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Large tile for small bathroom


Tiling a Small Bathroom - Dos and Don'ts

Photo: Zillow Digs home in Phoenix, AZ

Thanks to the abundance of design and colors on the market today, choosing tiles that can visually expand a small space is easier than ever. Whether you select mosaics, large tiles, or a combination of sizes, keep in mind tile installation is usually permanent and can be costly in terms of both materials and labor. Choosing the correct tile for your small bathroom requires careful planning. As projects go, tiling a small bath isn’t exactly a quick and easy task, but if you are patient and diligent it can be a very rewarding experience. Before you invest in any materials, consider the following guidelines to help avoid an expensive mistake.

Do Carefully Measure the Space

Accurate measurements are a crucial first step in any tile project, but especially in the likely awkward layout that is your cramped bathroom. Any mistakes here can lead to conspicuous design problems. When calculating the amount of tile needed for floors or walls, multiply the length of the area you are covering by the width to find the square footage. Then you’ll want to add extra footage for waste. The exact amount of waste will depend on your tile size and the configuration, but 15 percent (up to 20 percent, in cases where the space has lots of corners or a diagonal layout) of the calculated square footage is a safe bet. Double-check your numbers before ordering.

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Photo: Zillow Digs home in Seattle, WA

Don’t Scrimp When Buying Tiles

Why invest in so much tile as part of the waste factor? Remember: Running out of materials on any job can be very frustrating. Having to stop mid-job to regroup is bad enough, but—in an even worse case scenario—you might find that the store is out of your particular tiles. Ordering tiles 15 to 20 percent more than you expect to use will help ensure against miscalculations, breakages, and cutting odd sizes to fit the space. It’s also a good idea to have spare tiles in reserve should any tiles become cracked or damaged in the future. Check to see if your retailer will allow refunds for unused tiles or unopened boxes, or start dreaming up projects to make with the spares.

Do Think Small-Scale

In addition to injecting your bathroom with the look and feel of a professional spa, covering your space in mosaic tiles also visually expand limited square footage in the bathroom. One-inch tiles on walls, floors, shower enclosures, and even ceilings fool the brain into thinking the space is larger just because there are so many round or square tiles lined up. When choosing mosaic tile from the wide variety of colors and styles on the market, consider glass. Glass mosaics will reflect light around the walls and ceiling, which in turn creates the illusion of a deeper, wider, and overall larger room.

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Photo: Zillow Digs home in Brooklyn, NY

Don’t Underestimate Large Tiles

We don’t mean to suggest that you can’t fit large tiles into the scheme of your small bath. Quite the contrary! Just like small, 1-inch tiles, large tiles can actually make the small space appear larger. Here’s how it works: Our brain associates big tiles with a large space, so seeing them in a smaller setting tricks us it into thinking the room is larger than we know it to be. If you’re ready to adopt an extra-large tile treatment on your floors, consider, for additional impact, continuing them up the walls to the height of a chair rail.

Do Keep It Simple

Tiling with several colors and bold patterns in a small bathroom can overwhelm the space and make it seem even more cramped than its actual size. Choosing a single light color for the floors and walls, however, makes the tiny room appear more spacious. If you prefer variety, select soft-hued colors that are a few shades lighter or darker than each other and consider smaller-scale design to keep with the size of the room.

Don’t Skip the Preparartion

Be sure that the surface on which you are working is clean, smooth, and solid. Otherwise, soft floors cause tiles to crack or loosen and uneven walls allow moisture to get behind tiles causing them to loosen and fall off—not exactly what you want to see soon after completing a labor-intensive project. In addition to leveling any uneven surface, also be sure to always remove wallpaper from walls and sand the surface before applying tiles.

Do Set Tiles in a Diagonal Pattern

Here’s another optical illusion that can work in your favor: Tiles set in a diagonal pattern across the floor can help a small bathroom be perceived as larger than its actual size. This layout places emphasis on the length and width simultaneously. Intrigued? Just know that diagonal tile patterns require more planning, precise measuring, and cutting—especially around the perimeter of the room. Before starting, you’ll use graph paper to lay out a scaled diagram of your floor. After measuring, marking the floor, and cutting the tiles, installation is fairly straightforward.

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Don’t Use Shiny Tiles on a Floor

While glossy tiles and polished stone can look very luxurious, skip these materials for bathroom flooring. The sheen of these surfaces are slick to the touch—add a splash of water outside the tub or excess soap in the bottom of your shower, and they can be downright slippery. Fortunately for you, tiles are rated according to their slip resistance so that you know exactly what belongs where in order to minimize risk of falls. Check with your retailer before buying to make sure your choice is suited to the purpose.

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Big Tile or Little Tile? How to Design for Small Bathrooms and Living Spaces on Suncoast View

Are you wondering how to design for small bathrooms and living spaces? Are you at a loss as to whether big tile will work or whether you're stuck with small tile?

Lucky for you, that's what Kate Spencer will focus on in this article. It's inspired by her November 8 visit to Suncoast View when that very topic came up.

Every house has some small space - whether it's a minuscule bathroom or powder room, or a tiny living nook. Just because it's small, doesn't mean that it has to be forgotten, drab or overly busy.

Quite the opposite. Small the square footage doesn’t mean small materials only as you'll see from the options detailed below for small bathrooms as well as small living spaces!

How to Design for Small Bathrooms

Although small tile such as mosaic can be effective in a small bathroom (and we'll touch on that in more detail below), I encourage you to consider larger sizes. For example, rectangular shaped tile, square tile, and wood plank tile can radically transform a small space.

And don't think you have to limit yourself to light colors only. Dark ones can add contrast and drama.

Rectangular Tiles in Small Bathrooms

Rectangular tiles look fabulous in a bathroom.

They can be installed vertically or horizontally depending on the look you prefer. Also, they can be set at a 25% offset or in a straight lay.

In the image above, you see rectangular tile in an off-white colored pattern installed vertically at a 25% offset. This works well given the dark wood vanity finish.

In contrast, the image below represents a horizontal installation of darker colored tile also at a 25% offset.

The image below features a darker neutral that pops in contrast with the light bathroom fixtures.

This next example extends the dark rectangular tile to the wall. Talk about dramatic!

Here is a small bathroom design showing how you can incorporate a dark grey rectangular tile in a very small space. Don't you love the horizontally laid wood planks on the wall?

Notice how the white subway tile used in the shower and the light trim and vanity pull the design together.

Photo by Norwell Design Build - More bathroom ideas

Below you can see a rectangular tile installed in a straight lay. The effect draws your eye to the end of the room.

These tiles have a linear design look that makes the room look longer.

Designing with Square Tiles in Small Bathrooms

Square tiles - including sizes larger than 4x4 and 6x6 - offer design versatility in small bathroom spaces. Not only can you vary the installation (on a diagonal, for example), but you can also opt for a polished and glossy look that reflects light, or a matte effect.

Decorative Tile Patterns in a Small Bathroom

Perhaps strong decorative patterns seem like they would be too busy for a small bathroom. However, they can be extremely effective for adding visual interest and creating a sense of space.

These particular decorative patterns come together based on combining four of the same pattern.

The cabinetry finishes coordinate with the lighter tone of the floor tile.

The wall tile emphasizes the white in the pattern. All of the bathroom fixtures echo the dark color of the tile.

>> See Talking Decorative Patterned Tile on Suncoast View

Or, celebrate stone-like patterns as you see in the image below where the walls echo the floors in a more intense and smaller-scaled square tile.

Square Tile on the Diagonal

These next three examples capture how dramatic square tile can look when installed on a diagonal.

In this bathroom, it emphasizes spaciousness.

With contrasting colors, you can create a checkerboard design, here with high gloss.

Or, add muted visual interest as a counterpoint to the vibrant wall covering.

Consider Large Format Tile in Small Bathrooms

A large format tile is great for small spaces. The reason has to do with grout joints. The larger the tile, the fewer grout joints you'll have and the greater sense of spaciousness you'll feel.

Take this notion to an extreme and you might have just one very large format tile in that small space.

Remember, though, that you can have fun with grout colors.

In this small space below, you see a light colored large format square tile installed on the diagonal.

In the image below, the large format tile is highly polished and reflects light.

Contrast that with the very dark colored matte-finished large format tile in the bathroom below. The effect is warm and cozy, without feeling small or claustrophobic.

Photo by Conscious Design - Browse bathroom photos

Try Wood Plank Tiles for Small Bathrooms

Don’t rule out wood plank tiles in a small bathroom where they look fabulous.

Wood planks can be installed in an offset or a herringbone design as you can see below. Or, consider a herringbone design that makes the room look like it is a tile rug.

We've even seen wood plank tile continued into the shower space.

>> See How to Create a Contemporary Urban Look with Porcelain and Ceramic Tile

Small Tile aka Mosaics for Small Bathrooms

Mosaics on the floor in a small bathroom work too.

You can find these designs in ceramic, stone and marble as well as decorative tile designs that add color to a space without overpowering it.

In the image below, you see a black and white basketweave design on the floor which works beautifully with the darker shower wall mosaics.

Below you see a classic black and white mosaic floor tile that effectively ties together the stunning soaker tub with the dark cabinetry and the countertops.

>> See Explore the Wonders of Mosaic Shapes with Kate on Suncoast View

How To Design with Tile for Small Living Spaces

As you might imagine, it's not just bathrooms that can be small. However, a small living space doesn’t need to be a challenge. There, too, you can choose any size tile format to complement and open up the space.

For example, install a wood plank tile in a herringbone pattern. This not only adds character, but it also makes the room look bigger.

Install a long narrow tile vertically in a room as you see below and you create the illusion of a longer room.

Which Tile - Big or Small - Will You Select for Your Small Bathroom or Living Space Design?

What's your reaction to these tile ideas for small spaces? Do you prefer small mosaics or large format square and rectangular tile (not to mention wood planks)? And which installation patterns do you prefer?

We hope you'll come to explore what's available in this category when you next visit Tile Outlets.

You can watch the 6:20-minute video segment by visiting Renovating Small Living Spaces with Tile Outlets | Suncoast View.

For additional ideas, check out 7 Best Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Trends for Bathrooms.

Thanks for reading!

Kate

We increase the space in the bathroom with tiles

A bathroom limited by square meters requires not only rational use of space, but also thoughtful design

As you know, the best option for finishing walls and floors is ceramics, which are moisture resistant, durable and easy to care for. Today, choosing something suitable is not difficult, since the range of this type of product is unusually wide and varied. However, it is not always worth relying solely on your own taste preferences and intuition; it is often useful to know what “pitfalls” await if you approach the purchase of lining lightly.


Owners of small-sized bathrooms know firsthand how difficult it is to arrange even the most necessary things in it, not to mention leaving room for extras and cute trinkets. But still, it is possible, albeit visually, to add a scarce height or width to the room.

For example, it is a mistake to believe that a large tile in a small bathroom will visually eat up part of the space. This statement is only true if the seams are too visible. And if the grout is not matched to match the ceramics, then such a finish will not only not decorate the room, but, on the contrary, will play a disservice to it. Despite the limitations imposed on them, large-format products have a number of advantages.

  1. Laying large tiles in the bathroom will significantly reduce both time and effort.
  2. It is better to give preference to rectified ceramics, that is, those with cut edges.

This will allow you to get the effect of a continuous surface, where the visibility of the seams is minimized. In addition, it is much easier to keep such a lining in perfect cleanliness, because dirt and dust will not clog into the gaps between squares or rectangles. Another point when a large tile in a small bathtub plays to increase the space is marble imitation.

The veins of precious stone, transferred from its surface to the surface of ceramics using innovative printing technology, will visually expand the boundaries of a cramped bathroom, especially if the marble copy is white or light beige, with a large, more contrasting pattern, continuous, smoothly flowing into each other.


If a large bathroom tile, however, does not inspire confidence in you, give preference to a medium format. As a rule, this is a win-win option for a cramped, humid room. The optimal solution is a rectangular tile in light colors, with a glossy finish and a longitudinal pattern.

Stripes, wavy lines, geometric and floral motifs - all this will make the walls visually stretch horizontally. When the goal is to visually raise the surface, the laying of ceramic rectangles is done vertically and, accordingly, the pattern should tend from the floor to the ceiling. Gloss on the cladding adds shine to the design, which also plays to increase the space.


A good effect in a small bathroom is a mosaic that creates a solid canvas on the walls and floor. You should not choose too contrasting combinations, calmer mixes or plain pastel-colored products will do the job perfectly. The ideal option is when the mosaic smoothly descends from the ceiling to the floor, covering the entire horizontal surface, only in this case it must be reliably protected from slipping. So-called "honeycombs" have similar properties. A continuous pattern of hexagons looms on the walls and floor, which works great to create a coherent image of the room.


In order for the decoration not to seem too bland and monotonous, accents can be introduced into the interior of a small-sized bathroom, but it is recommended to do this delicately so as not to overload the space and not cause dissonance. Smooth reliefs, inserts with subtle ornaments, miniature panels on a marine theme or decoupage blocks are suitable.

Mirror tiles look beautiful if you use them to highlight a certain area on the wall. Decors in imitation of marble or stone, wood or leather are used as a beautiful addition. There are a lot of options, stop your choice on the most acceptable one, so that even a small bathroom will noticeably change and add in volume.

You can already see samples of the collections at the stand in our branded showroom Keramogranit.Ru . Attentive to your needs, sellers who are well aware of the huge assortment of the salon will be happy to provide you with highly qualified advice and full support for the order.

45+ interior photos, modern design ideas

What size tiles to choose for a small bathroom?

If you take into account a few subtleties, you can lay tiles of any size. To complete the finish, it is advisable to combine different products. But in the end, it all depends on the preferences of the owner of the apartment, even if it is a small bathroom in Khrushchev.

Pictured is a large-format tile with inconspicuous tonal grout.

The photo shows a combined bathroom, the walls of which are decorated with ceramic mosaics interspersed with mirrors.

Tile color recommendations

Designers do not recommend decorating a small bathroom with dark tones. You need to choose neutral shades: white, sand, blue, light green, gray. When combining different colors, it is also recommended to use muted tones.

Products of a rich palette are appropriate as decor for niches, mirrors, bath screens: the choice depends on taste preferences and the layout of the room.

The right choice of tile design to increase space

To divert attention from the modest size of the bathroom, designers offer some interesting ideas. For example, you can lay out the same tiles on both the walls and the floor, uniting the space. Or vice versa: make the floor covering saturated in color - it will draw attention to itself - and decorate the walls in neutral colors. The same technique works with bright furniture and accent elements.

Check out other ideas for making a room look bigger.

In the photo, a small bathroom is visually enlarged due to the same coating on the wall and floor.

In a small bathroom, you can also combine local areas, such as shower and floor.

Photo of compact bathrooms with wide marble effect tiles.

Which finish should I choose: glossy or matt?

Any finish is suitable for a small bathroom, but each has its own characteristics:

Glossy Matte

Visually increases the area of ​​the room, giving depth.

Used in interiors where gloss is inappropriate.

Glitter tile reflects light to expand the space. Suitable for walls.

The rough texture of ceramic tiles is safer, so it is suitable for flooring.

Water drops and handprints are more noticeable, but the surface is easy to clean.

The matte finish is less visible, but also harder to clean.

Since the purpose of decorating a small bathroom is to expand the space, glossy products are preferable.

Pictured is a glossy boar that adds depth to a small bathroom.

Which tile shape is best?

The modern ceramic tile market is full of a variety of shapes. But not all options will look good in a small bathroom.

Standard rectangles and squares emphasize the geometry of the room, look unobtrusive: just what you need in a small room. Walls with three-dimensional, embossed or hexagonal tiles look impressive and eye-catching, but you should not overload the space with them.

View bathroom tile options.

The photo shows a rectangular tile "brick-like" milky shade.

Irregularly shaped items (eg scales) or triangles are only suitable for decorating individual areas.

How does layout affect a small bathroom?

It all depends on the proportions of the bathroom: the layout can lengthen the space or expand it. Long horizontal products - expand the walls. The same effect is given by lines of contrasting tiles, ceramic or glass mosaics.

Vertically laid tiles visually raise ceilings.

The photo shows a narrow "wood effect" tile laid along the wall.

Learn more