Explaining Tile Lingo: What is Tile Shade Variation?
Tile Shade Variation
Tile shade variation refers to the differences in colour, tone, and pattern that can occur between individual tiles within the same range. These variations are perfectly normal and often intentional, depending on the style of the tile. For example, a natural stone-look tile might be designed to mimic the inconsistencies found in real stone.
Understanding shade variation is important because it helps set realistic expectations for how a tiled surface will look once installed. Some tiles offer a very consistent appearance, while others are designed to showcase a wide variety of tones and textures. This variation adds depth, visual interest, and in many cases, a more authentic feel to a space.
By learning how to read and interpret a tile’s variation rating, you can make more informed design choices and feel confident in what to expect when your tile arrives and is installed.
What Is Shade Variation?
What Does It Mean?
Shade variation is a term used to describe the level of difference in appearance between tiles within the same series. These differences can include shifts in colour, texture, and surface pattern. Some tiles are designed to be uniform and consistent, while others are created with intentional variation to replicate the look of natural materials like wood or stone.
Why Shade Variation Happens
Manufacturing processes, such as digital printing and glazing techniques, allow manufacturers to build this variation into a tile’s design. These effects are grouped into levels, which are rated using a standardised V-scale.
Our Simplified Shade Variation Scale
While you may see other tile retailers use a four-point scale (V1 to V4), we’ve adapted it slightly to help our customers better understand the visual outcome:
| Symbol | Rating | Meaning | What to Expect |
 |
V1 | Minimal / No variation | Uniform look. Slight differences may occur but overall very consistent. Ideal for customers wanting a sleek, clean finish. |
 |
V2 | Moderate variation | Subtle shifts in tone/texture. Still quite consistent but adds a soft, organic look. Great for customers wanting a bit more interest. |
 |
V3 | High variation | Noticeable variation in colour, tone, and pattern. Designed to mimic natural materials. Each tile may look different. Best for feature areas or rustic/organic styles. |
 |
VP | Variation Patchwork | Variation in both pattern and colour. Each box contains a mix of unique tile designs (typically used in patchwork ranges). Bold and eclectic style. |
Understanding where your tile falls on this scale will help you visualise how it will look over a large area, and whether the amount of variation suits your personal taste and design vision.
The Artisan Tile Company Tile Shade Variation Scale In Depth: V1, V2, V3 and VP
Now let’s take a closer look at what each variation level actually means. Our tile shade variation scale is designed to give you a clear idea of how much variation to expect between tiles, which will help you decide what fits best with your style, your space, and your expectations.
V1 – Minimal / No Variation
V1 tiles offer a very consistent, uniform appearance, they show very little variation in shade, tone, or finish across the batch. This type of tile is often digitally manufactured with high precision, ensuring there’s minimal visual difference from one tile to the next. If you’ve ever looked at a sample tile and thought, “Yes, this is exactly the look I want across the whole floor,” then a V1 tile is probably what you’re after.
Keep in mind, even with V1 tiles, very subtle variation may still occur — it’s part of how tiles are made. But to the average eye, the surface will appear completely consistent once installed.
Typical Visual Impact:
- Flat matt or gloss tiles in one colour
- Patterned tiles where all pieces look nearly identical in shade
- Stone or marble effects with controlled digital replication
Where V1 tiles work best:
- Modern kitchens or bathrooms
- Commercial spaces where a clean, uniform look is essential
- Designs where consistency is a priority over variation or visual texture
V1 Patterned Tiles:
You may notice that some of our patterned tiles carry a V1 rating. This refers specifically to the colours and shades within the tile, not the pattern itself. The pattern remains consistent across every tile in the range. If you'd like to understand more about how variation works in our patterned tiles, we’ve included a dedicated section further down in this guide.
V2 – Moderate Variation
What to expect:
Tiles rated V2 have a mostly consistent appearance but with noticeable differences in tone, texture, or pattern between each tile. These variations are subtle to moderate - enough to add a bit of natural character without overwhelming the overall look of the space.
You might see slight differences in shading from tile to tile or faint shifts in texture that help the tiles look more organic. V2 tiles strike a nice balance between clean uniformity and soft visual interest, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want something just a little more dynamic than flat, solid colour.
Typical Visual Impact:
- Gentle swirls or shifts in texture
- Colour variation that gives a slightly organic look
Where V2 tiles work well:
- Bathrooms or kitchens where a touch of variation adds warmth
- Floors or walls where subtle movement in tone enhances the design
- Interiors that benefit from natural softness without dramatic contrast
These tiles are especially great in spaces with natural lighting, as the slight differences in surface tone can catch the light in unique ways to give your room gentle depth without busy patterns.
V3 – High Variation
What to expect:
In a V3 tile range, variation becomes a central design element. Tiles in the same box have substantial variation in colour, tone, and pattern — with noticeable shifts from tile to tile. These differences stay within the same colour palette but can include a wide range of shades or surface detail, especially in stone-effect, marble-effect, or handmade-look tiles.
This level of variation is designed to give a much more natural or artisanal feel. Each tile plays a role in creating an installation that feels organic and one-of-a-kind, mimicking the look of real natural materials. V3 tiles can add a lot of visual movement and personality to a space, which is why they’re often used to create statement areas.
Typical Visual Impact:
- Significant differences in shade or grain
- Tiles that create a layered, textured visual
Where V3 tiles work best:
- Feature walls or statement floors where texture and tone can stand out
- Open-plan living areas for a warm, layered aesthetic
- Spaces inspired by natural materials like stone or wood
- Spaces where character and uniqueness are key to the design
Because V3 variation can be quite bold, it’s important to go in with open expectations. We aim to show the range through our lifestyle and marketing images, but as these are professionally styled and photographed, the final look in your own space may differ due to lighting, layout, and installation pattern. We’re only able to send one sample tile per colour, so if you’re unsure, speaking to our team is the best next step — they’ll be happy to talk you through what to expect and help you decide if a V4 tile suits your project.
With high-variation tiles, we strongly recommend dry laying them before installation. This helps you visualise the overall blend, plan your layout, and avoid placing too many similar or too many contrasting tiles side-by-side.
VP – Variation Patchwork
What to expect:
VP refers to variation in both pattern and shade. This rating applies to our patchwork tile collections, which include a curated mix of differently patterned and coloured tiles within one product range. These tiles are designed to deliver a vibrant, eclectic aesthetic — where each tile acts like a miniature piece of art within a cohesive whole.
How Patchwork Tiles Work:
- Each patchwork set includes a defined number of unique patterned designs depending on the collection.
- If you order the same number of tiles as there are unique designs, you'll receive one of each.
- Doubling the quantity means you'll receive two of each pattern.
- For orders that aren't exact multiples, you'll receive full sets for as many times as possible, and any extra tiles will be randomly selected from the designs to complete your order — for example, if your chosen patchwork contains 30 designs and you order 65 tiles, you’ll get two of each design for 30, and five tiles will be randomly repeated a third time.
Variation in Each Individual Design:
Each individual patterned tile within the patchwork is rated as V1 for shade variation — meaning any two of the same pattern will be virtually identical in tone and colour. For example, if your order includes two of the same design, they will closely match in shade, though slight tonal nuances may occur as part of the intended handmade look.
Typical Visual Impact:
- A bold, mixed aesthetic with a handcrafted or vintage appeal
- Distinct patterns that catch the eye individually, while working together as a coordinated whole
- An overall look that feels artistic, playful, and full of personality
Where VP tiles work best:
- Statement floors or walls
- Eclectic interiors or vintage-inspired bathrooms
- For customers who want character and uniqueness in every tile
As with our V3 tiles, we strongly recommend dry laying patchwork tiles before installation. This helps you visualise the overall blend, plan your layout, and avoid placing too many similar or too many contrasting tiles side-by-side.
Choosing the Right Variation for Your Space
Finding the right variation level comes down to your design goals, the feel you want to create in your space, and how much visual movement or contrast you're comfortable with once the tiles are installed.
If you're after a sleek, clean finish, V1 tiles offer the most uniform look. For something with a little more character and warmth — without overpowering the room — V2 tiles introduce gentle variation. V3 tiles are ideal if you want to embrace a more rustic or organic aesthetic with noticeable variation across each tile.
Then there’s VP, our category for patterned patchwork tiles. These are for customers who want to make a statement. The variation here is in the pattern as well as shade, creating a bold and artistic final effect.
Key things to Consider:
Room size: Subtle variation (V1–V2) can help open up small spaces, while more variation (V3–VP) adds texture and depth to larger areas.
Lighting: Natural light enhances surface texture and brings out tonal differences, particularly with V2–V3 tiles.
Style goals: Whether you're going for minimalist, traditional, rustic, or eclectic, there’s a variation level that complements your aesthetic.
Note on Samples:
We provide one sample per tile, which gives you a general idea — but especially with V3 and VP, your order will contain broader variety. Speak with our team if you’d like help visualising the full effect or have questions about what to expect.
Explaining Variation in Patterned Tiles
While many of our patterned tiles carry a V1 rating, this refers specifically to the colours and shades — not the pattern itself.
We understand this can be a little confusing, so here’s what it means:
These tiles may appear handmade or rustic, featuring soft tonal variation within the design. The pattern on each tile remains consistent, but the colours used in the background or within the design elements may subtly vary. This is part of the intentional character of these tiles and helps create a more authentic, artisanal finish.
When laid together, these tiles present a cohesive, balanced look. From a distance, the variation is often hardly noticeable, but up close it adds depth and visual richness that’s true to traditional, handcrafted materials.
Why No Two Tiles Are Identical (and That’s Okay!)
No matter how precise the manufacturing process, slight differences from tile to tile are a natural part of how tiles are made — and for many styles, these differences are completely intentional.
Things like the raw materials used, kiln temperatures, glazing methods, and even the placement of a tile during firing can all affect the final appearance. In tiles that are designed to replicate natural stone, marble, or handcrafted surfaces, these small shifts in tone and texture are exactly what give the tile its charm.
Rather than seeing these variations as imperfections, they’re best viewed as part of the tile’s character. This uniqueness can help bring your space to life, adding visual interest and creating a more dynamic, layered look — especially when seen across a larger surface.
Embracing variation allows you to enjoy a finished space that feels less manufactured and more connected to nature or craftsmanship — something many homeowners and designers now seek out intentionally.
Tips Before Installation
Once you’ve chosen your tile and variation level, a little pre-planning can go a long way toward ensuring your finished space looks its best.
First and foremost, we always recommend dry laying your tiles before the actual installation begins — especially with V3 and VP tiles. This simply means placing the tiles out on the floor (without adhesive) so you can see how the variation comes together across a larger area. It helps you plan where different tones or patterns will go and avoid accidentally clustering too many similar or too many contrasting tiles in one spot.
Secondly, work closely with your installer. Make sure they understand the nature of the tile you’ve chosen and that variation is part of the design. A good installer will take the time to blend and balance the layout, giving your space the polished, intentional look you’re aiming for.
If you’re ever unsure during this process — whether it’s about what variation level to expect or how to approach the installation — don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re here to help make sure you love the final result.
Making an Informed Tile Choice
Tile shade variation is all about understanding what to expect — and embracing it as part of the design. From completely uniform tiles to those with dramatic variation, each V-rating offers something unique.
The key takeaway is this: no level of variation is “better” than another — it’s simply about what suits your space, your taste, and the kind of look you want to achieve. Whether you're drawn to the clea n simplicity of a V1 tile or the bold, natural movement of a V3 or even a VP, knowing what each level means can help you make a confident, informed decision.
If you're ever unsure, reach out to our team. We’re always happy to chat through your options and help you find the perfect fit for your project.
FAQs Section
1. What does a V rating actually mean? These ratings represent the level of shade variation across tiles in the same range — V1 being very uniform, and V3 showing the most noticeable variation in colour, tone, and pattern. VP refers to variation in both pattern and shade, and applies to our patchwork tile collections which include a defined number of unique patterned designs.
2. Will the tile I receive look exactly like the sample? Not always. A single sample can’t fully show the range of variation, especially for V3 or VP tiles. If you’re unsure, get in touch with our team for more guidance.
3. Why do some tiles look different even though they’re from the same box? This is completely normal and often intentional. Variation is built into the design to replicate natural materials like stone, marble, or handmade surfaces.
4. I like the tile, but I'm nervous about the variation. What should I do? Speak to our team! We can talk you through what to expect, suggest similar alternatives, and help you make the best choice for your space.
5. How do I know which variation level is right for my room? Think about the style you want, the size of your space, and how much visual movement you’re comfortable with. Our guide above can help — and if in doubt, we’re just a message away.
6. Can I get multiple samples to see more of the variation? We’re only able to send one sample per tile colour, but we try to show as much variation as possible in our product images. If you need more context, reach out to us for help.
7. Can I return tiles if I don’t like the variation once they arrive? You can return any unused tiles as per our Returns Policy, however, we always encourage reviewing the variation level before ordering. If you’re unsure, speak with our team beforehand — it’s the best way to avoid surprises and find something you’ll love.
8. Why do some tiles look glossier or more matte than others in the same range? Surface finish can vary slightly depending on the tile’s design and production. Even within the same collection, texture and finish might differ subtly, especially in tiles designed to replicate natural surfaces.
9. Will variation affect how grout lines look? Yes, especially with higher variation tiles. The contrast between tile and grout can be more noticeable if the shades vary widely. Choosing a complementary grout colour can help create a cohesive finish.
10. Can I choose how my tiles are laid out to control the variation? Absolutely. Dry laying tiles before installation helps you plan the layout and create a balanced mix of shades. Speak with your installer about blending tiles from multiple boxes for the best result.