The Worst Bathroom Tiles For Your Home Value

We're all guilty of choosing things that everyone seems to be raving about or making impulse decisions because something strikes our personal tastes. Whether we're talking about the latest color trend flooding Pinterest boards or a tile pattern your neighbor recently invested in, it's human nature to want our homes to reflect our personality and the times. But trendy doesn't always mean valuable. That's because what feels "in" today could chip away at your home's value tomorrow. A bathroom remodel, for example, may offer a 60% to 70% return on investment but only if it appeals beyond your own style bubble. Tiles, being the face of any bathroom, carry more weight than we give them credit for. But some bold options might be the very reason your home's worth takes a dip. We're talking about statement tiles here, the ones that look stunning on Instagram (and often cost more than basic varieties) but turn out to be terrible home upgrades that aren't worth the money.

Now, if you're planning to stay in your home for at least five or six years, you can have fun with your creative streak. The maximalist bathroom tile trend that looks like ocean waves or the vintage pattern that takes you back to your grandmother's house? Go for it! But if your timeline's shorter and you're planning to sell within the next five years, it's wise to think beyond your own taste. While you might love a bold checkerboard floor, a potential buyer may see it as a costly remodel waiting to happen, so consider sticking with more subdued tried-and-true tile layouts to create a space that others could more easily imagine themselves in.

Trends come and go, but value earns respect over time. Experts will often nudge you toward classic neutral shades that stand the test of changing fads and improve your home's value. Upon hearing neutrals, white is often the first color that comes to mind. However, this can feel a bit too cold, like it belongs in a clinic rather than a cozy home. That's where off-whites come to the rescue. These light shades create a sense of warmth and serenity while retaining a bright, clean appearance that proves simplicity doesn't mean lack of character.

If you want something with a bit more edge, light gray is another winner. It brings a touch of modern sophistication to your bathroom without demanding too much attention. Plus, it mimics the calmness of stone and pairs beautifully with almost any accent color, from muted blues to matte black finishes. And if you're someone who likes nature, earth tones (think soft beiges and sandy taupes) create an organic feel that's hard not to love. To take things up a notch, you might also consider natural stone tiles. While overly textured stone is one tile choice that can make your bathroom look tacky, a more subtle surface is stylish and timeless, giving the space a more universally agreeable character that no trend could imitate.