FAQ

Do dark tiles make a small bathroom look smaller?

Not necessarily. While light colors reflect light, dark colors recede visually, blurring the boundaries of the room. When you wrap a small bathroom in deep emerald or midnight blue tiles, the corners seem to fade away, creating an illusion of infinite depth. The key to making this work in a small space is adequate lighting and utilizing glossy tiles, which bounce light around the room just as effectively as lighter colors.

Should I use light or dark grout with deep emerald or midnight blue tiles?

Your grout choice dictates the entire personality of the room. If you want a seamless, monolithic look that feels modern and expansive, choose a grout color that perfectly matches your tile. If you want to highlight the shape of the tile—such as a classic herringbone or hexagon pattern—choose a high-contrast grout like bright white or soft silver. Just remember that high-contrast light grout will require more rigorous cleaning to remain pristine.

Are ceramic or porcelain tiles better for this trend?

Both materials perform excellently in a bathroom setting, but porcelain is the superior choice for sheer durability and water resistance. Porcelain is fired at higher temperatures, making it denser and less porous than ceramic. If you are tiling a bathroom floor where foot traffic and dropped objects are a concern, always choose porcelain. For wall applications like a shower surround or backsplash, ceramic is perfectly adequate and often more budget-friendly.

Can I tile over existing bathroom tiles?

While it is physically possible to tile over existing tile if the original surface is completely sound, it is highly discouraged for a bathroom renovation. Tiling over tile raises the wall profile, complicating plumbing fixture installations and creating awkward transitions at the edges. More importantly, leaving the old tile prevents you from inspecting the wall studs and updating the waterproofing system. Always tear out the old material to guarantee a structurally sound, waterproof foundation.

When should I hire a professional for my bathroom renovation?

You should hire a licensed professional if your project involves moving plumbing lines, relocating electrical outlets, or performing structural framing alterations. Additionally, if your floor is heavily sloped or you are attempting to build a custom, mortar-bed shower pan from scratch, bringing in an expert ensures the space drains correctly. You can always hire a plumber for the rough-in work and tackle the waterproofing and tile installation yourself to save on labor costs.