Square tiles are dominating interiors right now, and honestly, if I’ve ever seen a tile choice that delivers serious bang for your buck, this is it. The square tile is shifting focus from traditional rectangular subway style tiles, towards something a little more geometric, playful and design-forward. Simply changing the shape, colour or layout of a tile can make an ordinary kitchen or bathroom feel far more custom and considered, without dramatically increasing the budget.
I’m not being dramatic when I say that tiles can completely change the outcome of a space. Whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen or scullery, the style, layout and colour of your tiles will completely change the overall result, which is why it’s worth spending time getting the selection right.
Subway tiles will always be a classic, but square tiles are slowly becoming the new favourite. Alongside them, we’re also seeing a major return of checkerboard layouts and retro-inspired colour pairings — a subtle nod to 1970s interiors that somehow still feels fresh and modern. And the best part is that you can create something that feels incredibly custom without dramatically increasing your budget.
Why We Love Them
There’s a versatility to square tiles that rectangular alternatives just don’t quite have. Their symmetry feels clean and intentional, but the overall look can swing bold or understated depending on the colour palette and installation style.
Checkerboard layouts are the obvious favourite right now, but stripes, tonal blocking and stacked layouts are all having a moment too. I especially love seeing softer combinations — warm cream and sand, olive and off-white, dusty pink and burgundy — where the contrast feels subtle but still layered with personality.
Practically speaking, they’re also incredibly adaptable. They work beautifully across kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls, floors and showers, but we’re also seeing them used on built-in baths, bar areas, sinks and even inside cabinetry and appliance cupboards.
Part of their appeal is that the simple shape allows the finish to become the focus. Glossy glazes, handmade edges, tonal variation and textured surfaces suddenly stand out more, giving the installation a much more tactile and considered feel. It’s what makes the square tile feel less like a passing trend and more like part of a broader move towards warmer, more character-filled interiors.
The type of versatility lends the tile to a variety of design styles, and can be introduced to almost any space, from modern to traditional, minimalist to maximalist.
My Favourite Way to Use Them
Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to square tiles in kitchens, particularly checkerboard splashbacks reimagined in unexpected colour combinations. While it can read bold at first, using tonal colours instead of high contrast shades keeps the overall effect feeling softer and far more liveable.
I also love them paired with natural stone countertops and splashbacks. The structured geometry of the tile against the movement of marble or quartzite creates such a balanced contrast.
In bathrooms, square tiles work beautifully for creating smaller feature moments rather than overwhelming the entire room. We actually did this in our family bathroom, where we had two very different visions for the space. My husband wanted something clean and minimal, while I was determined to bring in colour for our two young girls.The compromise ended up being one of my favourite parts of the house. We used hot pink square tiles as a backdrop within the wet zones, while keeping the rest of the room open, bright and white. It added personality without taking over the entire space.
If you are tile drenching with square tiles, I’d definitely lean towards a textured or zellige-style finish to stop the surfaces from feeling flat. Glossy finishes also work beautifully because they bounce light around the room and keep the overall look feeling fresh rather than heavy.
Square tiles are also particularly well suited to smaller spaces. Their scale makes cuts and repeats easier, while still bringing texture and visual impact into compact areas.
One of my favourite recent applications was seeing them used in a tiny bar alcove — proof that tiles don’t have to be reserved for kitchens and bathrooms only. Small feature walls, appliance garages, sculleries and recessed shelving are all such good opportunities to introduce colour and detail in a way that feels unexpected but still incredibly practical.