Choose Blue Picket Tiles for a Showstopping Backsplash
The kitchen backsplash is often an underutilized design element that has the power to make a major visual impact. While classic subway tiles or natural stones are popular backsplash choices, blue picket tiles offer a fresh, artistic take that can uplift any kitchen's style.
With their distinctive elongated hexagonal shape and watercolor-inspired blue hues, blue picket tiles introduce sophistication and charm. Let's explore the definition of these tiles, their key benefits, ideas for stylish designs, installation tips, and all the reasons to choose blue picket tiles for a showstopping backsplash.
What Are Blue Picket Tiles?
Blue picket tiles get their name from their unique elongated hexagonal shape, which is reminiscent of the posts in a classic picket fence. While most tile shapes are precisely geometric, like squares or rectangles, the six-sided blue picket tile has a more organic, freeform look.
These tiles come in a variety of blue shades, ranging from calming light blue to dramatic navy. Many feature blended or varying hues within each tile, creating subtle variations of color and an artistic, watercolor-like effect.
The specific blue tone known as Boathouse Blue is especially popular for blue picket tiles. It mixes light and mid-blues for a soothing, peaceful color palette. Other common blue picket tile shades include Duck Egg blue, with its greenish-blue hues, and Moroccan blue, inspired by vivid cerulean tones.
Benefits of Blue Picket Tile Backsplashes
There are many reasons to choose blue picket tiles for your next kitchen or bathroom backsplash project.
Visually, blue picket tiles add plenty of personality. Their elongated shape has a chiselled look that draws the eyes upward, adding height and dimension to the space. The varied blue hues lend an artistic, artisanal quality, while the watercolor tones feel both vintage and modern.
The cool blue palette lends itself perfectly to being combined with warm woods and earthy granite or marble countertops. This complementary color and texture contrast is striking.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, blue picket tiles offer practical advantages. The glass or ceramic glazed surface resists moisture, stains, and mildew. The smooth finish makes them simple to clean. Blue picket tiles are durable enough for high traffic areas like kitchens.
Design Ideas for Blue Picket Backsplashes
What are some stylish ways to incorporate blue picket tiles in your kitchen or bath backsplash?
For coastal inspired kitchens, pairing blue picket tiles with white cabinetry creates a breezy, beach house vibe. Add some rope details, driftwood accents, and pendant lighting for a nautical look.
Alternatively, embracing the blue by using different blue toned tiles, navy cabinets, and brass hardware leads to a bold, dramatic kitchen backdrop. For variation, intersperse blue glass subway tiles or mosaic tiles.
If your design vision tends more modern or industrial, try blue picket tiles mixed with concrete, black stainless steel, or slate grey countertops. The pop of color against this moody palette is eye-catching.
For a bit of visual texture, combine blue picket tile with marble backsplashes or natural stone surfaces. Mixing mattes and finishes creates depth and dimension.
Tips for Installing Blue Picket Tile Backsplashes
To ensure your blue picket tile backsplash looks its best, pay attention to proper installation techniques.
Carefully lay out your tile orientation ahead of time. Blue picket tiles can be installed vertically, horizontally, or in more complex patterns like herringbone. Vertical orientation emphasizes the elongated shape, while horizontal creates a smoother, more uniform look.
Use quality tile spacers to maintain even grout lines. Take care when cutting border and corner tiles to achieve a seamless fit. A wet saw with a diamond blade makes precise tile cutting easier.
For the grout, choose an epoxy or polymer-based option, which resist staining better than cement-based grout. Match the grout color to the tiles, either bright white or a shade of blue. After grouting, apply a penetrating sealant to protect the tiles from moisture damage.
The Best Paint Colors to Pair with Blue Picket Tiles
Choosing complementary wall colors is key to making your blue picket tile backsplash look cohesive. Here are some top paint color ideas:
Crisp white or ivory walls serve as a neutral backdrop that lets the blue tiles pop. Creamy off-whites like Swiss Coffee also work well. For variation, use a light blue like Powder Blue on upper walls and trim.
On trend grey walls, from soft dove greys to sharper charcoals, provide enough contrast to highlight the blue tiles. Greige, a blend of grey and beige, warms up blue picket tiles' cool tones.
Earthy paint hues like sand, tan, and lighter brown offer a subtle complement to blue. Taupe walls with a touch of grey beautifully accent blue picket tiles.
Where to Buy Blue Picket Tiles
Major tile retailers like TileBar, Wayfair, Overstock, and BuildDirect carry blue picket tile collections. Amazon also has a selection of handmade artisan tiles.
To view and touch samples in person, visit a local specialty tile showroom. Many independent tile shops also offer custom ordering if you have your heart set on a particular color or finish.
Pricing averages $5-$15 per square foot. Handmade tiles with unique glazes or detailed prints cost more. Shop sales and buying in bulk can mean savings on your blue picket tile purchase.
With their distinctive elongated shape and stunning watercolor blue hues, blue picket tiles offer an artful take on the classic backsplash. They bring texture, color and visual intrigue to kitchen and bathroom designs.
Pair blue picket tiles with light cabinets and paint colors to really make them pop. Or match with warm woods, earth tones, and metallics for striking contrast. Take care to properly install and seal the tiles so their beauty endures.
If you're seeking a backsplash that makes a unique decor statement, blue picket tiles are a showstopping choice. Let their tranquil blues and handcrafted charm elevate your space from ordinary to extraordinary.
Health Benefits of Blue Picket Tiles
Recent studies have shown that the color blue can have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body, which can lead to reduced stress levels and improved overall well-being. Incorporating blue picket tile backsplashes in bedrooms or meditation spaces can promote a peaceful and restful environment.
Blue Picket Tiles for Small Spaces
While vertical installation of blue picket tiles is popular for creating a sense of height and spaciousness, it can also work wonders in smaller spaces. In fact, blue picket tiles in horizontal orientation can create an illusion of width and depth, making a small kitchen or bathroom appear more spacious and inviting.
Blue Picket Tiles for Coastal Decor
Blue picket tiles are a perfect fit for coastal decor, as they evoke the calming blues of the ocean and sky. A blue picket tile backsplash can add a beachy touch to bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms, while also providing a practical and functional element.
Blue Picket Tiles for Office Spaces
Blue is known to boost productivity and creativity, making it a great choice for office spaces. A blue picket tile backsplash in a break room or conference area can promote a focused and energized work environment, while also adding a stylish and modern touch.
Blue Picket Tiles for Sustainable Homes
Many blue picket tiles are made from eco-friendly materials, such as recycled glass or porcelain, making them a great choice for sustainable homes. In addition, the smooth and non-porous surface of blue picket tiles makes them easy to clean and maintain, reducing the need for harsh chemicals and detergents.
Blue Picket Tiles for DIY Projects
Blue picket tiles are versatile and easy to install, making them a great choice for DIY projects. With a variety of colors and patterns available, there's something to suit every taste and budget. Plus, the elongated hexagonal shape of blue picket tiles provides a unique and distinctive look that can add character and charm to any space.
When used in bathrooms with natural light, blue picket tiles can take on a stunning and vibrant appearance, as the sunlight reflects off the glass surface. This can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal backdrop for spa-like bathrooms meant for relaxation.