Choosing the right tile for your kitchen can be a daunting task, especially when you’re matching it with oak cabinets and stainless steel and white appliances. The tile you select can make or break the overall look and feel of the space. Fortunately, there are several attractive and practical tile options that coordinate beautifully with light oak cabinets and sleek stainless steel and white appliances.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a tile, keep the following factors in mind:
- Color – Choose a tile in a color that complements both the warm, reddish-brown tones of oak cabinets and the cool silvery hues of stainless steel. Earth tones like brown, beige, taupe and gray are classic choices.
- Pattern – Look for subtle variations in tone and texture for visual interest. Small mosaics, stone or brick tiles, and ceramic tiles with veining add depth. Avoid busy patterns.
- Finish – Match the level of sheen on appliances. A matte or lightly textured tile finish plays well with brushed stainless steel. Glossy tiles pair better with a mirrored finish.
- Durability – Kitchen tiles endure heavy foot traffic, spills and high humidity. Prioritize harder, more impervious materials like porcelain or ceramic.
- Maintenance – How much upkeep does the tile require? Softer natural stones like marble and limestone stain easier than ceramic or porcelain.
- Price – Natural stone and mosaic tiles are generally the most expensive options. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer an attractive look for less.
Top Tile Options for Oak Cabinets and Stainless Steel Appliances
Given the above considerations, here are some excellent tile choices:
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain is highly recommended for kitchens. It’s more durable than ceramic, super easy to clean, and resistant to moisture, stains and scratches.
- Color – Stick with neutral shades like gray, beige and tan that complement oak and stainless steel. Add interest with tone-on-tone patterns.
- Finish – Matte and lightly textured finishes pair best with brushed stainless steel appliances.
- Pros – Extremely durable, low maintenance, affordable, available in many colors/finishes.
- Cons – Can be hard underfoot. Limit very dark grout with light porcelain tiles.
Ceramic Tile
Slightly less durable than porcelain but offers great value and an extremely wide range of styles.
- Color – Warm earth tones like brown, beige and terracotta mirror oak cabinetry. Avoid glossy tiles.
- Finish – Matte and textured finishes are best.
- Pros – Durable, budget-friendly, vast style selection, easy maintenance.
- Cons – Not as impervious to moisture as porcelain.
Marble Tile
Elegant and timeless, though requires more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic tile.
- Color – Stick with a neutral marble in a white, gray or beige tone. Avoid heavily veined patterns.
- Finish – Honed or matte finish is ideal.
- Pros – Beautiful natural material with character. Classic, polished look.
- Cons – Expensive. Easily etched and stained. Slippery when wet.
Travertine Tile
A natural stone option similar to marble. The pitted surface adds texture.
- Color – Light ivory and tan colors work best. Avoid red/rusty varieties.
- Finish – Honed finish is preferable to glossy.
- Pros – Natural material with holes/pits that add rustic texture.
- Cons – Etches easily. Requires resealing. Can be slippery.
Limestone Tile
Understated and adaptable neutral tile with visual texture.
- Color – Stick with lighter natural tan/beige colors. Avoid heavy dark veining.
- Finish – Honed or matte finishes are ideal.
- Pros – Adds subtle rustic texture. Natural material.
- Cons – Softer and etched by acids. Can stain. Requires resealing.
Avoiding Clashes
Certain tile characteristics can clash with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Steer clear of:
- Bold patterns – Distracting and disrupt visual flow.
- Glossy finishes – Too reflective and create visual noise.
- Dark colors – Can appear tone-on-tone with oak cabinets.
- Vibrant colors – Fight for attention against stainless steel.
- Large grout lines – Visually heavy next to sleek cabinets/appliances.
Achieving Balance
Aim for a coordinated look with these suggestions:
- Repeat finishes between tile, appliances and cabinets.
- Use tile color to bridge cabinets and appliances.
- Introduce visual textural interest, not just color.
- Allow oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances to take center stage.
Questions and Answers
Q: What type of tile works with oak cabinets and stainless steel appliances?
A: Neutral-toned porcelain, ceramic, marble, travertine or limestone tiles with matte or lightly textured finishes pair best. Earth tones like beige, gray and tan are safe bets.
Q: Should tile match or contrast cabinets?
A: It’s generally best to coordinate tile with oak cabinets using tones found in the wood’s natural grain pattern. Contrasting colors fight for attention. Warm neutral tiles strike the right balance.
Q: What flooring goes with oak cabinets besides tile?
A: Besides tile, great flooring options include hardwood with a reddish-brown stain that matches the oak cabinets, wood-look luxury vinyl planks, and natural stone like travertine.
Q: What backsplash looks best with oak cabinets?
A: A natural stone or ceramic/porcelain mosaic tile in creamy beige, tan, or neutral gray tones looks beautiful as a backsplash with golden oak cabinets.
Q: Can you use dark grout with light tile?
A: Yes, but very dark grout can be harsh next to oak cabinets. For light tiles, use a matching or slightly darker grout color. Stay away from bright white or jet black grout.
Q: Should tile and grout match or contrast?
A: For most applications, it’s best to use matching or tonally similar grout and tile. High contrast draws the eye to the grout lines in a potentially distracting way. Subtle contrast is fine.
Conclusion
Choose a durable, low-maintenance porcelain or ceramic tile in an earthy, neutral tone with a matching or lightly textured finish. This will elegantly accentuate, not compete with, gorgeous oak cabinets and sleek stainless steel and white appliances. Accent with natural stone mosaics or brick patterns sparingly. Remember – it’s all about creating a cohesive, harmonious look. With the right tile choice, you can beautifully balance the warm and cool elements already at play.