How to Use Black Tiles in Your Home

One interior trend that’s been making a huge comeback is the black tile. Black tiles may sound drab and gloomy, but that is not the case! Depending on what kind of black tiles you use and how you lay them, you can achieve a striking look that’s ultra-modern, rustic or warm and ambient. For your guidance and inspiration, let’s explore the different design options that black tiles offer.

Create a statement backsplash

A black kitchen backsplash will add depth and drama to your space. Metro tiles are the classic choice for a backsplash, so why not take things up a notch with a black metro tile? This is an edgy look that creates a contemporary, eye-catching feature piece in your kitchen. The traditional way to lay metro tiles is horizontally offset. However, there are other options:

 - A herringbone pattern creates a very modern look. Make this pattern pop by using a lighter colored grout; while you can do this with any metro layout, it is particularly striking when used with a herringbone pattern. We recommend using a Dove Grey Grout.

 - Looking for something a bit more interesting? Place your black metro tiles in a vertical stack pattern. This will have an elongating effect on the room and move your eye around your kitchen in a new way.

Black Mosaic Tiles are also great for a kitchen backsplash. The black puts a modern twist on a timeless design feature for a look that’s both classic and contemporary. All our Mosaics are made from glass, which provides a beautiful shine. That way, you won’t have to worry about your backsplash looking too dark if your space doesn’t have a lot of natural light.

If you do happen to have a bright kitchen, you could opt for a matt black tile for your backsplash. Our Norai Black Matt Tile will create a beautifully rustic look that looks great with a copper Kitchen Tap from Bathshack.

No matter what kind of black tile you use for your backsplash, keep your countertops lighter for more contrast against the black.

Create a feature wall in your bathroom

A black wall tile in your bathroom will create a luxurious look, like that of a high-end spa. Use a black tile in your shower enclosure or the wall behind your bath or vanity to make it stand out. Like a backsplash, use a lighter grout to break up the black and make the wall stand out even more. Or if you want a striking look for your bathroom without going full black, create a feature wall with an opulent Black Marble Tile.

Black gloss tiles (see our Metro or Mosaic tiles) will reflect the light, similar to a mirror. This will make your room appear larger and brighter, which makes gloss tiles an excellent design choice for bathrooms of any size. As an added bonus, the smooth nature of glossy tiles makes them easy to clean and maintain – just give them a simple wipe down and watch them sparkle!

Tile the whole wall!

Why not be a little more daring and tile your whole wall in black? Choose shiny gloss tiles instead of matt black tiles. A gloss black tile looks more high-end and will bounce more light around the room, so your space doesn’t look dark and gloomy.

What do I need to make black walls work?

Gloss black tiles pair wonderfully with metals, which is exactly what you want in your bathroom or kitchen. Brass taps and lighting from Bathshack will warm up the look and provide a beautiful accent needed for entire black surrounds. We also recommend choosing cabinets, furniture and flooring that is either white or wood effect. In the bathroom, opt for white bathroom fixtures with black walls. If you have the space, go for a white Freestanding Bath from Bathshack for a stunning look.

Make your floor stand out

Black floor tiles bring a bold look to a room and helps to tie the space together. Pair with lighter walls and furniture to add depth and dimension to your bathroom or kitchen.

Bold and on-trend, we recommend Matt Black tiles for a kitchen floor. They do not require frequent cleaning as they are better at concealing smudges, stains and dried water droplets. Our Esagono Nero hex tile really packs a punch, bringing a little extra flair to a modern kitchen. Use with dark grout for a clean contemporary look that helps to hide any dirt.

Why not consider black mosaics for your bathroom floor? This creates luxury spa vibes to help you unwind after a long day. Thanks to the high volume of grout lines, mosaic tiles are also slip-resistant - perfect for wet environments such as bathroom floors and wet rooms.

Mad about monochrome

Black & white is a classic combo that never goes out of style. Together, black and white tiles will look stunning in any room of your home. There are so many design options to choose from – why limit yourself to just one?

 - Combine black and white floor tiles for a classic checkerboard look in your kitchen, bathroom or entranceway. Large tiles will add texture to your space, while smaller tiles are a little more dramatic. Small black and white tiles also work very well in retro-inspired rooms.

 - Create a black border around a lighter central floor. A black border can really make a white tile stand out even more. For a spectacular modern look, create randomized designs with black tiles on your white floor.

 - If you have black floor tiles, use a classic white metro tile with black grout on the walls. If you think this might be a bit too much, use a plain white tile with some black accents, such a black framed mirror or some black wall lights from Bathshack.

Daring to go dark? Shop our online catalogue today to find the perfect black tile for your space. If you need help choosing the right tile, you can Contact Us or book an appointment for one of our showrooms located on the island or Ireland. Our amazing team will be happy to provide inspiration and talk you through design options.