When selecting tile for a kitchen or bathroom with dark cabinets, the color choice can really make or break the overall design aesthetic. With so many options, it can be tricky to settle on just the right hue and shade. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tile colors to pair with dark cabinets so you can create a stylish and cohesive space.
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Go Light and Bright
One of the most popular approaches is to choose a light and bright tile color. The high contrast between the dark cabinets and pale tiles creates a striking look. It also makes the space feel open and airy. Some great light tile color options include:
- White
- Cream
- Very light gray
- Light beige
- Bone
- Soft yellow
An all-white kitchen is a timeless choice that always looks crisp and clean. Buttery cream tiles lend a softer, more traditional feel. Light grays and beiges work well in more contemporary spaces. Pale yellow adds a cheerful pop of color.
White Tile with Dark Cabinets
White tile is one of the most popular backsplash choices because it matches any style of decor and illuminates spaces with its reflective qualities. Combined with dark cabinets, the high contrast makes each element stand out in an eye-catching way. An expansive white tile backsplash allows your beautiful cabinets to take center stage.
Cream or Beige Tile with Dark Cabinets
For a slightly softer look, cream or light beige tiles complement dark cabinets beautifully. The subtle warmth of the tiles offsets the boldness of the cabinetry for a more relaxed effect. Natural stone tiles in creams and beiges can provide an elegant, organic vibe as well.
Go for Bold Contrast
While light and dark is a classic tile and cabinet pairing, you can also create dramatic contrast by using a deep, bold tile color. Rich shades like navy, charcoal, black and even deep greens or burgundies can make a stunning statement against ebony cabinets. Just make sure to balance it with enough light elements in the space so it doesn’t feel too dark and heavy.
Blue or Green Tile with Dark Cabinets
Deep blue and green tiles paired with dark cabinets create a wow-worthy effect. The colors complement each other beautifully and add a dose of personality and charm to the kitchen. Try a dramatic navy backsplash against black cabinets for a luxe, cohesive look. Or use turquoise and sage green tiles to brighten up a moody, dark gray kitchen in a more lively way.
Black Tile with Black Cabinets
For a super sleek, modern kitchen, combine black tile with black cabinets. When done right, it looks incredibly chic. Stick to matte finishes rather than glossy to prevent it from feeling too harsh and sterile. Add in lighter elements like marble countertops, brass hardware and pendant lighting to keep the vibe sophisticated instead of Gothic.
Warm Metal or Wood Tones
Warm metal and wood tones provide an elegant, earthy complement to dark cabinets. Matching the undertones of your cabinetry and tiles creates a cohesive effect. Natural material tiles like travertine, marble, and slate work especially well to make a seamless design statement.
Copper or Brass Tile
The soft shine of copper and brass tile brings a glamorous touch to a dark kitchen. Brass tile has experienced a major revival lately for its retro charm and ability to brighten up moody spaces. Use it sparingly as an accent or full backsplash.
Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look ceramic and porcelain tiles are practically indistinguishable from the real thing these days. Combining chocolate brown or similar wood-tone tiles with espresso cabinets results in a rich, organic kitchen vibe. Concrete-look tiles in warm greys can have a very similar effect.
Vivid Pops of Color
While muted tones are common with dark cabinets, you can dial up the drama with bold pops of color. Vivid tile hues in the backsplash make the cabinets the strong silent type while still adding a fun, lively edge. Consider hues like:
- Sapphire blue
- Emerald green
- Violet
- Citrus orange or yellow
- Cherry red
Balance is the key to effectively pulling off brightly colored tiles with dark cabinets. Stick to one intense color so it doesn’t become overwhelming. Use sparingly as an accent backsplash or repeating mosaic pattern. Keep countertops, floors and other elements neutral. Adding metallic finishes can help give this bold palette a sophisticated sensibility.
Blue Tile with Dark Cabinets
From navy to aqua, blue tile and dark cabinets create a color scheme that’s both impactful and calming. The contrasting hues are bold yet easy on the eyes. Try deep navy or bright royal blue backsplashes against black cabinets for a look that’s regal and refined.
Green Tile with Dark Cabinets
Verdant green is another energetic color that enlivens dark cabinetry while complementing its hue. Grass green, emerald and sage backsplashes pop beautifully against espresso and charcoal cabinets. Touches of copper and brass accentuate the lushness.
Red Tile with Dark Cabinets
While red and black have a Gothic vibe, adding red tile as an accent color to brown or gray cabinetry feels vibrant and fun instead of ominous. Opt for ceramic tiles in cherry red rather than a fire engine hue for a more sophisticated look. Limit to a backsplash or repeating vertical stripe motif.
Neutrals with Contrasting Finishes
You don’t have to go with an eye-popping bright or bold tile to complement dark cabinets elegantly. Neutral colors like gray, brown and taupe can also pair wonderfully when you incorporate contrasting finishes for visual interest.
Glossy Tile with Matte Cabinets
Glossy subway or ceramic wall tiles serve as the perfect reflective contrast to velvety flat-front cabinets. The variance in sheen adds subtle detailing without overwhelming the calming neutral color scheme.
Matte Tile with Gloss Cabinets
Flip that dynamic for a slightly different effect. Matte tiles in natural hues like brown, gray and taupe provide subtle textural contrast to lacquered cabinets with a lustrous, shiny finish.
Large and Small Tile Patterns
Playing with scale also creates contrast by adding visual layers. Pairing large format tile for floors or walls with a mosaic sheet backsplash keeps the palette neutral while offering a play on proportions.
Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tile backsplashes provide the perfect opportunity to incorporate color, pattern and texture in a small, controlled way. You can match or contrast the tiles to the cabinets. Mosaic tiles come in endless color combinations, shapes, materials and designs. They can range fromfunky and eclectic to subtle and sophisticated.
Some perfect ways to use mosaic tile with dark cabinets include:
- As an accent border or strip
- In a geometric herringbone pattern
- As alloverdisconnected squares or dots
- In concentric shapes radiating outward
- In a decorative floral or leaf design
Keep the patterns at eye level around 4 feet up from the floor for best visibility. Don’t overwhelm the space by covering every surface. Stick to just the backsplash or a section of wall cabinets. Mini tiles can provide loads of visual impact in small doses if thoughtfully designed.
The Best Tile Colors for Dark Cabinets
Now that we’ve explored a variety of tile color schemes and ideas, what are the very best options for pairing with dark cabinets?
Here is a quick reference table summarizing the top tile colors for kitchens or bathrooms with dark cabinetry:
| Tile Color | Description |
|---|---|
| White | Clean, bright, and timeless. High contrast. |
| Light Cream or Beige | Soft, subtle contrast. Warm and inviting. |
| Navy Blue | Nautical chic. crisp color pop. |
| Emerald Green | Jewel-toned and refreshing. |
| Wood Look | Modern yet natural. Coordinates beautifully. |
| Black | Striking and sleek. Dramatic effect. |
| Brass or Copper | Warm metallic shine. Retro flair. |
| Mosaic Tiles | Artistic and eclectic. Endless pattern options. |
Tips for Selecting Tile with Dark Cabinets
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind when selecting tile pairings for dark cabinetry:
- Sample tiles – Look at large floor or wall tile samples onsite before purchasing to envision colors and patterns.
- Lighting – View tile choices in the actual space with the lighting you’ll be using to see true colors.
- Finish – Glossy tile can look much darker than matte when installed. Consider finish effects.
- Space size – Bold colors and patterns suit larger kitchens. Use sparingly in smaller spaces.
- Functionality – Opt for harder, more durable surfaces like porcelain for high-traffic floor areas.
- Cohesiveness – Limit tile colors and styles for a unified look. Too many combinations can feel busy.
Conclusion
With endless style possibilities, selecting tile to match dark cabinets can be tricky. Focus on choosing colors and textures that create the visual look and mood you want. Hues that contrast sharply or complement harmoniously are both great options. Just make sure to strike the right balance. Thoughtfully mixing and matching tile materials, formats, sheens, and colors will result in a kitchen or bath that looks tailored, put-together, and full of your unique character and flair.