What Tile Matches With Hickory Flooring?

Neutral Colors

• Natural hickory wood has a rich and warm color that pairs nicely with neutral shades. Bring in lighter shades of tan and cream. These hues will not overwhelm the color of the flooring, but highlight its richness. For a more upscale look, use a combination of colors in a checkerboard pattern on the floors, placing the tile next to the hickory. If you prefer a lighter and more modern approach to home decorating, then opt for a cream, eggshell or off-white tile color that lets the hickory flooring shine.

Brighter Shades

• Using brighter colors of tile helps tone down the slightly dark look of the hickory flooring. Natural hickory is fairly dark, which can overwhelm a smaller room or a room with less natural light. Look for tiles that add a bright pop of color to the room and reduce the heavy feeling of the hickory. A bright lipstick red, teal blue or Kelly green brings in a dash of visual excitement. Lighter colors that have a fresh and bright feeling, such as lemon yellow or robin’s egg blue, update the darker wood and make it appear lighter.

Darker Looks

• If you like the rich look of the hickory flooring, then use a darker tile color that complements and highlights the richness. A deep shade of chocolate brown or a warm shade of slate gray works with the hickory, making it the star of the show. Remember that in smaller rooms, the darker colors may overwhelm the space. Lighten the look with a combination of two tile colors. Mix and match a dark brown tile with a lighter cream color. Both colors play off the natural look of the hickory.

Warning

• Keep in mind that hickory varies depending on the manufacturer. While it has a deep and rich color from some designers, others describe the shade as a lighter color. Before picking the tile color for your home, check the tile against a sample of the flooring. Make sure that the tile colors you pick are a nice match or complement for the flooring.