When choosing a tile for a shower floor, the color is an important consideration. The color of the tile can impact the overall look and feel of the bathroom. Some popular choices for shower floor tile colors include white, beige, gray, and even blue. But which color is truly the best for a shower floor? There are pros and cons to each option that are important to think through.
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Factors to Consider
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting a shower floor tile color:
Aesthetics
The color of the shower floor tile will set the tone for the whole bathroom. White and beige tiles will create a bright, clean look. Gray tiles can give a more modern, sophisticated vibe. Blue adds a pop of color. Consider the overall style you want for the bathroom and choose a shower tile color that enhances that aesthetic.
Lighting
The amount of natural and artificial lighting in the bathroom will impact how the shower tile color looks. Darker tiles like gray may look dingy and dull in a bathroom with minimal lighting. Lighter tiles can help brighten up a dark space. Take lighting into account when selecting a color.
Size of the Shower
A smaller shower can feel cramped quickly. Lighter colored tiles such as white or beige will make a small shower feel more open and spacious. Dark tiles will have the opposite effect.
Cleaning and Maintenance
White and light-colored tiles will show dirt, soap scum, mold, and mildew much more than darker tiles. That means they require more frequent and thorough cleaning. Consider the time you want to spend on cleaning when choosing a light or dark colored tile.
Slip Resistance
The most important factor for any shower floor is slip resistance. Look for tiles with rough or textured surfaces to avoid slipping. This may limit color options, as more textured tiles tend to be lighter.
The Pros and Cons of Popular Shower Tile Colors
Here is a more in-depth look at some of the most common shower floor tile colors and the pros and cons of each:
White
Pros:
- Brightens up the space
- Gives a clean, crisp look
- Makes small showers feel more open
Cons:
- Shows dirt easily
- Can feel sterile if not balanced with other colors
- Limited slip-resistant textures available
Beige
Pros:
- Warmer tone than white
- Also brightens up space
- More color options than white
Cons:
- Still shows dirt, soap, etc.
- Can darken and show wear over time
Gray
Pros:
- Versatile, neutral color
- Less likely to show dirt and stains
- Goes well with most color schemes
Cons:
- Can make bathroom feel dark and closed in
- Cool tone may seem sterile and uninviting
Blue
Pros:
- Adds a fun pop of color
- Feels refreshing like water
- Complements white fixtures and accents
Cons:
- Bolder color may feel overwhelming
- Still shows dirt, scum, and stains
- Finding matching accessories can be tricky
Best Type of Tile for Shower Floors
Beyond just color, the actual tile material matters when choosing a shower floor tile. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular options. Natural stone tiles are beautiful but come with some drawbacks in the shower. Here’s an overview:
Porcelain
Porcelain tile is an excellent choice for shower floors, as it is:
- Dense, so water does not seep through
- Durable against chips and cracks
- Easy to clean and resists stains
- Has slip-resistant textures available
- Comes in a wide range of colors
Ceramic
Ceramic tile also works well, though it is not as durable or dense as porcelain. The pros of ceramic tile are:
- Usually more affordable than porcelain
- Available in many colors and textures
- Easy to clean surface
Ceramic’s downsides are that it may fade over time and is prone to cracking. It also absorbs more water.
Natural Stone
Natural stone like marble, travertine, or slate can be used for shower floors, but does have some drawbacks:
- Porous surface absorbs water and stains
- Can be very slippery when wet
- Susceptible to etching from acids
- Cracks easily and needs resealing
Due to these downsides, stone is usually not the first choice for shower flooring. It requires a lot of maintenance.
The Best Shower Floor Tile Color
Taking all of these factors into consideration, the best color for a shower floor tile is likely to be:
White Porcelain
Here’s why white porcelain tile is an ideal option:
- Brightens up the shower and bathroom
- Gives a clean, simple look
- Porcelain is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean
- Comes in slip-resistant textures
- Many style options are available
White tile avoids the dinginess issues of darker tiles while also hiding dirt better than super light beige. The porcelain material is superior to ceramic or stone. And white matches any decor.
For these reasons, white porcelain tile is a versatile, safe choice for nearly any shower floor.
Tips for Choosing the Best White Shower Tile
If you’ve decided to go with white porcelain shower floor tile, here are some tips for choosing the best option:
- Get samples – Look at 2-3 white tile samples in person before deciding
- Consider tone – Brighter white or soft ivory? Matte or glossy finish?
- Assess texture – Small grains or raised dots for traction?
- Envision scale – Larger tiles expand space, smaller add detail
- See grout options – Contrasting or matching grout color?
- Think about layout – Grid, herringbone, or interesting pattern?
With so many types of white porcelain tile to choose from, view samples in the space and also visualize how the tiles will be installed before making a final decision.
Some popular white porcelain shower tile options include:
- Subway tile – Classic 3×6” rectangular tile in glossy or matte
- Penny round mosaic – Small circles for a retro feel
- Hexagon – For a honeycomb pattern
- Carrara – Marble-look porcelain tile
- Herringbone – Elongated zig-zag shape
Getting the right white tile for your shower floor will take some thought. Be sure to look at all available textures, sizes, and layouts before picking the perfect option. Take time making this key design decision to end up with a beautiful, functional shower floor that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Example Tile Comparison Table
| Tile | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| White Porcelain Subway | Classic look, versatile, budget friendly | Can look outdated if not styled properly |
| White Porcelain Hexagon | Unique geometric pattern, brightens space | Hard to clean grout lines |
| White Marble Carrara | Elegant natural look, large tile available | Stains easily, slippery |
Conclusion
Installing new tile in your shower floor is a big project, but the right choice of color and material can make all the difference. For most bathroom styles and budgets, white porcelain tile hits the sweet spot of stylish, durable, easy to maintain, and versatile. Be sure to look at lots of samples and tile layout options before landing on the perfect white tile for your upcoming shower remodel. With careful planning and smart design choices, you’ll wind up with a beautiful new shower space that matches your needs and aesthetic.