Square Tile Ideas: Where to Use Square Tile in Kitchens, Bathrooms, and Floors
27th Feb 2026
Square tile continues to be a go-to choice for homeowners and designers thanks to its ability to work across countless styles and spaces. Available in everything from terrazzo and marble to glossy finishes and mosaic formats, square tile brings both versatility and visual balance to floors, walls, backsplashes, and beyond. Its clean geometry makes it easy to style while allowing different materials and textures to take center stage. At Tiles Direct, square tile comes in a wide range of porcelain and ceramic options designed for all areas of your home or commercial space. Follow this guide to learn how to use square tile in your next renovation and discover which styles work best for every space.
Terrazzo Square Tile for Floors and High-Traffic Spaces
Terrazzo square tile continues to trend in modern homes thanks to its durability and movement. The variation within terrazzo’s patterns and colors helps conceal everyday wear, making it one of the best options for bathroom floors, kitchen floors, entryways, mudrooms, and laundry rooms.
Installed in a square format, terrazzo tile delivers visual texture while maintaining a clean and organized layout. Porcelain terrazzo is especially popular for homeowners searching for durable floor tile that balances style and performance.
TD Choice for Best Uses:
• Bathroom floors
• Entryways
• Mudrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Commercial-inspired interiors
1X1 Mosaic Square Tile for Pools, Showers and Detailed Areas
1x1 square mosaic tile is a popular choice for spaces that require flexibility, traction, and durability in wet environments. The smaller format allows tile to easily conform to curved surfaces while increased grout lines provide added slip resistance, making it ideal for pools, shower floors, and splash zones.
Installed in a square mosaic format, these tiles introduce texture and visual detail while maintaining a clean, cohesive look. Porcelain and glass mosaic options are especially favored for homeowners and designers searching for practical tile solutions that perform well in moisture-prone areas.
TD Choice for Best Uses:
• Pool interiors
• Shower floors
• Bathroom niches
• Backsplashes
• Spa-inspired designs
Glossy Square Tile for Walls and Backsplashes
Glossy square tile is a popular choice for walls and backsplashes thanks to its ability to reflect light and make smaller spaces feel brighter and more open. The smooth glossy finish enhances bathrooms and kitchens while adding a clean and polished look that complements both modern and classic interiors.
Installed in a square format, glossy tile creates consistent grout lines that feel structured and timeless while allowing flexibility through color contrast or layout designs.
TD Choice for Best Uses:
• Shower walls
• Bathroom backsplashes
• Vanity walls
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Accent niches
Marble Look Square Tile for Kitchens Floors and Checkerboard Designs
Marble look square tile continues to grow in popularity. Combining the elegant look of natural marble with the durability of porcelain, collections like Marmorea offer a practical solution for homeowners seeking classic style with everyday performance.
Installed in a square format, marble look tile creates balanced layouts that feel both refined and architectural. Alternating light and dark square tiles produces the iconic checkerboard pattern, a design choice that works seamlessly across traditional, transitional, and modern interiors.
TD Choice for Best Uses:
• Kitchen flooring
• Breakfast nooks
• Dining areas
• Vintage-inspired spaces
• Statement floor designs
Square Tile FAQs
Is square tile still in style?
Yes, square tile remains a timeless design choice and continues to trend in modern interiors. Its balanced shape works across bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and backsplashes, making it one of the most versatile tile formats available today.
Where can square tile be used in a home?
Square tile can be installed on floors, walls, backsplashes, showers, entryways, fireplaces, and even pool areas. Different finishes and materials allow square tile to perform well in both wet and high-traffic environments.
Is square tile good for bathroom floors?
Square tile is an excellent option for bathroom floors, especially in smaller formats that provide additional grout lines for traction. Porcelain square tile is particularly popular due to its durability and water resistance.
What size square tile is best for kitchens?
Larger square tiles work well for kitchen floors, while smaller square tiles are commonly used for backsplashes or accent areas. Checkerboard layouts using square marble-look tile are especially popular in kitchen designs.
Are square tiles easier to install?
Yes. Square tiles are often easier to install compared to complex shapes because they allow for straightforward alignment and consistent spacing, making them a popular choice for both professionals and DIY homeowners.
What grout color works best with square tile?
Grout color depends on the desired look. Matching grout creates a seamless appearance, while contrasting grout highlights the square pattern and adds visual definition.
Is square tile good for pools or showers?
Small-format square mosaic tiles are ideal for pools and shower floors because increased grout lines provide better slip resistance and flexibility on curved surfaces.