When it comes to designing a bathroom, one of the key decisions is choosing the right flooring color. Should you go for a lighter or darker bathroom floor? Both lighter and darker floors have their pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, practicality and maintenance. Understanding how light and dark floors work in a bathroom setting can help guide you in selecting the best option for your space.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key factors to think about when deciding between light and dark bathroom floors:
– Size of the bathroom – Smaller bathrooms can appear more spacious with lighter floors, while larger bathrooms can handle darker floors without feeling closed in.
– Natural light – Well-lit bathrooms can more easily pull off darker floors, whereas ample natural light pairs best with lighter floors.
– Style/aesthetics – Lighter floors tend to suit airy, spa-like bathrooms. Darker floors offer a cozier, moodier vibe.
– Contrast – The level of contrast between the floor, walls and fixtures influences the overall look and feel.
– Practicality – Lighter floors show less dirt, grime and moisture. Darker floors are more forgiving.
– Maintenance – Darker floors hide scuffs better. Lighter floors require more frequent cleaning.
– Existing elements – Match the undertones in the flooring to other finishes like counters, cabinets or tile.
The Pros and Cons of Lighter Bathroom Floors
Here’s a look at some of the key upsides and downsides of opting for a lighter colored bathroom floor:
Pros:
– Brightens up the space and makes it feel open and airy.
– Reflects light well, accentuating natural light sources.
– Gives the illusion of a larger, more spacious bathroom.
– Easier to keep looking clean.
– Shows less visible dirt, dust, debris and moisture.
– Cooler underfoot during warmer months.
Cons:
– Can make a small bathroom feel clinical or sterile.
– Shows minor scuffs, scratches and wear more easily.
– Requires diligent cleaning to keep looking pristine.
– Not as visually cozy or welcoming as darker floors.
– Can clash with some fixtures like oil-rubbed bronze or black metal finishes.
The Pros and Cons of Darker Bathroom Floors
Here are some key benefits and drawbacks of choosing a darker bathroom floor:
Pros:
– Creates an elegant, upscale look and feel.
– Feels cozy, warm and welcoming.
– Hides dirt, debris, dust and grime more easily.
– More forgiving of scuffs, scratches and everyday wear.
– Provides contrast against white fixtures.
– Grounds lighter walls, tile and countertops.
Cons:
– Can make a small bathroom feel closed in or cramped.
– Absorbs light rather than reflecting it, making the space feel darker.
– Requires artificial lighting even during the day.
– Shows moisture, water puddles and condensation more visibly.
– Can feel hotter under bare feet during warm weather.
– Needs diligent dusting and drying to prevent buildup in corners.
Popular Materials for Lighter Bathroom Floors
If you opt for a lighter bathroom floor, here are some top materials to consider:
– Luxury vinyl plank – Durable, waterproof and easy to clean. Wide variety of wood and stone looks.
– Ceramic or porcelain tile – Classic material that’s stain- and moisture-resistant. Available in many colors/patterns.
– Natural stone – Elegant options like travertine, limestone or marble in light hues. Requires sealing.
– Concrete – Can be stained, polished or etched to create lighter gray tones. Industrial vibe.
– Glass tile – Reflective surface amplifies light. Provides pattern and texture. Grout needs sealing.
– Linoleum – Made from renewable materials. Affordable, durable and easy to clean. Limited color options.
Popular Materials for Darker Bathroom Floors
These top picks can help create a darker bathroom floor:
– Wood look porcelain or ceramic tile – Mimics real hardwood with less maintenance. Durable and moisture-resistant.
– Stone tile – Rich options like slate, bluestone or granite. Can be polished or textured.
– Stained concrete – Integral color added before pouring and polishing creates saturated effect.
– Cork – Naturally dark material made from renewable tree bark. Softer underfoot. Moisture-resistant.
– Marble or travertine – Elegant veining in darker neutrals like gray, brown or black. Needs sealing.
– Slate – Natural cleft surface with slightly uneven tiles. Withstands heavy use. Can feel cold.
How Lighting Impacts Dark vs. Light Bathroom Floors
Proper lighting is especially important with bathroom floors. Here’s how lighting pairs with light and dark floors:
Light floors:
– Enhance natural light from windows to maximize brightness.
– Add accent lighting to create drama and avoid a clinical feel.
– Use warm light sources like incandescent bulbs to soften the look.
– Add mirrors and reflective surfaces to bounce more light around.
Dark floors:
– Increase wattage of overhead fixtures to compensate for light absorption.
– Add accent lighting around the vanity and in corners to reduce gloominess.
– Use LEDs and fluorescent bulbs to provide crisp, bright light.
– Incorporate windows and skylights to introduce natural light.
– Add mirrors strategically to reflect light onto the dark surfaces.
Maintenance Considerations
Cleaning and maintenance are also affected by bathroom floor color:
Light floor maintenance:
– Requires frequent dusting and cleaning to prevent buildup of dirt in cracks and crevices.
– Scuffs and scratches will show readily and may require buffing or touch ups.
– Spills and splashes need prompt cleaning before moisture penetrates grout or seeps between boards/planks.
– May need yearly stripping and resealing to maintain a uniform, clean appearance.
Dark floor maintenance:
– Doesn’t require dusting or cleaning as frequently thanks to dirt-hiding properties.
– Scuffs and scratches blend in better and are less obvious.
– Spills and splashes are less visible, but moisture should still be promptly cleaned.
– May need steam mopping or light machine scrubbing to prevent grimy buildup over time.
Bathroom Floor Color Recommendations by Size
Here are some recommended floor color choices based on bathroom size:
Small bathrooms (under 50 sq ft):
– Light colored floors help maximize the feeling of space.
– Avoid dark floors, which can make a small bathroom feel cramped or cave-like.
– Stick to a simple, uniform floor color to avoid busy patterns overwhelming the room.
Medium bathrooms (50 – 100 sq ft):
– Light or medium floors work well to keep things airy and open.
– Dark floors can work with ample lighting, but balance with lighter materials/finishes.
– Simple, clean-lined floors keep things feeling spacious. Add color/pattern through rugs or bath mats.
Large bathrooms (over 100 sq ft):
– Darker floors provide cozy contrast in a generous space.
– Can incorporate more varied colors, patterns and textures while still feeling open.
– Lighter floors keep things bright and airy. Make sure to add warm lighting fixtures.
Design Ideas for Light and Dark Bathroom Floors
Here are some inspiring designs utilizing light and dark bathroom floors:
Light floor bathroom ideas:
– White glass subway tile with gray grout
– Gray luxury vinyl plank flooring
– Hexagonal white marble tile with dark grout
– Wide-plank oak look porcelain tile
– Glossy white penny tile with black accents
Dark floor bathroom ideas:
– Charcoal slate tile with white marble accents
– Black granite floor with radiant heat
– Deep brown cork flooring and lighter cabinets
– Dramatic marble tile in gray and black
– Stained concrete in dark charcoal gray tones
Conclusion
The choice between a lighter or darker bathroom floor ultimately comes down to your personal style preferences as well as practical considerations like room size and natural lighting. Light floors make small or internal bathrooms feel open and airy but demand diligent maintenance. Darker floors provide a moodier, elegant look while hiding dirt readily but can feel closed in if the bathroom is too small or lacks ample lighting. Ideally, visit showrooms to view flooring samples in person before selecting materials. This will help envision how light and dark options work with the rest of your bathroom’s finishes and fixtures. Pay attention to how floor samples look under both artificial and natural lighting to make the best decision.
