Small shower tiling ideas
10 looks that stretch space |
(Image credit: Future)
If you are looking for small bathroom shower tile ideas, it's likely that one of your priorities is for the finished effect to be space-enhancing. You can achieve this in various ways: with light colors, reflective finishes, large-scale tiles or a one-tone scheme.
However, tile shapes, textures and the tile layout itself have a role to play, too, when you are looking for small bathroom ideas that are specifically within the shower enclosure. Here, we look at the best small bathroom shower tile ideas that cover all the bases.
Small bathroom shower tile ideas
Well-thought-out bathroom tile ideas for small spaces will do more than be a practical addition. They should make the space feel luxurious and welcoming, add decorative details, and even set the tone for the color scheme. This is what these small bathroom shower ideas do – and our interiors experts explain which one might be best for you.
1.
(Image credit: Drummonds)
A one-color scheme can make any space feel cohesive and larger, and matching small bathroom shower tile ideas to the finish on the walls and ceiling, as in this walk-in shower, is one way to achieve this.
'Bathrooms are one of the few places in the house where you can get away with strong, vivid tones which might be over-the-top in other rooms. Maximalism is very much on-trend with more and more people experimenting with bold patterns and bright colors,' says James Lentaigne, creative director at Drummonds .
Ensure lighting is good – and layered – with a combination of ceiling spotlights and wall lights, and lay out the space so that the basin is nearest the source of natural light.
(Image credit: Shalini Misra )
'Using large format shower tiles in a compact bathroom makes the most of the space as there are fewer joins between the tiles which create a clean and seamless look.
Smaller tiles or tiles with bold combinations of colors and patterns can make the space feel busy and smaller.
'The muted pattern on the large format tiles in this bathroom brings in a textured look. Focus on beautiful brassware, such as these antique bronze fixtures, to add an extra considered design element to the space.
'Use large mirrors to increase the light in the space. To make the most of compact space use mirrors on cupboard doors. If you can, build a cupboard above the WC cistern to add storage and keep the wall surfaces in line. Keeping the surfaces aligned will create a clean and sharp look,' says Shalini Misra, interior designer and founder, Shalini Misra Ltd .
3. Mix it up with different tile shapes and sizes
(Image credit: Albion Bath Company )
For wet rooms or, for walk-in shower tile ideas, you can afford to be a little more adventurous with mixing up tile shapes and sizes, purely because there's very little other architecture in the room.
'Create interest with small bathroom shower tile ideas by using a mixture of different floor, ceiling and wall tiles. Use larger designs on the walls and mini tiles on the rest of the surfaces; doing so will add a fabulously textured look and, if you use white, will will make the space feel light and airy,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief at Homes & Gardens.
4. Go for a bold wall tile in a modern shape
(Image credit: Etch Design Group/Rebekah Westover Photography)
Looking for shower room ideas that have a splash of bold color? You can achieve this by tiling one wall; choosing an eye-catching design like this creates both horizontal and vertical lines across the wall, which can make the bathroom feel wider and taller.
'This tub and shower combination saves space and creates a stunning focal point in the bathroom. We love how this Bedrosians Reine dark teal picket tile turned out. Just the right mix of color and pattern,' says Stephanie Lindsey, principal designer at Etch Interior Design .
5. Large hexagonal floor tiles help to trick the eye
(Image credit: Maestri Studio/Par Bengtsson)
Of course, small bathroom shower tile ideas needn't be limited to the walls: you can affect the proportions of your space with floor tiles, too.
'Go for a high impact floor tile in a small bathroom/shower room as it will be stunning visually and distract from the compact space. Shades of grey teamed with black work well with white wall tiles; keep the color scheme simple as it will be effective that way,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens.
6. Choose all encompassing tiled walls in a long and narrow bathroom
(Image credit: Gunter & Co)
A hotel-bathroom approach is often a great solution to transforming a narrow corridor-shaped space into one that feels luxurious.
'A tricky space like this narrow bathroom can still look fabulous with some clever design features. All over tiles in a dramatic tone and with a subtle texture will help to bounce the light around – but add in some paler colors on the ceiling and floor for contrast, and keep fixtures and fittings sleek and modern to enhance the space as much as possible,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief at Homes & Gardens.
7. Reflect the light with marble effect floor and wall tiles
(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)
For really luxurious small bathroom shower tile ideas, go for marble – or a porcelain lookalike.
'Pale colored tiles can make a small shower space look bigger as they reflect more light than darker colors, creating a light and airy feel. Using the same tiles on the walls and the floor in a bathroom will enhance the feeling of space by creating a continuous look.
'We’ve seen a huge increase in the popularity of slab or large format porcelain tiles in recent years. Slab tiles are ideal for creating a striking, high-end look, and can often make smaller rooms appear larger thanks to their seamless appearance,' says Jo Oliver, director at The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse .
8. Create a one-tone bathroom with tiles and fittings
(Image credit: Lisa Staton/Kara Mercer)
While the advice is to avoid small tiles in a compact shower area, you can sucessfully do so if you combine them with larger tiles elsewhere in the bathroom – and keep all your tiles to one tone, if not one color, as in the small bathroom shower tile idea above.
'We choose a small scale tile for this mid century home. By pairing the small scale with the large format slab the room is both warm but still modern,' says Lisa Staton, principal designer at Lisa Staton Interior Design .
9. Use rectangular tiles vertically in a small bathroom
(Image credit: Maestri Studio/Jenifer McNeil Baker)
In a bathroom that's got awkward proportions, you can use tiles for correction. For example, in a narrow bathroom, long, wide tiles fixed horizontally on a wall will make the space feel wider; in a small bathroom, floor tiles laid diagonally rather than square on, can make the space look larger all-round. Here, the ceiling height is exaggerated by rectangular wall tiles fixed vertically.
'Small shower rooms can have low ceilings. To combat this, opt for large-sized rectangular tiles fixed vertically to give the illusion of height in the room, and keep the smaller, more decorative tiles for the floor,' says Jennifer Ebert, digital editor at Homes & Gardens.
10. Fix tiles in stripes to exaggerate a shower's size
(Image credit: Kriste Michelini/Thomas Kuoh)
'Charming and with a timeless appeal, this bathroom was designed for two active, athletic teenagers. By using penny tiles, we were able to create a space that is modern, fresh and full of personality but budget friendly as well,' says Kriste Michelini, owner and founder of Kriste Michelini Interiors .
However, the cleverest trick this shower space achieves is with the stripes – fixed at eye-height, the make the small shower area feel wider and deeper.
What size tiles are best for small bathroom showers?
The best size tiles for small bathroom showers are large format because, with fewer grout-lines, they look sleeker, and there's less texture to interrupt the line of vision. However, smaller tiles can work in a small bathroom shower, as long as they are laid in a way that best enhances the proportions of the shower area: a low-ceilinged space can be made to feel taller with rectangular tiles fixed vertically; a narrow shower area can be made to feel wider with rectangular tiles fixed horizontally.
What color tiles are best for small bathroom showers?
Light-colored tiles are best for small bathroom showers as they will make the space feel larger and lighter. However, you can have darker colors, as long as natural light is good, and that the space is well-lit at night. Busy patterns should be avoided – instead choose subtle patterns or textures for interest.
Sophie has been an interior stylist and journalist for over 20 years and has worked for many of the main interior magazines during that time, both in-house and as a freelancer. On the side, as well as being the News Editor for indie magazine, 91, she trained to be a florist in 2019 and launched The Prettiest Posy where she curates beautiful flowers for modern weddings and events. For H&G, she writes features about interior design – and is known for having an eye for a beautiful room.
20 ways with small bathroom tiles |
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Here’s how it works.
(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.
Tiles for a small bathroom
Table of contents:
- 1 Choice of finishing material
- 2 Shape of the room and selection of tiles
- 3 Color shades
- 4 Photo of tiles for a small bathroom
perhaps very often seen in apartments decorated in the style of modern design.
To visually increase the area of the bathroom, you need to choose the right colors and materials for interior decoration. nine0003
Selecting color shades for the room is a very important undertaking, as the colors and patterns of finishing materials must be combined to create an excellent interior.
It makes the bathroom comfortable, creating a pleasant environment in which to relax while taking a bath. In order to expand the bathroom, you need to make a complete remodeling of the room.
This is a rather costly undertaking, associated with some difficulties, at the time of the internal work. The best way to expand the area is to expand it visually with tiles. nine0003
Selection of finishing material
For a bathroom with a small area, it is necessary to choose tiles for interior decoration in the following categories:
- Tile color and pattern.
- Finishing tile size.
- The material from which the finishing tile is made.
When decorating a small bathroom, it is best to use medium-sized tiles, which cause a visual increase in space and area. For this purpose, it is best to purchase ceramic tiles measuring 200x300 mm. nine0003
It is possible to visually expand the space in height, length and width of the room. It is necessary to know at the same time that the visual effect depends on the shape of the pattern with which the tiles are laid out.
If the bathroom needs to be extended upwards, it is best to lay the rectangular tiles vertically. To increase the visual area in different directions, the tiles are laid out horizontally. In this case, you need to focus on the original dimensions of the bathroom. nine0003
The shape of the room and the choice of tiles
The size of the tiles for a small bathroom depends on the shape of the room.
For this, it is necessary not to use dark shades, but also to lay tiles of a rather large size on the walls: 150x300 mm, 300x600 mm, 450x450 mm, 300x300 mm, 600x600 mm.
The color shades of the finishing material must be light tones. This will create the visual effect of a spacious room. For a square area, tiles are best used in a square shape. nine0003
Suitable material size 300x300mm, 450x450mm, 500x500mm. The main thing to know: due to the correct arrangement of colors, the bathroom becomes more extended.
Shades of color
It is commonly believed that for finishing a small bathroom, it is better to choose a shade of white, but this theory is not entirely true.
With a lot of white shades in the room, the bathroom looks too simple, with a boring atmosphere, while many people associate it with a hospital ward. nine0003
I would also like to note that the effect of the visual expansion of the room will not be visible, only the illumination of the room will increase. You need to know that white color goes well with other light colors and tones.
Design experts do not recommend using dark colors in small bathrooms, as they can be too depressing, this leads to a visual reduction of space in the room. nine0003
If suddenly the owner wishes to finish the interior of the bathroom in dark shades, for this it is best to choose not very gloomy shades. This will make it possible to give depth to the bathroom.
Small bathroom tiles photo
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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.
- Large products (for example, 30x40) are laid horizontally, this method will visually expand the walls. The grout for the joints should be chosen to match, so as not to crush the space with thin contrasting lines.
- Medium-sized tiles (20x30, 30x30) are the best option for a small bathroom.
- Products of small sizes (these include "boar" 10x20 and square 10x10) can crush the space if you use different colors and contrasting grout. It is recommended to choose a monophonic material, due to which the room will visually come together.
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Pictured is a large-format tile with inconspicuous tone-on-tone grout.
- Mosaics usually decorate one wall or, for example, a shower cabin. If you want to decorate the whole room with a mosaic, it should be the smallest and lightest shades in order to create a general background without affecting the geometry.
The photo shows a combined bathroom, the walls of which are decorated with ceramic mosaics interspersed with mirrors. nine0003
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.
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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. nine0003
Be sure to check out other ideas for making a room look larger.
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? nine0033
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. nine0374 |
| 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.
Shown here 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: 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 tiling options. nine0003
The photo shows a rectangular brick-like tile in a milky shade.
Irregular-shaped items (eg scales) or triangles are suitable only 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. nine0003
Vertically laid tiles visually raise ceilings.
The photo shows a narrow "wood look" tile laid along the wall.
An interesting effect in a small bathroom gives a diagonal arrangement.
Ideas for a small bathroom
If a plain white bathroom seems boring, you can create a border or lay out a pattern with contrasting elements.
