Our Designer's Picks For The Best Kitchen Tile Colors

Choosing the ideal tile color for your kitchen remodel or renovation project can be an exciting yet daunting task. The array of options spanning white subway tile to bold patterns and vibrant hues gives you ample room for creativity. But deciding on a palette that achieves the look and feel you desire requires careful consideration. We will explore the most popular kitchen tile colors, weighs the pros and cons of each, and reveal our designer's recommendations to help you discover your perfect match.

The color of your kitchen tile impacts the overall aesthetic, functionality and mood of the space. Factors like your personal style, cabinetry, countertops, flooring and lighting all come into play when selecting colors. Tile spanning the backsplash, floors or both defines the kitchen's personality. Our guide covers classic neutrals, striking patterns, and on-trend shades to instill your ideal vision.

Elements That Influence Your Kitchen Tile Color Choice

Keep these core aspects of your kitchen design in mind as you evaluate tile colors. A cohesive palette aligns with the existing features and illuminates your decor goals.

Consider Your Decor Style and Tastes

Do you lean towards modern and sleek or prefer a homey farmhouse vibe? The tile color palette should complement your favored design style and personality. For contemporary spaces, grays, whites and neutrals keep the look streamlined. Farmhouse kitchens come to life with warm natural tones echoing wood elements. Incorporate colors you find attractive and align with the ambiance you wish to cultivate.

Maybe you gravitate towards tranquil hues or bold shades that make a statement. Tile offers broad scope for self-expression. Just be sure to strike the right balance between trendy and timeless.

Coordinate With Cabinets and Countertops

Aim for cohesion between your tile colors and cabinetry finishes. For instance, white subway tile plays up clean lines and brightness in a kitchen with modern white cabinets. Or introduce blue mosaic tile to inject character alongside traditional oak cabinets. Matching or contrasting your tiles with countertop materials also brings unity. Granite or marble countertops blend nicely with classic white tiles.

Consider Flooring Materials and Color

View your new tile in relation to existing floors or choices for new flooring. Tile that complements hardwood floor tones pulls the space together. Mosaic tile backsplash tiles pop against neutral vinyl plank floors. Just take flooring colors and textures into account so your kitchen tile colors feel harmonious rather than disjointed.

Factor in Lighting

The interplay of natural and artificial light impacts how colors appear.Bold tones feel more imposing in dim lighting. Lighter tiles keep the space bright. Check tile samples at different times of day. Install lighting you love before finalizing tile choices.

Our Top Picks for Popular Kitchen Tile Colors

These options represent classic, on-trend, and unique kitchen tile colors our designers turn to again and again when creating stunning spaces.

Clean and Bright: White Tile

White subway tile delivers a timeless, versatile backbone to any kitchen. The pale neutral brightens the space, promotes cleanliness, and pairs with any cabinetry and hardware. White tile also makes small kitchens appear more expansive. Offset the clinical feel by adding warmth through wood accents.

The downside is white tiles require diligent cleaning. Glossy finishes better combat stains and scuffs. But the brilliant, fresh aesthetic of white tile makes the maintenance worthwhile.

Sleek Sophistication: Gray Tile

Shades of gray offer a versatile neutral that meshes with any kitchen style from modern to farmhouse. Gray floor tile or backsplash tile lends polished elegance and dimension. Designers often recommend gray for its adaptability and subtle drama.

Opt for light to medium grays, as darker hues can look dreary and dirty over time. Gray tile also shows every speck of dirt. Combine with white grout for a cleaner look.

Warm and Inviting: Wood-Look Tile

wood-look tile infuses natural ambiance through gorgeously rendered wood grain patterns. Plank tiles applied vertically or horizontally cultivate an organic yet tailored feeling. Wood-look variations like oak, walnut and bamboo match almost all color schemes. The realistic appearance elevates tile with rustic texture.

Pros are the on-trend style and cozy aura. Cons include the higher cost and eventual fading. But wood-look tile grants the appeal of real wood without the maintenance.

Bold Impact: Black Tile

Few colors create a statement like stark black tile. The dramatic shade energizes modern spaces as a bold backsplash. It aligns with industrial elements in more eclectic kitchens. Black tile provides an eye-catching foil to lighter cabinetry and counters.

The only caveat is smaller kitchens can feel ominous and closed-in. Balance black tiles with ample lighting. Keep grout clean to avoid a grimy look.

Vibrant Flair: Blue Tile

Blue tile in every hue from sky blue to cobalt makes a lively splash. Pale blue ceramic tile and mosaics feel airy and ethereal. Navy glass or porcelain tile punches up the personality. Use blue tile sparingly to interject artistic flair.

Take care not to overdo blue in a small space. Stick to one or two blue tile types and surround with neutrals. Add pops of yellow or soften with white.

Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Colors

More adventurous cooks can break out of a single color scheme by blending multiple tile varieties. Contrasting textures and patterns prevent combinations from feeling busy or disjointed. Some charming approaches include:

• Frame colorful mosaic tile with neutral subway tile
• Combine your favorite patterns in a complementary color family
• Use different tile shades to outline specific functional zones

Grout Considerations

Your grout color choice further tailors the look of any kitchen tile. Matching grout hides between tiles for a continuous effect. Contrasting grout makes individual tiles pop and adds definition. Both options have merit depending on your goal. Just ensure the grout complements both the tile and overall color scheme.

Maintaining Your Tile

Follow proper cleaning protocols to keep your kitchen tiles looking like new. Porcelain and ceramic are very durable and stain-resistant. More porous natural stone and glass need sealing. Sweep frequently and use cleaners formulated for the tile material. Reseal tiles whenever they appear faded or dirty. With the right care, your tiles provide enduring beauty and function.

When selecting the ideal kitchen tile colors, turn to versatile neutrals or includes shades personally meaningful to you. White and gray offer flexibility and style. Wood tones and patterns grant organic warmth. Vivid colors in moderation make any kitchen pop. Just ensure your tiles coordinate with cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting. With creativity and purpose, you can design a kitchen that truly reflects your spirit.