Installation Schemes for Bordered Tiles

Diamonds

• One of the most common installation techniques for borders is simply to turn square tiles at an angle so they become diamonds. This technique works well to create a border on a kitchen backsplash or in a bathroom. Start with a wall of traditionally installed square tiles. To form the border, install a row of diamonds, evenly spaced. Cut square tiles in half from tip to tip to make triangles. These triangles fill the spaces between the diamonds.

Checkerboard

• A simple checkerboard pattern makes a graphic statement in a bathroom or kitchen. Use black and white tiles for a crisp, clean look, or use two tiles in complementary tones for a more subtle look. To make a checkerboard boarder, install two rows of tile, alternating the tiles to make a checkerboard. In some instances, you may choose to make a wider border or even tile a whole wall with a checkerboard design. This approach works best with tiles that are subtly shaded. A wall tiled entirely with black and white checkerboard tiles becomes visually overwhelming.

Decorative Tiles

• Visit any home improvement store and you'll find dozens of decorative tiles with a raised relief pattern, painted details or a mosaic effect. Use these tiles judiciously to make a border for kitchens and bathrooms. For example, one row of painted, floral tiles creates an interesting border without being overwhelming. Another option is to place these tiles every 6 to 12 inches in a traditional tile setting to create a border.

Listellos

• Listellos are tiles made specifically as borders, similar to a wall paper border. They may have a v-cap, or curved edge, or they may be straight. These tiles are usually longer and more narrow than regular tiles. Listellos are easy to work with because the design strategy already has been taken care of by the manufacturer. Simply install these as a border in kitchens and bathrooms to enhance the tile.