Grey bathroom tiles images


60 Best Grey Tile Bathroom Ideas to Try

mindy gayer design co

Grey tile is an easy pick for the bathroom, as it goes with nearly anything. There are plenty of options available, ranging from affordable picks to luxury splurges. But these two factors also make it quite difficult to pick the right grey tile for your bathroom, as there are so many options.

However, there's a grey tile perfect for every bathroom, and we've done the hard work of rounding up some of our favorites. Keep reading to learn about all the different things you can do with grey bathroom tile.

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mindy gayer design co

Grey tile is a great choice for a more monochrome look. But if you want the single-color effect without it being too "blah," use similarly-colored grey tiles with different patterns on the walls and floor. Like what Mindy Gayer Design Co. did here by using classic subway tile alongside fish scale tile.

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mindy gayer design co

Worried about a bathroom countertop that clashes with your tile? Don't be. To avoid this, there's an easy solution. Use a countertop material that has traces of grey in it, like marble. This type of countertop will coordinate without feeling too alike.

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mindy gayer design co

Grey tile can sometimes feel ubiquitous and overdone. However, there are definitely positives to the popularity of grey tile. One of them is that there are plenty of fun patterns in grey colorways, like the unique pattern above.

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mindy gayer design co

Though much bathroom tile is laid in a horizontal pattern, tile can be laid in a vertical pattern too. A vertical tile pattern can give your otherwise-fairly-standard tile added visual interest and make the space feel larger.

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michelle berwick

A herringbone tile pattern is another way to shake up an otherwise-standard-grey-tile. Lined tiles are installed facing different directions, creating visual interest and a little bit of preppy style too.

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mindy gayer design co

The neutrality of grey makes it an easy pairing with nearly any color, including teal. The bathroom above, from Mindy Gayer Design Co. uses grey-teal tile to give the space a nautical look. Pair the teal coloring with other blue-toned elements, and you've got a relaxing and colorful bathroom like nothing else.

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cathie hong interiors

If you're putting in all the hard work of looking at tiles, picking the perfect one, paying for it, and installing it, don't hide it behind a shower curtain. Instead, install glass shower doors that show off your grey tile shower 24/7, rather than hiding it away.

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mindy gayer design co

The iconic starburst pattern found its home in mid-century modern design, but it's still a great pick for modern homes everywhere. The grey starburst pattern above gives the bathroom a retro and slightly-Moroccan look.

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mindy gayer design co

Looking for a subtle, contrasting patterned look without having to buy two types of tile? Try laying the same tile pattern different ways, like Mindy Gayer Design Co. did in this bathroom. One row faces towards the left, and the other towards the right, creating a unique flooring pattern.

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mindy gayer design co

The shiny vintage look of brass is an excellent contrast to the more toned-down and matte look of grey tile, making them an excellent bathroom combo. To bring this pairing into your own space, use brass faucets or hardware alongside grey tile shower surrounds or floors.

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devon grace interiors

For a modern and minimalist look, pair large light grey bathroom floor tile with a light grey countertop, like Devon Grace Interiors did here. The matching coloring keeps the space looking tidy and understated, perfect for a home with a similarly-minded minimal style too.

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mindy gayer design co

Another winning way to bring some visual interest to the bathroom is by combining shapes, like square tile on the wall and circular tile on the floor. This combo works best if one tile is more simple than the other (like a subway or penny tile look) as to prevent the space from looking too busy.

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mindy gayer design co

A deep blue-grey tile can make a bathroom feel moody and spa-like, all at once. We love the above bathroom from Mindy Gayer Design Co., as its richly colored tile contrasts beautifully with the white and pine accents throughout the rest of the space.

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michelle berwick

A new tile trend hitting tile aisles of home improvement stores everywhere are "wood" tile. These planking tiles are a cross between the traditional ceramic bathroom tile and wooden flooring. For a neutral and stylish colorway, look for them in grey.

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erin williamson design

For a one-of-a-kind primary bathroom tile pick, install heart shaped tile. The grey heart-shaped tile gives a romantic look to this bathroom from Erin Williamson Design, but its style is subtle enough that it doesn't feel tacky or overtly themed.

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mindy gayer design co

For a fun vintage look, try out a grey checkerboard pattern. This classic retro pattern is a great fit for half-baths, kids' bathrooms, and pool or vacation home bathrooms. You can also get this look yourself by painting a pattern onto larger tiles.

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mindy gayer design co

Ever feel like your bathroom is more bland than anything else? It's time to change that. And though grey tile may not seem like an obvious answer, picking one in a unique pattern (like the historic, antique look of the tile above) can bring your bathroom to a whole other level.

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mindy gayer design co

Whether you have the leftovers of two sets of tile or you're looking for a more visually interesting bathroom flooring option, combining tiles can be the way to go. Alternate different tiles for a cool look, but make sure the tiles themselves are the same size, or else you'll be in for a tile puzzle you may not be able to fit together.

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mindy gayer design co

For a cool and easy tile look, pick a colorway that's barely grey. Lightly-colored tile like this still provides the beautiful look of tile without the distraction a bright color may bring to your space.

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mindy gayer design co

Ready to get geometric? Break out the diagonal lines. We love the criss-cross look of the grey tile in the bathroom from Mindy Gayer Design Co. above, and it provides a fun visual distraction without being too distracting.

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mindy gayer design co

For a similarly-colored color combo, pair grey and black tile in your bathroom. Look for a tile pattern that incorporates both, or use a more mosaic-style tile. Either way, grey and black tile can be an modern and grown-up look, perfect for a space that you don't want to feel too busy or styled.

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cathie hong interiors

Grey is a great accent color just about anywhere, and it's no wonder why. Its subtle color fits in and balances out plenty of patterns, like it does in this starburst tile flooring above. The bathroom, designed by Cathie Hong Interiors, uses grey accents elsewhere too, like in the hand-towels and countertops.

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mindy gayer design co

Naturally, grey tile looks good alongside plenty of other grey elements too, like grey wallpaper or grey concrete countertops. Concrete countertops are a beautifully brutalist pick for the bathroom that provide durability and utilitarian style.

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erin williamson design

Want the look of southwestern style in your bathroom without all the color? Meet grey tile. A southwestern-patterned grey tile provides visual interest steeped in desert style, without becoming distracting or overpowering.

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devon grace interiors

It's one of the oldest tricks in the book—to make something feel taller, add plenty of vertical lines. The same goes for bathrooms too. To make your cramped powder bath feel a bit more spacious, look for wall tile with strong vertical lines.

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erin williamson design

A more subtle, shape-contrasting look can be found in pairing similarly angular bathroom tiles, like hexagonal and square tiles in the space from Erin Williamson Design above. The grey square floor tile provides a neutral base for the fun, black hexagonal tile to play off of.

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erin williamson design

Penny tile (named as such for its penny-shaped look) is a dainty bathroom tile pick that brings in some old-school vintage style. Grey penny tile is a great floor choice for a guest bathroom, powder room, or any other neutral-bathroom space, as its simple look and coloring gives the surrounding area a calm look.

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erin williamson design

Glass tile is known for its delicate and mirror-like look, as its slight imperfections and reflective surface bounce light around and create a shimmering effect. Grey glass tile is no different, and proves to be a great backdrop for an elegant bathroom look.

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mindy gayer design co

For a bathroom style that's distinctly farmhouse-inspired, add in a grey-black buffalo check tile. This classically rustic pattern meshes a down-to-earth pattern with bold lines and color. Pair the tile with a matte black hardware and your bathroom will be farmhouse-ready.

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devon grace interiors

Get ready to bring the beach to your bathroom with wave-patterned grey tile. We love the subtle wave pattern of the floor tiles in the space above from Devon Grace Interiors. It creates a sense of movement in a room that can sometimes feel so static.

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erin williamson design

Grey and pink may seem like an unusual color combo, but they're a great pairing in a bold and fun bathroom. The grey tempers down the vibrant pink (helpful for smaller or more busy bathrooms) without distracting from its wonderful color.

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erin williamson design

Some bathroom tiles have been designed to create large patterns when installed correctly, and they're a great choice for larger bathroom spaces like primary bathroom floors or shower walls. The deep grey floor tile in the space above from Erin Williamson Design demonstrates this perfectly.

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katie leclerq design studio

Ready for a more unusual grey bathroom tile? Add in a pattern with a little bit of an optical illusion, like the bathroom from Katie LeClerq Design Studio above. And the 3D illusion of the grey floor tile is more than just a quirky visual effect—it also draws the eye to the tall window and stunning walk-in shower.

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cathie hong interiors

If you're using grey tile in your walk-in shower, and you really want to show it off, consider installing a linear shower drain. These in-line shower drains are subtle and understated, ensuring they're not an eyesore alongside your picture-perfect grey tile.

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katie leclerq design studio

The intricate design of penny tile also allows for some fun pattern-creating too, like Katie LeClerq Design Studio did with the multicolored mosaic penny tile above. Light grey tile sits alongside gold tile accents for bathroom flooring that's eye-catching without being too busy.

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katie leclerq design studio

The understated look of grey tile makes it a great match for boldly-colored or patterned wallpaper, like the half-bath above. For the best look, pick a grey with similar undertones as the wallpaper. Choose a warmer grey if your wallpaper has lots of warm colors, or a cooler grey should your wallpaper contain many cooler colors.

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katie leclerq design studio

Marble is perfect companion to grey bathroom tile. Not only is it super on-trend (hello swanky countertops everywhere), but it also contains similar coloring to grey tile. Additionally, the swooshes and swirls of marble make it a nice contrast to the straight lines of grey tile.

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katie leclerq design studio

Tile or stone may seem like an unlikely bathroom trim, but it's certainly a luxe one. (The bathroom above from Katie LeClerq Design Studio proves it). To make this elegant grey tile look work, pair the bold tile trim with a more understated tile, like subway tile.

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katie leclerq design studio

The Moroccan tile in the bathroom from Katie LeClerq Design Studio above contains three colors, which can seem like a bold pick in such a small space. But it works wonderfully! A yellow-grey serves as the background color for the tile, with the blue serving as an easy complement to it, and the orange-red as an eye-catching accent.

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mindy gayer design co

Few colors pair better with a window full of sunshine than grey. The neutral coloring shines in sunlight, especially if it's tile that's derived from stone, making each piece a slightly different shade. To finish this warming, natural-light filled look, pair shimmering grey tile with brass fixtures.

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katie leclerq design studio

For a low-cost, low-commitment addition to a grey bathroom tile floor, add a rug (or two). It's more than just a soft place (for your feet) to land, and adding a rug also allows you to play with color and figure out which color and texture combos you like most in your bathroom.

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katie leclerq design studio

Ready for a more nature-inspired bathroom look? Try a light grey with beige tones. The sandy-colored tile brings a calming presence to any bathroom and pair wonderfully alongside oversized windows, off-white walls, and a houseplant or two.

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devon grace interiors

Grey tile is a great base for a space in which you want another pattern or material to really shine, like the wall tile in the bathroom above from Devon Grace Interiors. The understated look of a simple grey tile provides a little style without detracting from the bold and fun pattern nearby.

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devon grace interiors

Few things bring more order to an oft-chaotic space like columns upon columns of perfectly-lined grey rectangular tiles. Add them to a bathroom that already has a lot going on to bring some structure, or install them in a more minimalist space for a linear touch.

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devon grace interiors

Oversized grey tiles are another way to create a big impact in a small space. Oversized tiles are a good pick for more compact bathrooms. You can get pattern without it feeling too busy, or oversized ones, so that the tile size is proportionate to the larger size of the room.

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erin williamson design

We've seen one type of tile in a space, and two types of tile too. But three? Believe it or not, it can work, as demonstrated by this shower from Erin Williamson Design above. The secret to this trifecta is picking tiles in similar colorways and having the largest section of tile (the shower surround, in this case) be the most understated.

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devon grace interiors

Tiles can be more than just wall coverings—they can also function as art installations too. We love the bathroom above from Devon Grace Interiors, which uses grey tile to create "art" on the shower surround. This idea works best with tile in a unique shape or pattern.

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desiree burns interiors

Coordinating your grey tile with other parts of your bathroom is one of the best ways to make it feel like it belongs. One bathroom fixture you can match it to is your cabinetry, like Desiree Burns Interiors did in this bathroom above. The solid grey cabinetry plays off the hints of grey in the tile and creates a cohesive bathroom look.

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devon grace interiors

Want the look of marble without the hefty price tag? Consider a similarly-marbled tile (be it from marble or another grey stone), which gives you the big-picture look of marble for a lower cost. You'll be left with an elegant look and a fuller wallet.

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devon grace interiors

For a bathroom with an artsy and funky feel, look for a grey tile that's filled with abstract patterns. The unusual patterning makes a statement in any space, especially in one as compact as a bathroom.

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devon grace interiors

Concrete is quickly becoming a favorite flooring look for many designers. But if you want the cemented look without all the hassle, consider grey porcelain tiles that have been designed to be concrete lookalikes. You'll have the minimal, moody, and industrial feel of concrete with a flooring pick that's far more suited to small spaces.

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devon grace interiors

Looking for a subtler way to bring grey into the bathroom? Don't forget about grout. Grey grout looks cleaner for far longer than white grout ever will, and it's not as intense as black grout. It's a good pick for bathrooms that already have some dark touches in them, like matte black hardware or an accent wall.

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cathie hong interiors

Ombre may have been a trend that mostly stayed in the 2010s, but it still has some helpful style left in it. A subtle dark-to-light pattern in marbled grey tile creates a stunning and understated visual effect that shows off the veining of the stone.

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cathie hong interiors

Another material that meshes wonderfully with grey is wood, especially unfinished wood. The raw look of the lumber provides an excellent contrast against the smooth and polished texture of the grey tile.

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bespoke only

Ready to make your bathroom feel extra-moody? Break out the dark grey tile and some similarly colored paint, and get renovating. This bathroom from Bespoke Only makes this dark and richly colored look feel enchanting and elegant rather than dreary and drab.

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Devon Grace Interiors

Another way to incorporate grey in your bathroom without it feeling boring is to use two different shades of grey. A light grey tile floor, like the one pictured above from Devon Grace Interiors, highlights the drama of the dark grey wallpaper. A match made in heaven.

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michelle berwick

Though penny tile is most often seen on bathroom floors, it can have a home on your bathroom wall too. The delicate, circular pattern looks just as pretty at eye-level as it does looking down. Install some in grey for a minimalist and elegant look.

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michelle berwick

Rich navy is excellent partner alongside light grey, and the bathroom from Michelle Berwick above demonstrates how to pull off this color combo excellently. The touches of blue-grey tile in the shower don't hurt either.

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michelle berwick

Half the fun of picking bathroom tile is seeing all the different types of tile there are. And this grey floor tile, as seen in this bathroom designed by Michelle Berwick, has got to be one of our favorites. The interlocking star look is a unique touch to this pared-down grey tile option.

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michelle berwick

As brass goes with grey so well, it only makes sense that a little yellow won't hurt either. Yellow accents are easy companions to grey tile, like this wall art paired alongside the floor tile in the space above.

Are You Cleaning Your Sponges? Here's How

16 ways to work with gray tile |

(Image credit: Davide Lovati & Ripples Bathrooms)

One of our favorite ways to decorate a space, our gray bathroom tile ideas combine practicality with a subtle chicness.

Tiles are the go-to option for bathroom walls and floors – and for good reason too. Being hardwearing, water-resistant and with a huge variety of designs to choose from, bathroom tile ideas can reflect your own style no matter how much space you have to work with. 

Gray, meanwhile, is an extremely versatile, neutral shade that works in classic and contemporary homes alike, so it’s no wonder that gray bathroom ideas are a popular choice today. Pair with pops of color, or make it monochrome – the final look is really up to you – quite frankly, there are so many bathroom ideas to choose from.

Gray bathroom tile ideas

Explore our top 16 stylish gray bathroom tile ideas for some serious design inspiration. 

 1. Use a palette of varied shades

(Image credit: Darren Cheung)

If you are unsure on what shade of gray to pick for your bathroom tiles, why not use a pretty palette of varied shades to create a stand out space. 

Senior Designer Jo Sangster from Ripples London states, ‘gray is a timeless choice when it comes to bathroom tiles and with so many shades, patterns and textures to choose from it needn't look dull or clinical’.

In this bathroom, the beautiful herringbone patterned wall tiles in a mix of cool and warm gray shades, form a stunning, intricate design that truly celebrates the color gray. The dark, brown-gray floor tiles enhance the warming tones of the wall tiles, creating an inviting space that feels very much like a glamorous spa. 

2. Combine different shapes and sizes 

(Image credit: Jonathan Gooch)

To create an atmosphere of subtle contrast in your bathroom space, using gray tiles of different shapes and sizes will create a visual delight, full of inviting texture and tactile interest. 

A heavily tiled space, this bathroom sees a beautiful mix of traditional brick tiles in the shower and on the bath, and a smaller, intricate patterned tile design on the floor. United by the same pale gray color palette, the open and inviting design is perfect for wet room ideas.

3. Keep it traditional

(Image credit: Time Inc (UK) Ltd)

Depending on your home and style, keeping things traditional with your gray bathroom tile choices will ultimately create a timeless look that can grow with your bathroom space for years to come.  

In this bathroom, the dark gray tiles have been mounted halfway across all four walls in a traditional brick pattern, with the linear design creating a clean and classic look that is both elegant to look at and easy to clean.

Senior Designer Jo Sangster from Ripples London states when using dark tiles, ‘if chosen correctly, dark grey tiles can work well, even in smaller bathrooms, as they can add depth to the space and draw the eye in; a feature wall is often a good way to incorporate a dark grey hue without it looking to overwhelming’. 

Here, the dark gray tiles are complemented by the light gray paint used on the walls and larger, warm gray tiles on the floor, creating an inviting and relaxing bathroom space that incorporates traditional techniques.

4. Pick a patterned tile  

(Image credit: Future)

Picking a patterned tile is a simple way to enhance your bathroom with visual interest and personality, with a gray color choice ensuring the overall scheme is relaxed and elegant.  

The geometric gray and white patterned floor tiles used in this bathroom create a beautiful contrast with the white square wall tiles, adding a statement appeal. Accessorizing with different textures and materials, such as the woven baskets and vintage, metallic wall lights, adds warmth to the white and grey scheme, resulting in a sophisticated and inviting bathroom space.

5. Create a subtle mosaic effect  

(Image credit: Ripples Bathrooms)

In this bathroom, the collage of subtle mosaic patterns and shapes creates a truly unique, vintage feel. A great way to add texture and pattern but in an understated way, the relaxing gray color palette enhances the classic mosaic look. 

Complemented by larger, warming gray tiles, the white mirror and black and white basin adds a modern edge, whilst perfectly coordinating with the gray scheme.

6. Use a gray marble 

(Image credit: Ti Archive)

Enduring and luxurious, marble bathroom ideas will always create a beautiful and practical scheme. The natural qualities of marble make it a perfect choice for the bathroom, with it being both extremely durable and water resistant. 

Opting for gray marble tiles in the bathroom will create a long-lasting, timeless appeal, as they can easily match and coordinate with an array of other tiles, colors and textures. 

The gray marble tiles used throughout this bathroom make the room feel light and spacious, enhanced by the light paint shade used on the walls. The darker gray floor tiles ground the whole scheme, with the metallic fittings and wooden accessories creating a stylish contrast and inviting texture.

7. Add interest with bold mosaics

(Image credit: Claybrook)

‘Gray need not be used as a solid color when tiling.’ explains Rob Whitaker, Creative Director at Claybrook.

‘Mosaics are a great way to bring movement and visual interest into a space when utilizing more neutral shades. Marble mosaics are a case in point – the natural material means even within one shade there are variations in tone.

Likewise, the 2022 tile trend of grayscale terrazzo tiles creates a captivating canvas when used on the walls or for bathroom floor tiles.

8. Scale up

(Image credit: CP Hart)

Large format tiles are ideal for bathrooms and wet rooms – if you're looking for shower tile ideas.

Often seen in luxury spas, oversized stone gray tiles add a sense of grandeur, but are also practical. With less tiles to work with, they are quicker to lay and minimal grout lines mean they are easier to clean too. 

9. Mix your materials

(Image credit: Drummonds)

When it comes to decorating the walls of your bathroom, you may want to consider using a combination of materials.

Tiles are sensible for wet zones – think around the bath, above the basin and in a shower enclosure. We have a handy guide on how to tile a bathroom wall if you need some help. 

You could add some feature wallpaper elsewhere in the space. Water-resistant wallpapers are available, or ask your decorator to apply Decorator's Varnish for added protection in case of splashes.  

10. Play with texture

(Image credit: Lapicida)

If you plan to keep the color scheme neutral with gray bathroom tiles, you can add interest by bringing different shapes and textures into the design.

Look out for tiles with repeating patterns or unusual shapes that will work with the style of your space. 

Play around with the options too. You can often create a variety of different looks simply by repositioning the layout of the tiles.

11. Use tiles to zone

(Image credit: Amtico)

Enhance your bathroom layout by using tiles to help zone the space. 

Place a border of patterned tiles within a shower or around a bath to highlight these areas, keeping the rest of the bathroom neutral with a plain yet complementary tile. 

And if you are looking to cover a large amount of floorspace, consider alternative materials such as Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). They're worth considering if you're looking for bathroom flooring ideas, since they mimic the look of real stone, but are often easier to maintain and won’t feel as cold underfoot on those early mornings.

12. Consider your finish

(Image credit: Stone and Ceramic Warehouse)

Most bathroom tiles will come in two finishes – matte or gloss. Which you go for is really down to personal preference. 

Matte tiles don’t show up marks and smudges as obviously, and tend to be less slippery. Gloss tiles, on the other hand, have a more reflective surface that enhances light. 

These work particularly well when applied to the walls by making the room feel brighter, great if you're looking for small bathroom ideas. 

13. Take an all-over approach

(Image credit: Verona)

Using the same gray bathroom tiles throughout your space can create a sleek, seamless look. 

Some tiles are more suitable for floors than others, so check if the design you like can be applied to both floors and walls to avoid any costly mistakes when buying tiles. 

Keep an eye out for appropriate slip ratings, and if you wish to have underfloor heating make sure your tiles can sit on top of your system – most porcelain and ceramic tiles should be able to.  

14. Create a two-tone effect

(Image credit: Walls and Floors)

‘When it comes to gray bathrooms, why not mix two coordinating shades to add visual interest to your walls and floors,’ suggests Katy Black, Marketing Director at Verona.

‘For example, you could select lighter shades for walls and darker tones for floors.’ When deciding on a combination, try warm tones together for a relaxing feel, or cooler shades for a fresher look.  

15. Use pops of color

(Image credit: Ca'Pietra)

Gray tiles can be a subtle backdrop that allow colorful items in your bathroom to shine.

Introduce pops of color to your design through towels and accessories, or go one step further and commit to bold brassware and statement sanitaryware.

If you love the bathroom above, you could even consider incorporating some of these pink room ideas into your scheme.

16. Find the right shade

(Image credit: West One Bathrooms)

While lighter gray tiles can create a softer, more feminine look, deep graphites and charcoals can instantly add a more contemporary edge to your bathroom scheme.  

Where possible, request to see samples in person so you can visualise different combinations and scales of size to find what works for you.

What colors go with gray bathroom tiles?

‘Gray tiles are a blank canvas, so your accessory options are endless,’ says Katy Black, Marketing Director at Verona.

‘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.’

Should gray floor tiles be darker than wall tiles?

It is a popular approach, but not necessarily the only option – in fact doing the opposite can create a strong effect.

‘Darker wall tiles add impact and mood to a space, and pairing them with a pale floor simply adds to the drama,’ advises Rob Whitaker, Creative Director at Claybrook. 

Another idea is to use the same shade across both the walls and floors, as this can make the bathroom look sleek, seamless and bigger – a great tile idea for a small bathroom. Many tile ranges are now available in the same design but different formats to achieve this look. 

Should grout be darker or lighter than a tile – and what grouts go with gray tiles?

Using a grout that is a similar shade to your tiles can help to create a premium finish, and matching your grout to your tiles will also help disguise any discoloration that inevitably occurs over time. 

While white grout is often seen as the conventional choice, if you are aiming for a modern look then you could opt for a dark grout against light gray tiles. Just be sure the tiles have been appropriately sealed or glazed, otherwise excess grout may stick or sink into the tile.

Zara joined Homes & Gardens in February 2022 as a Content Editor. After studying English Literature at University, she worked as an Ecommerce Website Editor, Content Writer and Buying Intern at multiple independent businesses within the luxury retail and lifestyle sectors. Her role at Homes & Gardens unites her love, experience and passion for the world of design and desire to create inspiring written content. She enjoys nothing more than discovering new trends, brands and products, whether that be in fashion, interior design or lifestyle.

Gray bathroom tiles | Domfront

Gray is almost as effective as black, but not so gloomy. It is almost as concise as white, but not quite as stamped. It is one of the most versatile and flexible colors. Gray gets along well with other tones and easily adapts to the situation. He is strict, solid, noble, at the same time quiet, simple and modest. And most importantly - it is always and everywhere appropriate. In any room, regardless of style, gray can be used in small or large quantities. Today we will talk about its use in the bathroom. nine0003

1. Stylish bathroom with gray tiles

Gray tiles can often be found in bathrooms in styles such as European minimalism, loft, art deco and modern classics. When planning to decorate the interior of the bathroom in one of the listed styles, consider using this particular color plan.

Gray is, roughly speaking, not a color, but its absence. For minimalism, this is certainly an important aspect. Gray tiles give the interior a strict and severe look, which is also very important for creating a minimalist atmosphere. nine0003

Such interiors are characterized by the use of “boar” tiles and large tiles. When using a large tile, the seams are rubbed tone on tone with it to create the illusion of a monolithic surface.

If the tile looks like metal, rough stone or concrete, then it fits perfectly into the industrial-urban atmosphere of the industrial style (or, in other words, the loft style). Here it is combined with white "boar", brick, wood. nine0003

For art deco and modern classics, gray tiles with imitation of stone and metal, as well as with a noble smoky shade, are suitable. Such a tile adds solidity and respectability to the interior, allowing not to deviate towards pretentious luxury, but to remain within the framework of elegant restraint.

Modern classic bathroom with Art Deco touches

Modern classic

Art Deco

Another type of gray tile is imitation wood. Material with this design is suitable for interiors with both urban and rural motifs (country, provence, rustic). nine0003

2. Combination of gray tiles

Sometimes you can find advice to combine gray tiles with light ones, preferably with white ones. Say, only this step will save the interior from excessive gloom. However, we will allow ourselves to disagree with this.

First, gray is different. There are very light and warm shades - they are not able to make the interior dark and oppressive.

Secondly, to make the bathroom quite light, bright and radiant, it will be enough white plumbing fixtures, mirrors and properly calculated lighting. If you complete the bathroom with light furniture and glass elements, the brightness will increase. Such an interior can be called more spectacular than gloomy. nine0003

If you want a variety of bathroom finishes, there is no need to combine with tiles of a different color. You can play on the combination of different tones, textures, shapes, sizes. For example, combine tiling and mosaics or make a mix of large and small tiles in similar shades. An interesting result can be achieved if the bathroom is lined with gray tiles with different surface patterns. For example: monophonic + under a stone, under metal + under a tree, etc. Even if the bathroom is gray-gray, the interior will still not come out dull and flat. You will want to see and touch such a finish. nine0003

You can, of course, combine gray tiles with other color finishes if desired. It is always a good combination with tiles or paint of white and various shades of light blue.

You can choose another companion color. For example, beige, peach, brown, pale green, lavender, black. The union of gray and beige (or peach) will make the bathroom a little warmer, velvety. Green and lavender, on the contrary, will add a pleasant coolness. A tandem with brown and black will give the interior austerity and severity. nine0003

3. Furniture for a gray bathroom

White, black, gray furniture is a universal choice for such an interior. A dark brown color (chocolate, wenge) will also fit well here.

If the tile imitates wood, you can safely use furniture with a similar wood pattern, even if its color is far from gray.

By the way, for bathrooms decorated in a modern European style, the neighborhood of gray tiles with wood of various shades is typical. nine0003

Accent furniture is another option. A blue, green, yellow or turquoise cabinet will defuse the atmosphere of gloomy grayness.

A stone or stone imitation countertop with large veins looks luxurious in a gray bathroom.

Try not to overload the interior with large dark color elements. If the countertop is large, let it be light. If the cabinet is bulky - give preference to white, light gray, mirror. So that the result does not disappoint you, strive for a balance of dark and light, gloomy and bright. nine0003

Examples of bathrooms with gray tiles:

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70+ photos of a bathroom with gray matte or glossy tiles

Gray bathroom tiles are still considered a rather unusual and risky solution. However, it is one of the most practical bathroom tile designs that are stain resistant and easy to maintain.

And the myth about the dullness and gloom of gray turns out to be completely powerless in front of a competent design approach. nine0005

Gray tiles are versatile and can look great in any room. Now its range is quite wide, which simplifies the question of how to choose tiles for the bathroom.

When choosing the right tile, you should pay attention to several important aspects.

Tile size

At the moment, you can find tiles of various sizes in stores (with a side length of 1 to 90 cm). When buying, you should be guided by the basic rule: the more modest the dimensions of the room, the smaller the tiles you need to choose. nine0003

The fact is that large format tiles visually reduce the space.

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Modern technologies allowed to make ceramics of various different textures - nimble. , natural stone and marble.

Available in matt or glossy bathroom tiles. nine0003

Gloss has its advantages: it makes the interior brighter and more positive, and it is much easier to care for such material. At the same time, it is rather slippery (it is not recommended to use it as a floor covering) and not too wear-resistant.

A variety of textures allows you to implement the most daring projects - for example, the design of a marble or brick bathroom.

Matte and mosaic tiles are more practical.

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IMPORTANT! Combining ceramics of several textures and sizes in the interior, you can achieve interesting effects that will allow you to avoid the monotony of gray.

Color palette

There are many different shades of grey. Choosing from them, you should not get carried away with rich dark gray tones.

It is recommended to combine them with ceramics in lighter shades, which create a feeling of comfort and peace. nine0003

Producer

Traditionally, Spanish (Pamesa, Novogres, Ceramica) and Italian (Saloni, Valverde, Tilegres) manufacturers represent the best quality tiles. At the same time, Italian brands offer a rich selection of unique design solutions. High quality allows you to be sure that many years will pass before you need to restore the tiles in the bathroom.

However, these products are very expensive.

More budget options, comparable in quality, can be found in various Polish collections (Cersanit, Cerrol, Polcolorit), as well as in the products of the Czech company Rako and the Turkish Kalebodur. nine0003

Practice shows that any manufacturer has both excellent and not entirely successful collections.

Therefore, focusing only on the brand name is not worth it.

Quality characteristics

When purchasing bathroom tiles, special attention should be paid to their quality characteristics (usually they are indicated in the form of various pictograms on the back of the package).

An important indicator is the susceptibility of the material to high humidity. nine0003

It is recommended to use finely porous tiles (labeled "Group 1-3").

Chemical resistance is indicated by the letters of the Latin alphabet. For the bathroom, tiles with the marking "AA" are recommended.

IMPORTANT! If necessary, you can simplify the difficult task of choosing the right tile by giving preference to a ready-made specialized collection from a manufacturer. Usually they include harmonious combinations of several types of tiles and decor. nine0003

Recommended reading: Bathroom design in black and white

Palette

Contrary to popular belief, gray is very versatile. It includes about 200 different shades, which allows you to safely use it to create interesting and attractive design projects.

Regardless of the size of the bathroom, you can choose a harmonious shade - from rich dark gray to light ash. nine0003

Wet asphalt, graphite and anthracite colors have been trending for many years now. These tones are great for accents in

Tiles of similar tones are best to cover one of the walls or the floor, which will allow you to play interestingly with the arrangement of light and shadow in the bathroom.

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Light gray scale is relevant for rooms of any size. Here you should pay attention to silver, steel, ash and lead shades, which have long become noble classics. nine0003

No less popular are the "colored gray" shades - dove, gray-green, purple-gray. In many cases, they look very original and fresh.

IMPORTANT! Dark shades of wall cladding visually reduce the size of the room.

Styles

Thanks to a wide choice of textures and shades, gray tiles look organically in the implementation of a variety of stylistic solutions - from avant-garde to modest and homely. Especially often and successfully it is used in the following styles:

Minimalist

Ideal for small bathrooms, functional and elegant. When cladding walls, it is important to create a monolithic impression here. To do this, use a large tile and grout of the same color with it.

You may be interested in: Bathroom design with wood effect tiles

Loft

One of the most popular styles at the moment. Associated with creative and concise simplicity. In this case, it is best to prefer gray tiles with a rough texture (imitation of concrete, brick or metal). nine0197

It is recommended to combine it with tiles and decor in white or metallic shades.

Art Deco

Respectable style that combines the nobility of classics and pretentiousness of modern art. There will be an organic textured tile of various ashy and smoky shades.

Decor and accessories made of shiny metals will complement the atmosphere well.

Provence and rustic

Textured gray tiles that look like wood or natural stone are perfect for these cozy rustic styles. Cool shades of blue-gray, gray-gray and gray-green will add elegance to the look of the bathroom.

A more gentle and romantic interior can be achieved by combining a gray palette with peach, beige, cream.

Recommended reading: How to clean grout between tiles

Topical combinations

Gray color is relevant in combination with almost any other shades. A particularly cozy and comfortable result can be achieved by combining it in the interior with various “warm” tones (orange, yellow, beige, cream).

A more aristocratic and restrained look will be the combination of gray with colors of the “cold” scale (green, blue, mint).

Most often, gray cladding is complemented with decor and accessories in bright colors - turquoise, pink, red. Against a calm grayish background, these colors look very harmonious and interesting. nine0003

Such an interior visually creates a feeling of freshness and cleanliness.

Adding soft shades of peach, ivory, cream and beige to the gray interior will help to make the atmosphere of the bathroom more gentle and homely.

With achromatic colors (black and white), gray is used to create simple and uncluttered interiors. In this case, the texture of the tiles and the lighting of the bathroom play a special role.

By combining these shades, complementing them with metallic and mirror accessories, you can achieve interesting lighting accents and visual effects in rooms of various sizes. nine0003

IMPORTANT! The combination of gray and white tiles is the most popular. White is the easiest color to bring brightness and positivity into a monotonous bathroom design.

Furniture and accessories

When choosing harmonious and stylish accessories for gray wall cladding, you should follow a few simple rules:

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Light selection

The atmosphere that gray tiles will create in the interior depends largely on the characteristics of the lighting.

When choosing lighting fixtures and their location in the bathroom, you should follow a few simple rules:

The fashionable LED lighting is only recommended for embossed tiles. Such lighting, as a rule, perfectly emphasizes all the features of the texture.

With equal success, LEDs will emphasize all the slightest defects in glossy tiles and mistakes made during its installation.

IMPORTANT! The most advantageous tiles of gray tones look with rich and plentiful lighting.


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