What Color Tile Should I Buy?
Selecting the right tile color requires considering how the new surface will interact with your home's existing elements. As your trusted local floor covering expert, we encourage you to think about three key things:
- The Room's Purpose - Will this tile be in a high-traffic mudroom, a serene bathroom, or a lively kitchen? Darker tile colors can better hide dirt in active areas, while lighter tile shades enhance relaxation and cleanliness.
- The Existing Palette - Take inventory of your cabinet colors, wall paint, and major furnishings. You can choose a complementary tile color like a cool gray tile with warm wood cabinets for a balanced look, or a matching tile color like a soft beige with creamy walls for a harmonious, subtle blend.
- Your Personal Style - Do you prefer a classic, timeless look, or something more bold and modern? Tile neutrals like white and gray are versatile and never go out of style, making them excellent investments for Kennewick homes. If you love a dramatic flair, consider rich navy tile or earthy terracotta tile to make a statement.
How to Balance Light & Tile Colors
The amount of natural and artificial light your room receives fundamentally changes how a tile color appears. Mastering this balance is key to a beautiful result:
- If your space is naturally darker like a basement or a north-facing room, opt for light-colored, reflective tile. Bright white, polished marble, or glossy light gray tile will bounce light around, making the room feel larger, airier, and more open.
- Spaces flooded with sun like south-facing sunrooms or open-concept kitchens can handle rich, darker tile colors. A charcoal gray, deep blue, or warm brown tile will provide depth and prevent the space from feeling washed out. The intense light will highlight the texture and subtle variations in the darker shades without making the room feel small.
- If your lighting is inconsistent, a versatile medium-tone gray tile or taupe tile is a perfect choice, offering warmth and balance regardless of the hour.
Best Uses for Different Tile Colors
Different tile colors naturally lend themselves to specific design goals and area in the home:
- Light Tile Colors: White, Cream, Light Gray - Best used to achieve an open, hygienic, and bright aesthetic. Ideal for bathrooms, small entryways, and master suites, where a feeling of spaciousness is desired. Pair perfectly with both modern and classic farmhouse designs.
- Medium Tile Colors: Mid-Gray, Beige, Terracotta - The most versatile tile category, offering excellent balance and warmth. Fantastic for kitchen backsplashes, living areas, and high-traffic hallways. Great tile tones for grounding a space while being easier to maintain than very light or very dark shades.
- Dark Tile Colors:Black, Navy, Charcoal - Perfect for creating contrast, drama, and a sophisticated atmosphere. Use them on fireplace surrounds, walk-in shower walls, or as an accent in a powder room to make a powerful visual impact.