Blue is one of the most versatile colors, ranging from pastel powder blue to intense cobalt, dark navy, and bright turquoise. Each shade of blue evokes a different feeling, but when it comes to tile, it’s not just the color. The endless variety of shapes, textures, finishes, sizes, and patterns means you can create completely custom spaces using blue tile.
Because of its association with water, blue is an extremely popular color for bathrooms and pools. However, designing a blue tile bathroom isn’t your only option. In this guide, we’ll explore some of our favorite designs and layouts for blue tile throughout your home, along with tips on choosing the best color for your space.
Calming Blue
For a clean, calming aesthetic, powder blue is an excellent choice. Painboard by Tonalite in “Celeste” is a perfect example of pale blue. This 4×16 format tubway tile has a subtle grooved texture running horizontally across the glossy surface, giving you endless possibilities for backsplashes and shower walls.
Because of its understated appearance, it’s the perfect candidate for using artistic layouts, such as the herringbone pattern shown above. Read our guide to tile layouts for more inspiration!
Ocean-Inspired Tile
Intense shades of turquoise and aquamarine evoke feelings of clear, tropical water. Joyful by Tonalite in “Turquoise” is perfect for creating high-gloss backsplashes or shower walls that make a statement. With 4×8 and 4×16 formats available, you can mix and match sizes as shown in the backsplash above, giving you numerous options for layout and design.
Dramatic Statement Walls
Sometimes tile is so stunning that it demands to be front and center, as shown with this Charm Experience Panel by Italgraniti in “Blu Saint Laurent.” This tile defines the room with beautiful veining and scenic color. Use panels like these in grand entrances, or even as dramatic luxury backsplashes, as shown with large-format porcelain panels chosen for this luxurious Des Moines home that Tile X Design helped bring to life.
Patterned Tile Accents
Blue can sometimes be an overwhelmingly intense color, depending on the shade. If you like the drama of dark blue but don’t want to create a moody atmosphere in an entire room, Chapter 8 Europa Arte by Jeffrey Court in Cielo “Verona” is a great option.
The delicate blue pattern lends itself well to accents, such as the stair risers shown above, letting you enjoy the color and pattern without either overwhelming your space.
All-Over Patterns
If you love the look of patterned tile, you don’t have to limit it to small spaces. Blue patterned tile looks incredible as a backsplash in the kitchen or bathroom, as shown with this Cementine Shiny by Fioranese in “Mix Blue.” This pattern evokes a modern Mediterranean aesthetic, perfect for creating an eclectic statement.
Subtle Textures
With intense shades like navy blue, it’s easy to let the color become the focal point. However, with the Chapter 6 Reef Glass by Jeffrey Court, shown here in 3×6 field tile in the color “Oceana,” the layout takes center stage. Pairing dark blue with light-colored tile allows the delicate layout to stand out, creating subtle contrast with other bold colors in the bathroom shown above.
Choosing the Right Shade of Blue for Your Space
Whether you’re looking for blue bathroom tile or choosing tile for a backsplash, statement wall, or floor, it helps to think about how lighting and adjacent surfaces affect your perception of color.
- Coordinating warm and cool tones. If your cabinets, counters, or floors have warmer yellow or red tones, avoid pairing intensely cool blue tile for a backsplash. Instead, choose a blue that lends itself slightly more towards green, which will feel more cohesive.
- Brighten up dark spaces. If your space has limited natural light and you’re not trying to create a dark and dramatic room, choose lighter blue tile that reflects more light. There’s nothing wrong with using dark tile to make a space feel moody, but keep in mind that tile that looks bright in the showroom might look much darker at home.
- Don’t forget about grout. The color you choose for grout is almost as important as picking the tile itself. Using low-contrast grout is best if you want to highlight the tile, while high-contrast grout is best if you want the design to be the focal point. Read our guide to the best grout and tile combinations for more ideas.
- Save intense colors for accents. Saturated jewel tones can overwhelm a space if you use them to tile an entire wall or floor. While this might be the effect you’re going for, keep in mind that the more intense a color is, the more focus it will draw in the room.
Visit Our Showroom to See Blue Tile in Person
Unlike neutral tile colors like gray or white, you have endless color possibilities when comparing shades of blue. Don’t rely on pictures alone to choose your tile. If you’re shopping online or just gathering inspiration, remember that colors can vary drastically in person.
Visit our showroom so you can see what tile looks like in person. You can also order tile samples to see what materials look like in your space with your lighting. If you’re looking for more blue bathroom tile ideas or inspiration for other areas of your home, our tile experts are always here to help. Schedule a consultation to talk about ideas and start planning your project!