5 Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Tile Color

Guest post by KariAnne Wood of Thistlewood Farms

Have you ever been working on a project and had to choose the tile color? It can be challenging. It’s not that there aren’t enough options—rather the opposite. There are ideas and inspiration at every turn and so many different types of tiles that your head will spin from the wonder of it all.

Just between us? 

It can all be a little overwhelming.

There are so many options and so many ideas. How do you choose between all the amazing options?

Here are five questions to ask yourself when choosing a tile color for projects in your home.

1. Is the tile the focus of the room?

Do you want your tile to be the star of the show or the perfect background foundation for your design? One of the most creative (and simplest) ways to add character and personality to a room is with color. For example, if you want your tile to create a dramatic statement in your space, then choose a darker color with personality, like a blue or a purple or a brilliant turquoise.

If you choose to make the tile the backdrop and the foundation? Choose a classic white or wood patterned tile or a patterned white that will let your design do all the talking. One of the simplest ways to define your room’s personality is with color.

 2. What is your design style?

Let your design style help dictate your color choices. 

For example, if you embrace coastal design in your home, layer in blue and green sea glass in brilliant colors. It’s shiny and glossy and you can almost hear the ocean when you see it on the wall.

If traditional design is more your aesthetic, classic tile choices in white are timeless and seamlessly blend into your design.

Farmhouse? Choose rustic colors in browns and creams to help define your style.

Whatever your design style, there’s a tile color that fits the way you live.

 3. Do you follow trends?

When choosing a color for your space, it’s so easy to follow the newest trend. Unusual tiles in brilliant hues and vivid colors instantly draw the eye–especially when they are featured everywhere. 

If you are a trendsetter—those new colors and patterns are for you. Have fun and create design that makes you happy. But what if you don’t follow trends? Will you choose a tile for a space and then quickly tire of it? Installing tile is a commitment and a design element that’s challenging to change overnight. When picking colors and patterns for your space, make sure that you are following a design style that works for you, not letting your style be dictated by trends.

 4. Is your color palette warm or cool?

Colors are divided into two families—warm and cool. It’s important to choose one color palette and use it in the overall design. Be careful not to mix cool and warm tiles when planning out your space. Blending color palettes typically doesn’t work and can make cohesive design challenging.

Instead, layer a cool white with a cool blue and a lighter khaki. Or mix a vibrant warm beige with a warm terracotta and warmer gray.

Also, don’t forget to choose a warm or cool grout color to match your tile.

5. Do you want to introduce dimension?

When adding dimension to your design, color plays an important part. Tile can be used to create drama and dimension—especially a modern tile with an attitude. Black and white tile make an incredible statement when laid on a floor of a space like a kitchen or powder room and add a layer of dimension to the room.

When choosing a tile or tiles that work together to add dimension, you’ll want to keep the rest of the room relatively neutral. An overall geometric pattern and dramatic color blocking provides a patterned backdrop for the other neutral finishes in the room.

Whether you are working on a bathroom, kitchen or another tile project, there is a tile color and/or pattern that’s the perfect inspiration piece for your next project.

Be sure to also visit the Jeffrey Court Inspiration section for more.

Happy shopping!