The Key To Picking The Best Bathroom Tiles Based On Your Lighting

The bathroom's primary function may be as a place of utility, but that doesn't mean it can't also look stylish. Whether you prefer flashy aesthetics or a more classic design, one of the best ways to beautify your bathroom is with the right combination of floor and wall tiles. Along with being easy to clean and maintain, tile comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so there are endless options to create your perfect aesthetic. However, not every tile style is right for every bathroom. Pay close attention to the lighting to help you find the best bathroom tiles. Depending on how much and what type of lighting is in your bathroom, certain tile choices can make it seem lighter or darker.

Naturally gloomy bathrooms will seem even darker when decorated with dark shades. If you want to brighten up a poorly lit bathroom, try using light-colored tiles. Dark tiles can also make the bathroom seem smaller, but that's not always a bad thing. You can make sterile, cavernous bathrooms feel more cozy with darker colors. Remember, using light or dark tiles doesn't mean just using black or white. Some of the most timeless bathroom tile colors are muted neutrals like beige and sage green.

The color of a tile isn't the only thing that affects how bright a bathroom feels; characteristics like the tile's finish and size also make a difference. For example, tiles with a glossy or shiny finish will reflect more light, further illuminating the bathroom. On the other hand, if your bathroom already has a lot of natural light, overly reflective tiles may make the space feel a bit too intense. In that case, matte tiles may be a better choice to achieve a more welcoming vibe.

Another aspect that can make tiles more or less reflective is their size. Intricate mosaic tiles can add a lot of visual flair to a bathroom, but they can also absorb light if you don't choose the right color grout. Unless you have a large bathroom that won't suffer from feeling crowded by tiny tiles, opt for larger tiles that will reflect more light. This will brighten the space as well as make it feel less cramped. Shiny tiles with lots of surface area are especially handy in the dark corners of the bathroom, like showers and water closets.

One important factor to consider when figuring out the best tile to suit your bathroom's lighting is where the light actually comes from. Bathrooms that receive a lot of sunlight will look great laden with shiny, neutral tile colors and patterns that will keep the space bright while creating a natural aesthetic. This also applies to bathrooms with warm artificial lighting; earth tones shine in warm light. Alternatively, bathrooms with cool lighting will look best with cool-hued tiles that will make the room feel clean without seeming overly clinical. If your bathroom doesn't have a natural light source, using pale-colored tiles can help to brighten up a windowless bathroom.

Since it's unlikely that the place you buy your tiles will have the exact same lighting as your bathroom, it's important to bring some samples home so you can get a proper idea of how they'll look once installed. Keep the samples taped to the floor or wall of your bathroom throughout the day so you can inspect them under a variety of lighting conditions. That way, you can ensure your tile choice will look stunning morning, noon, and night.