The 6 Most Popular Floor & Wall Tile Styles in Australia (And Where They Work Best)

Tiles are a foundation piece in any renovation or build: literally and stylistically. In Australia, the right tiles can take a space from “nice” to “incredible,” whether you’re upgrading a bathroom, styling a kitchen splashback, or laying a dream outdoor area. But with so many options out there, where do you even start? Here’s a simple guide to the six most popular floor tiles and wall tiles Australians are choosing right now, and more importantly, where they work best.

1. Subway Tiles

You can’t talk about tiles without mentioning the classic subway tile. Laid vertically, horizontally, stacked, or herringbone, subway tiles are versatile, affordable, and timeless.

Where they work best:

• Kitchen splashbacks (especially when paired with contrast grout)
• Bathroom walls (particularly in small spaces where you want clean lines)
• Laundry splashbacks (adds instant polish without overwhelming the space)
  
  

Subway tiles don’t have to lie horizontal or vertical – diagonal adds an interesting visual element. 

Pro tip: For a fresh twist, look at gloss or satin finishes in modern colours like sage green, navy, or even blush pink. Check out Buildmat’s wall tiles for classic and creative subway options.

2. Terrazzo Tiles

Terrazzo look tiles offer that speckled, stone-chip finish without the high maintenance of real terrazzo. They bring instant texture and movement into a space without feeling busy.

Where they work best:

• Bathroom floors (great for hiding water marks and soap scum)
• Living room feature walls (especially in larger formats)
• Kitchen backsplash (adds a visual interest)
• Outdoor covered areas (textured versions offer great slip resistance)

 

Pro tip: Go bold with large-scale terrazzo patterns for a modern, minimalist feel, or keep it soft and neutral for a more timeless aesthetic. Not seeing terrazzo in stock? Explore our floor tiles collection for other natural-look alternatives.

3. Natural Stone and Stone-Look Tiles

From marble to limestone to concrete-look, natural stone tiles (and realistic lookalikes) are a staple in Australian homes. They add a sense of grounded luxury without overpowering a design.

Where they work best:

• Master ensuites (think floor-to-ceiling stone-look walls)
• Entryways (sets a strong first impression)
• Outdoor paths and patios (look for outdoor-rated options)

Stone look tiles are incredibly on-trend in master en suites. 

Pro tip: If you want the look without the ongoing maintenance of real stone, porcelain stone-look tiles are your best friend — durable, low maintenance, and stunning.

4. Decorative Tiles

Tiles are an easy way to inject personality, and decorative tiles – with their bold patterns, colours, and textures – are more popular than ever. Think Moroccan motifs, soft geometrics, or feather-cut shapes that turn your floor or wall into a statement.

Where they work best:

• Powder rooms (the perfect place to have a little fun)
• Feature splashbacks (kitchens or laundries)
• Accent walls (behind freestanding baths or fireplaces)
  

Pro tip: Keep the rest of your palette simple and let the tiles be the hero.

5. Large Format Matt Tiles

The style: Large format tiles (think 600x600 tiles and beyond) in matt finishes are huge in Australia right now. They create an open, seamless look by reducing grout lines and visual clutter.

Large format tiles in the bathroom make the space feel bigger and more luxe. 

Where they work best:

• Open-plan bathrooms (makes smaller spaces feel bigger)
• Living areas (easy cleaning, modern look)
• Outdoor tiled patios (especially when slip-rated)
  

Pro tip: Pair large format floor tiles with small kit kat or penny round feature walls for a designer look. 

6. Mosaic and Penny Round Tiles

Tiny but mighty, mosaic tiles and penny round tiles are perfect for creating texture and interest. Whether gloss, honed, or satin, they bring a tactile feel that bigger tiles can’t match.

Where they work best:

• Bathroom niches and shower floors
• Splashbacks (especially curved or awkward areas)
• Feature walls (try a bold blue or green for impact)
  

Penny round tiles look great behind your bathroom basin!

Pro tip: Need help matching grout? Buildmat’s tile team can guide you through different options to help either contrast or blend, depending on the look you want.

Final Tip: It’s About Balance

A good tile design balances texture, tone, size, and scale. You might fall in love with a decorative pattern, but balancing it with simpler matt floor tiles, soft neutrals, or classic whites can keep your design feeling elevated rather than overwhelming.

Don’t be afraid to mix finishes, play with scale, or combine different tile types in a single room, just keep your colour palette cohesive for a pulled-together feel.

Ready to Tile Smarter?

Whether you're hunting for the perfect splashback, a statement feature wall, or durable floor tiles for the whole home, Buildmat makes it easy to create a space that feels considered, connected, and built to last.

Explore our full tile collection to find styles that suit your space, and start building your dream home today.