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").
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.
Consider Large Format Tile in Small Bathrooms
A large format tile is great for small spaces. The reason has to do with grout joints. The larger the tile, the fewer grout joints you'll have and the greater sense of spaciousness you'll feel.
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.
A small 3x6” tile can be set with a 1/16” or 1/8” line, while a mid-size tile like 6x12” or 13x13” would be better with an 1/8” grout line. 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.
Can You Use 12x24 Tile in Small Bathroom? The answer is, yes, you can! As long as the substrate is flat and can support the tile choice, a 12x24 tile can be a great way to add interest and drama to your space. If you have a small bathroom, you may want to tile the entire space in one size tile to make it appear larger.
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.
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.
Straight Horizontal Layout
But with a rectangular 12x24 tile like Graphite Focus Porcelain, you still have to decide which direction you want to take. Laying this mid-tone gray tile flooring in a horizontal straight pattern gives the illusion that your space is wider than it really is.
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.
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.
Use Large-Format Tiles on the Floor and Walls
A standard 12 x 12 inch (30.4 x 30.4 cm) tile can do the job, but larger format tiles offer the modern edge that these original size tiles do not. If you use small tiles on the bathroom floor of a large bathroom, it is likely to look messy and overwhelming.
Larger tiles can work in a bathroom. The clean tile lines keep bathrooms looking sleek and simple with the added factor of large and extra large tile's lightweight nature and durability; they are perfect for bathrooms! They also don't absorb water, meaning they don't need sealing.
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.
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.
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.
Larger tiles will trick the eye and make a room look bigger,rather than smaller. The main reason for this is that larger tiles reduce the 'busy' factor, whereas smaller tiles, such as mosaics (with comparatively more grout lines), will increase how busy the design looks.
Large format tile is considered to be any tile with one side longer than 15″. Since their inception into the tile world, large format tile has not only grown in popularity, but also in size. From 24×24 all the way up to 40×120, larger tiles are all the rage (including popular wood-look plank tiles).
Double herringbone is created by connecting two rectangular shaped tiles with each other. This pattern is not commonly installed because it can be a difficult layout to perfect.
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.
For moderate- to large-shower walls, generally it is best to use larger tiles, from 4-inch by 4-inch tiles on upward to large format tiles in the 15-inch by 30-inch range. From a visual standpoint, tile smaller than 4 inches square creates a busy appearance.
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.
Tiles can pop up or become loose due to improper installation, uneven subfloor, moisture-related issues, weak adhesive, heavy foot traffic or structural movement.