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Modern small bathroom tiling ideas


20 ways with small bathroom tiles |

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(Image credit: Future)

Our small bathroom tile ideas come in handy if you don't have much room to work with but want to create impact.

Tiles are a must-have in the battle to keep bathroom splashes contained, and they're also the ideal way to inject a hefty dose of personality into the smallest of spaces, too. Luckily, we have plenty of bathroom ideas up our sleeve to help you along.

Often decorated by famous designers, the bathrooms in glamorous hotels and restaurants are also rich hunting grounds for clever and unusual tiling ideas. Even the most bijou bathroom tile ideas can take your breath away and leave you longing for a similar look at home. 

While there are no tiles designed specifically for small bathrooms, there are still plenty of ways that tiles can be utilised to get more from a small space. The tile industry is very led by bathroom trends, so you’ll need to select carefully to achieve individuality. And, more crucially, choose a design you won’t quickly grow tired of.

Small bathroom tile ideas

Find inspirational small bathroom tile ideas and expert advice to help you plan your next project. We have both bathroom wall tile ideas and bathroom floor tile ideas to help you create an inspiring space.

1. Use neutral textures to create a calm space

(Image credit: Angus Reid/Genevieve Lutkin)

Using white bathroom tile ideas is one of those tricks for boosting space in tiny bathrooms. However, use white-only and you will have a soulless space. Instead, introduce texture with tiles and other materials. 

 ‘We wanted to keep the bathroom calm and serene,’ says interior designer Angus Reid of Angus Reid Projects . ‘We used a variety of materials: glossy terrazzo floor tiles, slubby French linen blind, a raw oak milking stool and an amazingly moody photograph of a turbulent sea. This mixture of textures along with the calming palette create an interesting, yet inviting, space to relax and unwind.’

2. Be bold with floor tiles for small bathrooms

(Image credit: VIPP)

A monochrome scheme is always classic, but this one is given a lift with the choice of contemporary fittings from Vipp including a wall-hung vanity module in powder coated stainless steel with rubber plated handles. The black floor featuring tiles from fellow Danish design company, Made a Mano provides crisp contrast.

3. Use small bathroom tile ideas to create zones

(Image credit: Pernille Lind Studio/Stoffer Photography Interiors)

‘We wanted to give this ensuite boldness and character, so we designed a graphic marble mosaic,’ says interior designer Pernille Lind of Pernille Lind Studio . ‘It creates a strong yet elegant effect, bordered in black marble to contrast with the light timber floorboards of the bedroom area.’ 

The Tumbled Blocks mosaic tile is made from three types of Greek marble: Thassos White, Kavala Grey and Edessa Black. It comes on 11 13/16 x 11.13/16 inch (30 x 30cm) net sheets, designed to be easy to install, all from Pernille Lind Studio.

4. Add a modern penny tile

(Image credit: Claybrook)

Small bathroom tile ideas are most successful when they're subtle. The rectangular shape and off-white color of these Kasama glazed porcelain mosaic tiles from Claybrook adds architectural interest and quiet contemporary detail to this room design. Their textured effect is enhanced by contrast with the smooth wall painted in deep Caffeine Boost emulsion, also by Claybrook.

5. Use one-tone tile in different formats

(Image credit: Waterworks)

If you are looking for shower tile ideas for small spaces, these small bathroom tile ideas above are a masterclass in getting it right. This shower has an inviting feel, created by the choice of tiles from the same softly neutral color palette, in different formats used to add interest and sophisticated detail. 

Natural stone Keystone Cirrus wall tiles are teamed with Parramore Fading Field custom mosaic on the back wall, with the cocooning effect enhanced by Keystone Thassos marble mosaic on both the floor and ceiling. All products are by Waterworks . 

6. Bold and colorful small bathroom tile ideas

(Image credit: Cuschieri Architects/Darren Chung)

A wet room can be the best solution in a small space; losing the shower screen leaves the whole room visible. However, wet room ideas require serious tanking, which can easily lead to tile overload. 

In this Moroccan-inspired wet room, water-resistant polished plaster was color-matched to the emerald green encaustic shower tiles to create a cozy, cocooning effect.

‘We used the tiles only where needed to protect the walls and floors where they come into direct contact with water,’ explains Malcolm Abela Sciberras, interior designer, Rebirth at Cuschieri Architects .

7. Create optical illusions

(Image credit: Day True)

Taking bathroom floor tiles up the walls, or in this case up the tub panel, blurs the boundaries between floor and walls to create the illusion of a bigger space. 

Here, Day True has deliberately mismatched the tile’s pattern direction to effectively conceal the juncture where horizontal meets vertical and make the bathroom appear longer.

Do check the tiles you like are suitable for both floor and wall use. Some floor tiles can be too heavy to adhere safely to vertical surfaces, while wall tiles may crack underfoot.

8. Consider a whole new shape

(Image credit: Ca'Pietra)

Shape can prove just as effective as pattern when it comes to making a statement with tiles. Hexagons and fish-scale shaped tiles are still popular tile trends, but circular mosaics are a classic that somehow manages to look timeless and on-trend.

‘Penny tiles are small and sweet, and offer a modern twist on classic square mosaics, while retaining that luxe look mosaics will always offer,’ says Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra . 

‘They look great popped in a recess near the tub or shower but for maximum impact in a small bathroom, go floor-to-ceiling with a fabulous accent wall.’

9. Try changing direction

(Image credit: David Collins Studio/Small-bathroom-tile-ideas-Andreas Von Einsiedel)

For marble bathroom ideas, the direction of the vein pattern can have a big impact in a small room. In this sophisticated ensuite idea, David Collins Studio went for a classical book-matched pattern.

‘Like a trompe l’oeil, it makes the space appear larger and is a technique synonymous with luxury that elevates the marble to a unique piece of art,’ says associate director, Siobhan Kelly.

Mother of pearl mosaics were added around the vanity area to provide variation and further enhance the delicate features of the natural stone. Running the marble vein pattern horizontally can make a narrow room feel wider, while vertical veining improves the sense of height.

Always do a dry run if possible; lay the tiles out to find the most natural vein connections across tiles, then number each one before installing.

10. Keep it clear

(Image credit: Victoria+Albert/Jose Hevia)

When it comes to small bathroom bathroom tile ideas, it’s no secret that the more flooring left on show, the more spacious your bathroom will appear. Here, Spanish interior designer Miriam Barrio has drawn all attention to the floor by using bold geometric tiles in an otherwise neutral scheme.

‘Wall hung toilets and vanity units are hugely effective in opening up floor space to pave the way for eye-catching tiles,’ says Emma Joyce, brand manager at Victoria+ Albert Baths . ‘Opting for a freestanding bathtub can also be an intelligent design solution. Unlike built-in tubs, the flooring, and daylight, flows underneath.’

11. Wrap it up

(Image credit: Carden Cunietti / Alex James)

Embrace your creative side and give plain tiles a new lease of life, as Carden Cunietti brilliantly demonstrates in this fun family bathroom. 

‘We loved the idea of being in the pattern not just standing upon it and that’s why the graphic pattern continues up the walls and on to the ceiling,’ explains director Audrey Carden.

Other creative ideas for plain tiles include creating an ‘ombre’ effect by diffusing the color from dark to light as you tile up the wall and using monochrome mosaics to add words or rug-effect patterns underfoot.

12. Go big on pattern

(Image credit: Orignal Style)

Choosing small bathroom tile ideas with outsized pattern may sound like a bad idea for bathroom backsplashes, but actually the unexpected polarity of scale can pack a powerful punch. Targeted behind a key feature, like a freestanding bathtub, it only takes a few square metres to make a small bathroom memorable.

‘Patterned tiles are brilliant for creating eye-catching feature walls,’ says Jane Addis, New Products & Design Manager at Original Style .

Taking the tiles from floor-to-ceiling will effectively mimic the look of wallpaper, serving to soften the hard edges of sanitaryware. ‘Go for large format tiles if possible; fewer grout lines will provide a more seamless finish,’ adds Jane.

13. Use the lines

(Image credit: Waterworks)

When considering darker gray bathroom tile ideas, be aware that using grout lines to add pattern without overpowering can prove very effective in small spaces. Here, Waterworks has switched tile direction to shake up a classic brickwork installation, without going overboard. 

The results are interesting but still beautifully timeless. The decorative impact of the grout itself shouldn’t be overlooked. Go for a dramatic black or slice of color to really make tiles stand out.

14. Create a colorful accent wall

(Image credit: West One Bathrooms/Paul Craig)

A colorful tiled accent wall at the end of a small bathroom will draw the eye through, ensuring every inch gets noticed. ‘Color is being embraced in small bathrooms in a big way right now,’ enthuses designer Katie Agombar from West One Bathrooms.

‘Patterned tiles are a really effective way to introduce color, which can then be picked up on accessories, towels and even sanitary ware. Colors such as dark green, pastel blue and pale pink teamed with gray bathroom tile ideas are particularly popular. Combine with brass and black accents for a contemporary and sophisticated palette.’

15. Use tiles to pull focus

(Image credit: Cherie Lee/Sarah Hogan)

Tiles can be used as a tool to draw attention away from awkward architecture, as Cherie Lee Interiors demonstrates in this modern loft bathroom. ‘If the ceiling is sloping or the walls have awkward alcoves, using patterned or intricate tiles on vertical surfaces will often exacerbate the issue,’ she explains.

‘Whereas on the floor, boldly patterned tiles, or plain subway bathroom tiles laid in an interesting geometric pattern like these, creates a horizontal focal point, allowing problematic walls to fade into the background.’

16. Consider suitability first

(Image credit: Future)

'Before you start looking at what you want the tiles to look like, it’s important to check the tiles are best suited to a bathroom environment,' says Hamish Smith of Ca' Pietra. 

'So make sure you check the following: Are the tiles right for walls or floors? Do they work with underfloor heating? If you are going for a wet room then underfloor heating will be essential to dry the space quickly. 

'If you adore a tile but it isn’t advisable to use it on the floor (and that’s where you planned to lay it) then unfortunately you'll have to steer clear.

'Finally, make sure the slip-rating is adequate enough for the room, you don’t want little feet slipping on tiles post bath-time.'

17. Half-tile in a bold color

For similar tiles try Bazaar Moss Green, Ca' Pietra

(Image credit: Future)

When it comes to picking bathroom color ideas, Hamish Smith says there's no need to shy away from intense tile color in a small bathroom:

'Embrace the lack of light or a narrow space by using a deep green tile with a rich, reflective glaze. Adding green, in its many forms, connects us to nature, creating a soothing and cocooning space. Used on the walls, this timeless and sophisticated green creates a cosy and enveloping atmosphere. A lighter color on the floors or ceiling will balance the dark tone.'

Fixing the tiles to waist height and using a lighter color above will make the room feel taller. 

18. Create a splash with terrazzo

(Image credit: Matt Gamble)

Terrazzo bathrooms are very much en vogue, but which to choose – small or large format? Our advice is: for impact, choose large format tiles with a large pattern; for more reticent schemes, choose a smaller repeat pattern.  

It's worth noting that the wall tiles in this splendid bathroom have plenty of texture but are otherwise plain, to let the flooring stay the focus.

19. Create a focal point with natural stone

(Image credit: Lisa Staton/Kara Mercer)

Small bathroom tile ideas can be allowed to steal the show while still being incredibly subtle. One way to do this is to choose really beautiful natural stone, as in the bathroom above.

'Natural stone remains a firm favorite of mine for use in small bathrooms, not least because there is such a huge range of colors, textures and sizes available,' says Ella Small, Director at Mandarin Stone . 'You can choose to tile the entire bathroom with the same product on both walls and floor to give a greater feeling of space and connectivity.'

20. Use small bathroom tile ideas to boost color

(Image credit: Bert & May / Brooke Copp-Barton)

Just because you're limited on space doesn't mean that small bathroom tile ideas are in limited supply, too. Smaller bathrooms, from ensuites and wet rooms, to simple compact family bathrooms, don't automatically have to be a plain white room to get the feeling of space.

Adding color and pattern won't necessarily make a small space feel smaller either – chosen carefully, they can often give the space a cocooning, rather cramped feel.

What size tiles look best in a small bathroom?

If you're unsure what size tiles will look best in a small bathroom, we've got you covered. In any small space, paring back visual distractions can help achieve a calmer atmosphere. This is where large format tiles excel. Fewer grout lines provide a cleaner aesthetic. They are literally cleaner, too, as there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to hide.

Large format tiles work particularly well where large areas need tiling, such as in the shower or on floors. For smaller areas like the space between basin and mirror, daintier tiles can provide decorative focus.

What color tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?

Did you know that certain color tiles can make a small bathroom look bigger?

‘The trick is to look for light-reflecting surfaces such as polished marble, glass and metallics. They will instantly make the bathroom appear larger. They’ll also look so glamorous and eye-catching that they’ll draw attention away from the size of the room,’ says Fired Earth ’s creative director, Colin Roby-Welford.

‘While gleaming white tiles are a failsafe choice, creating a spacious and airy feel, bolder colors can work really well, too. Iridescent, jewel-toned glass or shimmering metallic mosaics will enhance the impression of light in a compact bathroom, opening up the space.’

Should I use patterned tiles in a small bathroom?

We love the use of patterned tiles in a small bathroom. But, unless you’re trying to make a strong impact, it is smart to think about scale and balance. A little bit of pattern can go a long way in a compact space.

‘A subtle way of using wall-to-wall pattern in a compact space is to opt for patterned mosaics such as hexagons or scallops in pared-back palettes,’ suggests Roby-Welford. Restricting the use of strong patterned tiles to below dado height will also reduce their dominance, especially if you paint or tile the wall above in plain, pale colors.

Should you fully tile a small bathroom?

Fully tiling a small bathroom has its upsides and downsides. The upsides first: it will make the room incredibly practical. This is vital if ventilation is poor or if you have a shower or wet room, plus you can add plenty of texture, color and pattern with tile. The downsides: fully tiling a small bathroom can make it feel more enclosed and cold, plus it limits your choice of personalization, such as artwork that you might like to hang.

Linda graduated from university with a First in Journalism, Film and Broadcasting. Her career began on a trade title for the kitchen and bathroom industry, and she has worked for Homes & Gardens, and sister-brands Livingetc, Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, since 2006, covering interiors topics, though kitchens and bathrooms are her specialism. 

Stunning Tile Ideas for Small Bathrooms

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 01/20/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

When the time comes to renovate your small bathroom, there are many things to consider: Should you stick with bright colors? Is it time to ditch that bulky tub? Can large tiles work in a small space? Designing a small bathroom means you'll have to be clever and purposeful with every decision, and your bathroom's tile is one of the first things you'll notice when you step into the room. 

Here are some examples of how tile can be used for specific design effects in small bathrooms. 

Small Bathroom Design 2020

Everything you read about the design of small bathrooms is hardly applicable in a real apartment, and all the photos had nothing to do with your renovation. I have prepared 9 adequate applicable tips and 103 photos from ordinary real apartments after renovation and relocation , not in a perfectly clean room.

9 design ideas for small bathrooms

Some things may seem controversial, we'll figure it out below.

  1. Find space for a narrow vertical or corner cabinet. Usually all the photos on the Internet are taken in a sterile clean bathroom, which in fact does not exist. Design without order makes no sense and maintaining order without closed storage systems is unrealistic.
  2. The basic style is minimalism. In a small area, our task is to make it as simple as possible. As a result, it will not work, because high functional load, but it will look good. If you are smart with finishing, there will be a collective farm.
  3. Light colors are much better than dark ones. I myself love dark colors in the interior, but in a small bathroom and a small kitchen, only light ones, take my word for it.
  4. If the washbasin is deep and the size allows, use a mirror cabinet with hinged doors. In a small bathroom, there is always not enough storage space.
  5. Countertop bowl takes up less space. There is a useful plane around the bowl.
  6. Tiles for a small area do not have to be small. There will be a separate item.
  7. WC with installation. It takes up less space, does not waste the floor, is easy to clean, looks modern.
  8. The heated towel rail can be conveniently placed in a niche above the installation. But not in terms of usage. But it does not take up space at all and it is easy to supply and drain water. close to the stand.
  9. I'm attacking your bath. Most likely you don't need it. Practice shows that even those who liked to lie in the bath, when they have both a bath and a shower, they hardly use the first one. About the design of a bathroom with a shower.

Now let's take a look at real photos. If you plan to place a washing machine in the bathroom, read about the design of a bathroom with a washing machine. There is a photo with the machine.












Trendy tiles for a small bathroom

For a small bathroom, the choice of tiles is not critical. Yes, she gets off everything except the ceiling, but at the same time all visible areas are small. The main thing is not to be too smart with tiles and not to take something bright and catchy. The idea is simple:

The interior of a small bathroom is not built on tiles, but they can ruin it.

To imagine what is relevant now, see the photo of the tiles in the bathroom. Equally important is the correct laying of tiles in the bathroom.

in a small area in the bathroom: a sink, cabinet, mirror, bathtub, wardrobe, toilet bowl, heated towel rail, door, towels, rug, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tubes, etc. Everything has its own colors, everything blocks the walls. If you choose a colorful bright tile, you will get porridge in 99% of cases. There is not a single item in the photo below, but there are already a whole bunch of flowers. This is how the bathroom can look only after the renovation and before the move.

Choose a light tile. The ideal colors are shades of grey. They do not contrast with the colors of the plumbing, do not narrow the space, and are well suited for the best gray grout. The smaller the area, the more important it is to follow this rule. Read about the design of the bathroom in Khrushchev. Compare from the photo how the design looks in reality in dark and light colors in a small area:











Gloss tiles are usually a poor choice. But in the interior of a small bathroom - gloss ok . The best semi-matte as usual. If the surface is not flat, but with a texture - good.












for a small bathroom we choose modern design styles, the tiles must match. Imitations of wood, stone, travertine, concrete - approx. Incomprehensible glazed colored tiles that do not imitate any material - not ok. In 2020, natural materials are in fashion in bathrooms.








There is an opinion that tiles in a small bathroom should also be small. In fact, the size of the tile is not so important. If 2 solid ones fit on the wall, it's fine. The main thing is the correct cladding of its walls. It is strictly forbidden to lay rectangular tiles vertically. This nonsense is broadcast under the sauce of visually enlarging the room and blah blah. No, it's terrible, you can't do that.

Never lay rectangular tiles vertically.


You can use spot patchwork on the walls, but there should not be any non-abstract patterns and patterns. Patchwork is also different and for a small bathroom is better suited light cold colors. Use at most on 1 least loaded wall.







and the grout itself is not cheap and it is advisable to take an epoxy grout for it. And if the bathroom is small, then the budget is most likely limited. If you really want to, you can zone some areas with mosaics, but this should be with ideas and with reference to other objects.




You don't have to worry about floor tiles - there is almost no floor. Its area is already small, part of it is lost under the bathtub and cabinet, the other under the rug. Take porcelain stoneware of a neutral color, grout in color and do not worry. It is better to lay tiles on the floor from the entrance. all other corners will be forced and clippings will not be visible.






Small area repair

Keep it simple. When you actually start using the bathroom, a wild amount of things will appear and any complex design idea will be part of the salad.

Every centimeter counts, and manufacturers allow for tolerances of several millimeters. Solidity is important in design - the smaller the gaps, the better both the appearance and practicality. If your plan includes back-to-back joints, take a tape measure and personally measure all items before buying. This also applies to tiles from different collections.










Try to hide and make everything monolithic. If you say 1 word, base small bathroom designs - neatness .








The bathtub for a small bathroom is rectangular as standard, but there are corner options that take up even less space. The smallest corner bath 140×90 i. e. shorter than regular cast iron.






Take a matte stretch ceiling. The cheapest option with an acceptable appearance and maximum practicality.



If you have money, then it is ideal to take a mixer built into the wall. Firstly, it does not take up space, and secondly, it does not have the problems of conventional mixers - it does not collect water stains around itself, it does not get dirty from splashes that constantly fall on it.

Analysis of real photos

Photo first, analysis below.

Realized ideas

Bathroom less than three meters without a toilet. There is enough storage space thanks to the large narrow cabinet to the left of the sink. It is in the correct color (white gloss). Due to the color it does not look bulky, although it is very roomy. The bathtub has a folding glass curtain and a bar for a shower head - you can take a shower even while standing and not fill the bathtub. The colors of the tiles are beige and gray, the grout is the correct gray. Part 1 of the wall is accented with a non-navyaschev pattern - it is permissible on 1 wall. Hanging cabinet - convenient to clean, does not occupy the floor.

The eye estimates the area of ​​the room by the free floor. In a small bathroom, hanging a cabinet is important.

An example of a modern classic small bathroom design. A glass for a toothbrush and a soap dispenser are raised from the washbasin. This is important because when they stand on the washbasin, there are constant circles of dirt around them. Glossy tiles in the form of bricks have taken root in all styles, it is unrealistic to spoil the interior. Again, a white glossy cabinet and wardrobe. On the floor, wood-effect porcelain stoneware that does not match in style or color. If the area was larger, it would look bad. But in a small bathroom it is not striking. There are no gaps between the cabinet, cabinet and door trim. The latter is often forgotten and miscalculated.

Enough flowers. Inexpensive neutral finish - background. The colors are added with towel and artificial grass. Therefore, it is important to leave the neutral finish in the small bathroom . Too high concentration of objects with their own colors.


2 examples where modern bathroom design ideas are implemented in a very small area. Light colors, neat chiseled accents and overall airiness = a beautiful bathroom.

Errors

If a photo is included in the errors section, it does not mean that the design of the bathroom there is bad, errors can be pinpoint due to the features of a small area.

A good example of small bathroom design: wood effect tiles in the wet area, decorative plaster on the rest of the walls. Mistakes 2. An ordinary toilet bowl and not an installation. As a result, it does not look modern, it takes up space, a box is visible hiding the sewerage outlet from the shower, toilet paper and other items lie almost on the floor. Installing a hanging toilet would hide all communications and organize a normal storage system above the installation.

Slatted plastic ceiling in the bathroom - the last century. Tension costs the same pennies, but it would have looked normal.

Just a reminder of the benefits of light colors in a small area. Very cool tiles and stylish design, but because of the small dimensions, the bathroom looks cramped.

Visually, the size of this bathroom is reduced to the border of white tiles. For zoning, there are enough differences in color for a couple of tones. There is no need to use such contrasting finishing materials in a small bathroom.

Outdoor storage areas look beautiful only in photos in design projects. In reality, they always create a mess and spoil the interior. Circled on the left is a white grout that has already turned black. The washing machine should also be closed with the same door as on the left.

Wrong choice of tiles (glossy glazed, it's not clear what), wrong laying (vertical), unprincipled horizontal mosaic borders = design about nothing. New, neat, but does not cause emotions.

Don't be smart, make enough storage space, choose the right light tiles, use the ideas from point 1, and you're guaranteed a cool bathroom interior. Read also about the design of the toilet.

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