Tile Entryway Ideas

Stone

• Tiles cut from natural stone can look rustic and earthy or sleek and elegant. Polished marble and granite tiles have a classic, formal look, while "tumbled" stone tiles are left unpolished and sometimes are even distressed to give them old world appeal. Because stone tiles are quarried from the earth, they are available in natural hues including white, cream, gray, black and shades of brown, red, rust and green.

Ceramic

• Your options are virtually unlimited with ceramic tile made from clay and other materials. Craftspeople who make tile determine ceramic tiles' size, shape and color, and can even paint them with geometric designs or pictures. Ceramic tile is typically glazed, then fired at very high temperatures to give it a durable finish. Because ceramic is nonporous, it resists stains and cleans easily.

Patterns

• Once you've decided which types and colors of tile you prefer, you can lay them out in a plain, straight grid or you can add interest to your entryway by designing a pattern. You can create patterns with color, such as a black and white checkerboard or border, or use different sizes and shapes to form basket-weave, brick or chevron designs. Borders add definition to an open entry area, while tiles in unusual shapes, such as triangles, hexagons or diamonds, fit together to create unexpected patterns.

Mosaics and Medallions

• A step beyond a simple, repeated pattern, medallions and mosaics use tiles to create more detailed designs or pictures. Individual tiles tend to be smaller in order to create greater detail. Use mosaic tiles to write the word "Welcome" just inside the doorway, or to create an intricate picture of leaves, flowers or the ocean. Medallions are circular mosaic tile designs that are typically placed in the center of a room or other area. They make an impressive statement in a foyer.

Mixed Media

• Give your entryway a twist by mixing tile with another material, such as hardwood flooring, brick pavers or polished concrete. For example, you can create a large, open grid with hardwood planks and fill in the squares with tiles set in their own smaller pattern. For an area out of the way of heavy foot traffic, you can even mix in such unusual items as marbles, rocks, fossils, petrified wood or shells.