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Tiling ideas for small en suite


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 Tiles + 150 PHOTO

Small Bathroom Tiles

Would you like to know how small bathroom tiles are used? Photo design of finished projects will reveal secrets. About everything in more detail later in the article.

Contents:

See also: Modern fashion design combined bathroom with washing machine. TOP-10 space-saving ideas + 50 PHOTO

Features of the material

Ceramic finishing material is practical, unpretentious in maintenance and resistant to moisture. Models of tiles differ not only in color, texture, but also in size. This allows you to use the material for facing the room.

Ceramics – one of the materials for wall decoration

Decorating techniques can visually enhance the atmosphere of even the smallest space. At the same time, the original design will increase the degree of comfort. Therefore, when choosing a material for facing a small bathroom, you must consider:

Choose different textures, textures and colors for your bathroom

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Large-scale or small

Stylish designs dispel the myth that it is not rational to use large-sized tiles for facing small rooms. By correctly positioning the tiles, you can visually add volume to the room. Just do not decorate the entire surface with it.

Give volume to the room with tiles

An excellent option would be to lay vertical stripes of large rectangles or squares in the center of a large wall. A 20x50 cm tile with an ornament on the floor in the center of the room will create the illusion of carpeting.

Large rectangles in the center of the wall

Unusual tiles to create a cozy bathroom

Using large tiles to decorate a small bathroom is possible, but difficult, so medium and small sizes are considered the most suitable:

1models 10x10 cm fit the design, but it should be remembered that the dark scale visually "eats" the real dimensions, it looks a little gloomy;

Models 10x10 cm match design

2 The perception of 20x20 cm squares is hardly affected by their shade or design, the main role is played by the visual impression;

Visual impression with a size of 20x20

3mosaic allows you to create original ornaments of various options, but requires an accurate calculation.

Original mosaic panel

It is believed that the correct size and shape give a more pronounced effect of increasing the volume of space than the color palette. If the bathroom is narrow, the large size of the tile will reduce the number of conditional lines and create a visual effect of spaciousness.

The effect of increasing space due to tiles of the correct form

The optimal size of tiles for a rectangular bathroom of modest size are rectangles of 20 by 30 cm, and for a square - 20 by 20 cm.

Optimum size for tiles 20 x 30 cm

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Features of texture

Modern ceramics are diverse not only in size, decor, but also in the texture of the front surface. There are tiles only for wall or floor cladding, universal models that are suitable for both coverings. Products with a surface are presented:

1 glazed;

2 unglazed;

3gloss;

4matt.

Shiny for small spaces. Gloss contributes to the visual increase in space. The glazed surface is easy to clean and wash.

Also available. Therefore, an option for a small room would be a tile with two layers of glaze and small bulges. Such a surface looks very original.

Glitter for small spaces

Glass and mirror materials will require more frequent cleaning, but in combination with other materials they will give the atmosphere lightness, airiness, spaciousness.

Glass for the airiness of the interior

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Perfect colors

The color scheme sets not only the direction of the design of a modest bathroom, but also allows you to add volume and airiness to it. The darker the shades, the smaller the small room seems. A similar reaction occurs with sharp color contrasts.

Sharp color contrasts to enlarge the room

Tiles for small bathrooms are preferable to light colors. At the same time, it should be remembered that light shades are also divided into categories:

1Warm.

Warm color when choosing design

2 Cold.

Light but cool shade in the bathroom

3 Neutral.

Neutral shades in the bathroom

4Achromatic.

Shades from deep black to white

It will be interesting to you: OVERVIEW: Options for finishing the Bathroom with Tiles (175+ Photos). Create a design that will be remembered

Warm colors

Trendy warm colors include:

1Bright yellow.

Yellowish shades in bathroom elements and decor

2 Peach.

Natural shades in your bathroom

3 Sand.

Trendy sand for bathroom walls

4 Beige.

Elegant beige wall decoration

The combination of several tones of this range looks impressive, preferably with a horizontal delimitation of the color palette. The expansion of space is facilitated by the location at the top and bottom of dark narrow stripes that do not change the predominance of the background of the light palette.

Several tricks for a successful expansion of space

If you want to visually "raise" the ceiling of the room, it is important to design narrow vertical stripes on both sides of the wall. A combination of these two methods is not excluded.

Lines in the center of the wall will help to raise the ceiling

Dark color inserts are used to highlight a certain section of the wall. This illusory approximates the selected part.

Highlight the wall with dark inserts

Following tradition

Bathrooms are traditionally clad in shades of blue and light purple, which are cold types, or neutral tones of white and light gray, which do not affect the feeling of warmth.

The achromatic palette includes shades:

1 Pink.

Pale pink bathroom

2 Lilac.

Lilac shades for comfort

3Green.

Greenish shades in harmony with white

They do not contribute to any unambiguous sensations, but awaken a purely individual perception of the scale.

Modern solutions include tiles with texture imitation of metal, wood, stone, paper.

Imitation of wood in wall tiling

Dilute white tiles with bright accents

It would be a mistake to tile a small bathroom with only white tiles. Excess whiteness will make the interior boring, similar to a medical facility. In addition, in this way it is impossible to achieve the effect of expanding space. White color will only enhance the illumination of the space. But it looks great in combination with other light surfaces:

1terracotta;

Expansion effect with terracotta

2 pearl grey;

Light solution for a small bathroom

3 light blue or light blue;

Blue color in the design of the bathroom

4 muted green or light green;

Muted green in the interior of the bathroom

5 light yellow or pale lemon;

Yellow shades even in the bathroom decor

6 peach;

Peach colors in a classic bathroom

7lavender;

8 sand.

Neutral sand for comfort and relaxation

Muted navy blue or marsala tiles will add depth to the design without negatively impacting the room's geometric feel.

Inclusions of not only monophonic elements, but also with a pattern will help to revitalize the interior. Randomly arranged vertical stripes and borders add creativity to the atmosphere.

Dark blue shades add depth to the design

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Optimal combinations

If you want to decorate a small bathroom with two-color tiles, you need to choose elements that do not contrast, but complement each other. The main thing is the predominance of light shades. Winning combinations:

  • blue with light blue;
  • pink with soft purple;
  • ivory beige.

Pink with soft purple - as one of the options in the interior

To combine bright and unusual shades on a light background, the following combination options:

  • blue with yellow;
  • muted orange and dark lilac.

Muted orange and purple in the bathroom interior

A small pattern on the elements of a contrasting shade will add sophistication and grace to the design.

Shade highlights style

Any style suits a small bathroom. Can be emphasized with shades:

  • light yellow, sand and green - classic;
  • peach, brown, splashes of red - Japanese and oriental styles;
  • light blue, blue and white - Mediterranean motifs;
  • brown and white - provincial country;
  • with bright contrasts - avant-garde.

Blue and white - Mediterranean style

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TOP 10 successful solutions for a small bathroom

1 Blue walls are perfectly complemented by marble-like tiles on the floor.

Marble floor

2 Glass mosaics on the walls and fine ceramics on the floor.

Glass mosaic on the bathroom walls

3The floor and the lower level of the walls of the same color will create a bottomless effect.

Same color floor and walls

4Wall to wall mirrored surface masks the dimensions of the space.

Bathroom mirror

5 Mint green walls combined with white fixtures give the atmosphere a fresh effect.

Mint tile

6 Black painting part of the ceiling and walls in black creates the illusion of infinity in the room.

Black and white bathroom

7Using a background tile in two light colors with mosaics in a similar range unites a small area, neutralizing clutter.

Bright bathroom with mosaics

8The mirror in the frame opposite the glass door of the shower cabin “dissolves” the walls.

Glass shower cabin in tandem with a mirror

9 Walls lined with white ceramics look organic in combination with imitation wood on the floor.

Imitation wood in the bathroom

10Two red opposite walls give the space of a miniature room an imaginary depth.

Two red walls in the bathroom

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Relief and ornament - creative and stylish

Decorative accents enliven the design, create a sense of completeness of the image. In a small bathroom, this task is handled by:

  • tiles imitating fabric;
  • vertical and horizontal patterned elements;
  • friezes or borders.

Patterned borders in your bathroom

The number of compositions is minimal. They should complement the decor, but not stand out from a single concept. Shiny particles of gold and silver enhance the attractiveness.

The use of embossed elements, especially models with a 3D effect, creates the ultimate expansion effect, but only when decorating small areas of the wall. Embossed tiles on the entire surface will cause the opposite reaction.

Embossed with 3D effect

Drawings or ornaments on the tile floor give personality to the environment, but a small bathroom will look smaller if it is decorated with large colorful panels. In such a room, a dim image of tiles that are the same as the size of the main cladding is relevant. It is preferable to place not a picture on the wall, but small patterns on each segment of the material.

Ornament for individuality of design

The surface of light tiles on top with tiles a tone darker below, divided horizontally by a decorative pattern, looks stylish. And at any level. The room seems wider and more spacious.

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Mosaic - space for decor

When multi-color solutions, it is preferable to use mosaics. Better single color or neutral colors. For its production, ceramics with a porous structure, glass, smalt, and less often metal are used. And for flooring - granite, marble, sometimes jasper.

Mosaic elements for multicolor solutions

Miniature size is the advantage of this cladding material. It allows you to lay mosaics in hard-to-reach places, for example, rounded shapes. This is a definite plus for decorating a small bathroom, where there are a lot of bizarre curves.

The advantage of the mosaic is its small size

The advantage is the multitude of forms. The multi-angled format expands the possibilities of creativity, goes well with tiles.

Mosaic in the form of accents adds sophistication and originality to the setting. Many mosaic ornaments created in past centuries have survived to this day, which testifies to the durability of such cladding.

Mosaic in the form of an accent

See also: Design options for rooms in an apartment (+150 Photos). TOP-12 trends and TOP-4 anti-trends

Recommendations for choosing

To decorate a small bathroom, the choice of tiles is not an easy question. Before buying, you should listen to the recommendations of experienced designers:

1For most of the room, purchase light-colored tiles so that the decor contributes to the visual expansion of the space. Dark-colored tiles should be laid at the bottom of the walls or on the floor.

Light tile to expand the visual space

2 The glossy surface of the elements has a mirror property, so it adds airiness and light to the room. But on shiny dark surfaces there are traces of water.

Carefully choose dark surfaces

Choose quality materials

3Themed collections make your decision easier.

Browse the thematic collections

TOP 3 laying system secrets

1For the walls of small bathrooms, a direct laying of square tiles without offset in rows is appropriate.

2On the floor, the half-size mixing method or the diagonal layout allows an illusory increase in space.

Diagonal layout on the floor

3 Placement of rectangular elements on the walls vertically “stretches” the height. Horizontal arrangement - expands the surface, but reduces the level of the ceiling.

Vertical tiling stretches the height of the ceiling

Small bathroom layout options

VIDEO: Bathroom design 175+ Photos).
Create a design that will be remembered

PHOTO GALLERY: The best design solutions for a small bathroom

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9003 9003) tiles to choose in 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.

The photo shows a large-format tile with an 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.

Tile color recommendations

Designers do not advise 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.

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 surface to choose: glossy or matt?

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

Glossy Matt

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.

Matte finish is less visible, but 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.

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.

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 solid white bathroom seems boring, you can create a border or lay out a pattern with contrasting elements. Bright accents complete the interior. Decor from details with a finished pattern would be appropriate.

Be sure to see how you can tile the toilet.

Combining different colors and textures, you can "dissolve" the extra corners that appear as a result of combining the bathroom and the bathroom.

Learn more