The tile trend that's anything but square

As much as we love the classic, structured look of quadrilateral tiles – from rectangular metro and herringbone patterns to the increasingly popular square encaustic patterned tiles – there's a new wave of tile shapes taking surfaces by storm.

These days, tiles are taking on more fluid forms with rounded edges and irregular shapes. Options include fan shaped scallop patterns, fish-scales, curvy eye-shaped T-drops, ornamental quatrefoils or the simple but effective hexagon. These more unusual shapes piece together to create striking effects, adding instant interest to modern bathrooms, cloakrooms, kitchens and even hallways. Here are some of our favourite new ideas...

FISH SCALE TILES

Scallopedfish scale tiles are slowly swimming their way into modern interiors. The growing trend is influenced by Moroccan designs (to whom we also owe the Berber style rugs), instantly making practical spaces more eye-catching.

(Image credit: Elvis Jones)

Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and fit an entire bathroom with this scalloped tile, or would rather dip your toe in the trend with a mermaid-inspired shower room or kitchen splash back, these fabulous fish scale tiles are the latest must-have.

One of our favourite collections is the Nordic blueSyren range from Topps Tiles(pictured above). The tiles comein a palette of shimmery blues and greens taking inspiration from the jewel tones of a mermaid's tail.

For something even more glam, the new Domus collection features the popular fan-shape in darker, moodier hues.

T-DROP TILES

The influence of Moroccan style is clear in the T-drop - an unusual an exotic, recurring tear-drop pattern.

Domus's latest range includes these unusual T-drop design in warm, metallic tones.The satin sheen finish reflects the light, with subtle highlights of gold. The combination of the autumnal bronze colour and soft, organic shape creates an exotic and opulent look.

QUATREFOIL

Claybrook has just launched and we couldn't be any more excited about the debut tile collection from the new kid on the block. Expect virtually any shape you can think of - from super skinny herringbone tiles to tiny hexagons, the more ornamental quatrefoil and even circular mosaics.

With subtle blue and grey veining, the variety of shading creates a crisp, cool feel. We particularly love the more complex ornamental quatrefoil shape, which promises to lend bathrooms a more exotic, opulent look.

SMALL HEXAGONS

Although painted in a traditional style, the Floris collection by Neisha Crosland features small hexagonal tiles that are pure 21st century in shape. Small-scale hexagonal tiles add texture, pattern and a touch of glamour to cloakrooms and bathrooms, with this encaustic style painted collection adding pattern and colour too.

Florals, curly geometrics and tendrils are hand-painted to create gorgeous encaustic-style patterns. Theirearthy, raw looking base and slightly wonky shapes gave them a rustic, worn look.

GEOMETRIC HEXAGONALS

Known for their super-modern take on tiles, Maitland & Poate's hexagonal tile offering offers further geometric pattern within the shapes themselves.Upping the ante on geometrics, theirKeidos collection brings encaustic tiles into the 21st century. Featuring an abstract graphic print, they can be sandwiched with plain white tiles to create a ribbon of pattern, or be used all-out for a terrazzo style effect.