Large tiles can't flex over raised areas or dips in the subfloor like smaller tiles can. If the substrate is not perfectly level, using large tiles can result in lippage, which is when the edge of one tile is higher than an adjacent tile.
The principle is that the smaller the tile, the more grout lines you have, which ultimately increases how busy the design looks. So, the first thing to consider should be large format floor tiles. These large tiles trick the eye and make a room look bigger, less cluttered and make the room feel more seamless.
Go large with glossy floor tiles
Make a small space feel bigger with polished, large format tiles. Light-coloured tiles will reflect light and a glossy surface will also help to bounce it back. It's a smart choice for small kitchens and it looks incredible too. Go for marble effect or plain white for maximum effect.
When space is limited – whether that's in a bathroom, kitchen or living room – the right choice of wall and floor tiles can make all the difference. Larger tiles will trick the eye and make a room look bigger,rather than smaller.
Because these tiles are larger and heavier than standard tiles, they can be difficult to handle and install. This means that installation costs can be higher than with smaller tiles. Additionally, if the tiles are not installed properly, they can crack or become damaged, which can be costly to repair.
We now have numerous sizes of tile available up to 24″ and sometimes even larger. One easy way a homeowner can make their room appear larger is to select a larger format tile. A 16″ or 18″ tile will generally give a room a larger feeling than a 12″ tile.
Just as clothing with horizontal stripes can make a person look wider, striped flooring that runs from side to side across a room, rather than along the length, will stretch the apparent floor space in your small kitchen.
Big tiles make a room look bigger – it really is that simple. Stone floor tiles are usually available in large sizes. These are easy to install, and in a tiny kitchen, these add a big dollop of design and a space-enhancing illusion.
White kitchens are on-trend and this is the best colour for visually opening up a space. If you want to go for something brighter, yellow can create a welcoming, sunny kitchen, giving a country vibe even in the middle of a city.
Yellow, White, and Black. Yellow has long been a favorite for small kitchen wall colors. Whether used on walls or cabinetry, the soul-warming hue makes a pleasing splash. It offers a cheerful greeting in the morning and sets a room aglow once lights flicker on at night.
Tile Sizes & Shapes
The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger.
The size of the tile also affects the waste factor. Smaller tiles (e.g. 20x20 cm or 30x30 cm) entail a lower waste factor than larger ones. Then, you have to consider any critical element you may have to work around while laying the tiles.
1-foot square tiles may be among the top contenders for the most popular tile size. This option is very commonly used on floors, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. You'll also find 12-inch tiles in entryways and living areas.
Darker flooring will give your kitchen a dramatic and moody flair, especially when paired with lighter cabinets. Meanwhile, lighter flooring paired with darker cabinets will also add contrast, but the space will feel much brighter and open.
A traditional tile floor can create a timeless foundation for the rest of your kitchen that won't go out of style and can fall back and let other elements like kitchen backsplash tiles to shine. Decorative floor tile can give a small kitchen presence or add personality to a minimalist space.
In 2023 kitchen floor tiles with patterns have been a big flooring trend, which is here to stay in 2024. Great for a small kitchen and to add that fun element to a kitchen.
Keep Floor Tile Large and Light
Tiny floor tiles make your small kitchen feel busy and cramped. Large tiles make a kithen feel airier and larger. One reason for this is that with the large tiles, you're reducing the number of grout lines. You can use 12-inch by 12-inch tiles but larger.
Light colours with plenty of white tint will naturally reflect light, which helps to avoid the room feeling cramped and dark. Bright white or cream is an obvious choice, but don't feel limited. Light greens, yellows, blues and even greys can work well too.
Our Top Pick:
There many various choices including maple, oak, hickory, walnut, or pine – allowing for the ultimate customization. Real estate experts across the board say hardwood flooring can boost the sales price of your home as much as 2.5 percent.
Using large tiles makes a small room appear bigger
Got a small room you wish could appear bigger. Simply flip the catalogue to lighter colored larger tiles. This simple truth about tiles is something people wouldn't normally believe unless they actually see it.
The large surface area makes the space look cleaner, and avoids the checkerboard look of regular sized tiles. Large format tiles can be used both for traditional style bathrooms and kitchens and more modern sleek styles too. They are good for a minimalist streamlined look, and add a timeless accent to your room.
12×24 tiles are an extremely popular large format tile size. However, working with them may be a little different than what you are used to.