What is the best color for shower floor?

Quick Answers

The best colors for a shower floor are white, light gray, beige and light blue. These lighter colors make the shower feel clean, bright and spacious. Darker colors like black can make the shower feel smaller and dirt/mold harder to spot. Glossy finishes are easiest to keep clean.

What Are the Most Popular Shower Floor Colors?

When choosing a color for your shower floor, you’ll want to consider both aesthetics and function. Here are some of the most popular shower floor color options:

White

A white shower floor is a popular choice because it gives the shower a clean, bright look. The light color reflects light, making the shower feel more open and spacious. White is easy to keep looking clean and goes with almost any color scheme. However, white can show dirt, stains and soap scum more easily than some other lighter colors. Regular cleaning is a must to keep a white shower floor looking pristine.

Light Gray

Light gray is another top choice for shower floors. Like white, it has a clean, contemporary look. But it doesn’t show dirt quite as much as stark white. Light gray works with cool color palettes as well as warm neutrals. It’s a versatile and stylish shower floor color.

Beige

For a warm, earthy feel, beige is a great shower floor color. Different hues of beige can create a relaxing, spa-like vibe. From soft sand to warm stone, beige adds subtle interest while still being neutral enough to match most bathroom designs. Just be aware that darker beiges will show dirt more than very light ones.

Light Blue

Looking to add a little color to your bathroom? Light blue makes for an inviting shower floor. Pale blue is both calming and crisp. A light blue shower floor pairs nicely with white subway tile and looks great with navy or gray as an accent color. Just stick to a lighter shade rather than a bold blue for the floor itself.

Pros and Cons of Light vs. Dark Shower Floor Colors

When selecting a color for your shower floor, you’ll also want to think about light vs. dark colors. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:

Light Colors

Pros:

  • Brighten up the shower
  • Make shower feel more spacious
  • Easier to spot and clean dirt and mold
  • Reflective surface makes shower feel more open

Cons:

  • Can show soap scum and stains
  • Require frequent cleaning to keep looking clean
  • Can feel cold or sterile

Dark Colors

Pros:

  • Add drama and intimacy
  • Hide dirt better
  • Feel warmer and cozier
  • Less maintenance than very light colors

Cons:

  • Make shower feel smaller and darker
  • Harder to spot mold or mildew
  • Can feel too cave-like if very dark

Best Shower Floor Materials by Color

The material you choose for your colored shower floor will impact factors like cost, durability, and ease of cleaning. Here are some of the best options:

White

Porcelain tile – Porcelain tile is highly water-resistant and comes in many shades of white. The glazed surface repels stains and resists scratching.

Quartz – For a seamless look, white quartz is durable, stylish, and easy to clean. Quartz is more expensive than tile but is very low maintenance.

Acrylic/fiberglass – Budget-friendly white acrylic or gelcoat shower pans are lightweight and easy to install. Some manufacturers add anti-microbial treatments to inhibit mold growth.

Light Gray

Porcelain tile – Like white tile, gray porcelain tile has a durable yet attractive finish that repels water and stains. It hides soap scum well.

Concrete – For a modern, organic look, light gray concrete adds texture. It can be polished smooth or left with more of a stone finish. Staining treatments help protect the surface.

Vinyl – Rigid core vinyl plank flooring comes in many light gray hues with natural stone patterns. Groutless installation is faster and easier to maintain than tile.

Beige

Ceramic tile – Glazed ceramic tile in earthy beige tones is an affordable option. Use a porcelain tile on shower walls for more water resistance.

Quartz – Natural looking quartz mixes add warmth to the shower floor. Quartz requires minimal maintenance.

Terrazzo – For a vintage vibe, gray and beige terrazzo mixes make a durable, low-maintenance floor. A sealant helps prevent staining and etching.

Light Blue

Glass tile – Blue glass mosaic tile provides a reflective, watery look. The smooth surface resists soap film buildup.

Porcelain tile – Subway-style porcelain tile in pale blue keeps a vintage aesthetic. Use white grout to prevent discoloration.

Resin flooring – Seamless, poured floors come in glossy light blue. Resin is durable and easy to sanitize.

Shower Floor Finishes: Gloss vs. Matte

The finish you choose for your shower flooring material also affects maintenance and appearance:

Glossy Finish

Pros:

  • Reflects light for an airier look
  • Visually expands smaller showers
  • High shine is easy to keep looking clean
  • Water beads up and rinses off easily

Cons:

  • Can show water spots and stains
  • May require frequent sealing/buffing to maintain shine
  • Can be slippery when wet

Matte Finish

Pros:

  • Muted look hides soap scum/water marks
  • Provides traction when wet
  • Less upkeep required than glossy finishes

Cons:

  • Doesn’t reflect light like a glossy finish
  • Texture can allow dirt to get trapped
  • Requires careful grout cleaning

Cleaning and Maintenance by Shower Floor Color

While all shower floors require regular cleaning, some colors and materials are lower maintenance than others. Here are some basic guidelines for keeping different colored shower floors looking their best:

Color Cleaning Tips
White Use gentle, non-acidic cleaners to avoid etching. Rinse soap scum immediately before it stains. Reseal grout and caulk regularly.
Light Gray Use a soft-bristle brush and mild cleaner for textured surfaces. Reseal concrete/grout every 1-2 years.
Beige Spot clean stains quickly to avoid setting. Use a sealant/finish to repel water and dirt. Vacuum vinyl floors to prevent trapped grit.
Light Blue Rinse off soap deposits frequently to prevent buildup. Use a squeegee after showering to prevent water spots. Reseal tile grout twice a year.

Always refer to your flooring manufacturer’s care guidelines. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage the floor surface.

Sustainability Factors

For an eco-friendly shower floor, look for materials with these sustainable qualities:

  • Made from recycled content – Many mosaic tiles contain up to 40% recycled glass or porcelain.
  • Locally sourced – Supporting regional manufacturers reduces environmental impact.
  • Natural ingredients – Options like concrete use minimal processing and no VOC chemicals.
  • Reusable/recyclable – At end of lifecycle, materials like metal and concrete can be reused or recycled.
  • Low-VOC adhesives and sealants – Limit air pollution with low-VOC installation and maintenance products.

Cost Comparison

There is quite a range when it comes to shower flooring costs. In general, these are ballpark costs per square foot installed:

  • Sheet vinyl – $2-$4
  • Porcelain tile – $5-$15
  • Ceramic tile – $5-$10
  • Acrylic – $6-$10
  • Natural stone tile – $15-$30
  • Poured resin – $15-$25
  • Concrete – $15-$30
  • Quartz – $30-$100

However, costs vary widely based on tile size/quality, labor rates in your area, and specialized installation requirements. Get multiple estimates to compare pricing for your specific project.

Conclusion

When choosing the best shower floor color, lighter hues like white, light gray, beige and light blue work well. These colors keep the shower looking clean, bright and spacious. Dark floor colors can feel cave-like and show dirt less. For easier maintenance, use high-gloss floor materials rather than matte finishes.

Maintenance is also determined by the exact flooring material, whether tile, quartz, resin, concrete, etc. Each has pros and cons in terms of cost, durability and ease of cleaning. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to keep any colored shower floor looking its best.

With the right selection and maintenance, a colored shower floor can be both stylish and functional for years to come.

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