Guest Blogger: How to Choose the Perfect Ceramic Tile for your Home

Guest Blogger #518, Entry #1172, May 13, 2012

Tiles add warmth, elegance and sophistication to a kitchen, bath or other high-traffic area. Here are some secrets to making the perfect choice for your kitchen or bath:

1. When selecting neutral colors, coordinate your tile with the undertones in your cabinets.

The biggest mistake homeowners make when choosing neutrals is to assume that each one blends with the other. If you place a beige or brown tile against a pure white paint sample, you will see that the undertone is usually either yellowish or pinkish. Maple, pine and oak cabinets often have a warm yellow or yellow-orange undertone. Cherry, rosewood and walnut usually have a pinkish undertone. Cabinets painted beige or off-white also have either yellowish or pinkish undertones. Even if the tiles contrast with the wood, choose those with the same undertone.

How will you choose the best tile for your project?

Image via: Tree House Online

2. Whether you choose a high-contrast, mid-contrast or low-contrast look, do it deliberately.

A high-contrast look such as dark cabinets and light tile floors can be sophisticated, upscale or contemporary, depending on the style. A high-contrast look is also perfect for a transitional kitchen design that blends elements of contemporary and tradition styles.

Medium contrasts are perfect for traditional or country homes. A low-contrast look can be contemporary or casual, depending on the choice of tiles. For example, white subway tiles in an all-white kitchen provide the perfect backdrop for displaying large, contemporary artwork. Pickled white cabinetry and off-white tiles give a relaxed, European country look.

3. Considering using tile to highlight areas of the kitchen or bath.

Creative tiles are often used highlight the backsplash area behind the counter or stove. Consider using tiles in a variety of colors or tones that bring in the full palette of the kitchen. Also consider highlighting the floor with a tile border or design.

Choose tile to highlight parts of a room

Image via: DIY Network

4. Don’t be limited to plain ceramic tile.

Homeowners have more tile choices than ever before. Glass or metallic tile is especially eye-catching behind a backsplash. Eclectic or transitional kitchen design often pairs these modern tile choices with antique furnishings.

5. Vary the shapes in the room.

The shape of the tile should contrast with the predominant shapes in the cabinet fronts. Many traditional cabinet facings are made up of concentric rectangles. Choosing large square tiles for the floor gives contrast against the busyness of the cabinet fronts.

Contemporary cabinet fronts are often made up of one smooth piece of wood with no embellishments. Small, rectangular tiles provide contrast.

6. Considering varying the angle of the tiles.

Placing tiles on an angle can make a room look larger. The longest dimension in a room is diagonally from one corner to the other, so placing tiles on an angle draws the eye across this longer dimension. The kitchen remodeling Chicago or New York City apartment dwellers choose often employs this visual trick. Other interesting tile patterns are herringbone, brickwork and basket weave.

Use tiles to match your lifestyle

Image via: Justine Taylor.tumblr

7. Consider the natural light in your room.

If you live in northern climates with long, cold winters, tiles with blue or cool gray may make the trek to get your coffee on a chilly morning feel even colder. The kitchen remodeling Chicago residents often select features warmer colors than those in Florida homes.

Also consider whether the direction of the light entering your kitchen. Northern light is typically bluish; tile with a warm, golden undertone will make room feel warmer. Light coming from the south or west is warmer, especially in the late afternoon. Tile with a cool gray undertone will visually cool the room down, making it feel more welcoming in the afternoon.

8. Don’t forget the grout.

The grout color can either match your tile or contrast with it, depending on the look you want to create. If you have a dark countertop and light tile, choosing grout in the same shade as your countertop can help tie the two surfaces together. If you want to downplay the tile pattern, choose grout that’s close to the same color as your tile.

If you choose small decorative tiles for a wall, you might place them so tightly together that they don’t need grout between the tiles. While this style isn’t appropriate for the floor, it can really call attention to the beauty of the tiles. To avoid cleanup hassles, place a piece of clear Plexiglas over the tiles when used as a backsplash above the stove.

John Grant writes for several DIY and house design sites. He is also now traveling Asia for new inspirations.

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