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laying irregular floor tile {what would you do?}

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Hey hey! Happy Friday! I’m popping in with quick little what would you do question. You know I like to get your opinion on things that are really stumping me. And at the end of the day yesterday I had the entire new master bathroom cleared out and I started playing around with the floor tile. Its Carrera marble in a mosaic pattern called long octagon with a gray dot accent.

long-octagon-tile

But, since it’s not a regular octagon I can’t decide which way to lay it.

At first I was really leaning toward the length of the octagon leading into the bathroom.

laying irregular tile

This is how it will look as you enter the bathroom. The shower is immediately on your right and there will be a clear glass panel all along the curb of the shower. They are coming today to measure for the glass!!

I don’t have the tile laid on the outside of the curb yet because I wanted to lay the floor tile first. That part was nerve-racking, making sure the 6 x 12 tiles overlapped enough on the outside to come over the top of the tiles that will cover the outside of the curb. Just one of the many aspect of tiling that made my brain hurt. 🙂

Anyway, I was totally thinking this was it and then I turned the long octagon tiles 90 degrees and got this look … which I also like.laying irregular tile

I don’t know what to do. I don’t know if there are other things I should be considering?

Both the tub and the vanity will run lengthwise as you enter the room, like the tile here.

laying irregular tile

And the room at its longest point runs sideways, like the tile here.

laying irregular tile

Does any of that matter? Is it just purely personal preference?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison for you.

laying irregular tile

What would you do?

And have a great weekend. Doing anything fun? We’re headed to the Patriots v Dolphins game in Miami on Sunday for Week 1 of the NFL season. The weather may not cool too much down here but nothing says fall quite like a little football. 🙂

And really, what would you do here? Thanks!

Comments

    • I’m hoping it proves to be a case of “the tile is so awesome it will work however” … the worry of messing up the beautiful tile is probably more of the issue than the actual direction at this point. LOL

  2. do you have a shot of the whole room? i think the tile should flow the long way with the flow of the room- sort of naturally, rather than like a block when you walk in the door if that makes sense?

    • That does make sense … and I am struggling getting a shot of the whole room, dang tight spaces and limited photog skilz :/

  3. I like option two, but I think it will come down to personal preference. Unless you are trying to use the pattern to create an illusion of length or width in the room. If not and you still can’t decide, toss a coin.

  4. i like it sideways! i was definitely drawn to it running that direction. I think it will look lovely though, however you choose! You are so talented at this stuff!

  5. I’m not sure why, but your first thought is what I would go with, I’m not sure why, I just like the look 🙂 It is so so nice, are you dreaming of your first shower in it?!?!

  6. For some reason running the tile long way as you walk in is feeling more normal to me. But seriously, you’re over thinking it. It looks GORGEOUS either way!!

    Go Broncos!

    Jaye

    • Hahaha about the Broncos!! And I know you’re right about the over thinking, this falls into the category of “just getting started is often the hardest part”!

  7. I also would run it the length of the room, your pic on the right in your side by side. Either way I’m sure it’ll look great. Have fun at the game!

  8. I like it running lengthwise as you enter the room, but as always – it’s your house, go with your gut!

  9. I prefer sideways, ie perpendicular to the shower curb at the entry.

  10. I’m such a follower… I immediately reacted to the lengthwise as well. I like the way it looks running along the edge of the shower. But… it will emphasize the length of the room rather than the width. Thinking of the shape and size of your space, which direction do you feel would be best served by being accentuated?

    • Haha Kathleen, that is a good question. The room is mostly square, about 10 x 11 but you can see all the way to the back when you walk in, maybe running the tile sideways (like the image on the left in the side by side) would seem to extend the width of the room which is broken up by the shower and will be by the tub …

  11. Where in the world did you find this beautiful tile? What was the cost per sq. ft. I am currently in the process of renovating my master bath and I would to use this tile. Thanks for any info that you can give me!

    • I thought about it for about 2 seconds, Cherie. Mainly just dismissed because of my fear of screwing it up, but I bet it would look fun!

  13. I like option 2. I think it’s totally a personal preference though. 🙂

  14. Definitely the first option (with the length leading you into the room). No other choice in my (and my husband’s) opinion!

  16. I believe in going with your first gut decision! The tiles running the length of the room has a polished, classier look. Going the opposite direction appears busier to me. When in doubt, your first decision is the best!

  17. Hey Karah;
    I’m going to weigh in on your beautiful tile too! Everything I do lately has gray in it, so this is right up my alley:) I also like the first picture of the tile going from the door. I thought it wouldn’t make much difference, but this way just seems right. I guess you’re going to be treated to all the angles because it’s going to be sideways when you get our of the shower, etc…depending on where you’re standing…Best of both worlds! Good luck with the reno!

  18. As you walk into the door to the room, the tile should really run left to right. I would set out lots more so you can get a better idea of both options. Good luck! Lots of work but it’s going to look great!!

  19. I almost hate to weigh in because it probably just makes your decision harder, but I like sideways. The other just looks wrong to me. But I deff feel that when it is finished you will love it no matter which direction you choose and then wonder why you agonized!

  20. I like it sideways. Looking at it running lengthwise reminded me of little bowling pins. It is a beautiful tile though and I’m sure will look great either way.

    • Too funny, Barbara, it immediately made me think of bowling pins, too … and I kept trying to block that visual. haha

  21. This is up just my way !!! I would put a border around the room with your shower wall tile a very thin tile next and your wonderful tile !!!! In the middle !!! ( like if a rug of tile in the room) ( I hope this makes any sense at all )

    • Janet!! I love the way you think, I debated on doing a border for weeks and then chickened out about all of the exposed little cuts that would need to be perfect. For a smaller space I might do it, like the guest bath, now that we’ve pretty much practiced cutting tile for a week with this project. haha I do love the border look, though.

  22. First, this tile is gorgeous. You can’t go wrong. But, I was immediately drawn to the second look (lengthwise) and I think it’s because it flows with the direction of the marble vein (is that even a thing?).

    • Hahaha GK, I’m sure it’s a “thing”. I said to my husband “I really like this tile because it has movement” and he just stared at it and then said “I have no idea what you’re talking about but I’m glad you like it” haha At least we understand what we mean. 🙂

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