Inspiration
The timeless appeal of white tiles
Bringing a sense of harmony to any space, white tiles are a wonderfully versatile choice when it comes to interiors — beautiful in its own right or as a companion to almost any other shade. Yet there is more to this neutral than initially meets the eye.
As part of her role developing our new products, Anita Rivers spends hours in her lab, experimenting with colour. When creating whites, Anita always begins with our hand mixed opaque white frit. Next, she adds the smallest amount of a stain chosen from our bank of over fifty pigments. “Subtle undertones within whites can create a very different overall effect,” Anita explains. “A dash of blue makes for a cool, bright white, stunning in a contemporary bathroom. Adding a touch of pink to the white frit creates a softer look that works beautifully in a country kitchen.”
Our colours are renowned for their complexity, and while our precise colour recipes are a closely guarded secret, we can tell you that one of our favourite whites includes no less than four different pigments to make up it's specific tone.
Choosing the perfect shade of white
Whilst all our white tiles are beautiful, there are subtle differences which can impact your decision on which to choose for your home.
Understanding the light in your space and having an idea of the feeling you seek to evoke will help you to choose the perfect white tile.
Cool whites
Cool whites have undertones of blue , green or grey, giving them a brighter, crisp finish. These tiles are ideal for brightening darker rooms with limited natural light, without overwhelming the space.
If your space is lit with warm artificial lighting, you may benefit from cool white tiles, which balance the warm tone of the light and prevent your room from feeling too yellow. Conversely, in a room with cooler lighting, such as LED lit spaces, you may opt for a warm white to soften the space.
Cool white tiles can also be used to create a sense of balance in rooms with abundant natural light, such as south facing bathrooms or kitchens, which are basked in warm light all day.
Warm whites
Warm whites feature subtle undertones of beige, pink or yellow, and create a cozy, inviting feel. These white tiles are perfect for traditional interiors and bring a sense of warmth and softness, making spaces feel intimate and welcoming.
Warm whites pair beautifully with brass fixtures, wood and ornate finishes for a classic, traditional look.
Introducing texture
A great way to retain a simple, classic aesthetic with white tiles is to introduce interest using texture. This ensures your tiles are both beautiful and versatile, creating a space that can be enjoyed for years to come, even if you make changes to paint colours or accessories.
Gloss white tiles
Our gloss and crackle glazed white tiles delicately reflect light around your space, with subtle character and undulating surfaces to bring interest and depth.
Rustic white tiles
Our rustic, handmade white tiles such as those from our Kennet and Ullswater collections are made using hand-pressed terracotta tile bodies. This gives the surface of the tile a unique texture, with no two tiles the same. These handcrafted tiles are an ideal feature to catch the light and add depth and character without needing colour.
Matt white tiles
White tiles from our Marlborough Matts collection are the perfect way to create a soft, contemporary look without shine and reflections, ideal for calming living spaces and bathrooms or kitchens with an abundance of bright light.
White hot
You'll find white tiles and off-white tiles in a variety of tones and textures across our collections. Here are just a few of our favourites.
When it comes to choosing the perfect tile for your space, we always recommend ordering several samples. Take the time to consider the tiles in the light – literally – of the space you are renovating. Move them around the room, and look at them at different times of day as the light changes.
"Finally, though it perhaps doesn't sound the most glamorous of design decisions, grout can be used to stunning effect with white tiles. Choose our Medium Grey grout to add a dramatic, contemporary edge, or White Grout for a crisp, clean finish."
Need a little more help making your decision? Our design experts will be very happy to advise you. Simply get in touch.
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