You are renovating your bathroom, and you are stuck between the choice of grey bathroom tiles and white bathroom tiles. As you know, tiles cover most of your bathroom floor and wall surfaces, so the colour you choose will affect the room’s brightness, mood, maintenance needs, and long-term resale value.
Both bathroom floor tiles and bathroom wall tiles in white and grey have a forever place in British interiors, be that in London flats or spacious homes, but in different ways.
In this blog, we will help you figure it out: the pros, cons, design aesthetics, maintenance, and trends that follow with both tile options. After you finish this blog, you will be confident in choosing the right tile shade for your bathroom.
Why are Grey and White Tiles Popular in UK Bathrooms
Grey and white bathroom tiles dominate UK bathroom designs, and there is a reason for that.
These two shades are versatile, neutral, and can pair seamlessly with modern, traditional, and Scandinavian interiors. They work best with chrome, matte black, brass, and brushed nickel fixtures. They make an easy foundation for an overall bathroom style.
It’s wonderful how they are not identical at all in mood or practicality, yet are equally wanted in the UK market. Let’s break it down.
Grey Bathroom Tiles
UK homeowners love grey tiles due to their style, modernity, and low maintenance. Light grey and mid grey tones are some of the most popular tones used in UK homes. They are sophisticated, warm, and deep without overwhelming small bathroom spaces.
Go through the disadvantages and advantages of grey bathroom tiles and decide for yourself.
Pros and Cons of Grey Bathroom Tiles
| Pros | Cons |
| They hide dirt, dust, hard water marks, and daily splashes better than white tiles | Grey tiles for small bathrooms make it darker, reducing brightness if you have limited natural light. |
| They go well with all minimalist, industrial, Scandinavian, luxury spa-like, and modern designs. | They are too trendy for traditional bathrooms. |
| Grey tiles are best for flooring as they add more grounding and balance. | Grey tiles age faster than classic white tiles and may not go with changing trends. |
| They work with various grout shades like grey, white, and charcoal grout. | They appear cold if you do not design and style it properly. |
| Grey tiles add depth and texture, especially in matte, stone-effect, slate-effect, and porcelain styles. | If you do not complement it with warm tones and accents, you may never get it right. |
White Bathroom Tiles
An always classic tile, white tiles have been a go-to choice for decades in UK homes. They create a bright, airy, and spa-like feel in your small and spacious bathrooms. They are very important for naturally smaller UK bathrooms.
Here are some of the most prominent advantages and disadvantages of white bathroom tiles to consider.
Pros and Cons of White Bathroom Tiles
| Pros | Cons |
| White tiles maximise light. They are perfect for small or windowless bathrooms. | They show dirt and watermarks more easily, like limescale and soap residue. |
| They look clean and look great, no matter what trend is going on. They go best with all modern, Victorian, coastal, and luxury bathroom designs. | Your bathroom may feel more clinical or plain. Without warm textures or coloured accessories, your white bathrooms may feel too stark. |
| They increase the resale value of your property as buyers prefer neutral and bright bathrooms. | The maintenance is too high. Tiles and grout discolour quickly. Need to be cleaned more frequently. |
| You get endless premium design options like metro tiles, glossy ceramic, marble-effect porcelain, and textured white tiles. | |
| You can pair white tiles with any accent colours, giving freedom to experiment with decor. |
Bathroom Grey Tiles vs White Tiles: Bathroom Tiles Comparison
If you want to choose bathroom tiles grey or white, you need a comparison based on the following features:
Brightness
If you intend to install grey tiles in bathrooms, you need to know that you get medium to low brightness in there. With white tiles, you get maximum brightness in small bathrooms and low-light and windowless bathrooms.
Maintenance
Grey tiles are way easier to handle as they hide almost all hard water and other stains. They do not need a lot of upkeep. On the other hand, white tiles require medium to high maintenance due to their bright nature. If maintained and cleaned regularly, white tiles can be very charming in your bathroom.
Grout Flexibility
You can choose from different grout colours like charcoal, black, grey, and white. They all go well with it. white bathroom tiles go with limited colour grouts like white or light grey. Other colours can be used, but they will look very overloaded and, well, not clean.
Mood
Modern grey bathroom tiles are better for a cosy and modern bathroom design. However, if you intend to make your bathroom feel bright and airy, go for white tiles as they enhance light and make your small bathroom feel spacious. Choose white tiles for modern bathrooms and grey tiles for moody bathrooms.
Resale Value
When it comes to home value, both grey and white tiles are in demand. They increase your home value efficiently; however, the most preferred are white tiles as they provide a clean slate that goes with all bathroom styles.
Design Style
Grey tiles go best with contemporary, industrial, and Scandinavian bathroom designs. White tiles are ideal for classic, minimalist, and coastal bathrooms.
Pro Tip: Use large-format tiles for your small bathrooms to give an impression of space.
Best for
Grey tiles are best for medium to large bathrooms, while white tiles for small bathrooms.
Grey and White Bathroom Design Ideas
Here are some bathroom design inspirations and the best tile colour for UK homes you can use for your 2026 bathroom projects.
Grey Bathroom Tile Design Ideas
Light Grey Bathroom Floor Tiles
Pair your light grey floor tiles with white or soft cream wall tiles for a balanced bathroom look. This is especially ideal for British bathrooms that need brightness and warmth.
Grey Wall Panels & Grey Floor Tiles
Textures work wonderfully on your bathroom wall, especially on feature walls or behind the wall mirror. Combine your textured wall tiles with light grey floors, creating a modern and spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.
Grey Tiles with Wooden Accents
If you have grey tiles in your bathroom, choose a vanity unit in wood or acoustic wood panels to complete your bathroom look.
Pro Tip: Use this guide to choose the right vanity unit for your bathroom to complete the look.
White Bathroom Tiles Ideas
White Metro Tiles with Grey Grout
Pairing white metro tiles with grey grout is currently trending in the UK. Classic metro tile with grey grout creates depth in your bathroom and is easier to clean.
White Tiles with Grey Floor Contrast
Add white wall tiles and grey floor tiles to make a perfect balance of space and luxury in your bathroom.
White Marble-effect Tiles
If you want your bathroom to look expensive, choose white marble-effect porcelain tiles. It adds a high-end finish to your look without a lot of maintenance required.
Grey and White Tiles: A Perfect Blend
Well, we have to admit, grey tiles and white bathroom tiles work together best as well. Many UK homeowners mix them for a balanced and modern bathroom look.
Here is how they can work together best:
- White bathroom wall tiles and grey floor tiles.
- Adding grey feature wall tiles with white surrounding tiles.
- White marble-effect walls and mid grey porcelain floor tiles.
- Grey shower enclosures and a white vanity area.
By using any of these bathroom tile combinations, you can ensure that your bathroom looks bright without losing texture or warmth.
The Right Grout Colour For Grey and White Tiles
You need to know your colour palettes and what goes best with what colour to give your bathroom a put-together look. But, how to choose the best grout colour for grey and white tiles? We will tell you.
Best Grout Colours for Grey Tiles
For grey tiles, there are some of the best grout colours you can choose from:
- Grey grout lines give your bathroom a seamless look.
- White grout creates a subtle contrast in your bathroom.
- Charcoal grout lines are best to create a dramatic depth combined with grey tiles.
Best Grout Colours for White Tiles
Use these best grout colours for your white tiles:
- Light grey grout colour gives your bathroom a modern touch and requires lower maintenance.
- White grout which is typical, but it creates a classic look. However, white grout requires high upkeep when combined with white tiles.
Colour Pairing for a Complete Bathroom Look
Here is how you can use colour combinations to complete your bathroom look:
With Grey Floor and Wall Tiles
We recommend that you use matte black or brushed brass fixtures, a solid wood vanity unit, and soft white paint. Sage, navy, or charcoal are the best accents to be used with grey tiles for bathrooms.
With White Floor and Wall Tiles
With your white tiles for bathrooms, use chrome fixtures, coloured towels like navy, green or grey for visual appeal, and warm lighting for a relaxed vibe. Try using natural wood tones in your bathrooms if you want a traditional bathroom design.
Pro Tip: For a seamless transition from your bathroom to your indoors, use this indoor tile design inspiration.
Conclusion
So which one should you choose? Grey tiles or white tiles for bathrooms in your UK home? It all comes down to your bathroom size, natural light, style, maintenance, and personal preferences.
Choose grey tiles if you want a modern, cosy, and practical bathroom design, low maintenance, and a stylish depth all in the same place. Choose white tiles for maximum brightness, timelessness and universal appeal in your bathroom. Still not sure which one to choose? Mix both!
You can order samples online from Royale Stones, your trusted UK tile supplier. They offer a wide selection of premium bathroom floor tiles and bathroom wall tiles, including in grey and white shades. Can’t wait to see how your bathroom project turns out! Share images in the comment section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of grey bathroom tiles?
Grey bathroom tiles make your small bathroom look smaller and dark bathrooms darker. They can also feel cooler if not paired with warm textures or lighting.
Which is the best colour for bathroom tiles?
There is no “best” colour, but white tiles are ideal for brightness and visual appeal, and grey tiles rate highest for modern, stylish, practical and easy maintenance.
Are grey bathroom tiles a timeless design choice?
Yes. Light and mid grey tiles mimic natural stones and pair with almost any home decor.
Do grey tiles make a bathroom look smaller?
Darker greys, yes. They make small UK bathrooms look smaller. Light greys? Not that much. They add a soft contrast without reducing brightness too much.
What colour is most flattering in a bathroom?
Whites, light greys, warm neutrals and natural stone tones are most flattering as they reflect light.