Do large wall tiles work in small bathrooms?

Author: Prof. Emmet Lynch  |  Last update: Thursday, August 3, 2023

Consider Large Format Tile in Small Bathrooms
The larger the tile, the fewer grout joints you'll have and the greater sense of spaciousness you'll feel. Take this notion to an extreme and you might have just one very large format tile in that small space. Remember, though, that you can have fun with grout colors.

Do large wall tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?

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.

What size tile to use in a small bathroom?

With that in mind, 4-inch by 4-inch tile, too, visually works well in small bathrooms and powder rooms. If you want to have large format tile in your bathroom, first calculate your bathroom's square footage. This will help you determine how many full-size tiles you will end up with.

What wall tiles are best for a small bathroom?

Choose Classic Penny Tile

Penny tile is a classic and time-tested choice for any bathroom but works particularly well in a small bathroom since the tile is small in size and easy to cut to fit the tightest of spaces.

How do you tile a small bathroom with large tiles?

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.

Large format tile in a small bathroom & mistakes to avoid

Is 12x24 tile too big for a small bathroom?

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").

Can you use large tiles on bathroom walls?

Large bathroom tiles look stunning on your walls. Plus, they make the bathroom look larger than it really is because you'll have far fewer grout lines on your walls. You'll have an incredible variety of options when considering what type of big tile for a bathroom you'd like.

Should small bathroom have large tiles?

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.

What wall tiles make a bathroom look bigger?

That is because darker colors absorb more light and light colors reflect light. This same principle applies if you want your bathroom to appear bigger. Using white or light neutral-colored tiles will instantly make your bathroom look bigger than if you use dark tiles.

Do small or large wall tiles make a room look bigger?

Large Format Tiles

Large tiles can fool the eye into thinking that a room is bigger than it is. This is because the large size removes the “business” from a room that can be caused by smaller tiles.

Can you use large tiles in a small space?

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.

Do large tiles work in small spaces?

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.

How can I make my small bathroom look luxurious?

To create a luxurious small bathroom look, use white bath towels and a light neutral color. If you spend more on high-quality white towels and rugs, your casual bathroom can appear more luxurious. Also, make everything look cohesive and accessorize with natural materials to go with your white linens.

Do bathroom tiles look better vertical or horizontal?

When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.

What is the most popular bathroom tile size?

6×8 and 8×10 wall tile sizes are commonly used in bathroom installations these days. Then, the 12×12 and 12×24 wall and floor tiles also become popular sizes. As a matter of fact, you should select the bathroom ceramic wall tile according to the size of your bathroom.

What size bathroom tiles are best?

Whilst there are lots of differing opinions on the subject, small spaces including bathrooms can actually really benefit from larger tiles. 60 x 60 and 30 x 60 tiles or similar sizes for walls and floors are incredibly popular choices and can look stunning.

Should small bathrooms have dark or light tiles?

Makes Bathroom Look Small

The black bathroom tiles ground the floor, making the space appear smaller. If you want to prevent this feeling, use light-coloured tiles on the floor and dark-coloured tiles on the walls.

Does small tile make a small bathroom look bigger?

It's a common mistake to use smaller floor tiles in a small bathroom. This actually makes the room look smaller as it creates more dividing lines between the tiles. Choosing a large, plain-coloured tile will give the impression of more floor space and a cleaner, less cluttered look.

What size tile makes a room look bigger?

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.

When should you not use large tiles?

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.

What are the disadvantages of big tiles?

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.

Can I use big tiles in a bathroom?

Larger tiles look good on shower floors if they match the bathroom décor. The most popular large-size tile measures 12″ x 24″, giving you plenty of floor coverage. Look for colours and designs that match your bathroom's colours and consider contrasting colours to bring more life and light into the room.

Is 12x24 tile considered large format?

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.

What is the smallest grout line for 12x24 tile?

A large tile, such as 12x24”, usually requires a 3/16” grout line, so it's best to check the manufacturer's recommendations to see how small you can go. Pressed tiles with a 1/16" grout line.

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