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The 2025 Tile Trend That Caitlin Wants You To Consider

You know how good ideas are often kind of obvious in hindsight? Like sliced bread, or basketball nets (they used to be literal baskets – someone had to climb up and grab the ball every time!), or can openers? Well, today’s tile pattern falls into that category for me. Hear me out: I think it’s high time we gave plaid tile its fair shake.

OKAY, OKAY. I can hear your scoff from here. Indulge me! We’ve seen striped tile; stacked tile; checkered tile – why not plaid? It’s timeless (literally – some estimate that the tartan pattern is over 3,000 years old!), it’s unexpected, and it feels like a breath of fresh air. Below, you’ll find 19 design-forward spaces that nail the look – take a peek and let me know what you think. Are you mad for plaid, or is this better left for the pages of our favorite design magazines? I NEED TO KNOW. But first, let’s talk about all the magic things plaid tile can do…

It Creates A Sense Of Place

CABIN. WOODS. LUMBERJACK. CAMPFIRE. FLANNEL. Did I guess right? Were those the first things that came to mind when you saw this mountain retreat by Noz Nozowa? (“Oh my god, that’s a really loud bathroom” might be up there, too.) But that’s the best part about this buffalo check surround – it creates such a specific sense of place. I mean, can’t you just picture yourself sinking into a steaming tub after a long day of chopping lumber?

Let’s say you’re setting up a wine bar in San Francisco. You want it to feel familiar and cozy and safe, like walking into a memory. Enter: this patterned linoleum floor, which instantly transports guests to (a) their favorite 1950s diner or (b) their 1970s dive bar or even (c) their high school auditorium. It’s comforting without being overt or overpowering.

It Adds “Oomph” In A Neutral Space

White cabinets. Quartz counters. A butcher block island. Stainless steel appliances. If it sounds like I’m describing your kitchen, it’s probably because I am (albeit unintentionally). And you’re in good company, too – my mom has the same setup in my childhood home. It’s a classic combination for a reason! But the simple addition of plaid tiled walls elevates this kitchen from everyday to extraordinary. (The beautiful photos by Key don’t hurt, either.)

GENIUS use of pattern. Hear me out: imagine this floor in wood! It’d emphasize the unique shape of the kitchen, and the uniformity would make the space feel unfinished – you’d want to see some sort of art or small table to fill in the negative space on the left. But in plaid…it’s perfect.

WELL, DANG. That’s one way to make a first impression! In a room full of stunners (The trim! The leaded glass! The Murano pendant! The oak door!), this mosaic floor takes the cake. Totally show-stopping. Totally timeless. It transforms the whole entry, don’t you think?

It Creates Flow

Want to add a smidge of color? Perhaps I can interest you in about ~40 sky-hued tiles dispersed amongst an earthy plaid floor. They’re subtle enough to blend in, but they could also serve as a jumping-off point for a more saturated paint color should this family ever be interested in a bathroom refresh.

How good is that pop of plaid? If you’re working to connect rooms with bold, disparate color schemes (I’m looking at you, orange and navy!), consider tiling your hallway in a complementary plaid hue. The hard finishes here makes this space feel FAR more polished and intentional than a plaid rug, too. (I’m filing this one away for my own future use.)

It Balances Monochromatic Color Schemes

This cascading tile is so stunning that I bet you didn’t notice that nearly EVERY OTHER VERTICAL SURFACE is cladded in wood. (I’ll give you a second to scroll back up and peek in the mirror. You see that back wall? All oak, baby.) It’s a symbiotic relationship: the unexpected tile freshens up the wood walls; the timeless pattern brings gravitas to the on-trend warm-toned walls.

Talk about balance! The neutral floor brings a utilitarian, functional edge to this twee wallpaper (donned with adorable dog illustrations, FYI) and saccharine front door. And let’s be real: if this floor works with baby pink, it’ll work with ANYTHING.

It Softens Traditional Spaces

Lovers of traditional design styles often find themselves navigating the tightrope walk between “too precious” and “too casual.” You’ve designed a beautiful home – how can you signify that it’s livable? You guessed it: PLAID FLOOR. (Friendly, kind-eyed dogs and whimsical floral arrangements don’t hurt, either.)

I’ll take one of these, please. Shaker cabinet fronts, a big farmhouse sink, a beautiful bridge faucet…and a sweet, unexpected floor that says “Hey, I know how to do color in an elevated way.” That combination is DIVINE – I can only imagine how dynamic this space is when it’s styled with warm wooden trays and cheery yellow flowers!

It Can Transform A “White Box”

Ah – the dreaded “white box.” (Read: a room with no inherent architectural detail.) Some folks love a white box; others, like myself, feel overwhelmed by the possibilities. In this case, a coat of limewash paint, a patterned floor, and beautiful stone detailing transform this bathroom from builder-grade box to architectural marvel.

NOW WE’RE TALKING. Is there trim? No! Is there moulding? No! Did anyone even think to check? No! WHITE BOX, TRANSFORMED. (But seriously – the commitment to the grid pattern – even in the trashcan! – is inspiring. May we all find such a strong design point of view in our own homes.)

It Offers Vintage Charm

Well, this is adorable. Imagine: you enter through the Dutch door on a warm spring afternoon. “This couldn’t possibly be cuter,” you’d think, walking towards the duck egg island. And then, you’d see it: the world’s sweetest stove niche. I WOULD SIMPLY FAINT. What a delightful surprise in a home filled with original details!

I’ve heard that a picture is worth a thousand words, and for the most part, I think that’s true. The exception? THIS picture, which is worth an entire novel’s worth of words. (From here on out, I will be imagining this kitchen in every mid-century home I pass.)

It Adds Big Impact (Even With A Little Footprint)

For years, we’ve told you to play with the design in your powder room. Try a loud wallpaper! Try a bold paint color! But NOT ONCE have we suggested a mosaic tile floor – the injustice ends today. How fresh is this?! The blue tones are SO good – these tiles will be easy to pair with a number of other colors, should any future residents wish to install the aforementioned loud wallpaper/bold paint/traditional powder room ephemera.

Oh, hello. I didn’t expect to run into you here in this LITERAL DOLLHOUSE COME TO LIFE. How much charm does this gingham backsplash bring to this kitchen? Seriously – imagine the same photo with a simple white zellige or a stacked subway tile. It’s a tiny design choice that transforms the look and feel of the room as a whole. MAGICAL.

It Creates A Budget-Friendly Statement

The best part about plaid tile? IT’S BUDGET-FRIENDLY. Let me rephrase: it can be budget-friendly. Almost all of the above floors and backsplashes were crafted from simple combinations of 2″x2″ or 4″x4″ tiles. As a lover of printed concrete tile, there’s something liberating about realizing that I can DIY my own patterns!

One more tip: ask your favorite tile manufacturer or retailer if there are deals to be found on seconds, scraps, or overstock product. Plaid tile will require at least 3 different shades, which means that you may only need a box or two of each color you select – this opens you up to a whole WORLD of discounted tile. You might be able to land yourself a tiled statement wall for less than the cost of a standard wall!

Alright – the tile you’ve seen runs the gamut. WHAT SAY YOU? Is this a trend for us normal gals, or is it too much? I know which side I’m on – what do you think? xx

Opening Image Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: How Our New Laundry Room Came Together

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Susan
1 month ago

I think some people need more visual input in their environment for the space to feel good and plaid works for that. MY brain keeps trying to fix and resolve it and I can’t so it ends up feeling unsettling to me. Just realized I don’t wear plaid either. I can use it no problem in my quilting. How funny. Is this just me??

Kristi
30 days ago
Reply to  Susan

You nailed it Susan I think. Caitlin thrives on high input spaces while Emily does not?? She likes quirky at a certain threshold it seems . I’m like you Susan. This is too much.

Kristi
1 month ago

Hi Caitlin, I’m trying here..I love your presence on this-passion and enthusiasm but struggling with the actual tile. Funny, I adored the kitchen post but disliked this one image of the plaid floor from the other day. To me it hogs the limelight. I’m imagining this space in moody dark colors but do love the blue window with the cream shown here. My favorite image is the first high impact lumberjack one. That looks like a high end inspirational photo that regular folks are to drool over but not imitate but it works to me and makes my brain a bit high without having to live in it. Less than homey to me. Also the green fireclay is much better to me. I like that the green isn’t all one shade -it has definition as it varies. To me this works more than the endless pattern in consistent color. Am I lost in ikea again? A casino..? Funny, I know someone who creates those patterns for casino carpeting and they do try to confuse and disorient the mind on purpose with the carpeting pattern they select! But again, maybe I’ll be installing this in future;) but I’m not there today.… Read more »

KD
1 month ago

YES! Big time yes. I could so go for a plaid tile floor. Thank you for this gorgeous, inspiring round-up.

Karen T.
1 month ago

Sold!

Brenda
1 month ago

These are so good– I’m here for a plaid anything!

Don
30 days ago

I have been eyeing this trend for YEARS. I have a few images tucked away for a future bath remodel in black, white, cream and brown. I adore plaid in all areas, but a plaid tile design seems smart and relatively low risk.

Mindy Yates
30 days ago

So much design inspiration in this post! Thank you!!

Mary B.
30 days ago

Love this trend and you pulled so many beautiful examples! A visual treat with my morning tea.

Kerri
30 days ago

Inspired!

Nina
30 days ago

If you’re not on Instagram:

IMG_2353
Michelle
30 days ago

We have a linoleum tile buffalo check in our laundry and pantry and it’s SO FUN – it’s colorful and exciting but still so timeless. Easy to make, also, with just three colors of the same tile. Big fan – glad to see so many more beautiful examples!

Michelle
30 days ago
Reply to  Michelle

Here it is – with one of my fave dresses!

buffcheck
A
30 days ago

Absolutely love this and have loved tile like this for YEARS! However, almost all of these example are gingham or a windowpane check and not plaid, haha. But still gorgeous!!

Rene
30 days ago
Reply to  A

Plaid is a broad category: patterns with intersecting horizontal and vertical stripes that create a checkered appearance. Different plaid patterns exist, including gingham, windowpane, tartan, buffalo check, and more.

Olivia
30 days ago

I love gingham. Bought a gingham duvet with white sheets and it just…fell flat. I exchanged for a matching gingham sheet set and every day we are so thrilled with this gingham. It’s so cheery! I think I may fill my house with gingham.

30 days ago

I love the Zia tile photo, but I think it’s because it doesn’t ‘read’ plaid to my eye. My only concern (totally financial) about doing something like this is that it will look dated, in time and I won’t be able to afford to redo tiling. There were so many funky floor tiles that I fell in love with a few years ago, but now I’m glad I didn’t chose them because that trend left the building. I’m all for a classic, timeless finish.

Bre
30 days ago

Saved this elongated, subtle plaid just yesterday. Plaid tile has definitely been on my radar too. Great post!
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Kate
30 days ago

I love it. I’m a fan of the larger-scale plaids, especially that one from Jean Stoffer Design. So smart and classic. It feels tailored and appeals to my New England sensibilities. The busy checkered patterns are not really my thing, although I see how they can be fun in a small space like a backsplash. The sky blue backsplash behind the stove is especially pretty since there are so many other materials and textures at play in that room. It’s just a really soft, pretty moment.

Suzanne
30 days ago

Mad for plaid! I considered a gingham linoleum floor, but my husband preferred the checkered on a diagonal. I think it’s better for our space, but if we had a larger continuous floor space, we would have done gingham. Saving these ideas for the floor of some bathrooms I want to redo down the line.

priscilla
30 days ago

Last night i spent a good long time down the rabbit hole of plaid and checked floors! This was a very timely post for me.

Mary Rachel
30 days ago

I LOVE it! Thanks for such great inspiration! These images bring me so much joy. And it’s a version of surprising yet traditional that makes me happy (and could add interest while keeping me from going whole hog on some of my weirder whimsical tendencies). Also excited that I could actually afford to implement in my own home. Yippee!

KellyJo
30 days ago

Yes, yes, yes. It can be a neutral. You can dial it up. All kinds of ways to use plaid! Thanks for the inspiration. All of your different posts here help me get through the day. This is a beaut.

Lynne
30 days ago

I’m all in.

Laura
30 days ago

I love when it feels “cool” – fresh and modern. I think the Prospect Refuge example is the best for that bc they just nailed the whole room. Most of the other examples are a little too….cute farmhouse? For me. Love a statement tile overall though!

Mo
30 days ago

Hmm I want to follow you there but I’m not a huge fan. I think I like it a lot more when the tiles are really small and not all the same size, the large scale buffalo check floors just scream “suburban farmhouse” which is fine if that’s what you are going for but its not that interesting! I think the only one of these I actually like is the Katie Carlin backsplash, as it has 3 different tile sizes.

Mar
30 days ago

Love this type of post and seeing lots of fun pics. Hope all the staff still in LA are ok given the wildfires!

Reanna
30 days ago

Those mosaic tile plaid floors – amazing!

IO
29 days ago

A great family show featuring beautiful plaid interiors is The Mysterious Benedict Society. It’s so fun and the interiors are so good.

J-Dub
25 days ago

Late to the comments here but I am trying this trend with a rug in my kitchen instead of tile. Black/white/grey in a large scale. It’s a small space and very impactful. At first I was “whoa” but now I love it. These plaids are more modern, less farmhouse than buffalo plaid, and work so well in my craftsman cottage.