PublishedMar 27, 2025 12:10 PM EDT
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The best thing about following designers on social media—aside from the steady stream of room porn—is that every once in a while they’ll drop a consideration that never crossed your mind until that very moment. Take designer Taylor Ferrell, founder of SALT Kitchen and Bath, for instance. She recently posted an Instagram reel from her car (queen of multitasking!) all about the importance of Schluter tile. See? You might already be lost. That’s okay.
“Schluter is a metal piece that goes on the end of your tile,” she says in the video. “Schluter is going to be the first thing your tile guy picks out, and probably the first thing the tile shop hands you, and it’s the last thing I would choose.” Ouch.
If you pick a tile that doesn’t come with trim, Schluter tile acts as the fallback—it finishes off the puzzle and keeps your tiles from chipping at the edges over time. With that context, you might be thinking, “What’s so wrong with that?” Well, Ferrell dives deeper in her post, but we reached out to her directly for the full scoop. “Schluter trim isn’t a bad thing when done intentionally,” she says. “The problem happens when it’s used as the default without any discussion. And this happens a lot.”
In her experience, Ferrell notes that tile suppliers and installers will likely default to chrome or black Schluter tile, because that’s what’s sitting in stock gathering dust. But Schluter tiles come in many other finishes that might actually match your aesthetic, so it pays to seek out the right one yourself instead of letting the tile guy ghost-decide your bathroom’s vibe.
“That said, Schluter isn’t always my go-to,” Ferrell continues. “I love using tile that can be mitered for a seamless edge, or opting for a coordinating pencil trim or liner for a more custom look. These options do cost more, but they can really elevate a space from ‘meh’ to ‘oh hello.’ The key is knowing your options before you’re stuck with a default choice you didn’t ask for.”
Designer Erin Gates, principal of a namesake firm, agrees. She thinks Schluter can look a little cold and commercial, like the bathroom equivalent of fluorescent office lighting. “Schluter is typically the cheapest and easiest way to finish off the edges of tile,” Gates says. “It’s a designer’s least favorite option, but a developer’s favorite. You may not notice it, but when you see it compared to other options—like a bullnose edge, a quarter-round pencil trim, or a stone jamb—you’ll see why it looks subpar.”
To avoid a scenario where Schluter steamrolls your vision, both designers advise getting on the same page as your pros early. “Bring some inspirational images that reflect the style you want,” Ferrell says. “A good designer or builder wants to know your expectations so they can focus on options you’ll actually like.” Gates also suggests having the conversation while you’re choosing tiles—not after, when it’s too late and you’re staring at chrome trim wondering where it all went wrong.
“When choosing a tile or being shown what tile is being installed, ask how they plan to finish the edges,” she notes. “If they say ‘Schluter,’ ask if you can pay a little extra to use finished pieces of that tile instead. If none are available, ask for a stone or quartz jamb. But sometimes the only possible way to finish a tile in a tricky install is to use a Schluter, and in that case, make sure the metal matches the finishes in your bathroom so it at least looks intentional.”
Now that you know what Schluter tile is and how it can quietly sabotage your design, you’re better prepared to follow in these designers’ footsteps. Knowledge is power—and better trim. Win, win!
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