If you want to create a spacious room or are craving that sleek modern look - large and extra format tiles are for you! But if you are after a more intimate feel or intricate design, smaller tiles might be for you!
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.
If you value a seamless and modern look, easy maintenance, and a spacious feel, large format tiles may be an excellent option for your home. However, if you're on a tight budget, need intricate patterns or mosaics, or are concerned about potential cracking, smaller tiles may be a better fit.
Larger tiles have fewer grout lines, thereby offering a smooth and visually appealing surface. Almost any room will look more open and expansive with large-format floor tiles. Longer rectangular tiles will draw the eye toward the more distant parts of a room and create the illusion of more space.
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.
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.
Large-format tiles are trending! Sizes like 24x48 are becoming more popular, along with bold patterns like herringbone and hexagon shapes. Large tiles work best as floor or shower wall tiles. They can also work well outdoors for covered patio spaces.
One of the main disadvantages of large format wall tiles are that when used in the wrong space, they can make rooms seem smaller.
Large tiles do make a room feel more spacious but only in a good-sized room. In a small bathroom they don't work quite so well and will tend to swamp the room if they're too large. Also, if there are lots of cuts involved, then this can just look messy.
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.
Larger Tiles Make Small Rooms Appear Bigger
Because grout lines are thinner and fewer as part of the layout, smaller rooms appear bigger when using larger tiles. Large-format tiles make floors look more streamlined – therefore, creating the illusion of more space.
Standard floor tile sizes range from just two inches wide to a foot and a half. Now, the more common and fashionable sizes include 12”×12”, 18”×18”, 12”×24”, and even larger dimensions for floor tiles, and 8”×10” and bigger for wall tiles.
Generally, it is recommended to choose tiles that are 4" or smaller for small bathrooms because it's easier to contour around fixtures and appears visually proportioned in a smaller space. Another great option is to go for a more modern design, such as using large format tiles (12"x24").
Tile Sizes & Shapes
The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger.
Large tiles can make the space seem smaller. However, in some instances, large tile is appropriate. Square or rectangular bathrooms can usually accommodate a light or neutral-colored large tile. For more angular or strangely-shaped bathrooms, small or mosaic tiles may be more appropriate.
The space can be made to look bigger if the following is considered before finalising plans and layout. What size tile should I use in a small bathroom? A small bathroom can actually benefit from a large tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expands.
Misconception #2: “Large format panels are more fragile and therefore, more likely to crack.” In reality: With proper installation, tiles that are larger in size are no more likely to crack than their smaller relatives.
Is it cheaper to lay large or small tiles? While larger tiles may cover more area than small tiles, they are harder to install, requiring two people to carry and a solid technical understanding of tiling. These challenges mean they are more time-consuming to lay, so your tiler may charge extra for them.
Wide Planks
Selecting wide floor planks is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make a room look bigger. Instead of thin strips, go for boards at least seven inches wide. Longer planks (four or more feet in length) can help as well.
Some popular sizes for floors include 300×600 mm, 600×600 mm, 610×610 mm and 800×800 mm, while wall tiles generally come in sizes of 250x350mm, 300x450mm, and 300x600mm. According to experts, large format tiles lend a more spacious look to space. However, it is advised to match tiles to room size.
Using larger floor tiles is a great way to trick the eye and make a room look bigger than it actually is. Larger tiles used throughout the bathroom look a lot less 'busy' than with smaller tiles, which therefore make the room appear larger; the lack of grout lines also makes the whole space appear more expansive.
GREY FLOOR TILES
Grey indicates and shows your neutrality and balances both vibes of your space. Nowadays, Grey becomes the most popular for flooring and it is an ideal choice for the modern era.
Typically, installing ceramic or porcelain tile costs $3-5.5 per square foot, depending on local labor rates and size of the project. Stone tile installation costs are $5-8 per square foot. Installing mosaic tile can cost as much as $9-20+ per square foot, depending on the complexity of design you are looking for.
Light Colours
With light coloured tiles like whites or creams, you will open up all the space thanks to the sheer amount of light that will be allowed into the space. Lighter colours also look less busy than dark colours, again helping the room to appear much larger than it actually is.