Are you wondering how to design for small bathrooms and living spaces? Are you at a loss as to whether big tile will work or whether you’re stuck with small tile?
Every house has some small space – whether it’s a minuscule bathroom or powder room, or a tiny living nook. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean that it has to be forgotten, drab, or overly busy.
Quite the opposite. Small square footage doesn’t mean small materials only, as you’ll see from the options detailed below for small bathrooms as well as small living spaces!
How to Design for Small Bathrooms
Although small tile such as mosaic, can be effective in a small bathroom (and we’ll touch on that in more detail below), we encourage you to consider larger sizes. For example, rectangular-shaped tile, square tile, and wood plank tile can radically transform a small space.
You might even want to explore using Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels (GPTPs). And don’t think you have to limit yourself to light colors only. Dark ones can add contrast and drama.
Transforming Bathrooms with Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels
You may be wondering what Gauged Porcelain Panels are; here’s a brief overview.
What are GPTPs?
Gauged Porcelain Panels are large-format, ultra-thin porcelain panels offering seamless aesthetics, durability, and sustainability.
- Ultra-thin panels range from 3mm to 6mm. These are ideal for wall and floor coverings,
- They are typically available in the following sizes: 48” x 102”, 48” x 110”, and 39” x 118”
You’ll find this category of tile available in a marvelous range of marble and stone patterns that look stunning on surfaces, as you can see in this next image.
Here’s an example of a small bathroom space with very large porcelain panels.
Rectangular Tiles in Small Bathrooms
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 a rectangular tile in an off-white colored pattern installed vertically at a 25% offset. This works well given the dark wood vanity finish.
In contrast, the image below represents a horizontal installation of darker colored tile, also at a 25% offset.
The image below features a darker neutral that pops in contrast with the light bathroom fixtures.
This next example extends the dark rectangular tile to the wall. Talk about dramatic!
Here is a small bathroom design showing how you can incorporate a dark grey rectangular tile in a very small space. Don’t you love the horizontally laid wood planks on the wall?
Notice how the white subway tile used in the shower, the light trim, and the vanity pull the design together.
Below you can see a rectangular tile installed in a straight lay. The effect draws your eye to the end of the room.
These tiles have a linear design that makes the room look longer.
Designing with Square Tiles in Small Bathrooms
Square tiles – including sizes larger than 4×4 and 6×6 – offer design versatility in small bathroom spaces. Not only can you vary the installation (on a diagonal, for example), but you can also opt for a polished and glossy look that reflects light, or a matte effect.
Decorative Tile Patterns in a Small Bathroom
Perhaps strong decorative patterns seem like they would be too busy for a small bathroom. However, they can be extremely effective for adding visual interest and creating a sense of space.
These particular decorative patterns come together based on combining four of the same pattern.
The cabinetry finishes coordinate with the lighter tone of the floor tile.
The wall tile emphasizes the white in the pattern. All of the bathroom fixtures echo the dark color of the tile.
Or, celebrate stone-like patterns as you see in the image below, where the walls echo the floors in a more intense and smaller-scaled square tile.
Square Tile on the Diagonal
These next three examples capture how dramatic square tile can look when installed on a diagonal.
This bathroom emphasizes spaciousness.
With contrasting colors, you can create a checkerboard design, here with high gloss.
Or, add muted visual interest as a counterpoint to the vibrant wall covering.
Consider Large Format Tile in Small Bathrooms
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.
Take this notion to an extreme, and you might have just one very large format tile in that small space.
Remember, though, that you can have fun with grout colors.
In this small space below, you see a light colored large format square tile installed on the diagonal.
In the image below, the large-format tile is highly polished and reflects light.
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.
