While it’s easy to write off white ceramic tile as too “basic” or “boring,” this really couldn’t be further from the truth. A white tile makeover is always a classic, and homeowners and designers alike have loved it for decades.
Not only does this tile never go out of style, but it also offers a fresh, elevated, and incredibly versatile blank slate for a range of interchangeable colors, trends, and aesthetic preferences.
Want a colorful maximalist escape? White tile is your canvas to layer in all the hues. Craving a bright, all-white monochrome look? White tile checks the box.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the joys of white ceramic tile and review how to use it in your home, DIY and professional installation advice, cleaning and care tips, and where to find the best selection of white tile for your next home design project.
What Is White Ceramic Tile?
Glad you asked! Simple and classic, white ceramic tile is created out of natural clay that is shaped and fired in a kiln. It’s coated with a protective glaze that gives it a specific color (in this case, white!) and finish — like matte or glossy — while sealing against stains and moisture.
Ceramic tiles generally boast a durable, water-resistant surface that works wonderfully in almost any room. And because of its clean, neutral color, ceramic white tile provides a backdrop for virtually any design style — from farmhouse chic to sleek minimalism, modern transitional, and more.
Some of the most popular styles of white ceramic tiles include:
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White Subway Tile: This is a classic! The rectangular shape, which can be installed vertically or horizontally, is ideal for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and showers.
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Large-format White Ceramic Tiles: This larger-size tile is ideal for flooring, and the light color helps make spaces look larger and more open.
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Textured or Patterned White Tiles: For a subtle twist, dimensional designs add a touch of visual interest without overwhelming a space.
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Black and White Tile Combinations: While patterned tile goes beyond the color white, graphic, monochromatic designs make a striking statement.
Where to Use White Ceramic Tile in Your Home
The beauty of white ceramic tile lies in its versatility. While it doesn’t change colors, it is still like a chameleon because it can adapt to nearly any room and any style.
The options are nearly endless — but here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing for how to use white ceramic tiles in your home:
1. Kitchen Backsplash
A white subway tile backsplash is a design classic — but consider going slightly outside the tile box approach by installing the tiles vertically instead of horizontally for an unexpected twist. Whether paired with bold counters and cabinetry or a minimalist palette, this type of white tile backsplash offers a crisp, clean look that never feels dated.
2. Bathroom Walls and Showers
White ceramic tile instantly brightens bathrooms, transforming them into a fresh, inviting, and spa-inspired escape. And the tile doesn’t just have to be in a shower or on the floor! Consider an entire accent wall of white tile for a subtly reflective effect that adds depth and light to the space.
3. Dimensional Designs
If you just cannot get excited about standard-issue white ceramic tile, dimensional designs bring a layer of intrigue while still being neutral enough to work in many spaces. The visual impact of these mini-art pieces is incredible — and they’re perfect for an accent wall or coffee or cocktail nook.
4. White Tile Floors
Durable and easy to maintain, white tile floors are an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
Not only do they visually expand the square footage of a space, they pair beautifully with almost any color palette — and are the perfect foundation for beautiful rugs and furnishings.
5. Laundry Rooms & Utility Spaces
Because white ceramic tile is water-resistant and easy to clean, it’s a functional solution for utility, high-moisture spaces like laundry rooms, mudrooms with dog-bath stations, and more.
6. Black and White Tiles
Another way to put the versatility of ceramic tile to work — while applying more of a statement-making effect — is with the use of black and white tile to create checkerboard patterns, borders, or unique statement designs. Or, consider hand-painted, artisan black-and-white tiles or a bold, graphic effect via a white tile with a black design like this Swiss Cross tile.
White Ceramic Tile Installation Options
Of all the types of tiles, installing ceramic tile can be a bit more straightforward than the complexities of natural stones, breeze blocks, and terra cotta options. That said, it’s still important to be fully equipped for the job!
DIY Installation
If you know your way around home projects, installing your own white ceramic tiles can be a rewarding (and cost-saving) option. With the right tools and know-how (and some elbow grease!), you can install backsplashes, small flooring projects, accent walls, and more.
Recommended Tools and Materials
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White ceramic tiles
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1/16-inch tile spacers
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Level and measuring tape
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Thinset 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
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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. Make sure that the installation surface is flat and dry, with any loose paint removed and any cracks patched.
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Plan Your Layout: It can be helpful to dry-lay your tiles 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.
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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 Laticrete 253 (white). Make sure to apply the mixture in the same direction to prevent the formation of air pockets. Before applying any adhesive to the tiles, wet the back of each tile with a sponge.
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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 will only worsen over time.
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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.
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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, as it prevents chipping — and don't forget your protective eyewear and gear!
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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 that your grout doesn't stain the surface of the tile.
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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. You should also avoid dark-colored grout, as it can stain the tile.
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Let the Curing Begin: Grout should cure for about 48 hours — or according to the manufacturer's instructions. After the grout has cured, clean your new tile surface thoroughly.
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 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). 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 white subway 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 White Ceramic Tile
White ceramic tiles are practical — in addition to being a beautiful design choice. So, one of their major advantages is how easy the cleaning and maintenance process is.
Unlike other materials like natural stone, ceramic also 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 White Tile Floors or Walls: If you’re wondering how to clean white 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 work to restore brightness and remedy any staining.
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What to Avoid: We don't recommend using rough scrubbers or abrasive products that can dull or damage the glaze of both matte tile and glossy tile. 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 White Ceramic Tile
If you’re ready to bring the timeless appeal of white ceramic tiles into your home, Riad Tile has must-see collections of both solid styles and patterns that combine timeless quality with artisan craftsmanship.
Here are some of the standout options you can expect:
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White 4"x4" Formed Ceramic Tile – Matte
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White 4"x4" Formed Ceramic Tile – Glossy
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White 2"x8" Formed Ceramic Tile – Glossy
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White 2"x8" Formed Ceramic Tile – Matte
Your Next Steps for White Ceramic Tile
White ceramic tile is the epitome of form and function. It’s durable, versatile, and endlessly chic — whether you’re using it in a sleek modern kitchen, a bright and airy spa-inspired bathroom, or for a stunning white tile floor.
Ready to start your tile project? If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you can easily visit our Dallas tile showroom to see our artisan ceramic 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 Ave. #520, Dallas, TX 75223.
If you’re not local to Dallas, you can browse our full 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? Contact us anytime — or feel free to request a sample today! We're here to assist with design ideas, product details, and ordering support.
