The Alternative Solution For Upgrading Tile Floors Without Painting Them

Undertaking any remodel is disruptive, but upgrading tile floors can be an especially burdensome project. Many people with outdated or ugly tile opt to paint it for a fresh design that's easy to pull off. However, there are many potential drawbacks to consider before painting tile floors. So before you jump into a project you may regret, take your eyes off the floor and look at your walls. By changing the paint color or using a different wallpaper, you may be able to entirely change the look and feel of those tired old floors you have grown to hate.

We know designing around tile you don't like may not be the advice you want to hear, but it's worth trying to potentially save yourself time and money. New paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to update a room. From the color of your tiles to the texture and material, there are many factors to consider when choosing the best wall color for your home. And if you just can't live with those tile floors anymore, there is still a better way to cover them up than with paint. Either way, you can overhaul the entire look of the space with a quick, inexpensive DIY project.

Take a long hard look at your walls and be honest with yourself. Do they clash with your floors? Is there an undertone bringing out the worst in your tile? The answer is going to be different for everyone, but there is a reason experts often suggest starting with your tile before choosing a paint color. This ensures that the more permanent element in your room — the tile — goes well with the elements that are more easily changed, like the wall color.

It'll help to know the color wheel, and understand how complementary shades develop contrast while analogous tones create a more cohesive look. If the goal is to make the tile disappear, you may want to choose an analogous color. For example, if you have builder-grade beige floor tile that you want to hide, consider finding a similar shade of paint that will make the tile blend into the larger color scheme. And don't forget to think about the materials. Natural stone floors often pair best with neutrals while glossier tiles can handle moodier shades.

Alternatively, you may want to use a statement wallpaper to draw the eye away from the floor. Who looks down when there is a beautiful wallpaper to ogle? Installing this feature can be daunting, though, so be sure to avoid these mistakes DIYers make when hanging wallpaper.

If you have painted the walls and flipped through all the wallpaper books and still hate your tiles floor, there are a few more things to try. Perhaps the easiest and most obvious solution is to simply go out and get an area rug. Following the dos and don'ts of styling rugs can help ensure your room looks its best. However, if the goal is to simply cover up an old floor, the bigger the better. Or consider layering the rugs to create a focal point that distracts even more from what's underneath. For bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, it's best to get a washable rug.

For a more permanent solution, you can install a floating floor right over your existing tile, skipping the disruption of demolition and clean-up, not to mention the time it would take for new tile to set or hardwood planks to dry. Before you commit to a new floor, consider all of the best flooring options for your home first. Of course, this is a bigger, more expensive job, so we still think you should give the other methods a try before going this route.