Light and Tile

One of the most fascinating things about tile is that it is viewed as a part of its 
surroundings. A tile sample might look one way in a showroom, another way in the home, and 
slightly different again from a.m. to p.m. That’s because light plays a big role in how tile color, 
texture, and movement are experienced. When selecting tile, it’s important to remember that 
lighting plays into the design.
Natural light brings a tile to life in its most authentic way. Sunlight reveals the true 
undertones of the material as it shifts throughout the day. Morning light softens and cools things, 
while afternoon and sunset lighting warms up a space dramatically. A neutral beige tile might
feel fresh and airy in the morning, and then thick and rich later in the day.
Artificial light can make an equally strong impact. Fluorescent lighting creates a cooler 
tone, and gives off a grey cast, which can make warm tiles feel flatter or slightly muted. In some 
cases, whites might appear more blue, and greys can feel sharper. On the other hand, warmer 
LED lighting, can soften a room and bring out cream, taupe, and earthy undertones really nicely.
Another detail that affects a tiles color that many people don’t consider is placement. The 
same tile installed vertically on a wall can appear darker or more saturated compared to the exact 
tile when installed horizontally on a floor. Vertical surfaces catch light differently, and often 
show more shadows, movement, and texture. Floors typically receive a broader angle of light,
and as it illuminates, it flattens, and makes a color appear more even and subtle.
Another factor that plays into the color of the tile is the reflection from other objects in a 
room. This matters just as much to the tone that’s cast onto the tile. Cabinetry, paint, countertops, 
furniture, and even outdoor landscaping visible through windows can influence what the eye 
sees. A warm wood side table next to a greige tile may pull out beige notes, while crisp white 
cabinets might make that same tile look cooler and more crisp.
Texture also changes the way color is experienced. Matte finishes absorb light for a 
softer, grounded, and slightly darker look, while polished surfaces reflect light and can brighten a 
room while emphasizing the movement in the design of the tile.
The best advice when selecting tile is simple. Always view your sample in the actual
room where it will be installed, at different times of day, and next to your surrounding finishes to 
see the truest expression of how your tile will work in your space.
Tile doesn’t just have color, it has a relationship with light. And that relationship is what 
brings a space to life and gives it a unique look.