How to Choose Bathroom Tiles for Small Bathroom

When deciding on tiles for your bathroom floor, especially if you're wondering how to choose bathroom tiles for a small bathroom, everyone seems to have a different opinion on what size works best, particularly if you want your small bathroom to feel bigger. So, whose advice should you follow and whose should you ignore?

When choosing your tiles, there are a few things to consider. First, think about the style and atmosphere you want to create, both for yourself and for guests visiting your bathroom. Since interior design is very personal, everyone has their own preferences and requirements when it comes to selecting tiles.

Expert Advice from Tile Topia: How to Choose Bathroom Tiles for a Small Bathroom

In small bathrooms, large bathroom floor tiles can visually expand the space by reducing the number of grout lines. Opt for rectangular tiles laid lengthwise to create a sense of continuity and make the room appear larger than it is.

Material

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are excellent affordable choices. They are durable, water-resistant, and come in various styles and textures that mimic more expensive materials like natural stone or wood. These materials are your best bet if you're looking for bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles.

Choose the Right Appearance

When considering both aesthetics and functionality, Glazed Vitrified Tiles (GVT) or Digital GVT tiles stand out. Vitrified tiles are also valued for their durability. The GVT tile range includes finishes like high gloss, polished, satin matte, rocker, and wood. Some of the most sought-after gloss tile options are:

• Azure Frost Onyx 

• Golden Carrara 

• Nocturnal Storm Grey 

• Azure Jade 

Color

Lighter shades such as whites, greys, creams, and pastels reflect more light, making the bathroom feel more spacious and airy. Avoid dark colors that can make the room seem smaller and more enclosed. Choosing a light color for your bathroom wall tiles can enhance the overall brightness and space.

Opting for the Right Finish

Different areas within a bathroom demand specific tile finishes. Textured tiles can create a spa-like atmosphere, while smooth finishes are easier to clean. Options like marble effect tiles or wood effect split face tiles provide distinctive looks to bathroom wall tiles or bathroom floor tiles without the maintenance demands of natural materials.

Calculating the Required Quantity

Once you've finalized the material, design, texture, and size, determine the quantity needed using a tile calculator. This ensures you purchase enough tiles for the project, accounting for any accent tiles or special layouts you plan to incorporate. For a precise estimate, consider both your bathroom wall tiles and floor tiles.

Pattern and Design

Subtle patterns or textured tiles can add depth to a small bathroom without overwhelming the space. Consider using mosaic tiles as accents or borders to inject personality into the design. Additionally, diagonal tile layouts can create an illusion of more space, making the bathroom feel less cramped. Reflective tiles, such as those with a glossy finish, can also enhance light and give the impression of a more open area while maintaining a sense of harmony in your small bathroom.

Understanding Your Options: Bathroom Wall Tiles vs. Bathroom Floor Tiles

Bathroom wall tiles and bathroom floor tiles serve different purposes but must complement each other in terms of style and durability. For small spaces, opting for tiles that are both versatile and cost-effective is essential. Make a small bathroom feel bigger with floor tiles and bring in an extra dimension with textured wall and floor tiles.

Best Tiles for Small Bathroom Wall 

Small bathroom walls typically look best with tiles ranging from 4 x 4 inches up to 12 x 12 inches or larger.

To enhance the perceived height of bathroom walls, consider installing rectangular tiles vertically, such as standard 3 x 6-inch subway tiles, to visually elongate the room.

In narrow bathrooms, opt for horizontal installation of rectangular tiles to create a sense of spaciousness.

Neutrally colored, oversized tiles like 12 x 24-inch slabs, matched with grout of the same color, can provide a luxurious feel and create the illusion of a larger room.

Best Tiles for Small Bathroom Floor 

For optimal bathroom flooring, consider tiles sized between 1 inch and 12 inches or larger.

Small mosaic tiles, typically 1 or 2 inch squares, are highly popular for bathroom floors and other square tile options.

Medium to large-format tiles, ranging from 12 x 18 inches up to 12 x 24 inches, with grout in a matching color, can effectively reduce visible grout lines and visual clutter, making smaller rooms appear larger.

Best Tiles for Small Shower Wall 

Many designers suggest using smaller-format square tiles, ranging from 1 to 4 inches. These can be individual tiles or mosaic tile sheets with a mesh backing for easier installation.

Some homeowners opt for a combination of small and medium tiles, such as 3 x 6-inch subway tiles and 6-inch square ceramic tiles, complemented by mosaic or decorative tile borders, inlays, built-in shelves, and other custom tile features.

Best Tiles for Small Shower Floor 

For shower floors in small bathrooms, simplicity is key with small tiles, typically around 1 inch in size. Larger tiles can create a busy appearance and compete with the shower walls, bathroom floors, and wall tiles.

Mosaic tiles are a popular choice for shower floors due to their higher concentration of grout lines, which help to improve traction and reduce slipperiness.

These are suggestions you can follow. You get to decide how you want to design it!

For more tips on renovating and getting ideas for your design, Visit our website  or visit store showrooms near you.

The team at Tiletopia can provide expert guidance on your tile needs and recommend reliable sources for purchasing them. Prices are typically quoted per square foot, allowing for easy estimation of the total tiling expenses for your entire bathroom area.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the best bathroom tile?

Choosing the best bathroom tile depends on several factors, such as size, color, material, and maintenance. For small spaces, prioritize light colors and larger tiles to create an illusion of space.

2. What are the best tiles for a small bathroom?

The best tiles for a small bathroom are typically glazed ceramic tiles and/or porcelain tiles in light colors and larger sizes. These tiles reflect light, making the space feel more open and airy.

3. Which color tiles are best for a bathroom?

Light and neutral colors such as white, cream, beige, and pastels are best for bathrooms, especially small ones. These colors reflect light and create a sense of spaciousness.

4. Which is better for bathroom tiles or marble?

Both tiles and marble have their pros and cons. Tiles are more affordable, durable, and easier to maintain, making them ideal for bathrooms, especially small ones. Marble, while luxurious, requires more maintenance and can be more expensive.