Adding Size Bathroom Tiles to a Compact Bath Area
Could large bathroom tiles work in a small bathroom? The answer is yes! Although it may seem counterintuitive, large bathroom tiles can make a compact area more spacious and sophisticated, enhancing your overall bathroom design. When done correctly, large tiles create a clean, uncluttered, and open look in your bathroom.
This guide will explore the benefits, strategies, and common mistakes to avoid when using large tiles in a small bathroom. Let’s dive into how you can transform your small bathroom into a stylish haven!
Why Choose Large Bathroom Tiles in Small Bathroom
You might think that large-format tiles are better suited for expansive spaces, but with creativity, they can be just as effective in small areas. Here’s why you should consider large format tiles or white subway tiles for your small bathroom:
Visual Illusion of Space
Large tiles help trick the eye by creating the illusion of more space. Smaller tiles come with numerous grout joints that break up the flow of the floor or walls, making the room feel smaller and more crowded. In contrast, large tiles provide a continuous surface, making the space appear larger than it is.
Fewer Grout Lines, Cleaner Look
Fewer grout lines create a cleaner and more elegant appearance. In confined areas, especially small bathrooms, grout lines can make the space feel cluttered. Large tiles minimize the presence of grout lines, giving your bathroom a more streamlined and modern look.
Easier Maintenance
Grout can be difficult to clean, and fewer grout lines mean less maintenance, which is ideal for a modern bathroom. With large tiles, you’ll spend less time scrubbing grout and more time enjoying your beautiful bathroom space. The bigger the tile, the fewer grout lines there are to clean, making large format tiles a practical choice for a small bathroom.
Best Tile Sizes for Small Bathrooms
Not all large tiles are suitable for small bathrooms, as they can cramp the space. Here are some popular tile sizes that work well in compact spaces, especially for shower walls:
12×24-Inch Tiles
These tiles are an excellent choice for small bathrooms because they offer a balanced size tile and can enhance a herringbone pattern. They aren’t too big to overwhelm the space, nor too small to compete with other bathroom elements. You can lay these rectangular tiles in different patterns to elongate the room and make your small bathroom appear larger.
18×18-Inch Tiles
Square tiles like the 18×18-inch format provide a harmonious and balanced look. They are large enough to minimize grout lines while still fitting well within small bathroom dimensions.
24×48-Inch Tiles
For a modern and sleek finish, consider using 24×48-inch white tiles. These oversized tiles can give your bathroom a luxurious and expansive feel, making the room appear larger than it is.
Choosing Suitable Tile Colors and Finishes for Small Bathrooms
The color and finish of your tiles can greatly affect the overall look of your white bathroom. Here’s how to choose the right subway tiles for your space:
Light and Neutral Colors
Light and neutral colors are your best option for small bathroom tile ideas. Shades like white, cream, beige, and light gray reflect light, making the space feel airy and open. Dark colors, on the other hand, can make the room feel smaller and more enclosed, particularly when combined with white walls and white subway tile.
Glossy vs. Matte Finishes
Glossy tiles reflect light, making the room appear larger. However, they can also show water spots and smudges more easily. Matte finishes are easier to maintain, but they absorb light, which may reduce the perception of space. The choice between glossy and matte finishes for larger tiles depends on your preference for ease of maintenance versus maximizing the sense of space.
Tiling Ideas for Small Spaces All Tilers Should Know
The layout of your tiles is just as important as the size and color, especially when working with small size spaces. Here are some layout techniques that work well in small bathrooms, particularly with mosaic tiles and other tile designs:
Diagonal Layout
Laying tiles diagonally can create the illusion of a larger floor area. This technique draws the eye outward, making the small room feel more expansive. It’s especially effective with square or rectangular tiles in small bathrooms, maximizing the square footage.
Vertically or Horizontally Stacked
If you want to make your smaller bathroom feel taller, stack rectangular tiles vertically to elongate the walls and create a modern bathroom aesthetic. This can create the impression of higher ceilings. Alternatively, laying tiles horizontally can make the room feel wider and more spacious.
Mistakes to Avoid When Using Large Tiles in a Small Bathroom
Although large tiles can enhance a small bathroom, some common mistakes can detract from the look of the tile designs you choose. Here’s what to avoid in your small bathroom tile ideas, especially when considering mosaic tiles.
Dark Colors in Low-Light Areas
Using dark tiles in a smaller bathroom with limited light can make the room feel even smaller, especially when contrasted with white subway tile on the shower walls. Stick to light and neutral tones to avoid this mistake.
Using Too Many Different Textures
Too many textures can make a small bathroom feel cluttered. Stick to one or two finishes, like mosaic and white tile, to keep the space feeling cohesive and calm.
Grout Considerations
Grout plays an important role in both the appearance and function of your bathroom tiles, especially about shower tile. Here’s what to keep in mind for your bathroom design:
Choosing the Right Grout Color
For a seamless look, match the grout color to the wall tile. Alternatively, using a slightly darker grout can help hide dirt and stains on your bathroom wall tiles, but be careful not to create too much contrast, as it can break up the visual flow.
Keeping Grout Lines Thin
Thinner grout lines are preferred in a small bathroom, as they reduce visual clutter and enhance the look of small tiles, particularly in a herringbone pattern. Opt for narrow grout lines to maintain the sleek and modern appearance that large tiles provide, particularly in a white bathroom with minimalistic tile designs.
How to Pair Large Tiles with Other Bathroom Features
The way your tiles interact with other bathroom fixtures is crucial to the overall design. Here’s how to ensure everything works together in your tile flooring choices:
Large Tiles and Fixtures
Choose sleek, streamlined fixtures that complement the clean look of larger tiles. Avoid bulky or overly ornate fixtures, as they can clash with the minimalist aesthetic that large tiles create.
Tile Accent Walls with Large Tiles
If you’re not ready to use large tiles throughout your bathroom, consider creating an accent wall. A large-tile feature wall behind the vanity or bathtub can add visual interest and make the space feel more modern without overwhelming it.
Tile Installation: DIY or Hire a Professional?
Installing large tiles in a small bathroom can be challenging, especially when considering the layout and design of the bathroom wall and the focal point. Should you tackle the project yourself or hire a professional for your modern bathroom? Let’s weigh the options:
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
A professional tiler has the experience and tools necessary to install large tiles with precision. They can ensure that everything is level, aligned, and cut correctly, avoiding potential issues that could arise from a DIY job. In New Jersey, there are many tile installers available but among them Precise tiles and Stone, a local tile contractor in New Jersey provides professional service in the entire NJ. 15 years in the tiling work with excellent craftsmanship.
Tips for DIY Installation
If you decide to install the tiles yourself, invest in a tile cutter designed for large formats. Take your time with measurements and layout to ensure that the tiles are placed correctly and that grout lines are even.
Large tiles can work beautifully in smaller bathrooms if used correctly, especially when paired with white tile accents. By selecting the right size, color, and layout, you can create a space that feels open, modern, and luxurious. Whether you opt for a sleek, minimalist look with large, light-coloured tiles or use large tiles as a bold design element, the key is in the details. With careful planning, your small bathroom can be transformed into a stunning and functional space.
FAQs
How do large tiles affect a very small bathroom?
Large format tiles can create the illusion of space in a small bathroom by reducing the number of grout lines and providing a seamless look.
Will large bathroom floor tiles make my bathroom look smaller?
No, as long as you choose light colors and plan the layout well, large tiles can make your bathroom feel more spacious.
What’s the best way to lay large tiles in a small bathroom?
Laying them in a diagonal or vertical pattern helps create the illusion of a larger space, especially with a herringbone pattern.
Which type of tiles is better for a small bathroom: glossy or matte?
Glossy tiles reflect light and make the room feel bigger, while matte tiles are easier to maintain, particularly in a shower tile setting. It depends on whether you prioritize aesthetics or practicality when using tile in your small room.
How do I maintain large tiles in a bathroom?
Large tiles are easier to maintain because there are fewer grout lines to clean. Just ensure the grout is sealed to prevent discoloration over time, especially around the shower tile.