Kitchen islands are the perfect focal point and functional element in any kitchen design. Choosing eye-catching tiles is a great way to make your kitchen island stand out. Tiled kitchen islands add visual interest, texture, color and pattern to your space. With so many tile options available, from natural stone and ceramic to glass and mosaic, the design possibilities are endless. This article will explore some unique and stylish tiled kitchen island ideas to inspire your next remodel or new build.
Benefits of a Tiled Kitchen Island
Integrating tile into your kitchen island design offers many advantages beyond just aesthetics. Here are some of the key benefits of choosing tile for your kitchen island:
- Durability: Tiles are extremely durable, able to withstand heavy use and cleaning without wearing down. This makes them ideal for kitchen islands which tend to see a lot of daily use.
- Stain-resistant: Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles are naturally stain-resistant, making them perfect for messy prep work. Any spills can be easily wiped away without leaving a trace.
- Heat-resistant: Tile holds up well to heat from hot pots and pans, unlike some other materials that can scorch or melt.
- Water-resistant: Tile repels water, avoiding damage from splashes and spills during food prep and clean up.
- Easy to clean: Tiles are non-porous, so they don’t absorb spills or odors. Just a quick wipe keeps them looking fresh.
- Design options: With endless tile shapes, sizes, colors, patterns and textures, you can create a totally custom look for your kitchen island.
- Affordable: Tiles are a budget-friendly way to make a big impact. Natural stone tiles can be pricier but ceramic and porcelain tiles are very competitively priced.
Opting for tile on your kitchen island is both stylish and practical. Tiles will hold up beautifully over time with minimal maintenance required.
Most Popular Tiles for Kitchen Islands
If you’ve decided to incorporate tile into your kitchen island design, choosing the right type of tile is key. Consider the overall aesthetic you want along with factors like pricing, durability, and ease of cleaning. Here are some of the most popular tile options to consider:
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is one of the most common choices for kitchen islands. Made from refined clay fired at high temperatures, porcelain tile is extremely durable, water-resistant, and stain-resistant. It comes in a huge range of sizes, colors, shapes and finish options. Matte finishes help hide fingerprints and water spots between cleaning. Some great porcelain tile options include:
- Subway tiles: Classic 3×6″ white glossy subway tiles evoke vintage farmhouse style but you can also find this elongated rectangle shape in fun colors and patterns.
- Moroccan tiles: Intricate patterns in colorful glazes create a bohemian Moroccan vibe.
- Geometric tiles: Bold geometric shapes like hexagons and chevrons make a modern statement.
- Patterned tiles: Look for pretty patterns from floral designs to abstract shapes to create visual interest.
Ceramic Tile
Glazed ceramic tile has a similar aesthetic to porcelain but tends to be less durable. However, it costs a bit less making it another budget-friendly option. Hand-painted Spanish ceramic tiles with detailed images are a popular choice. Or opt for solid colors and modern shapes. Glossy ceramic tile requires more frequent sealing than porcelain.
Natural Stone Tile
For a luxurious look, natural stone tiles like marble, travertine, granite and slate are unbeatable. Each piece offers unique natural veining, speckles and tones. But these tiles come at a higher price point, especially for rare stone varieties. Consider using natural stone sparingly as an accent rather than covering a whole island to save on cost. Some natural stone tile options include:
- Marble: Elegant white Carrara marble with gray veining is a classic. But marble also comes in colors like green and pink for a funky vibe.
- Travertine: Chiseled textures and holes add interest. Travertine ranges from tan to brown shades.
- Slate: A slightly rugged look with earthy gray and blue-gray tones. Holds up very well to kitchen use.
- Granite: Granite’s speckled pattern has a lovely organic look. You’ll find options in black, white, red and brown.
Glass Tile
Looking for some shine? Glass tile adds gorgeous iridescent color effects to your kitchen island. The glass is treated to make it non-porous and suitable for kitchen use. Options include:
- Metallic glass: Reflective glass tiles that mimic metal like copper, silver or gold.
- Mosaic glass: Tiny glass tiles on mesh sheets create shimmering patterns when installed. Perfect for a backsplash effect behind the island.
Metal Tiles
Finally, metal tiles in stainless steel, tin, copper and brass provide an industrial modern edge. The metal is coated in a finish to make it food-safe and non-porous. Metal tiles work beautifully paired with concrete, wood or stone.
With so many tile types to consider, visit local tile showrooms to view products in person. This helps ensure you’ll be happy with how the tiles look installed. Now let’s look at some specific tiled kitchen island design ideas.
Moroccan Tiled Kitchen Island
Transport your kitchen to the vibrance of a Moroccan bazaar with colorful patterned tiles on your kitchen island. Here are some tips for nailing this look:
Choose vividly painted ceramic tiles featuring traditional Moroccan motifs like geometric shapes, floral designs, starbursts and lattice patterns. Many companies like Marrakech Design offer authentic-looking printed ceramic tiles perfect for this style.
Opt for a square, rectangular or rounded island shape to provide enough surface area to showcase the busy tile designs.
Paint the island base cabinet in a contrasting color like navy blue, emerald green or bright orange for a punchy pop.
Incorporate carved wood details like corbels, turned legs or an inset panel to reinforce the world bazaar aesthetic.
Mix and match tile patterns for lots of visual interest. Play with different color palettes across the tiles like intense reds, blues and golds.
Add Moroccan lanterns and decor accessories like Beni Ourain rugs, poofs and throw pillows around the space to complement the tiled island.
This gorgeous tiled island adds lively personality to match its function as the kitchen’s bustling hub. The eye-catching tiles make a bold style statement.
Marble Tiled Kitchen Island
For a touch of luxury, a marble tiled kitchen island exudes elegance. Here’s how to integrate marble tile into your kitchen island design:
- Select a marble variety like Carrara, Calacatta or Statuario for striking white veining against a soft gray or taupe background. These Italian marbles are widely available.
- Limit the marble to a portion of the island like just the countertop or front panel. This keeps costs down while maximizing visual impact.
- Pair the marble with painted or stained Shaker-style cabinets for a classic complement.
- Contrast the marble veining with a dark island base like black for contrast.
- Polished marble tiles offer mirror-like reflection. For a matte look, choose honed marble tiles.
- Protect the marble during food prep with a removable cutting board.
- Seal the marble to limit staining and etching from acidic foods. Use trivets and coasters as well.
Elegant white-veined marble elevates a kitchen island to create a refined focal point for entertaining and prepping meals.
Wood and Tile Kitchen Island Combo
Mixing wood and tile on a kitchen island blends the warmth of wood with the visual pop of patterned tiles. Combining materials creates nice contrast. Here are some tips:
- Use wood for the main island structure and cabinetry. Choose oak or maple for lighter woods or walnut and cherry for dark dramatic contrast.
- Add a colorful tile backsplash along the rear facing side of the island behind the counter area. This protects the wall from splatters.
- Insert a decorative tile inset panel in the front of the island. Geometric and Moroccan-inspired tiles work well to catch the eye.
- Pair a wood countertop with a tiled trim border along the edges. The tiles can match the backsplash.
- Contrast the tile patterns and wood grain by finishing the cabinets in bright matte paint.
- Anchor light wood cabinets with a dark tiled floor.
Combining the visual warmth of wood with the vibrance of tiles creates a dynamic kitchen island for cooking and gathering.
Tiled Backsplash Surround Island
Take your kitchen island backsplash to the next level by completely surrounding the island with tile. This offers a handy splashguard while making the island a focal point. Consider these tips:
- Use smaller-sized mosaic tiles or slim subway tiles to avoid overwhelming the island.
- Wrap the tiles continuously around the island perimeter and across the rangehood area for a cohesive look.
- Choose softer neutral colors like white, beige or gray for the surrounding tiles to avoid going overboard.
- Introduce pops of color with a decorative tile border or bold tiles on the counter surface.
- Leave an inch or two gap between the tiles and countertop edge. Finish the gap with a trim strip to create a finished look.
- Include open shelving with wood accents to break up the tiles.
Completely tiling your kitchen island is a great way to protect surrounding walls and elevate a basic island to an eye-catching accent. Take care to avoid an overly busy look by keeping the tile format simple.
Hexagon Tile Kitchen Island
The hexagon shape instantly grabs attention, making it a go-to geometric accent tile. For bold impact, try tiling your entire island surface and front panel with hexagonal tiles. Some tips:
- Choose smaller mosaic hex tiles around 1-2″ in diameter so the island doesn’t feel overly chunky.
- Pair with simple Shaker-style cabinets finished in neutral colors to avoid competeing with the tiles.
- Opt for black, white or gray tiles and vary the scale and layout patterns for lots of interest.
- Introduce a pop of color with a bold hex tile backsplash behind the rangehood.
- Add visual depth by installing the hex tiles in a bricklike layout.
- Try a combination of matte and glossy tiles for both texture and shine.
Hexagon tiles lend eye-catching geometry and modern style to a kitchen island design. Their repeating shape makes a mesmerizing focal point.
Statement Kitchen Island Hood
Besides the countertops, don’t overlook the island hood area for adding some tile wow-factor. Tiling the hood surround or the hood itself can make this area as much of an accent as the rest of the island. Consider these approaches:
- Fully tile the wall area around the hood to create a tiled niche for visual interest. Contrast with basic tiles on the counters.
- Create a patterned tile hood surround using moroccan-style tiles, elongated subway tiles or mosaics.
- For industrial flair, use metal mosaic tiles on the hood itself.
- Craft a focal point by designing the hood with contrasting geometric tile shapes.
- Add 3-dimensional detail with a tile archway or recessed panels featuring decorative tiles.
- Install a solid surface or stone hood and add a tile trim border for subtle embellishment.
Elevating your kitchen island hood area with stunning tiles creates a focal point for the whole kitchen while housing your essential ventilation system.
Black and White Tile Island
The classic combo of black and white makes a bold and dramatic style statement in any kitchen. Using black and white tiles on your kitchen island is an eye-catching approach. Consider these tips:
- For the countertop, pair glossy white subway tiles with black grout for contrast.
- Use graphic black and white geometric tiles like zigzags, diamonds or hexagons for retro appeal.
- Create old-world charm with a black and white checkerboard tile pattern on the front of the island.
- Make it modern with glossy black and white mosaic penny tiles.
- Incorporate black tiles sparingly as an accent border along the edges of white marble tiles.
- Add black open shelves and matte black cabinets for a cohesive look.
- Include brass accents to warm up the color scheme.
Sleek and stylish, glossy black and white tiles on the kitchen island create visual drama and a bold decorative accent.
Tiled Kitchen Island FAQs
Still have some questions about designing a tiled kitchen island? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Are tiles too cold and hard for a kitchen island?
This can be a concern but choosing warmer tiles like natural stone and using grout matching the tile color helps minimize the cold feel underfoot. You can also install radiant floor heating underneath. Plus an area rug around the island softens the look and feel.
How durable are tiles for kitchen islands?
Tiles like porcelain and ceramic are very durable and suitable for the high-traffic island area. Opt for thicker tile with a PEI rating of 4-5 for heavy residential use. Natural stone is slightly less durable but holds up well with proper sealing.
Should I tile my kitchen island all the way around?
It depends on your design aesthetic and budget. Tiling all sides creates a furniture-like island look. But focusing just on the counter surface and front keeps costs down. A half-tiled design still allows you to showcase gorgeous tiles.
What tiles require the least maintenance?
Porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles are very low maintenance. Just be sure to use grout suited for kitchens and seal natural stone regularly. Glass tiles show fewer fingerprints than polished porcelain or marble.
How do I prevent staining on a tiled island?
Sealing natural stone and grout goes a long way. Using coasters for drinks and trivets for hot pans limits staining as well. Wipe spills immediately and clean with a pH-neutral cleaner safe for natural stone and tile.
With endless options for colors, patterns, textures and materials, a tiled kitchen island is guaranteed to add stylish personality to your space. Choose tiles that coordinate with your overall kitchen design vision. Then get ready to entertain in style!
Conclusion
A tiled kitchen island is a chic way to add color, pattern and texture to your kitchen’s central hub. With so many tile shapes, sizes, materials and design motifs to explore, you’re limited only by your imagination. Carefully choosing tiles that match your desired aesthetic, along with factoring in practical aspects like durability and maintenance needs, results in an island that both thrills your eyes and stands the test of time. Consider a statement backsplash or peaked hood area along with gorgeous countertop tiles. Then get ready to see your dream tiled island come to life!