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.
Large-format tiles also need less grout, less time to install, and require less maintenance. Using smaller tiles, such as mosaics, will give you lots of grout lines, which can give the bathroom walls a grid-like appearance that can promote the feeling of being boxed in – making your bathroom feel smaller still.
using 2×2 or 4×4 (inch) in a five-foot-squared space may seem appropriate. but small tile requires more grout joints — so that becomes the focus. it produces the undesirable effect of making the room look even smaller. alternatively, bigger tiles (8×8) expand the illusion of a larger space.
Another great option is to go for a more modern design, such as using large format tiles (12"x24"). These tile sizes are easier to install and provide a sleek look. It works well in larger bathrooms but it does wonders in small bathrooms too.
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.
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.
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.
Tile Sizes & Shapes
The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger.
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.
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.
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. You see, the risk of error with large format isn't in the tile itself, but in who is installing it.
Using large format tiles on kitchen walls can help to create the illusion of more space. This is because fewer grout lines mean fewer boundaries to section the space. But the grout lines advantage doesn't stop there; large tiles are one of the best kitchen floor tile ideas for this reason too.
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.
Large-format porcelain tiles are a trend that can respond to the design needs of all types of applications: walls and floors, kitchen counters and worktops, both for indoor and outdoor use.
White subway tile in a shower or bath will never age, Winn says. For floors, penny tile — white or black and white — is still found in homes built in the 1950s and '60s in North Arlington, Va., Winn says, but clients are also asking for it in new bathrooms.
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.
We've seen the traditional 12x12 size tiles double, and even triple over the last few years. Still trending thanks to fewer grout lines that result in a cleaner and uninterrupted look, large format tiles are a go-to option for open spaces as well as smaller rooms that need visual enlargement.
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.
Tiles can pop up or become loose due to improper installation, uneven subfloor, moisture-related issues, weak adhesive, heavy foot traffic or structural movement.
Whilst bold colours are modern and can help to create depth, it's often best to use them sparingly if you're trying to create the impression of increased space. We recommend choosing pale tile shades such as white, cream, beige or grey because they can make the room look lighter and brighter.
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.
Do Set Tiles in a Diagonal Pattern. Here's another optical illusion that can work in your favor: Tiles set in a diagonal pattern across the floor can help a small bathroom be perceived as larger than its actual size. This layout places emphasis on the length and width simultaneously.