In the realm of interior design, small spaces often present the biggest challenges. Bathrooms, in particular, can feel cramped and claustrophobic if not designed thoughtfully. However, with the right selection of tiles, you can transform even the tiniest of bathrooms into a stylish and functional oasis. In-store and online we take pride in helping our customers with limited square footage achieve a design they’re happy with and proud of make the most of smaller spaces.
Opt for Light Colours: When it comes to small spaces, light colours are your best friend. They have the magical ability to reflect light and create a sense of openness, making a room appear larger than it actually is. Consider using light-colored tiles such as soft whites, creams, pale grays, terracottas and travertine-looks for your bathroom walls and floors. These hues will bounce light around the space, giving it an airy and expansive feel.
Dark for Flooring: However, don’t shy away from dark colours, especially on floors. A darker tile can be used effectively to add a sense of depth to a space, either throughout the room or flooring to give the impression of a wider and longer area.
Alternatively, dark or coloured grout lines with light tiles can make a bit of design statement and can work well in a small bathroom.
Embrace Large Format Tiles: Contrary to popular belief, small tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel even smaller by overwhelming the space with too many grout lines. Instead, opt for large format tiles to visually expand the room. Large tiles, whether they're square or rectangular, create a seamless look with fewer interruptions, making the walls and floors appear more expansive.
Consider Glossy Finishes: The finish of your tiles can have a significant impact on how light interacts with the space. Glossy tiles, in particular, are excellent for small bathrooms because they reflect light, adding brightness and dimension to the room. Install glossy tiles on both the walls and floors to maximise their light-reflecting properties. Not only will they make the space feel larger, but they'll also lend a touch of sophistication and elegance to your bathroom.
Create Visual Interest with Patterns: Bathrooms don’t have to be boring! Inject personality and visual interest into your space by incorporating patterned tiles into the design. Whether you opt for geometric motifs, intricate mosaics, or classic subway tiles laid in varying patterns, the key is to balance boldness with restraint. Choose one focal point, such as the shower wall or floor, to showcase your chosen pattern, and keep the rest of the space relatively neutral to prevent it from feeling overwhelming.
A subtle way to add interest without closing in the look of a small bathroom is by using texture and colour. Tiles with 3D surfaces, or those that give the appearance of, instantly grab attention on walls, whether they’re in small-scale mosaic patterns, regimented ribbed designs or feature undulating wave effects. You can also combine textured tiled walls with co-ordinating smooth subway white wall tiles to divide up the space.
Extend Tiles Beyond the Bathroom: To create a sense of continuity and flow, consider extending your chosen tiles beyond the confines of the bathroom. For example, if your bathroom opens into a hallway or adjacent room, continue the same flooring tiles into these areas to visually expand the space. This seamless transition blurs the boundaries between rooms, making the entire area feel more cohesive and interconnected. Our timber tile ranges lend themselves perfectly to such projects.
Layout: A clever trick to use in small bathrooms is to lay your tiles in diagonal patterns, which tricks the eye into seeing the space as bigger than it really is. When you take a look at normal squared options they are fairly easy to count but arrange them diagonally and your eyes are drawn to the longest dimensions of the room. Popular chevron and herringbone patterns can do this well.
If a diagonal tile pattern doesn’t sound appealing, consider laying your tiles in a brick bond (offset lay). This is a popular choice for subway tiles but helps limit the grid pattern effect mentioned earlier, which can emphasise the limited width and height of a room.
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Designing a small bathroom can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. By carefully selecting the perfect tiles, you can maximise both style and space, transforming your compact bathroom into a beautiful retreat that feels anything but cramped. Whether you opt for light colours, large format tiles, glossy finishes, patterned designs, or seamless transitions, the key is to prioritise functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to creating a small bathroom that's big on style.
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