Contemporary Tiles

Contemporary design is a moving target; what felt fresh five years ago can feel dated fast. But the best contemporary tile doesn't chase trends. It prioritizes clean lines, quality materials, and versatility. The pieces in this collection are chosen because they work in today's spaces without locking you into a look you'll want to redo in a decade.

63 products

What "Contemporary" Really Means in Tile

It's a term that gets used loosely, so it's worth being specific. In tile, contemporary generally means:

  • Minimal ornamentation: the shape and finish do the work
  • A preference for matte and satin glazes over high-gloss
  • Neutral and muted palettes anchored by the occasional bold accent
  • Formats that feel intentional: hex, penny round, subway, basketweave, rather than generic
  • Patterns that have an underlying logic without being rigid or predictable

That's a wide lane, which is exactly why this collection spans 60+ products across several of our best lines: Pinnacle, Lyric Artisan, Modern Craftsman, and more.

Strong Suits: Where This Collection Excels

Contemporary kitchen backsplash tile is one of the most searched tile categories for a reason: the backsplash is one of the few surfaces in a kitchen where you can take a real design risk without the cost of a full renovation. A few options from this collection that work especially well:

  • Lyric Artisan 3" x 6" ceramic subway tile: the workhorse of the contemporary kitchen tile backsplash, available in a range of colors that go well beyond basic white
  • Pinnacle hex patterns in matte finishes: graphic enough to be interesting, neutral enough to live with
  • Greek Key border tile: adds a finished, architectural edge to any backsplash or wall installation

For floors, the story is equally strong. A contemporary kitchen tile floor in a penny round blend or a glazed porcelain hex gives you durability and character in equal measure.

Bathroom Applications

Bathroom tile contemporary styling has largely moved away from large-format slabs and back toward smaller, more textural formats, and that's where mosaic tile shines. Some approaches worth considering:

  • Contemporary bathroom tiling with a penny round floor and a clean subway tile wall is a combination that holds up across nearly every design direction
  • Hex patterns in matte-glazed porcelain work beautifully in shower floors and wet areas
  • Basketweave mosaic tile adds a subtle pattern to a bathroom floor without fighting with the rest of the room

For more pattern-forward options, browse our hexagon tile patterns and penny tile patterns collections–both overlap heavily with this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tile formats are most popular for contemporary kitchens? 

Subway tile remains the most-used format for contemporary kitchen backsplashes; it's clean, scalable, and pairs with almost anything. Hexagon and penny round mosaic tiles are strong alternatives when you want more texture or pattern without going maximalist.

Is matte or gloss better for contemporary bathrooms? 

Matte and satin finishes tend to read as more contemporary right now — they're less reflective, hide water spots better, and have a quieter presence on the wall or floor. That said, a well-placed gloss tile can add welcome contrast, especially in smaller spaces that benefit from a little light bounce.

How do I keep a contemporary tile design from feeling cold or sterile? 

Mix formats and scales. A matte hex floor with a slightly warmer grout color, paired with a simple subway wall tile, creates visual warmth without adding clutter. Natural wood accents, soft lighting, and textiles do the rest; tile sets the stage, but it doesn't have to carry the whole room.