Home Garden

How to Modernize White Tile

If you see white tile and immediately consider it boring or dated, it may be time to dress it up. White tile is timeless and treated right, can add a sleek, modern, clean look to a room. White is a neutral color, a combination of all other colors, meaning that it is complementary to any color you pair it with. White tile provides a background for unlimited decorating options, giving you the opportunity to explore the look you enjoy the most.

Instructions

    • 1

      Play it up. Use the white tile in your room as a crisp background. Create an ultra-modern space by using only white in the room, in everything from towels to area rugs. Or, add one, single accent color that really "pops" against the backdrop of white. The accent color you choose will help create the personality of the room. Turquoise, cobalt blue, red or orange will give the room a contemporary look. Black, grey or rich brown will add sophistication. Pastels, like pink, soft yellow and lilac create a sweet, youthful space.

    • 2

      Re-grout the tile. Grout is available in a myriad of colors and can add new personality to old tile. Remove the old grout first by using a fine tipped screwdriver and a hammer, a carbide-tipped scraper tool, or a small electric grinder. Coordinate the new grout with other elements in the room. Choose a shade that matches the color of the cabinets, shower curtain, towels, window treatments, or decorative light fixtures.

    • 3

      Repaint the tile. You can change the color of your white tiles entirely by painting them. Do it yourself by using a quality primer and high-gloss paint or pay a service to re-epoxy them the color of your choice. Doing it yourself is less expensive, but not as durable. Having them done professionally can last for years and is less expensive than re-tiling.