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.
Choose Large-Format Tiles
Large format tiles (tiles that are larger than 60cm x 60cm) will make your bathroom feel bigger than it really is. Firstly, there will be fewer grout lines, so your walls & floors will look more seamless & less cluttered & restrictive. Secondly, the scale will make your space feel larger.
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.
Paler shades of wall and floor tiles reflect light which will visually open up a space, whereas darker tones absorb light which will make the room feel smaller. Glazed tiles will also bounce light back, making the room feel larger, whilst entirely matt tiles absorb light.
Extend the sight lines of a small bath by using a light color throughout the space. In this room, white finishes on the floor, walls, sconces, toilet, and shower make the small space seem bigger. A few gray and black tiles on the floor and wall add visual interest without overpowering.
Dark flooring can make a room feel smaller, while lighter vinyl tiles or planks can make it seem bigger. For this reason, you may want to choose a lighter color to add the illusion of space to small spaces.
As a general rule of thumb, it is best for a bathroom floor to be a darker shade than the accompanying walls and ceiling. However, if your personal preference dictates, you can choose to be adventurous and go against the grain in this regard.
The colour of your bathroom tiles can really make an impact in a small bathroom. Most people go for light hues such as white, cream and light grey although many small bathrooms still look fantastic with darker shades. Neutral colours help keep the tone of a room calm and clean which really helps in smaller rooms.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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").
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.
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.
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.
It's usually a good idea to avoid using very large tiles on your bathroom floor if the room is small. 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.
Many opt for white when planning their powder room or shower space. This is because lighter colours give the impression of larger bathroom wall space, as well as floor space.
White tile is probably the most popular solution in our bathrooms. Why? White brightens the interior. It gives a sense of order and lightness.
When it comes to choosing the appropriate colour for your bathroom, consider the regularity of use and the size of the units of flooring you're using (i.e. the planks or tiles). “Dark floors will show up dirt and marks more easily,” explains Emma. “If it's a high-traffic area, consider a lighter or patterned floor.
"Lighter colors reflect light easily, which gives the room a bigger appearance," says Piercy. Unsurprisingly, a classic white paint is the perfect choice when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom.
White reflects light and gives a space a larger appearance. White is also the most timeless color, immune to trends or changes in personal taste. If you have a more conservative design style, want a bright and amplifying appearance, and are designing for the long haul, it's hard to go wrong with white floor tiles.
Contrast can transform any space, especially if you are working with a small area; contrast creates character without needing to over-decorate. Dark tile isn't just black tile, a dark gray or blue tile also creates an exceptional look. You may even wish to pair your new dark flooring with a complementary accent wall.