How many different tiles should you use in a small bathroom?

Author: Petra McKenzie  |  Last update: Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Step 3: Choose No More Than Three Different Tiles While mixing and matching tiles is great, it can also lead to making your bathroom look busy. You should choose no more than three different tiles if you're planning on mixing and matching.

How many different tiles should you have in a bathroom?

As a rule, it is best to choose no more than 3 different tiles for your bathroom.

What tiles look best in a small bathroom?

In a bathroom with little natural light, using glossy, pale ceramic tiles can help to reflect the artificial light and make the room appear larger. Conversely, in well-lit bathrooms, more intense colors and material effects can be applied with greater daring to add character and depth without gloominess.

Can you have 3 different tiles in bathroom?

An overload of patterns and styles will take the space from a spa-like atmosphere to an over-stimulating nook of the house to avoid. Sticking to no more than 3 types of tile, allows for one style on the floor, one style on the shower walls, and another style for the shower floor.

How many tiles do you need for a small bathroom?

To know how many porcelain stoneware tiles we need for our bathroom walls, we need to calculate the perimeter of the room and multiply it by the height of the wall area you want to tile. To keep things simple, we recommend not to subtract the dimensions of the door and window openings but to add an 8% waste factor.

The Most Accurate Technique For Waterproofing And Installing Ceramic Tiles For The Bathroom Floor

What color tile makes a small bathroom look bigger?

Use Light Coloured Tiles Throughout

Have you ever noticed that a bathroom which has lighter-coloured tiles throughout appears to be larger than one with darker coloured tiles? If not, you'd be surprised just how much larger a room can feel by simply opting for light-coloured tiles.

Is it OK to use large tiles in a small bathroom?

Contrary to what you might think, large format tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel more spacious – plus, with fewer grout lines, they're much easier to keep clean and beautiful.

How to mix tile patterns in a bathroom?

Here are some rules you should follow when mixing and matching bathroom tiles.
  1. Use Busy Patterns in Moderation. ...
  2. Combine Matte & Glossy. ...
  3. Choose Different Shapes, Not Colors. ...
  4. Or Go for One Shape. ...
  5. Don't Use Too Many Colors. ...
  6. Mix Patterned Tiles With Plain. ...
  7. Don't Be Afraid to Add Some Color. ...
  8. Let's Start a Conversation!

What is the most popular size tile for a bathroom?

The size of your bathroom floor tiles can be quite subjective. From 4-inch to 12-inch - it's ideal that you choose a size that may not look very small or busy and at the same time, is easy to cut and lay. Generally, the 12-inch by 12-inch or 24-inch by 24-inch works the best!

Should you use the same tile on floor and shower walls?

The prevalent answer to the frequently asked question, “Should I use the same tile for floor and shower?” is mostly a yes. Interior designers and contractors claim the numerous benefits to using this approach.

Are glossy or matte tiles better for small bathrooms?

Matte Tiles:

They are known for their slip-resistant properties, making them a safer option, especially for wet areas like the bathroom floor. Matte tiles are less prone to showing water spots and fingerprints, making maintenance and cleaning easier.

Should you fully tile a small bathroom?

Certainly! Fully tiling a bathroom provides durability, style, and practicality. It's an effective way to protect against moisture while offering a canvas for creative design. Plus, tiled surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, making them a wise choice for any bathroom.

Can you put new bathroom tiles over old ones?

The Benefits of Tile Over Tile

Since you won't remove or dispose of the old tile, it halves your project time. Since you also won't need to purchase any tools or materials for the removal process, installing tile over tile will make your project much more cost-effective.

What is the new trend for bathroom tile?

When it comes to bathroom tile trends for 2025, marble bathroom tiles are having their moment. Whether it is a classic white marble like the Carrara Bianco Marble or checkerboard tiles like the Riviera Emerald & White, marble tiles are sure to elevate any bathroom scheme, adding a timeless elegance.

How do I choose a bathroom tile combination?

Tile Color Recommendations for Different Bathroom Sizes

For small bathrooms, light colors, large tiles, and a minimalist design help to create a sense of spaciousness. In medium-sized bathrooms, a mix of light and dark colors can strike a balance, offering both visual interest and a harmonious feel.

How do I work out how many bathroom tiles I need?

For example:- if the room is 2600mm wide, divide by the tile width 300mm = 8.66 tiles, so round this up to 9 tiles. To get the total number of tiles for the floor, multiply the number of tiles for the length with the tiles for the width, 8 x 9 = 72 tiles required to do the job.

How do I choose tiles for a small bathroom?

Extra-large tiles can make spaces seem larger by reducing the number of joints and giving an impression of greater uniformity. However, mosaics or smaller tiles can be used to add details and decorations, especially in specific areas like the shower zone or the backsplash behind the washbasin.

What tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?

Use large plain-coloured floor tiles

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.

Should bathroom wall and floor tiles be the same size?

It is a matter of personal preference. Traditionally, smaller wall tiles are combined with larger floor tiles to add contrast and texture. But, larger wall tiles look great in smaller bathrooms as they create the illusion of space. Want to explore your tile options?

What tile shapes go together?

Here are 7 Modern Ways to Mix and Match Tile Shapes:
  • Hexagons Mosaic + Subway Mix Tile. ...
  • Triangles + Square Mix Tile. ...
  • Diamonds + Hexagon Mix Tile. ...
  • Mosaic Diamonds + Subway Tile. ...
  • Bubble Tile Mosaic + Subway Mix Tile. ...
  • Large Hexagons + Small Hexagons. ...
  • Moroccan Fish Scale Niche + Subway Mix Tile.

What do you tile first in a bathroom?

Why You Should Tile the Wall First. It may be delicate to create a suspended wall tile effect if you tile the walls first. On the flip side, tiling the walls first will help you dodge the mishaps and messes associated with tile and mortar.

Should tile in all bathrooms match?

There really are no rules when it comes to tiles. Matching floor and wall tiles makes sense if you want a bold or encompassing scheme, whereas a few different tile designs can add interest and dimension to a bathroom.

Should I use dark or light tile in a small bathroom?

The dark bathroom tiles anchor the floor, making the space appear smaller. To avoid this feeling, we recommend using light-coloured tiles for the floor with dark-coloured tiles for the walls or vice-versa. This contrast will create a horizon that will make the room appear larger.

What direction should you lay tile in a small bathroom?

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 best flooring for a small bathroom?

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a superstar when it comes to small bathroom remodels. Why? Because it offers the look of natural stone or wood, without the high maintenance or cost. LVT can be waterproof, durable, and incredibly easy to clean—a must for any bathroom.

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