Industry Insights

Choosing bathroom tile colours: 5 types of colours to consider

Written by Oliver Pennington | Nov 21, 2023 5:42:30 AM

“Mere colour, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.” – Oscar Wilde.

Colour plays a crucial role in the look and feel of your bathroom.

But with a seemingly infinite number of choices in shade, style, and shape, selecting the right tile colour for your bathroom can be an overwhelming experience.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the tile industry and everything you need to know about choosing the right colour for your bathroom tiles.

The rules of colour

Tile colour can give your bathroom either a warm and inviting or a cool and tranquil atmosphere. Choose a tile colour that suits your home and personality.

The size of the room will determine the colour

In moderation, dark colours can make your bathroom feel warm and cosy. En masse, they might make the bathroom feel small and dark.

Glossy tiles are a great option to avoid this. Their reflective surfaces make the bathroom look brighter.

Lighter tile colours, on the other hand, make spaces look bigger and brighter. They are ideal for smaller bathrooms because they make them feel a lot roomier than they are.

Tile material affects colour

Generally, man-made tiles like porcelain and ceramic are more stain-resistant than natural stone tiles. They also offer more variety in the shades, styles, patterns, and designs available.

Natural stone tiles boast a beauty unmatched by man-made tiles. They ooze elegance and sophistication.

But natural stone tiles are more expensive and require an expert tiler to install. They also need regular maintenance to avoid staining and discolouration.

Consult a colour palette

To create a stunning bathroom design, you need to match colours that go together.

Consulting a colour palette or a colour wheel will guide you when selecting tile colours that pair well.

Alternatively, you can reach out to a professional designer from a credible source to get a free quote and the best deal on your design needs.

That way, you can spend less time worrying about the colour scheme and more time creating your dream bathroom.

Tile colour will influence texture and use

Glossy and shiny tiles have a polished surface and are very slippery. Tiles with a matte finish are less polished and ideal for floor surfaces due to the better grip and slip resistance.

The various designs and patterns on the tile also create the illusion of texture and will add to the appeal of your bathroom.

Make use of accent tiles

Accent tiles stand out from the rest of your bathroom.

They break the visual monotony of a wall and introduce a splash of colour and texture.

When selecting an accent tile colour, employ the same technique you would when picking a piece of art for your wall.

The top 5 bathroom colours of 2019

Neutral Colour Tiles

Neutral colours refer to the subtle and subdued pastel colours and light shades of grey, cream, and beige.

A bathroom is a place for unwinding and relaxation, and neutral colours create a conducive atmosphere.

They allow the mind to stay calm and relaxed, creating a sort of sanctuary right at home.

Neutral colours are also easy to match with furniture and other features in the bathroom.

Layer shades of neutral-coloured tiles with different textures and shapes to ensure your bathroom does not become dull and lifeless.

Intense Colour Tiles

These are bright colours that have a greater visual impact on the bathroom. They are an excellent way to introduce colour and give your bathroom some personality.

Some of the most popular intense colour options ideal for the bathroom include:

Blue:


Image from: ExoTiles

Blue tiles are ideal for creating a peaceful bathroom retreat. They provide visual intrigue without coming off as being kitschy.

They also create a sense of relaxation, like you are bathing under a clear blue sky or in the Caribbean Ocean, depending on the shade.

Play around with some unexpected bathroom accessories like dark woven baskets to hold the towels to create some beautiful contrast and let the tiles shine.

Green:

Green is a cool colour synonymous with nature and the natural world. It’s thought to represent health, tranquillity, and good luck.

“Green, which is Nature’s colour, is restful, soothing, cheerful, and health-giving.”- Paul Brunton

A bold green tile laid vertically against the bathroom wall creates the illusion of taller ceilings and the sense of a tropical rainforest.
Deeper greens might be a little too retro, so perhaps consider pairing it with a contemporary minimalist design to keep it fresh and modern.

Image from: Axel Tregoning

Red:

Red is a bright and warm colour known to evoke strong emotions. It’s associated with feelings of comfort, warmth, and love.

Red tiles are one of the hottest bathroom trends currently. They are a bold choice that is sure to give your bathroom character.

Red bathroom tiles are also great as an accent when paired with a neutral colour to create some contrast and balance.

Too much red, however, can take away from the beauty and make the bathroom feel a bit crowded.

A high-shine red is ideal – too dull, and your bathroom might end up looking like the inside of a fire station. Too deep, and it will make your bathroom look dark.

Image from: Chriskeller

Patterned and Decorated Tiles

Tile patterns and designs are a great way to create a unique bathroom design. The endless options available will leave you mesmerised.

Ensure you do some research before settling on a tile pattern or design.

For instance, unlike ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles carry the colours and patterns through the entire thickness of the tile. This makes them hard-wearing, resistant to stains and scratches, and easier to maintain.

Natural stone tiles have some of the most beautiful patterns and designs you will see on a tile! But they are more porous and, thus, more susceptible to water damage and staining. They need regular maintenance and sealing to keep them in tip-top shape.

Tile patterns and designs are invaluable at creating a stunning bathroom design. They give colour and texture to the bathroom. Consider the tile material and the amount of maintenance needed to keep the colour and design looking great over time.

White Bathroom Tiles

White tiles give any space a clean and pure feel while also creating a sense of more space and light.

They also enhance the sleek spa-like atmosphere of a bathroom.

White tiles are also future-proof. They are a classic and will not be going out of style anytime soon.

You can use a glossy white tile on the walls and matte on the floors for continuity. Matte tiles have better grip, reducing the chances of slip and fall accidents.

White tiles also pair well with other colours to create some intrigue and drama. Matching a white tile with another colour could be precisely what your bathroom needs to elevate it into a classy and sophisticated space.

Image from: Jeanvdmeulen

Orange and Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta tiles are a clay-fired tiling material with shades of orange and vibrant earthy red.

They bring a uniquely rustic feeling to the bathroom that is both welcoming and visually intriguing. The natural texture of terracotta tiles makes it slip-resistant, an invaluable quality in a bathroom floor.

Orange hues from terracotta tiles create an air of effortless elegance and timeless panache in your bathroom.

The warm natural colours evoke feelings of excitement, enthusiasm, and cosiness.

Terracotta tiles are definitely worth considering for their unique pizazz, and all without breaking the bank!

Image from: Deeana Garcia

Selecting the right tile colour is essential in creating your dream bathroom. But with all the options available to choose from, it can seem an uphill task.

But there’s no need to stress. Contact an expert bathroom designer from Service Seeking Australia to get the best deal today.

You can get a few free quotations from different designers and tilers for comparison and to ensure you get the best value for your money.