The right tiles help transform a small bathroom into a comfortable and peaceful haven.
At Tile Clearance Outlet, we understand the role tiles play in making a room feel spacious, appealing, and relaxing.
Whether looking for a subway tile in Perth WA or on the hunt for bathroom feature tiles, choose a tile design that encourages a sense of space.
Downplay the grout
Too often grout is an afterthought. But in a small space, grout becomes an important factor. Key points to keep in mind when selecting tiles and grout:
More tiles equal more grout.
Do you want to introduce all those lines into your bathroom design? Too many grout lines risk a cramped impression, breaking up tiling and crowding the space.
Choose complement over contrast.
Contrasting grout introduces another pattern. In a small bathroom, the effect can be overwhelming. Grout in a similar shade to your tiles implies smoother surfacing.
Go big
A small space doesn’t have to equal small tiles. Instead of a dark, busy space, make the room feel sleek and full of light by choosing large, luminous tiles.
Big tiles create a glowing, almost seamless impression. Choosing large tiles also goes a long way toward reducing the presence of grout.
Maintain warmth
A bright tile selection doesn’t automatically translate as cold and glaring. Today’s pale tile designs are capable of creating sophisticated warmth.
White and off-white are just a taste of the neutral spectrum. From creams to pastels and lighter shades of grey, neutral tones can imbue character and help open up the room.
In a tiny area, shifts in colour or finish don’t need to be jarring to be effective. Gentle changes in colour or texture bring a sophisticated touch to the space.
One example? Lay glazed porcelain with a natural stone appearance in Astor Taupe next to the same type of tile in Aura Beige. A tasteful blend that celebrates complementing colours.
Explore texture and design
Small bathroom spaces and tile designs that introduce subtle depth are a winning combination. Understated textures and delicate surface patterns can prove transformative.
While a glossy finish on tiles works wonders accentuating the light, be aware of any possible slip factor. Safety is more important than aesthetics.
Textural finishes for bathroom tiles can differ from floors to walls throughout the final design. Be aware some tiles show watermarks and soap stains more than others.
See the space as a whole
If your bathroom is at risk of resembling a pantry on the floor plans, you might want to adopt a singular approach to your tiles. Consider the space a canvas.
Tiny bathrooms offer the opportunity to blend all tiled areas into a single cohesive design. Think, one size fits all when browsing for the perfect tile.
If using more than one tile type, the snug size still highlights connections between surfaces. Explore patterns that unfold across the entire interior.
The floor doesn’t need to be separated from walls. Tiles don’t have to end when the shower does. In this case, the ceiling is literally the limit.
Embrace design decisions
The person who needs to love your bathroom, is you. While advice is helpful, the final design is your call.
Is your heart set on mosaic tiles for the bathroom? Go for it.
Try not to contrast the grout, and avoid getting carried away with too complex a pattern that risks overwhelming a small space.
Likewise, darker tiles can have their place in small areas, whether as flooring, a feature wall, or in the shower, especially if matching with other interiors in the home.
You’re the one set to be using your bathroom the most, so make it comfortable. Just be conscious of the impact of patterns and colours in a small bathroom.
Lay tiles for maximum effect
How you lay tiles in a tiny bathroom depends on the visual concern you consider a priority.
- Vertical tiling
The traditional go-to for bathrooms with low ceilings. The intention is to make the eye travel upwards so the space feels less closed in.
- Horizontal tiling
Make the space seem wider by drawing the gaze sideways. A popular choice when the roof is high but the area is quite small and narrow.
- Herringbone
A more complex design take that works when wanting to a room to appear wider, but the simpler horizontal layout doesn’t appeal to you.
- Diagonal tiling
This layout choice can open up the space overall and bring a dynamic yet tasteful energy to your bathroom aesthetic.
Consider a tiling feature
Looking for a touch of tiling pizzazz? Feature tiling is fun but may need to be reined in a little when dealing with a small bathroom.
Choose an area or line of sight for your tiling focus. Feature walls over the basin are popular. Subway tiles are a bathroom go-to.
Using the floor to explore artistic tiling is a popular choice. The shower space is another zone often transformed by creative tile design.
Be aware of how amplified the final effect can seem in a small space. You want to avoid a finished design that evokes a sense of clutter.
Explore possibilities
A taste of tile materials and textures that work wonderfully in bathrooms includes:
Worth considering if wanting to move away from white, but looking to remain relatively neutral on the colour front.
A 600×1200 tile is a nice size as it helps reduce grout usage, delivering a smooth finish that opens up the space.
Glazed ceramic with the appearance of stone build an impression of natural texture while offering a gloss finish.
A popular option, the subway tile provides feature colour, and the shape helps widen the spacious impression
Tiles for tiny spaces
From prepping for the day ahead to unwinding in the bath before a good night’s sleep, an inviting bathroom is worth investing in.
If you need help with your tile hack, Tile Clearance Outlet are happy to answer tough questions that pop up. Contact our team anytime.
