What's Better Than Slab Tile In 2026? The Old-School Trend People Are Coming Back To

There are many tile shapes and styles to try in your kitchen and bathroom, but if you're looking for a trendy yet timeless choice, you can't go wrong with square tiles. Although slab tiles made a major splash last year, smaller square tiles are now slowly stealing the spotlight. From your kitchen floor to your shower wall, this is a tile trend you don't want to skip in 2026 if you love an enduring, versatile look.

Eli Mechlovitz, founder of TileBar, told Better Homes & Gardens: "We're seeing designers return to appreciating the balance and simplicity of squares. Handmade squares and irregular shapes in particular feel fresh and organic." Handcrafted square zellige tiles have been trending for a while, but they're not the only square tiles that designers are favoring. Interior designer Emily Henderson wrote on her blog: "There's another tile contender that is everywhere now: solid color 4-by-4-inch tile." The Three Birds renovation team also mentioned square shapes as a top tile style to look out for.

Emily Henderson added that small, square tiles can bridge the gap between classic and contemporary decor. The designer wrote: "Small square tiles can feel both retro and contemporary, depending on how you use them. Not to mention, the most affordable ones can be easily found at your local hardware store and run you anywhere from $2 (!!!) to $6 a square foot." From solid colors to funky checkerboard patterns, there are countless ways to incorporate these cost-efficient tiles into your space. The vast selection of square tiles might seem overwhelming, but it's all about finding the right surface, color, and pattern to complement your interior style.

If your goal is to give them a more modern, trend-forward look, try using bright-colored contrasting grout. Pairing bold grout with classic white square tiles can instantly update the overall design. Another vintage-inspired tile trend that works perfectly in the kitchen is Delft tilework — an amazing choice if you're aiming for a more traditional feel. These tiles feature delicate blue hand-painted designs, inspired by Dutch ceramic traditions dating back to the 17th century.