Goodbye subway tiles, every stylish kitchen and bathroom has replaced rectangles with squares – I am on board, as are many interior designers

Tiles can make or break your design scheme. Whether it's a bathroom or a kitchen, the style, layout, and color of your tiles will change the way your scheme looks, so it's important to make the right choice.

While subway tiles have long been the favorite, they are being replaced by a smaller, more retro-inspired alternative. 2025 is the year of the square, with tile ideas taking on a more symmetrical form, and designers are totally here for it.

Whether you're redesigning your bathroom, rethinking your kitchen backsplash, or simply need some inspiration from up-and-coming tile trends, here's why designers say you should be considering square tiles for your spaces.

Are square tiles replacing rectangles?

There's a versatility to square tiles that you just don't get with their rectangular alternatives. Subway tiles might be regarded as a classic by many, but square designs are taking their place, whether you want to create a retro bathroom or a textural kitchen backsplash.

'Square tiles offer a lot of versatility when it comes to creating visually interesting patterns. I've seen them used in stripes, checkerboard layouts, and even woven or plaid-inspired arrangements,' says Kailee Blalock and Taylor Troia, founders at House of Hive Design Co.

And while you might associate them with trending designs, square tiles can be just as classic as other styles. And if there's one thing that makes them so versatile, it's their symmetry.

'Square tiles have this incredible, timeless quality. Their symmetry is perfect for showcasing the depth and beauty of different glazes, which gives a space an elevated feel,' says Jamie Chappell, VP of brand and marketing at Fireclay Tile.

'From a practical standpoint, they’re extremely adaptable – you can use them in any application, whether it’s a backsplash, a floor, or a bathroom shower, and they look gorgeous every time,' he adds.

We often think about tile layouts and patterns, but the design of the tile itself can be what adds interest to your design. And as we endeavour to create visually interesting, more lived-in interiors, square tiles truly come into their own.

'There’s something wonderfully grounding about a square tile. It feels intentional, and that’s resonating right now in both kitchens and bathrooms. Rectangles can often feel directional; square formats bring a sense of stillness,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.

'We’re seeing a real shift towards celebrating material finishes, and square tiles allow those nuances; tonal variation, surface texture, edge detail, to take center stage. In that sense, this isn’t just a fleeting trend. It’s part of a wider move towards quieter, more tactile spaces that feel layered rather than styled,' she adds.

7 ways decorate with square tiles in your kitchen and bathroom

It seems square tiles are here to stay, and for good reason. Designers are quick to describe them as timeless, versatile pieces that can be introduced to almost any interior design style, from modern to traditional, minimalist to maximalist.

'The straightforwardness of the square allows it to be a chameleon in design – it can be bold or subtle, modern, or classic, depending on the color and finish. It's a design workhorse that continually reinvents itself, definitely a design staple more than a trend,' says Jamie.

'Square tiles work seamlessly across both contemporary and classic interiors, from glossy Zellige style tiles to intricate colourful patterned tiles,' adds Isabel Fernandez, of Quorn Stone, who notes that they work just as well on the floor as they do the walls.

And while we've seen some staple tile designs fall out of favor recently, you can rest assured this is a feature that's here to stay. 'Unlike sleek, ultra-modern cuts that can feel dated over time, square tiles have a certain agelessness. They don’t reveal when they were installed – and that’s the beauty of them. They never really go out of style,' says Kailee and Taylor.

From kitchens to bathrooms, modern spaces to retro-inspired designs, here are 7 ways you can decorate with square tiles throughout your home that always get the designer seal of approval.

1. Introduced glazed square tiles for visual interest

Introducing square tiles to your home can be as subtle or as bold as you'd like. Your kitchen backsplash is a great place to focus your attention for a bold-meets-functional design.

'Square tiles are the perfect vehicle for showcasing high-variation glazes. The consistent shape allows the depth and beautiful color variation in the overall design to be fully appreciated, especially in a backsplash application,' says Jamie.

In this kitchen by Roundhouse Design, the entire backsplash has been covered in a glossy green square tile. Because of the slightly irregular and reflective finish, it feels dynamic despite being one repetitive tile.

2. Go classic with a checkerboard design

Square tiles are perfect if you want to create staple patterns and layouts in your kitchen or bathroom. In particular, the timeless appeal of checkerboard designs and the playful yet totally classic diamond layout work beautifully.

'I love seeing classic checkered patterns reimagined with interesting color combinations – a fully tiled bathroom with unexpected, checkered colors makes an incredible statement,' says Jamie.

This is a bold approach, but you can also opt for a smaller, more subtle design, too, which is especially effective in kitchens where you might want to zone certain areas or oven break up continuous runs of color or stone.

'In kitchens, I love using square tiles to bring in a touch of play, whether it’s a bold checkerboard behind the kitchen sink, or a classic diamond layout that feels almost folkloric in its charm,' says Grazzie.

These layouts add character without shouting, and when paired with handmade glazes, they strike the perfect balance between crafted and considered.'

3. Use square tiles to zone a shower

Bathroom tiles are a great feature to create zones in a space, especially if you want to create a nook feel for your shower area. Square tiles work particularly well here, creating a cocooning yet utterly stylish finish.

'In bathrooms, I love using square tiles to create patterns on shower walls or even the shower floor – especially in smaller spaces where texture and detail make a big impact,' says Kailee and Taylor.

In this small bathroom, square tiles in a pastel checkerboard design zone the shower area, giving it its own identity from the rest of the bathroom paneling. It's a functional choice that looks stylish, too.

4. Tile a nook to create a focal point

Kitchen tile ideas often feature covered walls, backsplash designs, and even flooring. But there are more creative, unexpected ways to decorate with tile – perhaps it's an alcove that needs elevating or a nook that is screaming out for characterful details.

'In kitchens, I like using them in accent areas, like behind a coffee bar or around a prep nook – they’re fantastic for adding character in more intimate spots,' explains Kailee and Taylor.

This kitchen alcove is a perfect example. An arch detail, an open shelf, and a small cabinet have been added to create a mini home bar. To make it feel a bit more luxurious, square tiles have been added to the walls, instantly adding warmth and interest.

5. Frame a range cooker in patterned tiles

If your range cooker is the heart of your kitchen, square tiles are a stylish way to frame the area and draw the eye. Go for something with impact – patterned tiles, especially with a vintage feel, can bring so much charm to your design.

'We recently installed colorful Spanish Talavera tiles behind a range, and the effect was stunning. It brought a real sense of warmth and personality to the space,' says Kailee and Taylor.

This range alcove has been brought to life by square patterned tiles – it's a simple addition that adds color and texture in abundance, without taking away from the aesthetic of the space.

6. Create a classic stripe design with square tiles

There are so many ways to add stripes to a bathroom, but square tiles are a firm favorite with designers. 'Stripes created with square tiles are a favourite approach. They feel graphic but not harsh, especially when done in soft, tonal shades,' says Grazzie.

People often think rectangular tiles are required to create a stripe design, but square tiles feel more dynamic and visually interesting. In this color-drenched scheme, a white and red theme is carried throughout the bathroom, with a stripe pattern created in the shower area using glossy square tiles.

7. Tile drench

Tile drenching is a huge trend this year, especially in bathrooms. There are many ways to achieve the look, but square tiles are among the most stylish for a striking yet timeless design.

If you're covering a bathroom in one uniform tile, you need to find ways to add texture and interest. Square zellige tiles, with their irregular surface and reflective finish, are the perfect solution.

In this green bathroom, dark green square tiles with a glossy finish make the space feel moody and reminiscent of a speakeasy. It's utterly chic with character in abundance. Paired with the wooden bathroom vanity and brass accents, it's a masterclass in tile drenching.

Have we convinced you to put down the subway tiles and try out square alternatives? They add a timeless, dynamic finish to your kitchen, bathrooms, and even cozier rooms in your home. It's about choosing the right colors and layouts, as well as introducing interesting glazes and finishes. You can also add a playful element with unexpected grout colors or even go bold by installing ceiling tiles.