Kitchen and bathroom countertops play a huge role in the look, feel, and functionality of these important rooms. Tile is an extremely popular countertop material, loved for its vast design possibilities, durability, and easy maintenance. With so many tile types, sizes, colors, textures, and patterns to choose from, the options for creating amazing tile counter designs are virtually endless!
Benefits of Tile Countertops
Tile offers many benefits that make it a top choice for kitchen and bathroom counters:
- Durability – Tile is very resistant to scratches, stains, heat, and water damage. It’s built to withstand years of heavy use. Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are hardest.
- Easy maintenance – Tile requires very little maintenance. It resists bacteria growth and most messes can be cleaned with just a sponge and mild detergent.
- Design versatility – Tile comes in a huge range of sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and patterns allowing for unlimited design options. Mix and match for a custom look.
- Affordability – While prices vary, tile is generally an affordable countertop choice, especially when compared to natural stone and quartz.
- Adds value – Tile counters increase a home’s value. They make kitchens and bathrooms look clean, elegant, and timeless.
With all these advantages, it’s easy to see why tile rules the countertop scene. Read on for amazing tile countertop ideas!
Choosing the Right Tile
With so many varieties, choosing the right tile may seem daunting initially. Keep these tips in mind when selecting tile for counters:
Material
- Ceramic – Budget-friendly and available in endless colors/finishes but not as durable as porcelain.
- Porcelain – Made from refined clay and fired at high temperatures, it’s tougher than ceramic and resists water.
- Stone – Elegant options like marble, granite, and slate. Check porosity as more porous stones stain easier.
- Glass – Eye-catching and colorful but not as scratch/chip resistant as ceramic or porcelain.
Finish
- Matte – Has an understated, earthy look and conceals fingerprints/watermarks well.
- Glossy – Provides a shiny, wet-look and makes colors pop but shows messes easily.
- Textured – Adds visual interest and disguises daily wear and tear.
- Mosaics – Tiny tiles forming patterns. Great for accents like a backsplash.
Size
- Smaller tiles have more grout lines which can get grimy but allow more design flexibility.
- Larger tiles have fewer grout lines and create a sleek, seamless look.
- Mix tile sizes for interest. Use larger tiles on countertops and small mosaic tiles on the backsplash.
Color/Pattern
- For counters, stick to solid colors or simple patterns. Super busy patterns compete with kitchen decor.
- Whites/neutrals work with any style. Bold colors make a dramatic statement.
- Match or contrast tile with cabinetry based on your design vision.
Design Ideas
Now for the fun part! With the right tile and a bit of creativity, you can design an eye-catching counter that becomes the focal point of your kitchen or bathroom.
All-White Kitchen
White never goes out of style. An all-white kitchen with crisp white counters and backsplash feels airy and timeless. Use glossy white subway tiles or distressed white rectangles for a vintage vibe. Add interest with marble or stone accents.
An airy all-white kitchen with marble accents. Source
Vintage Style
Vintage-inspired kitchens are all the rage. For a vintage vibe, opt for square white, black, or pale blue glossy subway tiles. Place tiles in a brickwork pattern or offset squares randomly. Add antique-inspired touches like exposed beams, farmhouse sinks, and brass accents.
A vintage-style kitchen with blue and white brick tile counters. Source
Modern Style
For a sleek, modern look, choose large-format plain tiles in matte whites or greys. Minimal grout lines provide visual continuity. Pair with glossy cabinets, chrome fixtures, and pendant lighting for contemporary chic.
A sleek modern kitchen with grey and white rectangular tile counters. Source
Rustic Farmhouse
Rustic farmhouse kitchens are inviting and cozy. For a farmhouse vibe, use reclaimed wood open shelving and mix natural stone and ceramic tiles together. Opt for tiles with visible veining, cracks, or a handmade look. Warm neutrals like beige and brown work well.
A cozy farmhouse kitchen with rustic wood and stone tile counters. Source
Bold Colors
Want to make a colorful splash? Use vibrant solid or hand-painted tiles in glossy finishes. Bold colors like cobalt blue, emerald green, and rich orange create drama. Keep the rest of the decor simple to let the counters shine.
A vibrant kitchen with glossy cobalt blue tile counters. Source
Pretty Pastels
Pastel tiles lend a soft, feminine feel. Mix pastel colors like mint, peach, and lilac for a spring-inspired look. Use white grout to keep the colors soft. Add painted cabinets, marble accents, and brass fixtures for a lovely vintage vibe.
A delicate pastel tile kitchen with marble accents. Source
Natural Stone
For a high-end, timeless look, choose natural stone like granite, marble or travertine. Stones have unique natural veining that adds organic drama. Keep the cabinetry simple to let the counters stand out.
Elegant marble counters lend this kitchen a luxurious feel. Source
Mixed Textures
Don’t be afraid to get creative and mix tile shapes, sizes, and textures together. Using different tiles adds visual interest. Try combining stone mosaic accents with brick subway tiles or glossy and matte tiles together.
A mixture of tile shapes and textures creates a custom look. Source
Statement Backsplash
Use the backsplash as an opportunity to add wow-factor. Opt for colorful patterned or hand-painted tile arranged in eye-catching designs. Complement with simple countertops and cabinets to let the backsplash shine.
This vibrant backsplash steals the show in a sleek modern kitchen. Source
Classic Patterns
Herringbone, chevron, and geometric patterns look fantastic in glossy ceramic or porcelain tile. Use sparingly as accents mixed with solids. Play with scale – small tiles suit backsplashes, larger patterns work on counters and walls.
A geometric herringbone backsplash complements the solid white counters. Source
Bathroom Tile Countertop Ideas
Tile is possibly even more popular in bathrooms than kitchens. Here are some stunning ways to use tile on bathroom vanities:
Floating Vanity
A floating vanity with a tiled counter and wall makes a bathroom feel sleek and modern. Use rectangular wall tiles that match the counter tiles for a cohesive look. Underlighting adds drama.
This floating double vanity makes a stylish modern statement. Source
Vintage Charm
Vintage-style bathrooms have an elegant charm. Subway tiles, vintage hardware, and painted vanities can transport you back in time. Choose glossy white, blue, or black subway tiles for timeless appeal.
This vintage-inspired design is utterly charming. Source
Marble Luxury
Marble tile evokes a sense of luxury. For a glamorous look, opt for large-format marble tiles in soft greys, whites, and beiges. Avoid very bold veining for counters. Add gold accents for extra opulence.
This marble double vanity is the epitome of bathroom elegance. Source
Wood Vanity
Mixing wood and tile can create a uniquely warm, inviting look. Choose wood cabinets and drawers with natural stone or ceramic tile counters for an earthy but elegant feel.
The wood vanity pairs beautifully with the stone tile counters here. Source
Bold Colors
Vibrant solid color tiles in the bathroom create an energetic, spa-like vibe. Try deep blues, emerald greens or cobalt tile on vanities. Accent with white tiles and silver fixtures for an invigorating contrast.
This vibrant teal floating vanity makes a stylish, energizing statement. Source
Installation Tips
Once you’ve selected the perfect tile, proper installation is key to creating a counter that will last. Follow these expert tips:
- Hire a professional installer if you lack tiling experience.
- The substructure/base must be rigid and level to support the tile.
- Use a waterproof backerboard like cementboard as the substructure for kitchen counters.
- In bathrooms, install waterproofing behind tiles on countertops and walls.
- Use modified thinset mortar suitable for the tile type to adhere tiles.
- Carefully follow adhesive and grout manufacturer instructions.
- Joints between tiles should be 1/8 inch or less for counter surfaces.
- Use unsanded grout for tiles with narrow grout lines.
- Seal grout and some natural stone tiles once installed.
- Expect the installation process to take several days to allow drying/setting time.
Tile Countertop Care
One of the many great things about tile is that it requires very little maintenance. Follow these tips to keep your counters looking like new:
- Seal grout annually. Look for grout sealants with stain protection.
- Use pH-neutral cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals which can degrade grout.
- Blot spills quickly to avoid stains, especially on more porous tiles like natural stone.
- Clean regularly with a sponge and mild detergent. Use a grout brush or toothbrush to clean grout lines.
- Re-apply sealers as needed based on manufacturer recommendations.
- Harsh cleaners may dull polished tile finishes. Use a tile polish product to restore the shine.
With the right installation and care, your amazing tile counters can stay looking fabulous for decades!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most durable and water-resistant tiles for countertops?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are tougher than natural stone and provide excellent water resistance. Glazed porcelain tiles are especially durable and impervious to moisture.
Do tile countertops add value to a home?
Yes, tile counters – especially stone – are considered an upgrade that increases resale value. Tile counters make kitchens and bathrooms appear high-end and timeless.
Can you put hot pots/pans on tile counters?
Absolutely! Tile is very heat resistant. The glazes used on ceramic and porcelain tile allow pots up to 1100°F to be placed directly on the counter.
Do tile counters need to be sealed?
Porous tiles like natural stone require sealing to prevent stains. Glazed ceramic and porcelain are non-porous but the grout between tiles needs to be sealed.
Should tiles match from the countertop to backsplash?
Matching counter and backsplash tiles create a seam