When we think about redecorating, tiles are often chosen for their practicality and durability, but they also carry enormous power to shape a room’s mood. 

Colour psychology, a branch of colour theory, teaches us that the shades we surround ourselves with can deeply influence how we feel. Whether you’re refreshing a kitchen splashback, revamping a bathroom, or tiling a feature wall, understanding how colour works emotionally can help you choose tiles that do more than just look good, they feel good too.

Below, we explore a selection of the key colour families, the moods they evoke, and how you might use them through tiling in different areas of your home.

Blue: calm and focused

Blue tiles are a timeless favourite, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Light blues feel airy and fresh, bringing a sense of cleanliness and serenity. Deeper navies and indigos, on the other hand, evoke sophistication and introspection, perfect for a statement wall or a calming en-suite retreat.

How to use blue tiles:

• Soft powder blue tiles for a feeling of relaxation and peace, ideal for a bathroom or to create a calm kitchen in a busy home.
• Deep blue tiles are rich and enveloping, creating a bold yet classic feature in any space. 
• Aqua and teal blue tiles bring a soothing but fresh energy, perfect to enliven and energise without feeling overpowering.

Green: balanced and restorative

Green draws directly from nature, making it one of the most grounding colours you can use. The varied shades of green can evoke feelings of luxury and drama, calmness or vibrancy depending on which you choose.

How to use green tiles:

• Sage green glazed tiles are gentle, understated and restful, ideal for both peaceful bathrooms and kitchens.
• Deep forest green tiles are lush and luxurious, creating an organic and grounded feel in your space.
• Emerald green tiles are classic, vibrant and bold, adding energy without feeling overly stimulating or trend-led.
• Pale or Mint green tiles are uplifting and serene, ideal for light and bright spaces.

Red and terracotta: energetic and earthy

Red tones, especially when tempered into warm terracottas and rusts, can make a space feel grounded yet full of vitality. They’re often used in kitchens and social spaces to create warmth and stimulate conversation.

How to use red or terracotta tiles:

• Terracotta tiles bring comfort through their earthy, grounding tones making spaces feel welcoming and tactile.
• Light corals are warm and inviting, lively without feeling too intense.
• Bolder red tiles evoke feelings of warmth and tradition, enveloping the space with charm.

Yellow: uplifting and inviting

Yellow is associated with sunshine, warmth, and optimism. It’s a fantastic choice for areas where you want to foster cheerfulness and energy. In tiles, yellow works beautifully as a pop of accent colour in a bolder colour, or a larger panel for softer yellow tones.

How to use yellow tiles:

• Pale yellow, buttermilk or cream tiles are soft and sunny, adding warmth and light, ideal for darker spaces or north facing rooms.
• Sandy yellow tiles are natural and organic, bringing a grounded feeling to your space without being overwhelming.
• Mustard yellow coloured tiles add depth, richness and warmth, pairing especially well with greens and blues.

Pink and purple: playful and romantic

Pinks and purples are incredibly versatile when used thoughtfully. Soft pink tones create gentle, nurturing spaces, whilst deep purples like aubergine or plum inject richness and depth into a space.

When used in tiles, these colours can add an unexpected sophistication or a touch of playfulness depending on the shade and finish.

How to use pink or purple tiles:

• Blush or dusty pinks are calming and nurturing, evoking feelings or softness and vintage charm.
• Coral pink tiles are energetic yet warm, ideal for invigorating a space whilst staying grounded in natural tones.
• Deep purples are rich and luxurious, perfect for drama and warmth or for use as a bold feature colour alongside softer tones.

Neutrals: soft and versatile

Neutrals are far from boring when applied through interesting textures or finishes. They form the perfect backdrop for more vibrant colours or can be layered tonally for a peaceful, minimalist aesthetic.

How to use neutral tiles:

• Creamy off-white tiles bring a classic or heritage look to a space, with a touch of warmth.
• Bright white tiles are crisp and clean, ideal for spaces requiring additional light or seeking a contemporary white feeling.
• Light grey tiles are calm and inviting, whilst feeling clean and minimalistic. Gentle grey tones create a feeling of balance against warmer colours in the room.
• Taupe or greige tiles are balanced and earthy, offering comfort and timelessness to any space.

Still unsure which colour to choose?

We hope this article has been useful to help identify the perfect coloured tile for your scheme. If you still require further guidance, you are welcome to contact us, our team will be happy to help.