How to spice up inexpensive 4×4 wall tiles in your retro renovation bathroom? Liner tiles add expense – but they are well worth considering because of their amazing decorative punch. They are so very typical of the postwar era. Snoop in the bathrooms at estate sales and you are sure to see their perky little appearance.

Another great example:

Flickr friend Humblelabor provides these images – see more on her photostream. I am particularly in love with the first image — the salt & pepper tile with the black & gold liner tile. Isn’t that snazzy!

The color photos in this post are vintage. But the liner tile samples are from B&W Tile’s website. In addition to offering many authentic vintage colors – including the iconic Mamie pink – B&W also can custom color – hand-paint – liner tiles to match your specifications. Regarding multi-color liners or liners matched with field tile in general: Think complementary color in equal hues and values… be careful about contrast, don’t make this too jarring…this is the kind of decorative decision you want to be not too hot, not too cold, just right.

I have to say, if I had my bathrooms to do over again – I’d put these in, in a heartbeat. I particularly like “Deco” and “Pearl” handpainted in multiple pastel shades. So sweet!

If you just want plain liner tiles, I also see them available from Dal-tile. For authenticity’s sake, I recommend staying with the narrow 1/2″ style x 6″ long. Top with 2×6 or 4×4 bullnose tiles in the same color filed as your wall tile. Amy’s 1964 salt ‘n pepper bathroom actually shows a liner topped by a 4″ field tile then a 2×6 bullnose – looks good this way, too.

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