Popular Bathroom Tile Colors: Tips & Inspiration for Your Remodel

We won’t keep you in suspense: neutrals are the most popular bathroom tile colors and have been for 100 years. Shades of white, gray, and beige have survived trend after trend because there’s always a way to make them look both current and timeless.

There’s also always a slick new way to add pops of color and interest in tilework. If you’re gearing up for a bathroom remodel and want to add tile, read this first.

Neutrals reimagined: The evolution of adding interest to bathroom tile 

If neutral bathroom tile doesn’t sound very inspiring, take a quick spin through history for perspective. The tone, shape, and other factors keep it fresh forever.

Shifting shapes

Neutrals were among the most popular tile colors from the 1920s on, but this is also where things got quite geometric. Expertly devised patterns displayed the artistry of skilled tile setters. 

Exclusive pops of color, border patterns, checkered floors, and Art Deco accents kept clean, bright white tiles from seeming uninspired or medical.

Bold accents

The 50s were pastel, the 60s were avocado green, and the 70s saw a rise in earth tones. Still, many homeowners kept floors and walls a cool, muted neutral, as well as fixtures. One line of accent tiles in an on-trend color was the economical and customizable way to make it feel current. 

The accent row isn’t a popular practice these days, but stay tuned for classic ways to incorporate more color into bathroom tilework.

Eye-catching finishes

A warm semi-matte beige tile and a glossy pearlized white lend themselves to completely different bathroom designs. Honed, stone, brushed, glossy, and textured add much more variety to popular neutrals. 

You can even select a careful mix of textures and finishes for a result that feels unique without becoming dated in a few years.

Larger sizing

Large, close-set tiles make your favorite neutral lower maintenance and modern. Long preferred for floors, they’ve been creeping up walls and showers to create the illusion of spaciousness (with less fussing over grout). 

Popular bathroom tile colors: 3 ways to incorporate them into your remodel

Don’t feel like blending in? Here are a few ideas for making neutral bathroom tiles anything but ordinary.

A delicate wash of color

A warm beige imbued with pink or a cool gray with hints of blue keeps it neutral, but not devoid of color and character. 

A coordinating vanity with a contrasting countertop is pleasing, not distracting. Varied light sources can alter the undertone so that color-washed neutrals look warm and inviting or clean and bright, depending on your mood.  

Calm contrast

So, you want a color feature that will still be relevant next decade or attractive to the next buyer. Decking the shower out in watery shades of aquamarine, sea glass green, or placid blue may be just the ticket.

Oblong tiles set vertically suggest their own waterfall. Add pale, sandy neutral floor tiles, and you have the updated, upscale version of a beach-themed bathroom.  

Modern organic

The minimal grout lines and large squares that helped define the turn of the century are still popular, with a few important tweaks. Natural textures and cool stone tones let you enjoy clean lines with an earthy edge.

Adding wood and marble elements keeps it neutral and natural. Plants and natural light keep cooler tones from feeling too cold. 

What to consider when choosing the color of bathroom tile

Sorting all of your ideas and options into what’s best for your space (and what isn’t) is a shortcut to the final decision. Here are a few factors that should have some influence.

Lighting

Natural light is a golden opportunity. Darker tiles will be less likely to visually shrink the space. If you’re very particular about the exact hue you’d like, make sure you see it under all forms of light.

Moisture and maintenance

If you know you’re prone to hard water stains, gleaming white tile will be higher maintenance. Pick a color and pattern that’s more forgiving. 

Fixtures and hardware

You can’t spell “versatile” without tile. However, if you’ve been dreaming of a specific ambience for your new bathroom, the wrong color tile can throw you off. For example, some sandstone tile might take your modern minimalist vision in a more rustic direction.

Professional selection, design, and installation

Neutrals aren’t going anywhere, but you’re not as hemmed in as you think. Tones, finishes, and other details make it easy to design a tiled bathroom that’s clean and functional without compromising on style. You just need someone with the right connections.

The Designery has the most popular bathroom tile colors, as well as the expertise for a quality install. 

“The selection of tiling is on the mark that it almost makes it difficult to select…each sample is more perfect than the next.” 

– Bonnie, The Designery client

Book a complimentary consultation with a professional designer today.

Bathroom tile color FAQ

Of all the different elements that go into a remodel, we understand that the color of your bathroom tile can be a tough decision. Here are a few commonly asked questions to clear up.

Should I use dark or light tile in a small bathroom?

Lighter tile will indeed make a smaller space feel a bit roomier. However, you should still consider using patterned or darker tiles for the floor if you have decent lighting. Gray tiles offer a good middle ground. Larger tiles can also create the illusion of a bigger bathroom.

What shower tile never goes out of style?

White or natural stone patterned tiles in a classic square shape will not go out of style. Marble-look tiles can offer the best of both worlds. 

What color shower tile is easiest to keep clean?

A warm beige or tan is a good pick if you worry about keeping up with hard water stains. Bonus points if the tile mimics a natural stone pattern with veins and irregularities. 

Picking a medium tone is important–it’ll be dark enough to not show every bit of staining or grime, but not so dark that water spots or soap scum stand out. 

Should bathroom floor and wall tiles be the same color?

This is 100% a personal preference. A floor-to-ceiling tile match can make custom cabinets and one-of-a-kind countertops pop. Varying texture and size can keep similarly colored tiles in the same family without zapping the room’s dimension. 

If you want different colors for walls and floors, but don’t trust it’ll work, start by pairing up samples with the same undertones.