Dark vs Light Tiles: Which is best for your floor?
So, you’ve decided to fit some lovely new floor tiles, but you’re not sure whether to go for light or dark. Floor tiles are a big investment, so it's important to get the right tile for your home. We have put together a few key considerations to help make your decision easier.
The Temperature
One of the first things to think about when deciding between light or dark floor tiles is the temperature of the room. Dark tiles will retain heat making the room feel warmer – whilst this might seem like a benefit in the UK, during the summer this can be uncomfortable underfoot especially if there is direct sunlight on the tiles. Lighter tiles, by comparison will be cooler. Consider the insulation of the room you’re tiling, how hot it feels in summer, and how much sunlight the room gets to help make your choice.
The Practicality
Another key consideration is how practical the tiles are. Dark tiles are better at hiding dirt, which can be useful if the room has a door which leads outside, like for example a kitchen which opens up onto the garden, or an entrance hall. Tiles such as the
Cementine Anthracite Rectified Tile offer dark tonal variations which work well in these spaces. Whereas in bathrooms and kitchens without access to the garden, light tiles can look great. Options like the
Marmori Calacatta White Polished Tile have a light appearance and marble effect for an elegant look. Before deciding on the colour of tile consider how practical it will be in the room.
The Style
Once you’ve thought about the different properties of light and dark tiles, you can think about which colourway suits your home the most – you might be willing to go for a less practical option if the style is very important to you. Floor tiles are a long-term investment, so choosing a shade which suits your home is important. One thing to bear in mind is whether you prefer schemes which are all one tone, or if you prefer contrast. For example, if you dream of a moody all-dark room, a tile like the
Kingston Graphite Matt Tile could fit really nicely, and light tiles might not work for your vision. Alternatively, if you prefer contrast, you can combine light tiles like the
Contrasti Bianco Tile, with darker toned walls.
With plenty of options available, we hope these points have helped you narrow down your decision. For more
floor tile inspiration, have a look at our Floor Tile Inspiration blog.