The entryway is the first space guests see when entering your home, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Tile is an excellent material for entryway floors, as it is durable, easy to clean and comes in so many stylish options. When choosing tile for your entryway, consider the overall style of your home, your budget and how much traffic the space receives. Read on for our favorite entryway tile ideas to inspire your next remodel!
Why Choose Tile for Entryways?
Tile is a practical and attractive choice for entryway floors for several reasons:
Durability
Tile stands up extremely well to heavy foot traffic and dirt brought in from outside. The hard, nonporous surface resists scratches, stains and wear far better than materials like hardwood. Tile also lasts for decades with proper installation and minimal maintenance.
Easy Maintenance
Tile’s hard, impervious surface simply needs an occasional mopping to keep it looking like new. The grout may need periodic sealing, but tile itself is quite stain-resistant. This makes tile a great option for busy entryways prone to tracking in moisture and grime.
Design Options
Tile comes in a huge range of sizes, shapes, textures, colors and patterns. Mix and match tiles in a unique layout to complement your interior design style. Sleek, minimalist tile suits contemporary homes, while intricate patterns work well for traditional spaces.
Affordability
While some high-end tile can get pricey, there are also plenty of budget-friendly tile options. In general, tile offers good durability for the cost. DIY installation can further reduce the price if you’re willing to put in the work.
Customization
Beyond choosing the tile itself, you can customize the overall look through layout, borders and accent tiles. Turn your floor into a decorative focal point, rather than just a utilitarian surface for walking on.
Entryway Tile Design Ideas
When brainstorming entryway tile ideas, think about the overall style you want to achieve and how the space functions. Here are some top design ideas to consider:
Statement Floor
Turn your entryway floor into a work of art! Mix different sized, shaped or colored tiles in a unique mosaic, medallion or geometric design. For serious wow-factor, combine tiles with metal, glass or stone inlays or add borders and accents. Just keep the overall look harmonious.
Cohesive Look
Match or coordinate the floor tiles with wall tiles in the entry space for a streamlined, cohesive aesthetic. You can tile walls fully or partially, like just below chair rail height. Use the same tile or try different sizes or shades.
Contrast Border
Frame floor tiles with a contrasting border in a different color, texture or material. Sleek porcelain tiles look fabulous with a flagstone or brick border, for example. This adds visual interest and definition.
Walk-Off Tiles
Use more rugged tiles by the exterior door, designed to scrape dirt and moisture from shoes. Then switch to finer floor tiles past this initial walk-off zone, keeping the rest of the space cleaner.
Angled Design
Lay rectangular floor tiles on the diagonal or set them in a zig-zag herringbone pattern. This creates interesting lines and a sense of movement in the entryway. Pair with simple baseboards to keep the focus on the floor.
Centered Rug
Accent the entryway tile with an area rug centered in the space. Choose a padded rug that complements the colors/style of the floor tile. The rug both defines the entry zone and makes it cozier.
Entryway Runner
Runners are narrow rugs designed to go down the center of hallways or entryways. Pair an elegant tile with a sophisticated wool or sisal runner. The runner both protects the floor and draws the eye down the space.
Entryway Tile Material Ideas
With so many materials available, choosing the right tile for your entryway floor can be tricky. Consider the pros and cons of these popular options:
Porcelain Tile
Durable, affordable and stylish, glazed porcelain is one of the most versatile entryway flooring materials. It resists moisture, stains, scratches and fading. Matte finishes add traction. Large format tiles create seamless looks.
Natural Stone
Slate, travertine, marble and other natural stones make an elegant statement, though they come at a higher price point. Each stone has unique veining patterns with variations in color. Sealing is required for stain protection.
Ceramic Tile
A budget-friendly option, ceramic tile stands up fairly well in entryways. Matte and textured finishes help reduce slipperiness from wet shoes. Just be aware that some ceramic tiles are prone to chipping.
Cement Tile
These colorful tiles have patterns layer throughout, so they don’t fade or wear out over time like surface painted/printed tiles. The designs and durability make them well suited to entryways.
Mosaic Tile
Tiny mosaic tiles let you create intricate patterns and images for your floor. Use mosaic sheets or mix loose tiles. Glass, stone and ceramic are common materials. Best for low-traffic areas.
Wood-Look Tile
Achieve the warmth and character of wood floors with the durability and moisture resistance of tile. Wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles are perfect for entryways prone to high traffic and dirt.
Choosing Entryway Tile Colors
Color choice impacts the overall style, so select entryway tile hues carefully:
Neutrals
Stick with black, white, gray, beige or taupe tiles to keep the entryway design flexible and versatile. These muted tones easily mix with a variety of furnishings and interiors.
Dark Tiles
Slate gray, charcoal or black tiles downplay dirt while creating a sophisticated look. Pair with light grout for contrast. Dark tiles work especially well in modern or contemporary homes.
Earthtones
Warm, natural hues like brown, tan, cream and terracotta complement traditional and rustic designs. Visually, earthtones ground the space. Distressed wood-look tiles in these tones look fab.
Pops of Color
Inject personality into the entryway with bright, cheerful tile hues like cobalt blue, fresh green or sunny yellow. Coordinate with accent colors used elsewhere in the home for a pulled-together look.
Bold Patterns
Make a vibrant style statement with highly decorative tiles featuring Moroccan patterns, Spanish motifs, Arts and Crafts designs or modern geometrics in bold colors. Let the floor be the focal point.
Entryway Tile Size Considerations
Scale also factors into the overall aesthetic. Mixing different tile sizes can look very appealing. Here are some size guidelines for entryways:
Small Tile
Mosaic sheets, subway tiles or penny round tiles are great choices when you want an intricate, vintage patterned floor. Small tile sizes range from 1 inch to 4 inches.
Medium Tile
Versatile options like 6-inch hexagons or classic 4-inch squares work well in all design styles. Medium tiles from 4 to 6 inches create busier floors with more grout lines.
Large Tile
For clean, seamless looks, go with tiles 8 inches or larger. Oversized and rectangular planks help small entryways visually appear larger. Limit grout lines.
Mixed Sizes
One of the most eye-catching techniques is to combine tiles of different sizes. For example mix 4-inch squares with 12-inch squares or combine large and small hexagons.
Style Ideas for Entryway Tiles
Not sure where to begin with the endless tile options out there? Here are some fabulous tile style ideas for common interior design aesthetics:
Contemporary Style
For contemporary homes, sleek large-format porcelain or ceramic tiles in solid hues work beautifully. Streamlined stone and glass mosaics are also design options. Penny rounds inject organic style.
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Sleek large format dark gray tiles in contemporary entryway. Image Source
Modern Farmhouse Style
Achieve the modern farmhouse look with distressed wood-look porcelain planks. White subway tiles, brick patterns and terra cotta designs also suit the aesthetic. Add a jute rug as a finishing touch.
Wood look tile entry floor with decorative rug. Image Source
Rustic Style
Rustic style needs tiles with texture and earthy hues. Options like travertine, slate, terracotta and textured ceramic work beautifully. Distressed wood-look planks also complement the aesthetic. Add brick or stone accents.
Textured slate tile entryway floor. Image Source
Traditional Style
For traditional decor, classic patterns like subway tiles, hexagons, black and white checks or herringbone layouts work well. Ornate ceramic tiles and geometric patterns are options too.
Black and white checkered tile entryway. Image Source
Mediterranean Style
Choose terracotta inspired tiles, Spanish patterns or decorative mosaics to complement Mediterranean decor. Neutral colors with pops of blue or green work well. Add an area rug.
Spanish inspired patterned floor tiles. Image Source
Victorian Style
Intricate mosaic tiles, Victorian-inspired motifs and bold patterns capture the Victorian aesthetic. Use colorful tiles with plenty of visual interest and accessorize with an elaborate area rug.
Colorful mosaic tile Victorian entryway. Image Source
Bohemian Style
Eclectic multi-patterned cement tiles are ideal for bohemian spaces. Colorful mosaics and globally inspired designs also embody the free-spirited aesthetic. Layer on patterned rugs.
Bohemian style multi patterned entryway tile. Image Source
Entryway Tile Layout Ideas
Beyond just choosing the individual tile, consider creative ways to lay out your entryway floor:
Herringbone
The zig-zag herringbone pattern has stood the test of time as a classic and distinctive layout. It works in all design aesthetics from modern to traditional spaces.
Gray and white herringbone tile entryway floor. Image Source
Stacked
Stacking rectangular floor tiles creates clean lines and subtle interest. Vary the direction of the grout lines for added visual appeal. Keep the layout structured or offset bricks in a running bond.
Gray stacked rectangular floor tiles. Image Source
Diagonal
One easy trick to make basic tiles look more dynamic is to lay them on the diagonal. The angled lines automatically draw the eye. Pair with linear patterns on walls for graphic punch.
Black and white diagonal tile entryway floor. Image Source
Patterns
Create visual impact with tile patterns like chevrons, diamonds, circles, oblique lines or overlapping shapes. Contrast matte finish tiles with glossy accent tiles.
Moroccan style patterned tile entryway floor. Image Source
Statement Center
Make the entryway floor a focal feature. Frame a decorative central medallion with plainer border tile. Or highlight a bold striped or geometric design down the center.
Striped center entryway floor with stone border. Image Source
Adding Finishing Touches
Don’t forget these accents to really complete your entryway tile design:
- Area rug – Layer a patterned or textured rug over tile floors to define the entry zone and make it feel cozy.
- Tile baseboard – Use matching bullnose tile or decorative tile trim along the bottom edges of walls for a seamless look.
- Grout color – Select grout in a contrasting color to add emphasis to the tile pattern.
- Recessed floor mat – For a clean look, install a recessed well with a drainage system and easily changed out mat below.
- Coordinated floor and wall tile – Clad entryway walls in complementary tile for a streamlined, expansive effect.
- Entryway bench – Provide seating and concealed storage with a tile-topped bench anchored on the wall or recessed into it.
- Wooden or wrought iron accent tables – An accent table by the door topped with decor brings warmth and personality into the space.
Tile Entryway FAQs
Still have questions about designing your entryway with tile? Here are some frequently asked questions:
Is tile suitable for an entryway floor?
Yes! Tile is highly recommended for entryway floors because it is so durable, easy to clean and water-resistant. Just be sure to select non-slip tiles and use grout sealant.
What tile material is best for high-traffic entryways?
For high traffic spaces porcelain is best, as it stands up extremely well to heavy foot traffic and resists staining, scratching and chipping. Ceramic and natural stone tiles are other durable options.
Should entryway tile and flooring match?
It depends on your goals. Matching flooring creates flow, but using a
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