2023 Tile Trends: Darkening

Are you getting as excited about Coverings as we are? Our review of 2023 tile trends keeps building our anticipation of the show — so let’s check out another! 

From high-end homes to hospitality interiors, darker hues are being used to give spaces a sense of modern elegance and edginess. Dark interiors can be calming and alluring, making you want to stay a while. You can use dark tile to punctuate a single surface or to darken an entire zone — either way, it’ll effectively set a mood. 

Popular options include inky blues, gunmetal grays, deep forest greens and jet blacks. Whatever you choose, darkening decor is sure to bring the drama.

Dark Tiled Feature Wall

Feature walls are perhaps the most popular space to use this tile. Even if only on a single wall, it’s enough to set the vibe for an entire space.

For example, the dark stone-look feature wall in this shop creates a classic backdrop against which the colorful flowers pop. (Irregular hex tiles add an element of playfulness, too!)

Here’s another feature wall, in a moody, sophisticated bedroom. This glossy black tile, made to look like bubble wrap, turns this room into a cozy, cave-like sleeping quarter with a playful twist.

Dark Tiled Fireplace

We love dark fireplace tile for the contrast it creates against the bright flames of a roaring (or flickering) fire. 

A matte black mosaic tile fireplace surround adds elegance to this upscale living room, and dark distressed tile flooring completes the look.

As this example shows, dark and light tile can play well off of each other to accentuate a design feature. 

[Related: Embrace Cozy Season With These Fireplace Tile Ideas]

Dark Tile Floor

Flooring is another excellent application for it. Dark floor tile immediately makes a space more inviting and cozy.

Black marble-look tile flooring takes this space from underwhelming to striking.

Dark grey bathroom floor tiles — like these large-format charcoal gray ones —create a perfect backdrop for modern decor elements (and these dimensional hex tiles) to pop against.

Moody stone-look flooring is a perfect grounding element for a bright, elegant living space.

[Related: Improve Any Room With These 15 Easy Ceramic Floor Tile Ideas]

Dark Kitchen Tile

Homeowners and designers alike are moving away from the white-on-white kitchen. We spend so much time there, it should be comfortable, inviting, and a reflection of the homeowner — not like every other kitchen on the block.  

This kitchen features a minky brown porcelain tile floor that will stand up to the demands of a family and also be easy to maintain. For a bolder take, dark grey tiles in kitchens offer a sophisticated, urban style — especially when paired with wood cabinets or metallic accents.

Dark Tiled Backsplash

Want to add a touch of drama to a smaller area? Dark backsplash tile is the answer. Even the smallest backsplash can be a striking focal point with it.

[Related: Bathroom and Kitchen Backsplash Tile: Your Comprehensive Guide]

Dark Tiled Island

Island fronts are another opportune surface for dark-colored tile. In the kitchen above, navy blue hexagon tiles contrast the island with the kitchen floor, and also intermixed with white hexagons to enliven the back wall.  

Dark Tiled Bathroom

They can take your bathroom from merely functional to tour-worthy. Spaces such as these you’ll want to show off.

The black marble-look tile in this bathroom provides a solid visual foundation for a colorful recessed vanity area. The dark tile, brass finishes, and fishscale tiles are a glamorous combination. 

Dark floor bathroom designs like this one showcase how grounding elements can elevate the entire space.

Dark grey bathroom tiles offer a more subtle version of the look while still delivering contrast and elegance. They’re ideal for pairing with crisp white fixtures or rich wood cabinetry.

For a slightly less dramatic but equally effective look, opt for dark stone-look flooring to contrast the rest of your bathroom finishes. This is a great example of a bathroom with a dark tile floor that still feels bright and luxurious.

[Related: Bewitching Black Bathroom Tile]

Dark Shower Tile

Don’t want to use it throughout your entire bathroom? Consider using it to delineate your shower. A dark tile shower can have a calming effect, helping you to relax as you wash the day away.

If you’re searching for inspiration, dark grey shower tile ideas are a great place to start — they balance bold style with a soothing palette.

Dark grey shower floor tile can also create beautiful contrast with light walls and keep maintenance simple.

[Related: Choose the Best Shower Tile in 10 Steps PLUS 40 of Our Favorite Design Ideas]

Dark Pool Tiles

What better contrast to the shining sun and bright blue skies than a dreamy dark tile pool surround? This gray stone-look tile brings the grandeur of a remote natural park to a minimal backyard pool.

[Related: Not Your Typical Pool Tile]

Elevate Your Space With Dark Tile

With these designs to choose from, the future of your interior decor looks bright — or at least very interesting. 

On that note, we’ll leave you to ponder which of these designs would look best in your home. Just remember to check back next week for our final 2023 tile trend!

Are you part of the tile and stone industry? Come see these and more dark tile looks on display at Coverings 2023 from April 18-21 in Orlando, Florida. 

Planning on using dark looks in your own home? Don’t forget to explore our bedroom floor tile design ideas for more inspiration, and if you’re looking for tile layout ideas for any other space, be sure to check out our collection of contemporary floor tile design ideas.

Explore more ideas on our Pinterest. Then be sure to share your project with us on Instagram using #WhyTileStyle!