5 Top Tile Trends for 2026 That Redefine Everyday Floors

Unique and natural are the key words to live by if you're installing tile in 2026. We've long put aside stark white subway tiles, and people are looking for soul and craftsmanship. "Clients are gravitating toward warm minimalism mixed with handmade elements," says Eli Mechlovitz, founder of TileBar.

Mechlovitz and the other designers we spoke with notice that, just like elsewhere in the home, clients want their tile choices to feel special, not simply look good. The warm colors, interesting shapes, and artistic applications of tile popping up this year reflect this shift toward more intentional interiors. Read on to learn the top 5 tile trends that will be everywhere in 2026.

1. Natural Stone Tile

Stone is one of the biggest trends of 2026. From pebble-size mosaic stone (more on that later) to large tiles that show off veining, the key is that it feels natural and old-world. "What’s old is new again!" Cherkas says, whose clients are clamoring for the organic look of tumbled stone tile.

"We have barely scratched the surface of how we can use, reuse, and design with stone and marble," says Clé Tile founder Deborah Osburn. "These materials are traversing the most elevated interiors, but also showing up in dressed-down and much more accessible versions," Osburn says. She expects the accessibility of stone to increase over the next year.

Designer Christine Vroom recommends large-scale stone tile as another way to lean into this trend. "People are drawn to oversized natural stone tiles because the larger scale makes rooms feel more open and calming, while still showcasing the natural character of the stone," Vroom says. Pair such tile with simple metal finishes and warm woods for a refined, timeless look.

2. Square Tile

The square tile is as time-tested as the rectangle, but it offers a little more charm. "We’re seeing designers return to appreciating the balance and simplicity of squares," Mechlovitz says. "Handmade squares and irregular shapes in particular feel fresh and organic."

Square tiles can go in any architectural direction. Use handmade clay or terra-cotta tiles in a Mediterranean-style or other warm climate house, and glass or porcelain squares in vibrant colors read more contemporary. Large-format square stone tiles add a touch of classical grandeur to a room.

Committed to the rectangle? Mechlovitz says customers are opting for larger rectangles (think 4-by-24 inches) in 2026, rather than the traditional subway tile proportions.

3. Specialty Shapes and Varied Sizes

Designers say that mixing different tile sizes and shapes will become more popular in 2026. "Instead of homeowners utilizing one universal shape, we’ve noticed a trend towards mixing scales," Mechlovitz says. Pairing different tile sizes together gives a room rhythm and personality. You can make infinitely more designs and patterns when you have more than one shape to work with.

"We are drawn to geometric patterns—including triangles, whether alone or in concert with other shapes," Cherkas says. The Artistic Tile president says that incorporating specialty shape tiles, such as triangles, can enhance certain architectural styles, such as Bauhaus or midcentury modern.

Use different tile sizes to emphasize a border, create a mosaic focal point, or build a pattern of tiles across the span of a wall or backsplash.

4. Luxe Earth Tones

Color is taking an earthy twist in 2026, but that doesn't just mean neutrals. The bolder the color, the better, as long as it's found in nature. "Rather than default to a neutral tile, we are seeing soft clay hues, green tumbled marbles, and rich brown limestones, which bring softness without sacrificing sophistication," Vroom says.

Osburn adds you can also look for stone in dramatic colors, such as Rosso Italiano or deep burgundy marble; no glaze needed.

5. Mosaics

With a trend toward craftsmanship comes an interest in intricate tile mosaics, which are replacing the printed tiles of recent years. Designers and home decorators are opting to mix differently colored tiles to create patterns and scenes.

The trend is not shiny, glass mosaics, but rather tumbled stone in subtle, natural colors. Think about the floor in a Turkish bath or Roman home. The new mosaic feels historic and fits in with the other luxe materials popular now. "Tumbled stone mosaics pair well with organic interior design," Cherkas says. "The matte finish complements traditional and modern interiors, contrasting beautifully with glass, mirrors, silk, velvet, and honed or polished stone."