels very classic and simplistic- pictured below.
Why porcelain? I have lots of reasons…
- It’s waterproof.
- It’s made from natural ingredients (aka, healthy and beautiful).
- It’s pet and kid-friendly… which equates to scratch and slip resistant.
- It’s awesome for multiple applications: flooring, walls, basements, showers, kitchens, baths, etc… very versatile.
- It’s easy to clean and low maintenance- no sealing is required.
- It’s fade resistant and will not change or patina over time.
It’s basically perfect for our basement and a bathroom that will get a lot of use.
How to Choose a Timeless Pattern
If you’re wondering how to choose your own timeless (keywords being TIMELESS… or CLASSIC) tile, I’m going to drop five tips below…
- Look to history for inspiration // Has this print been used elsewhere before? I like looking back at artwork, magazines, and archives to see how long a particular pattern has been around. Older is usually better or less trendy.
- Stay away from new age and trendy geometrics // I’m not saying to avoid modern geometric patterns altogether, BUT- I do feel most have less longevity. I grabbed a sample of a super geometric tile (pictured in the upper left corner below), and realized this felt too trendy for my liking. Organic, classic shapes on porcelain are usually a safer bet.
- Stick with neutrals or a monochromatic color palette // If you’re going with a bold pattern and want it to withstand the test of time, opt for a neutral or monochromatic color palette.
- Simple is best // Complex patterns with lots going on and multiple colors inserted are usually a red flag for me. Simple is best if you want to keep it classic.
- Look at it in the space alongside other materials // Be sure to order a swatch and look at the tile in the space alongside the other materials you’ll be using. This is just as important as selecting your patterned tile. Does it play well with your other materials? Do they feel timeless and cohesive as a family?
I scoured my local Lowe’s store and their website for hours, in search of the best porcelain patterned tiles. You can find my top options below. Use the numbered source links at the bottom of the collage to shop.
01: bedrosians palazzo tile // 02: della torre cementina tile // 03: bedrosians vintage grey tile // 04: elida ceramica cardoso deco tile // 05: della torre fiona tile // 06: della torre annabelle gray tile // 07: emser rhapsody porcelain tile // 08: emser porcelain tile // 09: della torre sorrento tile
In keeping with the dark palette in our basement, #5 and #2 were my obvious choices. Having installed a patterned tile like #2 in the past, I naturally gravitated toward the soft, unique floral print #5 offered. I ordered the swatch, looked at the tile alongside my other materials, and immediately knew it was a great fit. I’m excited to see the space come together- look for more updates soon!
Another fun patterned floor tile example can be found in this classic white kitchen reveal Jacqueline shared last year. Remember that post? Regardless of where you’re installing patterned tile, hopefully these tips will help you find a timeless and classic option you’ll love for years to come. I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comment section below! Are there any specific posts you want to see in regards to the basement bath reno? We’re busting out the jack hammers and are doing concrete work this weekend. Wish us luck!
PS… I started styling the built-ins last night in our formal living room, and I severely miscalculated a couple things… #1: how many more books I’ll need to add to our collection to fill those pretty shelves (time to go thrifting), and #2: how well I was feeling. I quickly overdid it and am back to feeling terrible again today. Bronchitis has me down, friends. Please don’t hate me if it takes a couple days longer than I expected to get the reveal post on the blog for you. I guess you’ve waited this long! Thank you for that.