10 relaxed, rustic farmhouse-style kitchen tile ideas
A welcoming kitchen is at the heart of every farmhouse. Large, warm and accessible, farmhouse-style kitchens are relaxed and functional spaces.
You don’t need to live in a sprawling farmhouse to get the look, with well-chosen cabinets, tiles and furniture, it’s possible to introduce farmhouse style to any home.
Image credit: @painttherosesred_interior
Recommended Tile: DD Ivory
What is farmhouse style?
Farmhouse-style is all about creating a homely and welcoming feel. Think shaker-style cabinets, rustic wooden or stone tiled floors, exposed brick and, of course, a toasty Aga.
Farmhouse kitchens can be traditional or more modern in style. Contemporary farmhouse kitchens have more of a clean, industrial look, with sleek wall and floor tiles, plenty of lighting and shiny, metal accessories.
How can I get the rustic farmhouse look with tiles?
Whether you own a farmhouse or want to bring the look into a smaller home, the right tiles can help you to achieve the look.
Think about using wood-effect or stone floor tiles. You can pick smooth stone-effect porcelain tiles or go for more rustic slate or flagstone flooring. Terracotta floor tiles are another excellent option and perfect for adding a warm, welcoming feel.
When it comes to choosing wall tiles, almost anything goes. You can go for a more traditional plain tile, pick patterned tiles, or choose versatile metro tiles in a range of colours. Farmhouse kitchens usually feature large ovens and the splashback area above them is the perfect spot for bolder tiles.
Farmhouse-style kitchen tile ideas
From sweeping modern farmhouse kitchens to more eclectic traditional ones, keep reading to discover our pick of the best farmhouse-style kitchen tiles:
Rustic stone floor tiles
For an authentic farmhouse feel, stone floor tiles offer a homely, classic look that’s hard to beat. Opt for real limestone, warm shades of travertine (a type of sedimentary limestone), or ultra-realistic stone-effect porcelain tiles. Choose same-sized, large-format floor tiles for a sleeker appearance or combine different-sized tiles for a busier, more informal look.
Image credit: @mrsjessdaines
Recommended Tile: Travertine Classic Opus Mix
Grey stone floor tiles
If you prefer a darker-coloured floor, deeper shades of limestone or slate are beautiful and durable. Remember that real stone floors will need to be periodically sealed to make them water and stain-resistant. Alternatively, you can choose stone-effect porcelain tiles which are pretty much indistinguishable from the real thing.
Image credit: @victoria_at_thewhitecottage
Recommended Tile: Welsh Porcelain Slate Newport Grey
Modern farmhouse metro tiles
Classic, versatile metro tiles look incredible in every type of kitchen and farmhouse style is no exception. Metro tiles are extremely popular, budget-friendly and available in a vast range of colours, textures and sizes. They’ll instantly smarten up your kitchen walls and you can create different looks by varying the tile layout and grout colour.
Image credit: @the_brothers_stonington
Recommended Tile: Rio Blanco
Feature tile splashback
Farmhouse kitchens often contain large, feature cookers and what better way to highlight one than with a spectacular tiled splashback?
Farmhouse style is usually natural and neutral but there are no rules and absolutely no reason why you can’t inject a heap of character and personality into yours. Fishscale mosaic tiles are an inspired choice, you can purchase these unusual tiles in a range of colours and materials.
Image credit: @alison_allmand_smith
Recommended Tile: Mermaid
Terracotta floor tiles
An excellent flooring material, terracotta is durable and attractive. Made from clay, these tiles can be glazed or unglazed, the latter will need to be sealed to help keep them clean and watertight.
Image credit: @tale_victoria
Recommended Tile: Antique Pammet Terracotta
Aged wall tiles
If you don’t have exposed brick or stone walls in your kitchen, you can fit textured, worn wall tiles instead. Tumbled stone tiles are an excellent choice, you can choose from stones like marble or limestone which have been tumbled with water and rocks to give them their characteristic pitted texture.
Image credit: @theroaringcreekhome
Recommended Tile: Vintage White
Wood effect flooring
If you’re thinking of fitting a traditional farmhouse floor, wood is an excellent option. Although real wood is beautiful, it’s not always the most practical option for a kitchen, especially if you have an appliance leakage. Adding a natural and warm look, wood-effect porcelain tiles have all the looks but none of the maintenance of real wood.
Image credit: @amywilsondesigns
Recommended Tile: Naturae Wood
Modern farmhouse vibrant floor tiles
Although many farmhouse-style kitchen floors will feature stone or wooden floors, you can add a more modern twist with patterned floor tiles.
Bold patterns will make a space look busier than plain tiles, but they will make a real statement and work in small and large spaces alike. If you want to create a similar look in your kitchen, it’s a good idea to keep wall tiles plain. Light wall tiles will also help to make the room feel bright and airy.
Image credit: @lorimichellelifestyle
Recommended Tile: Damask
Vintage octagon and dot floor tiles
If you love pattern but prefer something a little more subtle, the classic octagon and dot floor pattern is timeless and elegant. Perfect for all sizes and styles of kitchen, you can choose from stone or porcelain tiles and vary the colours of the tiles too.
Image credit: @studio_arabella_
Recommended Tile: Waxman Shapes Octagon White and Black
Glossy splashback tiles
Use large, glossy tiles to frame an oven or other feature of your farmhouse-style kitchen. High gloss tiles look especially effective next to matt wall cabinets, they’re easy to keep clean and because they’re reflective, help to bounce light around the room.
Image credit: @home_at_bostocks_lane
Recommended Tile: Rio
Top tips for getting the farmhouse-style kitchen look with tiles
- Farmhouse style is warm and welcoming. Tiles that are made from natural materials, such as stone and clay, or porcelain tiles that mimic these textures are good choices. Opting for classic tile materials also means they’ll stand the test of time better than more modern styles.
- Although many farmhouse-style kitchens can feel quite busy, you can keep the look more modern by going for simple tiles in neutral colours. Balance strong floor colours or patterned tiles with plain white wall tiles.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with mosaic tiles; marble, limestone, glass and porcelain tiles can add a welcome touch of character to a farmhouse-style kitchen.
Atlas Ceramics has a wide range of stone and porcelain wall and floor tiles to help you get the farmhouse kitchen look. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our experts for advice.