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Grey has been a big love in our interior lives for many years now, and it’s easy to see why grey tile ideas for bathrooms sit high on our wishlist of inspiration also.
For starters grey comes in a huge array of shades which makes it amazingly versatile – from barely there to charcoal– the spectrum is wide. It’s the perfect neutral too as it works with pretty much every other color, and it looks awesome when textured.
Sure you'll find a touch of grey in most rooms, but trust us when we say it works a chic treat in this very important space and will take all bathroom tile ideas to the next level.
Grey bathroom tile ideas that you won't want to miss
Stephanie Lindsey, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, principal designer at Etch Design Group (opens in new tab)shares how grey tiles shouldn't just be reserved for a totally grey bathroom space:
‘If you want a neutral palette, gray is the way to go. If you like pops of color, the gray tiles can set the foundation for the bathroom and then you can add easy-to-change pops such as a colorful wall color, wallpaper, or art'
1. Team small scale grey tiles with white
(Image credit: Caitlin Jones Design/Vivian Johnson)
‘Working with gray tiles in a bathroom can be a chic and sophisticated choice. In order to create a warm and inviting feel, we like to use smaller scale tiles, perhaps with a contrast grout color that can break up a wall of gray,’ says Caitlin Jones Ghajar, principal designer at Caitlin Jones Design (opens in new tab).
2. Opt for a patterned grey floor tile
(Image credit: Etch Design Group/Cate Black)
This calming bathroom has subtle shades of grey in warming tones that prevent the space from appearing too cold. The grey tiled floor adds a fun element and the pattern contrasts really well against the smooth matte walls. Notice how it flows around the corner – continuity is key for creating a cohesive look.
3. Use mini marble wall tiles for a decorative touch
(Image credit: Murphy Maude/Sarah Rossi Selavie)
‘Whether we like to talk about it or not, the time we spend in the bathroom is precious. It’s where some of our most intimate moments take place. This master bath was designed for optimal comfort and function, yet with luxurious materials like marble tile and freestanding tub for a modern spa-like experience. Gray tiles are a great way to get that crisp clean look, which always pairs nicely with white,’ says Leslie Murphy owner and creative director of Murphy Maude Interiors (opens in new tab).
4. Go square for a sleek contemporary bathroom
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
'In this powder bath, we used a fun textured grey tile and carried it all the way from floor to ceiling,' says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer at Lindye Galloway Studio and Shop (opens in new tab).
The square tiles almost give a padded feeling visually which makes this bathroom really stand out in a contemporary way.
5. Splash out a little on a marble accent
(Image credit: Waterworks)
You can't go wrong with marble, but it is of course more expensive so make this your one splurge. If you really can't stretch your budget, then consider marble effect instead. It's the tile to use if you want to create a hotel spa look – the ultimate in luxury the gray veining creates a wonderful decorative wall.
There are two other grey tile designs within this bathroom space, with the tub having its only special mini-square zone.
6. Mix it with a little lime
(Image credit: Kim Armstrong Interior Design)
The beauty of using tiles is that you can have a little fun with how you lay them out. This charcoal hex tile flooring could be all the same, but instead, there are what you could call flowers dotted about within it, giving it that something special.
These white 'flowers' pick up the white painted shiplap and tie the look together, and the lime vanity looks great as grey is one of the best natural bathroom colors to complement it.
7. Subtly style grey into the background
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
The blue vanity here is the focal point of the bathroom, but it wouldn't be so glorious if not for the subtle wall and floor tiles – which tie in perfectly with the marble countertop. Often less is more and this is a great example of how paler grey mosaics used as the bathroom backsplash offer a restful decorative view.
8. Barely there star-shaped tiles
(Image credit: Etch Design Group/Rebekah Westover)
This fresh bathroom with its teal vanity shows how to use grey to bring a scheme together. With the palest yet elegant shade on the walls, the floor was the obvious spot to go all out with pattern. These grey bathroom floor tiles create a star pattern within the design in two shades. The result is a space that's contemporary without being stark.
9. Create stripes by using a mid grey mosaic tile
(Image credit: Kriste Michelini/Thomas Kuoh)
'I love using grey tiles – white pairs beautifully as well as black or even yellow,' advises Kriste Michelini, owner and founder of Kriste Michelini Interiors (opens in new tab).
We love this idea, so simple yet so effective – these round mosaic tiles are extremely versatile as you can see, and if you get the designer bug who knows what patterns you could come up with!
10. Use grey tiles to define areas
(Image credit: Todd Prince Design/Kathryn MacDonald)
We mentioned before how the color grey covers a large spectrum of shades, this modern bathroom features a grey hue that has a hint of taupe which gives it a spot of warmth. The tile defines the bathing area, from the backsplash around the tub to the shower on the right.
Of course we can't not mention the striking floor tiles – those dark flecks of grey tie in beautifully with the dark tub and guess what – the grout is the same color as the wall tiles which works like a charm to create a sophisticated vibe.
11.Choose 3D grey tiles for a backsplash that pops
(Image credit: Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop/Chad Mellon)
'A backsplash tile is the perfect way to make a small powder pop! We choose our tile selections with three key “ingredients” in mind: weight, interest, and texture. Since there were so many shades of milky whites throughout the space, we went for a darker tile to ground the space and add contrast against all the other elements,' says Lindye Galloway, founder and chief creative officer at Lindye Galloway Studio and Shop (opens in new tab).
12. Large format tiles give an all-encompassing look
(Image credit: Waterworks)
Floor to ceiling large format tiles will give your bathroom space an enveloping, cozy and dramatic feel – in all the best ways. Going big will actually create the illusion of space, as will less grout lines, so this look works well in smaller bathrooms. You can still have a section where the gray tiles are laid differently also, for added interest. The pale wood trestle vanity gives a Scandi style to this smart gray bathroom.
Are grey tiles good for a bathroom?
‘As long as the tone is warm gray. …yes. Warm gray colors are soothing and calming. Warm gray tiles also pair beautifully with the subtle colorations of natural limestone and marble. This ability to pair successfully with natural materials allows for endless color combinations and style directions to be achieved,’ says Todd Prince, designer at Todd Prince Design (opens in new tab).
What color goes with grey tiles in a bathroom?
'Warm whites, or soft blues work well. However, shades of gray can be combined together to create a sophisticated monochromatic palette,’ says Todd Prince, designer at Todd Prince Design (opens in new tab).
This is the great thing about grey; you can pair most colors with it as most shades have undertones of other colors. For best success, pick your favorite grey tile first and then see the potential for other color matches. You'll instantly be able to tell if the grey has a cool blue undertone, yellow undertone, purple undertone and so on. If it's hard to tell, get multiple gray tiles from different manufacturers because with them side-by-side you'll see the difference in undertones,' says Stephanie Lindsey, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, principal designer at Etch Design Group (opens in new tab).
FAQs
What colour goes best with grey in a bathroom? ›
As grey is a neutral color, you can pair it with other neutrals, such as a white bathroom, or go bolder if you prefer – the possibilities are endless. Yellow, pink, coral, navy, green and teal are just a few colors which pair nicely with gray.
What colour compliments grey tiles? ›Grey is such an easy color to pair with other shades, they work with soft neutral hues, bold warm colors like pinks and reds and bright greens and blues too. Really what color you pair with grey will depend on the shade of grey you have chosen and the look to want to create.
Is grey tiles good for bathroom? ›'Working with gray tiles in a bathroom can be a chic and sophisticated choice. In order to create a warm and inviting feel, we like to use smaller scale tiles, perhaps with a contrast grout color that can break up a wall of gray,' says Caitlin Jones Ghajar, principal designer at Caitlin Jones Design (opens in new tab).
What is the most popular bathroom tile color? ›White tile is probably the most popular solution in our bathrooms. Why? White brightens the interior. It gives a sense of order and lightness.
What is a timeless color for a bathroom? ›Gray and Off-White
You can't go wrong if you select one of these neutral colors for the bathroom. Light gray and off-white are close enough to sanitary pure white that they make the space look clean while giving it a subtly more interesting look.
According to top interior designers, modern blue, light green, and warmer neutral bathroom color schemes are popular in 2022. These are a continuation of 2021's best bathroom color trends in many ways. In a similar fashion, shades like taupe, all-white bathrooms, and warm natural undertones are also trending this year.
How do I make my grey bathroom look warm? ›ADD WOOD TO A COOL GRAY ROOM
Well, the right wood stain not only adds WARMTH to a space, it adds TEXTURE. And it doesn't need to be a MAJOR piece of wood, as shown with the above bathroom vanity, there are many ways to add wood to your space…
A grey bathroom is a safe choice.
One of the main advantages of this tone in bathroom décor is its timeless appeal. This is a tone that never goes out of style. Grey is also elegant, restrained and versatile, perfect for bathroom styles that champion calm and serene colour palettes rather than garishness.
'If your gray tiles have a softer, warmer undertone, try using earthy, organic bathroom colors such as dark greens or deep auburns with natural timber. For cooler shades, choose crisp white towels and mats with a strong matte black accent, or add a flash of color with teal or navy. '
Are grey tiles outdated? ›But it is definitely not a fad. Gray flooring, particularly gray wood, has grown exponentially over the last decade. Although gray tiles, particularly in stone looks, are also very popular in the kitchen. Gray has quickly become the most popular trend, not just for flooring, but for homes in general.
What tiles are popular 2022 bathroom? ›
- Ribbons & Slats. ...
- Black and White Patterned Floors. ...
- Zellige Tile. ...
- Patterned Penny Round Tile Floors. ...
- Large-Format Wall Tile. ...
- Flooring That Continues Into the Shower. ...
- Checkerboard Tile. ...
- Retro Squares.
Vintage Bathroom Hardware & Decor: There are many smaller bathroom items that also provide a vintage touch. Vintage-inspired mirrors, sinks, light fixtures, toilet paper holders, and antique brass decor all belong in the 2022 bathroom trends.
What tile pattern is timeless? ›Traditional Hexagon Styles
Black and white hexagon mosaic tiles are one of the most timeless tile styles in existence.
- Wild Flower. 2090-40.
- Pale Moon. OC-108.
- Steam. AF-15.
- Morning Dew. OC-140.
- Collector's Item. AF-45.
- Hint of Violet. 2114-60.
- Mysterious. AF-565.
- Quiet Moments. 1563.
Embrace Traditional Bathroom Design
Another way to think of a traditional approach is to call it “classic design.” It reflects simple, proven combinations of element like marble tile, creamy-white paint and decorative fixtures – think brass, gold or black for lighting.
So what colors make a bathroom look bigger? According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow will visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.
What is the most popular bathroom colors right now? ›- Bold black. While black and white bathrooms are a traditional favorite, black typically took the backseat as the secondary color. ...
- Soothing blues. ...
- Earthy greens. ...
- Beige neutrals. ...
- Bold jewel tones. ...
- Clean white.
By analyzing more than 32,000 listing photos of recently sold homes across the nation, Zillow found that houses with pale blue bathrooms sold for $5,440 more compared to similar homes with white bathrooms (a decent return on the cost of a can of paint and a little labor).
What colours add warmth to grey? ›Rich cream, light warm coffee, and beige shades can all add warmth to a grey room without overpowering it, nor making the room look busy or as if it has too much going on colour-wise.
What warm colors compliment gray? ›The key to a great match lies in coordinating the tones. Warm gray shades go well with other warm-toned colors, like taupe, blush pink, butter yellow, and burnt orange. On the other hand, you can pair cool gray with other chill tones like navy blue, sage green, and cool whites.
How do you soften grey bathroom? ›
Brass, and particularly matte brass, is a great choice to soften grey bathrooms, and prevent them from becoming too clinical or cold. We love the matte basins, too. Grey is one of the most popular interior colours, and for good reason.
Is grey still on trend for 2022? ›Yes, while gray has seen an uninterrupted reign over recent paint trends, its reign may conclude in 2022. However, this shift is perhaps only expected in the interiors world, as Anthony Barzilay Freund, the editorial director at 1stDibs, explains.
Is gray still in style for 2022? ›Is gray paint going out of style in 2022? Gray paint is trending downward in high end design, but will continue to reign in new builds and contractor's bids.
What is the new grey? ›It's not beige, it's not grey: it's greige – and it's why all our houses look the same | Interiors | The Guardian.
What colour grout goes with grey tiles? ›What color grout should you use with gray tile? There are many grout color options that would work well with gray, but the most popular and best looking combinations are white, light gray, dark gray or charcoal, and a blue gray.
Should bathroom floor be lighter or darker than walls? ›As a general rule of thumb, it is best for a bathroom floor to be a darker shade than the accompanying walls and ceiling. However, if your personal preference dictates, you can choose to be adventurous and go against the grain in this regard.
Which color tile looks the cleanest? ›Neutral Colors
Solid-colored tiles that are beige, tan, or oatmeal-colored are going to be best at hiding dirt, soap scum and fingerprints.
Another growing trend in 2022 is tile in geometric shapes. From triangles and parallelograms to diamonds and hexagons, take a break from the classic square and rectangular tile choices to add more variety to your interior design. Take a look at some of some enticing examples of this 2022 tile trend below.
Do grey tiles look good? ›Grey looks good anywhere and in any combination of shade. For the ultimate grey scheme try mixing with dark shades on flooring against a paler grey shade of tile on walls. This is a good scheme to follow in any room but you can personalise it with bold colour, texture and a variety of shades.
What tile looks best in a small bathroom? ›Large marble tiles is one of the best-in small bathroom flooring ideas for making your bathroom space appears wider. Also, if you opt for bold colors in your bathroom, using large neutral tiles with narrow grout lines will enhance the floor space without detracting from the unique color scheme(s) involved.
What size tiles are best for a bathroom? ›
| Area | Recommended Sizes |
|---|---|
| Small shower walls | 1-inch square to 4-inch square |
| Moderate or large shower walls | 4-inch to 15-inch by 30-inch |
| Bathroom floor | 1-inch square to 12-inch square, or up to large-format |
| Bathroom walls | 4-inch square up to 12-inch by 24-inch |
It's a given that the majority of your sanitary ware will be white, therefore the best tile colour for small bathrooms would be something off-white, light grey or a creamy ivory, depending on your taste and the overall look you want to achieve. This will help separate the walls from the fixtures.
Is it better to use small or large tiles in a small bathroom? ›A small bathroom can actually benefit from a large tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expands.
Are larger tiles better in a bathroom? ›Smaller bathrooms can actually benefit from bigger tiles because if there are fewer grout lines, then the walls and floors look less cluttered and the room visually expands. Even though big tiles can work in your bathroom, that doesn't mean you need to rule out small tiles completely.
What is the most popular bathroom fixture finish 2022? ›#1 Most Sought-After Finish in 2022: Matte Black
Matte black makes a strong statement on its own while also complementing nearly any color scheme.
- Add some warmth. ...
- Paint the tiles. ...
- Float your vanity. ...
- Open the vanity. ...
- Go for glass. ...
- Install dimmer lights. ...
- Don't forget the little touches. ...
- Update your fixtures.
Subway tile is the most traditional and popular tile pattern, and it typically comes in a rectangular shape of all degrees and colors.
Which tile is better glossy or matte? ›Matt tiles have better friction than glossy tiles, which makes them non-slippery. Their anti-skid feature makes them the best option for bathrooms and other wet areas. Additionally, they are a great choice for homes with children and pets.
Is 12x12 tile out of style? ›The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger. Sizes like 16” x 16”, 12” x 24” and even 24” x 48” are becoming more prevalent. Large-format tiles have fewer grout lines to clean and help a room look bigger, more open and less busy.
How do you add warmth to a gray bathroom? ›- Warm Up With Wood. Shown Above: Cobham Handmade Tile in Slate Gray. ...
- Plants Are Your Friends. Whether it's a house plant or cut flowers, plants can bring any space to life. ...
- Get Brassy. Swap out your stainless steel hardware for brass. ...
- Try adding color!
What color goes go with grey? ›
The versatility of grey can make it trickier to land on the right colour combination – there are few colours that don't sit well with grey – sunny mediterranean shades warm up cooler tones, a classic crisp white works wonders in a grey bathroom, whilst soft blush pinks offset the severity of graphite.
What is a pretty color that goes with gray? ›Neutrals – If you want to create a soothing vibe, try combining gray with a neutral color palette of white and off-white shades, beiges, tans, blacks, and browns. These are colors that go well with gray of all shades, both lighter shades and darker shades.
What are the 3 best colors that go together? ›If you're looking for a few basic but perennially popular 3 color combinations to kickstart your color palette, think about combinations like: Yellow, red, and blue. Green, orange, and purple. Teal, magenta, and gold.
What color GREY is most popular? ›Agreeable Gray, by Sherwin-Williams
"Agreeable Gray SW 7029 is our most popular gray paint color because it's the perfect hue for any living space, whether it be a family room or bedroom," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
'Cool greys are best paired with cooler colour schemes, such as blue, green, and light purple, while warm greys better complement reds, oranges, and yellows. For fans of the monochrome look, incorporate different shades of grey, alongside white and black, to create depth and visual interest.
Are grey bathrooms on trend? ›Grey bathrooms have been increasing in popularity over the years. Around 8 years ago grey started to become popular within interiors, especially in bathrooms and kitchens and it's been a growing trend ever since. It's now the go-to colour choice when it comes to bathroom design.
Is grey a timeless color? ›It is this pure neutrality of grey, unlike other neutrals that have been The It over time, that gives the color its timeless appeal. Of course, grey tones are flexible, and the hues within greys used in home décor will likely move over time.
Is grey an elegant color? ›Gray is a classic, elegant color for any space. It looks good as the foundation color for a room, on cabinetry or on furniture. Gray pairs well with blues, greens and other neutrals and is timeless…