Tile is now available in all shapes in sizes and there are limitless patterns in which they can be installed.
Square tiles as small as 5/8"x5/8" and as large as 24"x24" and beyond can be installed square-to-wall, diagonally, brickbond, or even diagonally-brickbond.
Rectangular tiles, from 1"x4"mosaics to 18"x36" or larger, can be stacked lengthwise or widthwise, set in a herringbone pattern, or installed in a stagger similar to hardwood installations. Large format tiles are now being used on building exteriors to provide a distinctive tile aesthetic that is currently popular in Europe and large cities around the country. One thing to remember in the design phase is that the Tile Council of North America recommends a maximum 33% off set for larger format tiles like 12"x24" that are staggered to avoid an uneven surface where the lowest points of tiles (the edges) are placed next to the highest bowing point (the center) of adjacent tiles.
Other unique tile shapes like penny rounds, arabesques and ogees, or random linear strips are generally found in mosaic form. Octagons are now available as large as 14"-16" Patterns like octagon & dot, windowpane, basketweave, and pinwheel can be created with multiple sizes of larger field tile or found readily available on mosaic sheets in smaller sizes.