Have you got the small bathroom blues? You are not alone! We have all been there. Squeezing into a tiny space, feeling cramped and a little bit overwhelmed. Fear not! While small bathrooms can be a design challenge, we at EMC Tiles have the answer for you and our secret weapon is a wide array of ceramic and porcelain tiles!
Did you know that the size and design of your tiles can make a big difference in how spacious your bathroom feels? Forget the myth that small spaces need small tiles! We are about to unveil the illusion-creating magic of using the right tile sizes and designs to transform your bijou bathroom into a surprisingly roomy haven.
1. Big Tiles for Big Impact
Fewer Grout Lines, More Open Space
Let’s bust the myth that small bathrooms need small tiles. Here’s the surprising truth: large format tiles or slab porcelain tiles can be your best friend in creating the illusion of a more open and spacious bathroom. Here’s why:
- Goodbye Grout Lines, Hello Openness: Small tiles mean lots of grout lines, which can visually cram a small space and make it feel busy. On the other hand, large tiles or even bigger, porcelain slab tiles, have fewer grout lines, creating a cleaner and more expansive visual plane.
- Cleaning Made Easy: Fewer grout lines mean less to clean! Larger tiles offer a smooth surface that is easier to clean and maintain, a welcome benefit in any bathroom, but especially precious in a compact space.
- Modern Appeal, Timeless Style: Large format tiles are a major design trend right now for a good reason. They instantly elevate the look of your bathroom with a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Just take a look at these stunning La Marmoteca Porcelain Slab wall and floor tiles from Gardenia. Thanks to their size, these tiles bring the contemporary elegance of marble into a small bathroom space transforming it into a luxurious haven.
2. Mighty Minis
Don’t Discount the Mighty Minis
We have sung the praises of large tiles, but let’s not forget the potential of their smaller counterparts. While they might not be the magic bullet for creating overall spaciousness, smaller tiles also have a valuable place in the small bathroom design toolbox. Here’s how:
- The Power of Mosaics: Safety is paramount when it comes to shower floors. Smaller mosaic tiles provide superior slip resistance compared to larger, smoother options. They also offer fantastic design flexibility, allowing you to create beautiful patterns or incorporate decorative elements.
- Accentuate the Positive: Smaller tiles can be your secret weapon for adding a touch of personality and visual interest. Use them strategically as accent borders, around shower niches, or to create a unique backsplash behind the sink or bath. The possibilities are endless!
Don’t underestimate the power of well-placed smaller tiles! Just take a look at these stylish Blue Savoy Matt Mosaic Tiles, which accentuate the shower and draw the eye.
3. Glazed Tiles to Maximize Space
Use Light to Your Advantage
Did you know that glazed bathroom wall tiles are your secret weapon for creating the illusion of a larger, brighter space? Here’s why:
- Light Reflecting Qualities: The glossy surface of glazed tiles acts like a mirror, reflecting incoming light and making your bathroom feel more open and airy. This is especially beneficial in bathrooms with limited natural light.
- Safety First: Remember that glazed tiles are slippery when wet, so keep them off the bathroom floor! However, the smooth surface on the walls makes cleaning a breeze, perfect for maintaining a hygienic bathroom environment.
Why not combine glazed wall tiles, such as these stunning Marble White Gloss Gleam Mosaic tiles from the Marble Collection by Love Tiles, with a built-in shower niche for a double dose of space-maximizing hack?
4. Monochromatic Magic
Colour Coordination is Key
Ditch the visual clutter! In a small bathroom, avoid overwhelming patterns and textures. Opt for a single colour palette, or a monochromatic scheme, to create a sense of seamlessness. This will visually expand the space. Here’s the trick:
- Light & Bright: Choose light-coloured glazed tiles to create a feeling of openness and airiness. This is a classic strategy for making a small bathroom feel larger.
- Dramatic Depths: If you prefer a bolder look, consider a dark-toned monochromatic palette. This can add a sense of depth and sophistication to your small bathroom, making it feel visually interesting and spacious at the same time.
Check out this stunning small bathroom transformation using classic white glazed Biselado metro tiles in the shower and pairing it with a playful monochromatic pattern using Future Star Floor Tiles by Peronda.
5. Vertical Advantage
Floor-to-Ceiling Tiles
Take your space illusion to the next level by installing glazed tiles from floor to ceiling. This creates a continuous vertical line that draws the eye upwards, making the bathroom appear taller and more expansive. Here are some great tile options for this approach:
- Classic Subway Tiles: A timeless choice that works beautifully in a floor-to-ceiling application.
- Mosaic Magic: Mosaic tiles can add a touch of personality and visual interest while maintaining a sleek, modern look.
- Herringbone Chic: This classic pattern adds a touch of sophistication and visual movement, perfect for a floor-to-ceiling installation.
- Large Format Luxury: Large format square tiles create a clean and modern feel when used from floor to ceiling, such as these stunning Precious Calacatta Marble Effect Floor and Wall Tiles by Love Tiles, enhancing the illusion of a spacious bathroom.
By incorporating these tips and choosing glazed bathroom wall and floor tiles, you can transform your small bathroom into a visually stunning and surprisingly spacious haven!
6. Finding Your Perfect Tile Size
Not Too Big, Not Too Small
Finding the ideal tile size for your small bathroom is about achieving the right balance. Here’s how to avoid the extremes and discover your very own ‘Goldilocks zone’:
- The Rise of the Mid-Size Marvels: While large format tiles have their advantages, they might not always be the perfect fit for every small bathroom, especially those with awkward layouts or limited square footage. Enter the mid-size tile! These tiles, typically ranging from 6″x6″ to 12″x12″, offer a happy medium between the openness of large tiles and the design potential of smaller ones.
- Scale & Proportion: When choosing your bathroom tile size, it is crucial to consider the overall scale and proportion of your bathroom. Think about the size of your fixtures, doorways and vanity units. For very tiny bathrooms, excessively large tiles might overwhelm the space. On the other hand, if your bathroom has a high ceiling, using smaller tiles stacked vertically can create a sense of added height.
✅ Pro Tip: Tile Layout Tricks!
Here’s a secret weapon in your small bathroom design arsenal: tile layouts! The way you orient your tiles can significantly impact the perceived size of the space:
- Vertical Lines for Height: Is your bathroom a bit on the short side? No worries! Laying your rectangular tiles vertically draws the eye upwards, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling and a more spacious feel. Take a look at this downstairs bathroom project featuring Equipe Artisan Moss metro tiles in a vertically stacked pattern.
- Horizontal Lines for Width Illusion: Want to make your narrow bathroom feel wider? Opt for laying your rectangular tiles horizontally. This creates a sense of visual expansion, making the walls appear further apart. You can even add texture with tiles such as these Cubics Slate 3D tiles by Rondine Tiles behind the bath and shower to create a stunning feature wall.
7. Creative Tile Layouts and Patterns
Don’t be Afraid to Mix it Up!
We have explored the world of tile size, but the story doesn’t end there! The way you lay your tiles can be just as impactful as their size in creating a sense of spaciousness and visual interest in your small bathroom. Get ready to unleash your inner design guru with these creative tile layout ideas:
- The Herringbone Charmer: This classic pattern adds a touch of sophistication and visual movement to your bathroom walls or floors. The zig-zag layout creates a sense of dynamism, drawing the eye away from the limitations of the space. Imagine a sleek, modern bathroom with dark green herringbone tiles on the walls, like this stunning bathroom transformation.
- Think Diagonal for Drama: Ditch the traditional grid layout and opt for laying your tiles diagonally. This unexpected angle adds a touch of dynamism and can make your walls appear wider, especially if using rectangular tiles.
- Vertical Stacking for Soaring Heights: As mentioned earlier, vertical lines are your friend in a small bathroom with a low ceiling. Stacking your rectangular tiles vertically creates a continuous line that draws the eye upwards, making the walls feel taller and the space more expansive.
- Patterns that Play with Perception: Don’t be afraid to experiment with patterned tiles! Geometric patterns in contrasting colours can create a captivating focal point, drawing the eye away from the size of the room such as this bathroom featuring the Montmartre Matt Hexagon tiles from APE. This combination of pattern and colour is brilliant for making a statement and, in this case, it pairs wonderfully with the pink bathroom units and gold finishings. Just remember to keep the overall colour scheme light and balanced to avoid overwhelming the space.
When it comes to creative layouts and patterns, the key is to choose bathroom tiles and a design that complements the overall style of your bathroom and feels balanced within the limited space. Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different options! With a little planning and inspiration, you can transform your small bathroom into a visual masterpiece.
Let EMC Tiles Help You Redesign Your Small Space
So there you have it! You are now armed with the knowledge and design tricks to transform your small bathroom into a practical and visually stunning space. Remember, size doesn’t have to limit your style. With the right bathroom tile choices and creative design approaches, you can create a bathroom that feels both luxurious and surprisingly spacious.
At EMC Tiles, we understand the unique challenges of small bathroom design. With over 40 years in the tiling industry, there’s not much we haven’t seen! We offer a wide selection of beautiful, high-quality bathroom floor tiles and a stunning array of bathroom wall tiles in various sizes, materials, and finishes, perfect for creating the illusion of spaciousness in any small space.
Shop With Us Today
Browse our extensive tile collection online or pop into one of our showrooms in the Midlands and get inspired! Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is always happy to answer any questions and help you find the perfect tiles to bring your small bathroom vision to life.
Don’t let a small space hold you back! With a little creativity and the right tiles from EMC Tiles, your dream bathroom is just a few clicks or a visit away.
