“Something blue” isn’t just for a wedding. When it comes to adding personality and depth — not to mention timeless sophistication — to your home, blue tile is your best friend.
It’s a design choice that hits all the marks and never goes out of style. Whether you’re leaning toward deep navy blue tiles for a moody powder room, shimmering sea blues for a spa-inspired shower, or sky-blue accents for a breezy kitchen backsplash, this versatile color brings both calm and character to any space.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the deep-blue sea of benefits of blue tile and cover everything you need to know — including how to use this color in your space, cleaning and installation tips, and where to shop the most beautiful, handcrafted blue tiles (Hint: you’ll find them at Riad Tile).
What Exactly Is Blue Tile?
Blue tile can mean many different things. But what you need to know is that the color blue has staying power — and has long been a favorite among interior designers for its soothing yet striking effect.
It can be a power player that delivers calm and collected energy — or amps up the dynamism in a space. In tile form, it’s even more powerful, bringing dimension, light, and vibrancy to a space.
The versatility of blue tiles also means they can align with a coastal-cool mood or an industrial-chic vibe. They can also be bold or minimalist, and classic or modern.
From gorgeous Moroccan Zellige to understated blue stone tile, this hue pairs beautifully with a variety of textures and materials, making it easy to create your own signature look that fits your home’s aesthetic while reflecting your unique design personality.
Types of Blue Tile to Love
Blue tile isn’t just blue.
It’s periwinkle and cyan, denim and navy, indigo and powder. So, when choosing a blue tile, the sky (blue) is the limit. It can be helpful to think about the material, finish, and where you plan to use it as you narrow down your selections.
Riad Tile offers an incredible range of handcrafted options — each one made to elevate your design vision. Here’s a snapshot of a few options you may want to consider:
Zellige Tile: These authentic Moroccan glazed tiles are 100% handcrafted using methods from the ancient tradition and are characterized by their irregularities and imperfections. Versatile tones like Belize Blue and Mediterranean Blue have an organic look, inspired by sea and sky, and catch the light in beautiful, unexpected ways in the kitchen, the bath, and beyond.
Ceramic Tile: One of the perks of blue ceramic tile is the range of options available — from stunning solids in both matte and glossy finishes to statement-making patterns that you can use in a wide variety of applications. It’s also why ceramic blue tile is among the most popular blue tile options on the market!
Cement Tile: Like ceramic tile, cement tile benefits from having bold patterns and richly saturated solids to choose from. It’s an instant dose of personality, whether you use it for a cool-blue kitchen backsplash, a playful blue and white floor tile, a picture-perfect patio, or something else entirely. It’s both fresh and timeless.
Terrazzo: Terrazzo is back in vogue in all its speckled glory — and when this dappled tile puts blue at center stage, the result is pretty dreamy. With 12”x12” and 24”x24” options, terrazzo is a shoo-in for a statement tile.
What Colors Go with Blue Tile?
You may be wondering what color goes with blue tile. The answer is basically any color! Here are some ideas that you may or may not have thought about:
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White: When you pair blue with white, it’s classic and clean — making it a perfect fit for minimalist or even nautical- or coastal-inspired designs.
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Golds and Brass: By mixing metals with blue tones, you add warmth and panache — a layer of sophistication that elevates a space.
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Gray: All the shades of gray were endlessly popular several years ago — and now, by integrating blue tile to the scene, it makes for a sleek, modern pairing.
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Natural Woods: Because blue is so prevalent in nature, grounding it with natural wood tones adds organic warmth and creates a harmonious balance — making it especially good for bathrooms and kitchens.
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Black: For a high-contrast, high-impact look, black adds boldness to blue — and it is perfect for a contemporary vibe.
The color matches don’t stop here either. As you’ll see in the following examples, the beauty of blue tile is that it’s endlessly versatile and adaptable.
How to Use Blue Tile in Your Home
From deep-sea blues to rich ceruleans, light denims, and punchy patterns, blue tile is so beloved for its incredible flexibility — it can play a strong or subtle role and feels equally at home in blue tile bathroom designs, kitchens, living rooms, and even outdoor spaces.
Here are a few ways to start feeling the blues — in the best way:
Spa-Inspired Bathroom
This isn’t just blue tile; it’s an invitation to escape. If you’re wondering how to decorate a bathroom with blue tile, look no further. Here, Mediterranean Blue 2"x6" Thin Bejmat Zellige Tile creates a calming focal point, allowing you to build a space that feels like the ultimate getaway.
But whether you’re going for spa-inspired serenity or bold boutique-hotel drama, a blue tile bathroom always delivers impact — especially when balanced with warm woods, brass, and creamy white accents.
Shower Goals
How to decorate a bathroom with blue tile — round two — looks a little like that same Belize Blue Zellige that plays a starring role in a shower. As you can see in this stunning blue tile bathroom, this design choice will have your shower thoughts dreaming of far-off, picturesque destinations.
Colorful Kitchen Backsplash
This dreamy casita kitchen sets the stage for warm gatherings and worldly inspiration. While this particular cement pattern has been retired, let this be your inspiration for an accent backsplash or glossy wall tiles in blue patterns. When paired with natural wood tones, it’s such an inviting, modern statement.
Floor Goals
Staring at the floor is totally understandable in this beautiful bathroom, where Blue 2"x8" Cement Tiles command the room — especially since they are organized in a herringbone pattern with white grout. The simplicity of the space exemplifies how pared-back materials can be transformative. You could also consider blue-and-white floor tile pairings for another moment of contrast and impact.
Luscious Laundry Room
The tidal wave of any laundry surge feels slightly more swimmable with a Belize Blue 2"x6" Thin Bejmat Zellige Tile backsplash to keep you company. Folding clothes will never feel like a chore again in this space.
Patio Perfection
Putting a pattern on the floor is such an attention-grabber — in all the right ways. And a patio is the perfect place to push the envelope, if this design choice feels a bit too bold for inside. This Crest Blue & White Ceramic Tile is captivating — and delivers all the right midcentury vibes.
Blue tile patterns like this can also transform a fireplace or feature wall for a focal point that feels both cozy and curated.
Mix-and-Match Moments
Yes, you can mix and match blue tile to your heart’s content. Try different materials, colors, and scales to find a pair of tiles that complement each other and bring your project to life — as seen here with Belize Blue 4"x4" Zellige Tile paired with a Travertine Cabochon Pencil Mosaic and a cerulean-swathed sink. It’s an unlikely but delightful combo.
Counter Intuitive
For a counter that speaks volumes — and looks as delicious as what you’re serving — blue tile works its magic. Go with your gut with this intuitive choice — here, the Belize Blue 4"x4" Zellige Tile is a delight. But, darker navy blue tiles are an excellent choice, too.
Blues-y Bar
Cheers to a bar with great tile. This Aegean Blue 2"x8" Formed Ceramic Tile is a stunner when it comes to a bar façade. Whether you’re at home or at a local brewery, this is precisely the kind of inviting space you’ll want to sidle up to for a drink.
Blue Tile Installation Options
Each type of blue tile will require slightly different installation instructions, but we’re including a guide here for blue ceramic tile — which is one of the more straightforward tile types to install — compared to something like blue stone tile, terrazzo, or Zellige.
DIY Installation for Blue Ceramic Tile
If you’re up for installing blue tiles as a fun and rewarding DIY project — especially for backsplashes or small accent walls tiles in blue — here’s what you need to know.
Recommended Tools and Materials:
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Blue ceramic tiles
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1/16-inch tile spacers
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Level and measuring tape
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Thin-set mortar
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Notched trowel
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Rubber float
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Grout release
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Grout (unsanded)
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Water-cooled tile saw (for cutting tiles)
Installation Guide
1. Prep Your Surface: Ensure the entire surface — whether it's a subfloor, wall, backsplash, or outdoor area — is dry, level, and free of debris. For floors, you'll want to use a backer board if the subfloor isn't completely flat or moisture-resistant, such as Hardie Backer Board, Durock, or Ditra. Wall tiles can be attached to plaster, drywall, cement block, and cement backer board. Ensure that the installation surface is flat and dry, with any loose paint removed and any cracks filled or patched.
2. Plan Your Layout: It can be helpful to dry-lay your tiles — especially blue tile patterns — to determine the arrangement you prefer and to minimize any potential mistakes. This is easiest to do with floors, but you can also sketch out how you want your tile to appear on a backsplash or wall.
3. Apply Thinset Mortar: Once you feel confident in the layout of the tile, you're ready for the actual installation to begin. Use a notched trowel to spread a layer of thinset mortar that's suitable for your tile onto the clean surface, such as Mapei Ultraflex LFT or Laticrete 253 (gold). Apply the mixture in the same direction to prevent air pockets from forming. Before applying any adhesive to the tiles, wet the back of each tile with a sponge.
4. Lay the Ceramic Tile: Press each tile firmly into the mortar. Do this by hand rather than with a rubber mallet or hammer. Tools like this can cause hairline cracks that may only worsen over time.
5. Place Spacers: Use 1/16-inch spacers to help keep your grout lines as evenly proportioned as possible. This is a telltale sign of a professional-looking tile job.
6. Cut Your Tile to Fit: With a water-cooled tile saw, cut the tile into the sizes you need to fit corners and other spaces where the regular-size tiles cannot accommodate. Note: A standard tile cutter won't cut it (literally). So, it's critical to use a tile saw to prevent chipping — and don't forget your protective eyewear and gear!
7. Apply Grout Release: Once the mortar sets, remove the spacers, clean and dry your tile, and apply one to two coats of grout release to the surface of the tiles, using a rubber float. This will ensure your grout doesn't stain the tile surface.
8. Apply Grout: Within one hour of applying the grout release, apply grout. At Riad Tile, we recommend using Mapei Flexcolor CQ grout. It's available at Lowe's and Floor and Decor, along with other home improvement stores. Consider using white grout to highlight individual tiles and make the color pop (especially for darker, navy blue tiles!) — or gray grout for a more seamless look.
9. Let the Curing Begin: Grout should cure for about 48 hours — or according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the grout has cured, thoroughly clean your new tile surface.
Note: Ceramic tiles are not freeze- or frost-proof, so you shouldn't use them in most outdoor settings. They also cannot withstand the weight of vehicles, so you should never use them in driveways.
Professional Installation
If that all sounds a bit too complicated for your DIY comfort level — or you simply don’t have time to be a weekend warrior — professional tile installers are here to save the day (and your home project).
Also, even if you do know your way around a tile saw, more intricate installations, like blue-and-white floor tile designs or full shower surrounds, may merit hiring a professional.
These licensed experts ensure the correct spacing, a flawless finish, and long-lasting durability. They can also answer common design inquiries — like if you’re questioning what color grout for blue tile will best suit your space.
At Riad Tile, we can connect you with recommended contractors in your area — or help guide your installer through our specifications — to get the job done both efficiently and beautifully.
How to Clean and Maintain Blue Tile
Blue ceramic tiles are not only practical but also a beautiful design choice. But one of their other advantages is how easy the cleaning and maintenance process is. Unlike other materials, like natural stone, ceramic doesn’t require sealing.
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Daily Care: Clean ceramic tile surfaces with a cloth, sponge, or mop to remove any dirt, dust, and debris. You can also use mild soap and water, as needed.
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Deep-Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors or Walls: If you’re wondering how to clean blue tile floors — or a shower or backsplash wall — a neutral pH cleaner works best. And while ceramic is stain-resistant, those pesky grout lines can discolor. For grout lines, a gentle scrub with a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste (use a 2:1 ratio) can restore brightness and remedy any staining.
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What to Avoid: We don't recommend using rough scrubbers or abrasive products, as they can dull or damage the glaze on both matte and glossy tiles. If you are using a scrub brush for grout, make sure it is a small brush — and that you are only applying the brush directly to the grout lines.
Where to Buy Blue Tile
If you’re ready to bring “something blue” into your space, Riad Tile has must-see collections that combine classic appeal with artisan craftsmanship.
Here are some of the standout options you can expect, whether you’re channeling blue tile bathroom designs, a delicious cerulean kitchen, or a sky-blue patio:
Zellige: Blue Tile
Terrazzo: Blue Tile
Cement: Blue Tile
Ceramic: Blue Tile
Your Next Steps for Blue Tile
As you’ve probably seen in this guide, blue tile is a classic that brings something special to every space — whether you’re designing a coastal-inspired kitchen, a contemporary, spa-like bath, or a stunning outdoor gathering spot.
At Riad Tile, you’ll find the highest quality, handcrafted blue tiles in a range of materials, tones, patterns, and textures.
Ready to enter your blue period and start your tile project? If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can easily visit Riad’s Dallas tile showroom to see our artisan blue tiles and so much more in person.
We welcome designers, homeowners, and contractors alike — and we're happy to provide samples on-site. Among Dallas tile stores and across the country, we boast some of the lowest prices. You can find our showroom at 5200 E. Grand Avenue #520, Dallas, TX 75223.
If you’re not local to Dallas, you can browse our complete collections of tiles online — and they are all available for nationwide shipping straight to your door. You can order samples directly from our product pages, too.
Need help choosing or wondering what color goes with blue tile? Contact us anytime — or feel free to request a sample today! We're here to assist with design ideas, product details, and ordering support.
