The Best Entryway Tile Ideas To Make Your Space Stand Out

A stunning tile floor can instantly make your entryway pop. If you're searching for the perfect way to elevate your entry space, learn how to make a statement with a trendy set of tiles. From sleek porcelain to tessellated mosaics, there are endless options to choose from. Selecting the right pattern, color scheme, and design can feel overwhelming. However, the beauty of tiles lies in their vast variety. You can easily find the perfect tile to suit your style.

Your entryway should be a space that represents your unique personality. It's the first space that guests see as soon as they enter your home. Because it is usually more compact compared to other rooms, it offers the perfect opportunity to make a daring design choice. Although certain patterns or colors might overwhelm a larger space like a living or dining area, a dynamic tile display can transform your foyer. If you want to keep things contemporary, don't forget to review the outdated tile trends that are going away in 2025. Discover the best ways to use tile to design an entryway that is bold and unapologetically you.

Tuscan terracotta tiles are taking over

Although its name is Italian, terracotta has been used by many ancient cultures around the world for tens of thousands of years. Terracotta tile has been on the rise again over the past few years, and it's a particularly favorable tile to use in your entryway. If you want something both trendy and timeless, this is a stylish and enduring material. This natural clay tile can create a rustic look that feels warm and welcoming. However, be aware of their porosity in such a high-traffic area. Because they are usually unglazed, that makes them more susceptible to getting dirty. But that doesn't mean you should shy away from this authentic material altogether. To avoid damage, you can choose to seal terracotta tiles for improved longevity.

There are several different types of terracotta tiles to choose from for your entryway. First, you want to decide on the shade. Terracotta can range from beige to deep red, with tons of orange tones in between. If you want a more modern look, a lighter shade can blend in well. For a truly bold choice, go with a dark, fiery clay red. The next step is to decide on what shape suits your space. Terracotta tiles come in practically any shape, so it's all about the look you are trying to achieve. For a classic look, go with rectangular tiles stacked in a brick-like pattern. If you want to add a contemporary twist, try funky hexagonal terracotta tiles.

Check out checkerboard floors in unexpected color combos

Although checkerboard floors are nothing new, they are more popular than ever in entryways. They may appear loud in large spaces, but checkerboard tiles are perfect for adding a pop of visual interest to an entry or foyer. Top designers are putting a trendy twist on this classic style by adding unexpected color and texture. For example, HGTV's Nate Berkus switched up his love for checkerboard floors with a playful alternative, which was sky blue and white. Instead of standard black and white, try blue and beige or green and ivory.

Beyond the color scheme, you can also decide on different patterns and textures. Swap out any white tiles for marbled tiles for a modern touch. If your priority is adding visible texture, go with handcrafted clay tiles. There are also different sizes of square tiles to consider. A large checkerboard pattern will have less grout to clean, but smaller tiles can be easier to line up symmetrically in a particular space. You can easily play with different designs by using peel and stick tiles, such as the FloorPops x Chris Loves Julia Bonneville Grey & White Marble Peel & Stick Floor Tiles.

Go with patterned cement tiles for a creative first impression

Cement tiles come in a wide variety of bold patterns, making them a great choice if your goal is to wow guests from the get-go. Look for cement tiles that are hydraulically pressed for an eco-friendly alternative. This means that they are not fired in a kiln, saving energy throughout the process. They will develop a natural patina over time, but this is all part of their unique charm. Even when they are sealed, they can still stain easily — but that's what they are meant to do! If you want your tiles to stay pristine, these may not be the right match. However, if you're searching for a surface with a ton of character, go with patterned cement.

Patterned cement tiles are not only eye-catching, but they're also ultra-durable. Aside from the cosmetic wear and tear, they will last longer than hardwood flooring or ceramic tiles. However, since they are prone to staining, you might want to consider a different patterned alternative if you're nervous about upkeep. There are porcelain tiles that come in vibrant, dynamic patterns and offer more resilience — but keep in mind that the pattern is only on the surface and doesn't go all the way through the tile. If you love the appearance of handmade cement tiles, but they are out of your price range, check out how to get the look of beautiful concrete tiles on a budget.

Use unglazed zellige or bejmat tiles for an organic look

Another way to create a one-of-a-kind space is to experiment with unglazed zellige or bejmat tiles. These tiles originated in Morocco, and they have been crafted by skilled artisans for centuries. Made from raw clay and left to dry in the sun, they are usually dipped in a glaze before being fired in a kiln. However, the natural variation isn't glazed at all. This means, as with most unglazed tiles, following a strict sealing process is absolutely essential. Beyond the earthy, rustic look, there are also some practical benefits to these timeless beauties. In addition to their organic appearance, the matte, textured surface is anti-slip for enhanced safety.

Calling all grout haters! You can also install the tiles edge-to-edge, preventing the need for grout lines. Unglazed zellige or bejmat tiles are also available in a range of cuts, allowing you to create dynamic designs in your entryway. Traditional bejmat tiles are rectangular and you can lay them vertically, horizontally, or in a chevron pattern for a trendy take. Zellige tiles are also available in square and hexagonal shapes.

Try Victorian-style patterned tile for an entry hallway

The Victorian era highlighted the use of geometric patterns and colorful mosaics. The reason the mosaic style became popular was because single-color tiles were more economic, but they could still be used to create intricate designs. Typical color schemes included vivid versions of earthy tones like honey, burgundy, and Victorian blue. Your entryway is the perfect space to showcase this vibrant and historic style. While the patterns were traditionally made from ceramic tiles, porcelain can be a more durable alternative.

Victorian tile mosaics can usually be installed on an even, concrete floor. Make sure that your concrete floor is completely dry before installing the tile. You can also lay them over hardwood, but hardwood can be more susceptible to warping, so employing an overboard is essential for a smooth surface. Because the patterns are so intricate, start in the center and plan your design carefully before laying your tiles. Once you've installed your tiles, check out the best method for cleaning your Victorian tile floors.

Create an alluring entryway with star and cross Moroccan tiles

If you want to create a warm space that echoes the tiled surfaces of the Mediterranean and North Africa, consider the classic star and cross pattern. These Moroccan-inspired tiles are cut in a traditional pattern that still looks just as striking as it did centuries ago. There are several different classic colors to choose from. You can opt for a natural terracotta tone, echoing the trend we mentioned earlier, or you can choose something that blends the classic look with something more contemporary. Matte black star and cross tiles are growing in popularity and they are ideal for making your entryway look exciting, yet chic.

There are a variety of materials that are used to craft star and cross tiles. They are traditionally made from clay, but you can also find the pattern in a range of materials and finishes. If you're smitten by the sturdy cement tile trend, you can find colorful star and cross tiles made from cement. Marble tile is another option for when you want something luxurious and equally resilient. And, if you're not a fan of natural patina, opt for a glazed ceramic option with a smoother surface — however, be aware of the slip risk.

Use penny tiles to design a tiled welcome mat

Because of their tiny size, penny tiles can be used to create a variety of intricate designs. One unique concept involves creating a permanent welcome mat with black and white penny tiles. You can spell out a clever message to greet your guests as soon as they step inside. Since there is more grout, penny tiles are extra slip-resistant, which can be great for an entryway. However, that means there is more grout to clean. If you want to create a custom design, the process can be tedious laying each small tile. Thankfully, there are other alternatives that capture a similar look with less labor.

Penny tiles often come in sheets, which can make installation much easier. If you love the look of black and white penny tiles, but you want an easier solution, try these sheets of Stone Center Online Carrara White Marble 1-inch Penny Round Rosette Mosaic Tile. You can also create custom designs using this Letterfolk Doormat Tile Set, although it isn't real tile. If you decide to go with the real thing, don't forget to read these four things to know before installing penny tile in your home.

Compass stars create a vintage-inspired entry or mud room

Compass-style, eight-point stars can create a striking appearance in any entry area. This is an excellent transitional tile that will make a statement without clashing with your interior. The beauty of these patterned tiles is that they can lean classic or contemporary, depending on your surrounding decor. This eye-catching, yet timeless, design is available in both porcelain and ceramic materials.

When it comes to selecting the right shade and finish for your space, decide on the amount of contrast you want to display in your entryway, then choose between low or high contrast compass-style tiles. For a vintage effect, look for faded designs with perfectly imperfect handcrafted surfaces. These Somertile Merola Tile Compass Star Sand Stone Porcelain Floor and Wall Tiles are an excellent option due to their light texture and glazed surface. To get a bolder look, try highly saturated stars in shades like bright blue or rust. This pattern is ultra-versatile depending on your unique aesthetic.

Try a floral mosaic that mimics the look of a woven carpet

If you really want to make an impact in your entryway, consider creating an intricate design with tiny, square-shaped tiles. On TikTok, user @roisin_q showcases an incredible pattern that looks like a giant floral rug. She notes that this was an incredibly painstaking job for the installers, but it's impossible to deny the stunning results. It would be ideal to hire a professional with experience in mosaics if you choose a project this ambitious, but there are ways to make this technique less strenuous.

The first way to make it more manageable is to cover a smaller space. If you have a particularly narrow entryway, this can be a striking — and doable — technique! Another option is to cheat with a floor mural or vinyl that mimics the look of intricate mosaics. Last but not least, there are always mosaic peel and stick tiles to try, such as FloorPops Jamila Burgundy Peel and Stick Floor Tiles. However, they definitely don't compare to the elaborate appearance of the real thing.

Add a mosaic tile rug for a creative entryway feature

The idea of a tile rug is to use small tiles to design a rectangular pattern with a bold border that mimics the look of a runner. Instead of getting a rug dirty in your entryway, consider durable tiles for an eye-catching, creative look. Not only will it make the cleaning process easier, but it will also stay permanently in place to greet your guests. You can explore Victorian-inspired tile ideas with a striking border, or stick to something more minimalistic.

"Fixer Upper" showcased a tile rug hack in a bathroom with wood floors, but you can also apply this method to your entryway. Tile rugs can either act as a small runner or they can cover an expansive space. Make sure to design a strong border in a bold color, ideally even a double border to emphasize the rug-inspired style. For more dynamic tile ideas for your entryway, check out the top tile trends and styles that HGTV stars are loving.

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