Deciding on the right color for your home’s floor tile can seem daunting. You have an endless number of hues, shades, and styles from which to choose. That’s why it’s important to know which colors go together in specific situations. Even architects and interior designers spend a lot of time studying in this area because it’s hard to master, so there’s no reason to feel bad about not being able to find the right color for your floor tile. While there are many factors to consider before you decide on the right color, it’s also important think about the finish. Do you want the tiles to reflect light, or do you prefer a softer look? You also need to think about where you plan to install them, because some colors and finishes are better suited for certain applications.
What to Consider When Choosing the Color of Floor Tile
The color and texture of your floor tile can set the room’s overall tone. Because there are so many color patters and a diverse set of shapes, it’s a popular way of adding color to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. You can use hand-painted tile if you want a more custom look, or you can take advantage of the natural variance found in multi-colored or patterned tile. Before you decide on the color of your floor tile, look at the ones that are already in the room. You also want to look the mood you want to create for the space and the amount of foot traffic it receives.
Here are some factors you should consider as you come up with floor tile ideas:
- The size of the room — Light colors (such as creams and pastels) can make a small room look larger, which is why they’re good choices for guest bathrooms or narrow hallways. Darker colors (such as rich chocolates, burnt siennas, and naval tones) work better in larger rooms with open floor plans and plenty of light.
- The type of tile — Stain-resistant and glazed ceramic tiles work well on countertops or on bathroom and kitchen walls that are exposed to a great deal of humidity. Denser porcelain tiles are more scratch-resistant, so they can work well on floors.
- How colors match — While a lot of people stick to a single color for all their floors, you can also use color matching. Choosing a slightly contrasting scheme can hide dirt, which can build up on your floors. For areas that get a great deal of foot traffic, think about mixing and matching grays, whites, and browns to create a more compelling look.
You’ll be able to find a variety of colors for floor tile, so you can be sure to find something that will meet your specific needs.
Types of Tile Finishes
Here are some of the common types of tile finishes:
- Matte Finish — This kind of floor tile will have a non-reflective surface that can come in a variety of colors. The subtle texture of matte finish has a softer effect and can add a special quality to any floor tile installation.
- Satin Finish — This kind of finish adds a light sheen to a matte surface, and it can work in any kind of tile installation.
- Gloss Finish — This kind of floor tile will have a shiny, semi-reflective sheen. It’s also used more frequently, because it can provide a more classic feel on floors and walls.
- Gloss with Engobe Finish — This kind of floor tile has a white primer on a recycled clay body and has a colored glaze at the top. This can not only accentuate the color but, also has an appearance that looks like watercolor.
- Patina Finish — This kind of antiquing process is applied to a gloss glaze, which is meant to emphasize its nature. It’s a good choice for flooring, backsplashes, showers, and fireplaces. It cannot, however, be used in pools or steam showers.
If you can’t decide on one type of finish for your floor tile, you can always use more than one. Mixing gloss and matte finishes can provide a more intriguing variation, even among similar colors. Plank tile that looks like wood is also very popular, because it can resemble the look of hardwood (which is typically a shade of brown with some black in it) but, without the need for extra maintenance.
If you’re looking for one of the best tile stores in Corpus Christi, be sure to reach out to the Tile Source of Texas. We would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!