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what tiles to use for small bathroom

by Tania Yundt Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Recommended Tiles Size Chart For a Small Bathroom

Area Recommended Tile Size
Bathroom Floor 1 x 1-inch to 12 x 12-inches
Bathroom Wall 4 x 4-inches to 12 x 24-inches
Shower Floor 1 x 1-inch
Shower Wall 1 x 1-inch to 4 x 4-inches
May 26 2022

Full Answer

Which tiles should I choose for a small bathroom?

How to choose bathroom tiles – find the best ones to suit your bathroom space

  • Natural stone bathroom tiles. Marble looks opulent with the veins of colour running through it making it rich interest. ...
  • Manmade bathroom tiles. Ceramic tiles are an affordable covering, and easy to look after. ...
  • Create decorative effects with bathroom tiles. ...
  • Tiles for small bathrooms. ...
  • Select the best grout for bathroom tiles. ...

What flooring is good for a small bathroom?

Pros and Cons

  • 100-percent waterproof
  • Cost-effective
  • Plank seams are waterproof
  • Tile and plank are easy for do-it-yourselfers to install
  • Floating vinyl flooring is easy to replace

How to select a tile size for a small bathroom?

  • Sunshine Coast QLD (Tile Wizards in Bokarina)
  • Coffs Harbour NSW (Tile Wizards in Coffs Harbour)
  • Adelaide SA (Tile Wizards in Lonsdale, Para Hills West, and Richmond)
  • Brisbane QLD (Tile Wizards in Springwood)

What are some good ideas for a small bathroom?

  • Can you move the waste pipe? ...
  • Have the door opening out from the bathroom if possible so it does not use the internal footprint, or collide with sanitaryware when opened. ...
  • Save space to dry yourself or move around. ...

More items...

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What kind of tile looks good in a small bathroom?

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.

What size of tile works best for a small bathroom?

Bathroom Tile Size Advice: Floors, Walls, Showers & TubsAreaRecommended SizesSmall shower walls1-inch square to 4-inch squareModerate or large shower walls4-inch to 15-inch by 30-inchBathroom floor1-inch square to 12-inch square, or up to large-formatBathroom walls4-inch square up to 12-inch by 24-inch1 more row•Sep 1, 2021

What type of tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?

Horizontal floor tiles are successful in making the room look less cramped, and making your small bathroom appear that much larger.

Is it better to use small or large tiles in a small bathroom?

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.

Do small tiles make a room look bigger or smaller?

1. 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.

Should you tile all walls in a small bathroom?

Should a bathroom be fully tiled? No, it doesn't have to be. Traditionally, tiles are used in wet areas of a bathroom (around the bath and within the shower enclosure) as a means to waterproof walls but there are now alternative materials to add a decorative, waterproofing to bathroom walls.

How can I make my small bathroom look luxurious?

11 tips for making a small bathroom look elegantAdd some warmth. ... Paint the tiles. ... Float your vanity. ... Open the vanity. ... Go for glass. ... Install dimmer lights. ... Don't forget the little touches. ... Update your fixtures.More items...

What will make a small bathroom look bigger?

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look BiggerInstall a Larger Mirror.Increase Natural Light.Replace the Bathroom Vanity Cabinet.Thin Out the Decorations.Decrease Color Contrasts and Dividing Lines.Add a Clear Glass Frameless Shower Enclosure.Use Similar Materials Throughout the Bathroom.

Should bathroom floors be light or dark?

A good rule to follow is to keep the flooring darker than the walls and ceiling, but feel free to be adventurous and break away from this rule. If you choose to install a lighter colored flooring, or mix and match a brightly colored tile with a challenging wall treatment, go for it.

What Colour tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?

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 bathroom look larger?

One thing that is not thought of well enough when looking for a bathroom tile to make the room appear larger, is the shape of the tile. Not only will large tiles make a room look bigger than what it is, but also longer shaped tiles will make a small bathroom look bigger. Try using elongated tiles.

Should I tile behind toilet?

The bathroom fitters are unanimous—if you're looking for a high quality finish, with a better seal against water damage, then always tile the floor first.

How do you lay 12x24 tile in a small bathroom?

For a much smaller space, such as the bathroom, it's best to lay down the tiles the long way, where the longer side is set vertically. Visually, a long and narrow direction lengthens a small room.

What size tile should I use in a small shower?

If your shower is extremely small, however, you shouldn't use tiles that are too large either. It's usually best to use tiles that are smaller than 20 by 20 inches to achieve a balance between the tile size and the size of your shower.

How do I choose a tile size?

Use a tape measure to learn the square footage of the floor space. To do so, measure the width and length of the room then multiply the two together. Small to medium-sized rooms typically work better with larger-sized tiles. Remember the larger the tile size, the bigger the space appears.

How do you tile a shower wall with 12x24 tiles?

2:0017:56How to Tile a Shower Wall...Vertical 12x24 Porcelain -- by Home Repair ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is for the larger format tile. For this project we're using Schluter x' all set. This is theirMoreThis is for the larger format tile. For this project we're using Schluter x' all set. This is their thin set mortar and what that does is maintain the warranty for the Schluter shower system.

Do Carefuly Measure The Space

Accurate measurements are a crucial first step in any tile project, but especially in the likely awkward layout that is your cramped bathroom. Any...

Don’T Scrimp When Buying Tiles

Why invest in so much tile as part of the waste factor? Remember: Running out of materials on any job can be very frustrating. Having to stop mid-j...

Don’T Underestimate Large Tiles

We don’t mean to suggest that you can’t fit large tiles into the scheme of your small bath. Quite the contrary! Just like small, 1-inch tiles, larg...

Don’T Skip on The Preparation

Be sure that the surface on which you are working is clean, smooth, and solid. Otherwise, soft floors cause tiles to crack or loosen and uneven wal...

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 perceive...

Don’T Use Shiny Tiles on A Floor

While glossy tiles and polished stone can look very luxurious in a bathroom, skip these materials for flooring. The sheen of these surfaces are sli...

How to make a small bathroom look bigger?

Tiling with several colors and bold patterns in a small bathroom can overwhelm the space and make it seem even more cramped than its actual size. Choosing a single light color for the floors and walls, however, makes the tiny room appear more spacious. If you prefer variety, select soft-hued colors that are a few shades lighter or darker than each other and consider smaller-scale design to keep with the size of the room.

Why invest in so much tile?

Ordering tiles 15 to 20 percent more than you expect to use will help ensure against miscalculations, breakages, and cutting odd sizes to fit the space. It’s also a good idea to have spare tiles in reserve should any tiles become cracked or damaged in the future. Check to see if your retailer will allow refunds for unused tiles or unopened boxes, or start dreaming up projects to make with the spares.

Why do tiles fall off?

Be sure that the surface on which you are working is clean, smooth, and solid. Otherwise, soft floors cause tiles to crack or loosen and uneven walls allow moisture to get behind tiles causing them to loosen and fall off—not exactly what you want to see soon after completing a labor-intensive project.

Is tile permanent?

Whether you select mosaics, large tiles, or a combination of sizes, keep in mind tile installation is usually permanent and can be costly in terms of both materials and labor. Choosing the correct tile for your small bathroom requires careful planning.

Can you fit large tiles in a small bath?

We don’t mean to suggest that you can’t fit large tiles into the scheme of your small bath. Quite the contrary! Just like small, 1-inch tiles, large tiles can actually make the small space appear larger. Here’s how it works: Our brain associates big tiles with a large space, so seeing them in a smaller setting tricks us it into thinking the room is larger than we know it to be. If you’re ready to adopt an extra-large tile treatment on your floors, consider, for additional impact, continuing them up the walls to the height of a chair rail.

Can you use glossy tile on a floor?

Don’t Use Shiny Tiles on a Floor. While glossy tiles and polished stone can look very luxurious, skip these materials for bathroom flooring. The sheen of these surfaces are slick to the touch—add a splash of water outside the tub or excess soap in the bottom of your shower, and they can be downright slippery.

Is it easy to til a bath?

As projects go, tiling a small bath isn’t exactly a quick and easy task, but if you are patient and diligent it can be a very rewarding experience. Before you invest in any materials, consider the following guidelines to help avoid an expensive mistake.

Tile Size

The bigger the tiles, the smaller the room will look…or so they say. Generally, interior designers will say that you shouldn’t use large tiles (such as 60×60 cm or 80×80 cm) in a small bathroom as it will make the room look smaller.

Colour Scheme

It’s also advised that you should choose a neutral colour scheme for your small bathroom. Choosing lighter colours for your bathroom tiles, such as white, cream or even a light grey, will help make your small bathroom look that much bigger, thanks to the tiles reflecting more light than darker coloured tiles would.

Fixtures

The choice and placement of your fixtures and fitting in your bathroom can also affect how small your bathroom would look. If you have a small bathroom, installing large taps, sinks and other fixtures will make it look overcrowded and cramped. Choose modern, sleek fittings that work with the size of your bathroom to keep everything in proportion.

Tile Layout

Our final tip in making your small bathroom look bigger is to lay your tiles in a diagonal pattern. Diagonal patterns trick our minds into thinking that a space is bigger than it really is.

Why do we use tiles in bathrooms?

Tiles can be used as a tool to draw attention away from awkward architecture, as Cherie Lee Interiors demonstrates in this modern loft bathroom. ‘If the ceiling is sloping or the walls have awkward alcoves, using patterned or intricate tiles on vertical surfaces will often exacerbate the issue,’ she explains.

What is the purpose of taking bathroom floor tiles up the walls?

Taking bathroom floor tiles up the walls, or in this case up the tub panel, blurs the boundaries between floor and walls to create the illusion of a bigger space.

How to make a room feel taller?

Fixing the tiles to waist height and using a lighter color above will make the room feel taller.

Is it better to tile a small bathroom?

This is vital if ventilation is poor or if you have a shower or wet room, plus you can add plenty of texture, color and pattern with tile. The downsides: fully tiling a small bathroom can make it feel more enclosed and cold, plus it limits your choice of personalization, such as artwork that you might like to hang.

Do large format tiles work?

They are literally cleaner, too, as there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to hide. Large format tiles work particularly well where large areas need tiling, such as in the shower or on floors.

Can you take floor tiles from floor to ceiling?

Taking the tiles from floor-to-ceiling will effectively mimic the look of wallpaper, serving to soften the hard edges of sanitaryware. ‘Go for large format tiles if possible; fewer grout lines will provide a more seamless finish,’ adds Jane.

Can grout lines be used in small bathrooms?

When considering ideas for small bathrooms, using grout lines to add pattern without overpowering can prove very effective in small spaces. Here, Waterworks has switched tile direction to shake up a classic brickwork installation, without going overboard.

What tile is used in the shower?

Notice how the white subway tile used in the shower and the light trim and vanity pull the design together.

What color mosaic tile goes with a soaker tub?

Below you see a classic black and white mosaic floor tile that effectively ties together the stunning soaker tub with the dark cabinetry and the countertops.

Why is large format tile good for small spaces?

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.

What color is wall tile?

The wall tile emphasizes the white in the pattern. All of the bathroom fixtures echo the dark color of the tile.

What is the effect of matte tile in a bathroom?

Contrast that with the very dark colored matte-finished large format tile in the bathroom below. The effect is warm and cozy, without feeling small or claustrophobic.

Can you install rectangular tile horizontally?

Rectangular tiles look fabulous in a bathroom. They can be installed vertically or horizontally depending on the look you prefer. Also, they can be set at a 25% offset or in a straight lay. In the image above, you see rectangular tile in an off-white colored pattern installed vertically at a 25% offset.

Can you have fun with grout colors?

Remember, though, that you can have fun with grout colors.

How to choose patterned tiles for a small bathroom?

The basic rule of thumb for choosing patterned tiles for a small bathroom is to go for graphic designs that can be used cleverly to stretch the space (visually, at least). Here, a horizontal (ish) stripe will make a narrow bathroom feel wider. Match with large format, fuss-free floor tiles for the floor. If you need some advice on choosing bathroom ...

What does it mean to choose simple wall tiles?

Choosing such simple wall tiles means you can add the interest on the floor, so pick something colorful or patterned to bring plenty of interest into the space.

How to make a bathroom feel bigger?

Another trick to make a small bathroom feel bigger is to use the same wall and floor tiles, the running pattern helps to create drama that is perfect to mimic a bigger space.

How to make a small bathroom feel welcoming?

Want to introduce color and pattern to your small bathroom walls? Picking a design with a warm color scheme – like this dusty rose – will make the space feel welcoming; sticking to very plain finishes (whether towels, bathroom window treatments or flooring) and sleek lines elsewhere in the room will help it feel as big as possible, too.

Do you need to tile a small bathroom?

As we have mentioned, you don't need to tile a whole load of space in a small bathroom for it to have an impact. Try instead using a bold tile, in a brave shade or interesting shape, for the inside of your shower. Scalloped tiles are such a big trend right now (in fact they even made it into our round-up of the top interior trends ), and these Syren tiles from Topps Tiles come in five glorious sea-inspired hues.

Can you put tiles on all four walls?

Any tiles that create a diagonal pattern, however subtle, will create another visual trick: that of lengthening and widening walls. The same ruse can be used with plain tiles laid diagonally. If yours is a very narrow bathroom, avoid putting tiles on all four walls; instead, create contrast and interest with a paint color.

Do mosaic tiles reflect light?

They'll add texture, depth and dimension, and will reflect light more than tiles with a flat finish. Just be wary that picking small mosaic tiles can make a bathroom feel busier so limit them to one or two walls and contrast with large format floor tiles.

Why do you need special grouting for bathroom tiles?

Choosing tiles for bathrooms can be tricky since they require special grouting arrangements to prevent accidental slips and falls. And since they are most likely one of the smallest areas in your home, you’ll need to consider how to maximize the space or have the illusion of a bigger one.

What is the best way to make a bathroom look smaller?

Using smaller tiles, such as mosaics, gives smaller bathrooms a more grid-like and busy appearance, but this doesn’t mean you must take them out of the equation. In fact, if you use additional decorative pieces like listellos and mix and match them with larger formats, you could end with a more visually pleasing bathroom. Likewise, using smaller tiles in alcoves and recesses can provide a stunning accent piece when done right.

What is the ratio of subway tile to wall tile?

Subway tiles are a popular choice for many as they offer a 2:1 ratio (width x length) that works well with bathroom walls. Likewise, listellos are a great decorative alternative for those that want to mix and match different types of tile sizes. However, as a general rule of thumb, you may want to opt for tiles with fewer seams as they require more grout and, in turn, more time and effort to clean and maintain.

How big should a shower floor be?

Generally, you may want to opt for smaller-sized tiles starting with 4 x 4 inches all the way down to 1 x 1-inch variants.

Why do you need smaller tiles?

Essentially, smaller tiles give your installer – or you, if you’re doing it DIY – more room to efficiently contour your flooring to direct water flow to a centrally located drain. Likewise, these also allocate more room for grout to provide increased grip for your feet, preventing those nasty falls and slips.

Can you correct tile size?

Fortunately, you can rectify these problems by simply choosing the correct tile sizes. In fact, with proper planning and a little research, you can easily achieve the perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality – all without having to go through costly miscalculations.

What color tiles make a bathroom look higher?

Vertical pink tiles make this small bathroom look higher than it is. And the floor tiles have a range of color from blue to pink giving a nice effect (photo: Three Birds Renovations)

What type of tile is used in the design villa?

Luxurious ligh grey tiles with brass fittings and wood to add warmth (photo: The Design Villa)

What kind of tile did Justina Blakeney use?

Jungalow’s Justina Blakeney added these blue/green tiles to her bathroom for a boho natural look. She used the Tidewater tile by Fireclay Tiles (photo: Justina Blakeney)

Why are subway tiles vertical?

The subway tiles are put in vertical to add more lenght to the small bathroom. The light grey tiles on the floor add a little contrast (photo: Mark Zeidler)

Is it better to use glossy or dark tile in bathroom?

And even darker with these blue tiles in Hotel Villa Ivy in Salzburg. When you go for a darker tile color in a small bathroom, then pcking a glossy tile can help in making it feel less dark (because the gloss reflects light)

Who created the blue bathroom?

Interior stylist & blogger Emily Henderson created this small blue bathroom. She used the Ogee Drop tiles in Crater Lake by Fireclay Tile (photo: Jess Isaac)

Is green trending in bathroom?

Green is hot. You might have noticed it already, but the color green is absolutely trending right now. And that doesn’t end with the color of your walls. Green tiles will give your small bathroom a more natural look.

1. Keep It Simple!

When you start looking at new tiles for your bathroom, you will fall in love with many kinds. There is an extensive range to choose from that you will wish you had 10 bathrooms to tile so you can use them all. Replacing your bathroom tiles yourself is not as daunting as it may seem and can be a fun DIY project.

2. Match the Floor and the Bathroom Wall Tiles

Knocking down the walls to make your bathroom bigger would be a massive project, but tricking your eyes by using matching tiles, is easy. Using the same, or very similar, toned tile on the floor and walls makes it difficult to see where the floor space ends and the walls begin.

3. Use Light Colors to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

You may have heard that wearing dark colors or black makes you look slimmer? 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.

4. Use Long Format Tiles to Make Your Bathroom Appear Bigger

Long format tiles have changed how we do things. Laying long format tiles, so they flow horizontally on the bathroom walls will extend the appearance of the room’s length.

5. Use Large Format Tiles to Add the Illusion of Depth

A simple way to make a medium-sized bathroom look bigger is to use larger tiles. This may seem like contrary advice because the space is already small, but using a larger tile will mean fewer grout lines. That means that the walls and floor may appear to be a single surface. Remember that simplicity is key to making a small bathroom appear bigger.

6. Create Visual Flow by Accenting Tiling Around Curves

Your bathroom will seem instantly bigger if there is visual flow by accentuating any rounded features in the room. Bathrooms don’t often have a lot of round edges, but if you do have a curved basin or a recessed bathtub, you can add accent tiles around the curvy parts, which will lead the eye around the shape.

7. Use Mirror Tiles to Make Your Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Incorporating mirror tiles is one of the most effective ways to make your bathroom look bigger using tile. Large mirror tiles can be used on a specific wall to reflect light. This works especially well if you place them opposite a window. The reflection will make it seem like your bathroom has two windows instead of one.

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1.Videos of What Tiles to Use For Small Bathroom

Url:/videos/search?q=what+tiles+to+use+for+small+bathroom&qpvt=what+tiles+to+use+for+small+bathroom&FORM=VDRE

23 hours ago  · Choosing the right tile materials for a small bathroom. Travertine, marble, limestone, slate and granite are all natural stone options for small bathroom tiles, each with its own natural properties.

2.How to choose tiles for a small bathroom | Real Homes

Url:https://www.realhomes.com/design/choosing-the-right-size-tiles-for-a-small-bathroom

32 hours ago Choosing lighter colours for your bathroom tiles, such as white, cream or even a light grey, will help make your small bathroom look that much bigger, thanks to the tiles reflecting more light than darker coloured tiles would.

3.Tiling a Small Bathroom - Dos and Don'ts - Bob Vila

Url:https://www.bobvila.com/articles/tiling-a-small-bathroom/

17 hours ago  · Try Wood Plank Tiles for Small Bathrooms. Don’t rule out wood plank tiles in a small bathroom where they look fabulous. Wood planks can be installed in an offset or a herringbone design as you can see below. Or, consider a herringbone design that makes the room look like it is a tile rug.

4.Choosing Tiles For A Small Bathroom | Tile Wizards

Url:https://www.tilewizards.com.au/blog/choosing-tiles-for-a-small-bathroom/

27 hours ago  · 23 small bathroom tile ideas that make a splash in a tiny space. 1. Combine stripes in different scales. (Image credit: Chasing Paper; Photo: Anna Spaller) Narrow vertical stripes up the wall, and even onto the ... 2. Create an optical illusion by tiling your bathtub. 3. Choose tiles with a tactile ...

5.Small bathroom tile ideas - Homes & Gardens

Url:https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/bathroom-tile-ideas-for-a-small-bathroom-224008

31 hours ago 5 rows ·  · Ideal bathroom floor tile size: Anywhere between 1 x 1-inch mosaic tiles to larger format ...

6.Big Tile or Little Tile? How to Design for Small Bathrooms and Living ...

Url:https://www.tileoutlets.com/blog/big-tile-or-little-tile-how-to-design-for-small-bathrooms-and-living-spaces-on-suncoast-view/

4 hours ago  · White tiles are still the most popular tile color choice, especially for small bathrooms. A light tile color will make your tiny bathroom feel bigger and brighter. Especially when you have little to no natural light coming into your bathroom, will a white tile be a classic and right choice.

7.23 small bathroom tile ideas that make a splash in a tiny space

Url:https://www.realhomes.com/us/design/small-bathroom-tile-ideas

28 hours ago 8. Add Gloss Tiles to a Small Bathroom . White tiles don’t have to be boring and are available in a variety of tones and textures. Any time you can reflect light in a room, it will feel larger. So when you are choosing sensible and versatile matte tile for the floor or walls of a bathroom, consider adding some gloss tile for a feature area.

8.What Size Tiles Should You Use In a Small Bathroom?

Url:https://www.essentialhomeandgarden.com/tile-size-small-bathroom/

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9.The Best Tile Color for a Small Bathroom - The Nordroom

Url:https://www.thenordroom.com/best-tile-color-small-bathroom/

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10.18 Ways Tile Can Help Your Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

Url:https://bathtubber.com/use-tile-make-small-bathroom-look-bigger/

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