What Is Accent Tile?

Accent tile is a decorative tile used to break up a field of standard tile, typically featuring a contrasting color, pattern, texture, or material. Rather than covering an entire surface, accent tile is used strategically, as a stripe, border, focal point, or single feature wall, to add visual interest without the cost or intensity of tiling a whole space in a bold statement material. This guide covers where accent tile works best and how to use it effectively. See our full Tile Glossary for more design terms.

Common Ways to Use Accent Tile

• Backsplash focal point: A band of accent tile above the stove or sink area within a larger field tile installation.
• Shower niche or feature wall: A single accent wall in a contrasting tile, while the rest of the shower uses a simpler field tile.
• Border or listello strip: A narrow decorative band that frames a tile field, often placed at chair-rail height or along the edge of a floor.
• Fireplace surround: A bold accent tile used to make a fireplace the focal point of a room.
• Floor inset: A patterned accent tile inset into an entryway or bathroom floor, often in a contrasting shape like hexagon or diamond.

Popular Accent Tile Materials and Styles

Accent tile can be made from almost any material, glass tile for shine and reflectivity, natural stone for texture and depth, mosaic sheets for intricate patterns, or bold encaustic-look tile for graphic pattern. Because accent tile is used in smaller quantities than field tile, it's often a good opportunity to use a higher-end or more expensive material without the cost of tiling an entire room in it.

Tips for Choosing and Placing Accent Tile

• Limit the accent to one focal area rather than scattering it throughout a space, so it reads as an intentional design choice rather than visual clutter.
• Coordinate color and undertone with the field tile and grout so the accent complements rather than clashes with the rest of the installation.
• Consider scale, a small accent strip works well in a compact powder room, while a larger accent wall suits a more spacious shower or entryway.
• Plan the layout before installation, since accent tile often requires more precise measuring and cutting to land correctly within the field tile pattern.

The Bottom Line

Accent tile is one of the easiest ways to add personality and visual interest to a space without committing an entire room to a bold material. Browse Belk Tile's backsplash tile collection or explore the full Tile Glossary.