How To Make A Small Bathroom Look Bigger With Tile

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger With Tile

A small bathroom can be a challenge to design, but with strategic use of tile, you can create the illusion of more space. Tile is a versatile material that can be used to add visual interest, define areas, and create a sense of openness. By incorporating these simple tips, you can transform your small bathroom into a more spacious and inviting oasis.

1. Opt for Light and Reflective Colors

Light colors like white, cream, and pale gray reflect light, making the bathroom feel larger. Consider using these colors for the walls, floor, and even the ceiling. You can add pops of color with accent tiles or accessories, but keep the overall palette light and airy.

Glossy tiles are another effective way to create the illusion of more space. The reflective surface of glossy tiles bounces light around the bathroom, making it appear brighter and larger. This is especially beneficial in bathrooms with limited natural light.

2. Create a Sense of Continuity with Large Format Tiles

Small tiles can make a bathroom feel busy and cramped, while large format tiles create a sense of continuity and openness. Using large tiles, especially on the floor, minimizes the number of grout lines, making the space appear larger and more streamlined.

If you are concerned about the cost of large format tiles, consider using them in strategic areas like the shower floor or the main wall. Smaller tiles can be used in the remaining areas, such as the backsplash or the shower walls.

3. Embrace Verticality with Vertical Tile Patterns

Vertical lines create the illusion of height, making the bathroom feel taller and more spacious. This is especially effective in bathrooms with low ceilings. Consider using vertical tile patterns, such as subway tiles laid in a vertical stack, to draw the eye upwards and create a sense of grandeur.

You can also use vertical tile installations to create a focal point. A feature wall with vertical tiles in a bold pattern or color can add visual interest and draw the eye away from the small size of the bathroom.

4. Use Tile to Define Areas

Using different tile patterns or colors to define different areas within the bathroom can help create a sense of order and spaciousness. For example, you can use a contrasting tile in the shower area to visually separate it from the rest of the bathroom. This creates a focal point and makes the space feel less cluttered.

You can also use tile to visually break up a large expanse of wall. For instance, a decorative tile border at the bottom of the wall can create a visual break and make the wall appear smaller.

5. Incorporate a Mirror

Mirrors are a classic way to create the illusion of more space. A large mirror placed opposite a window will reflect natural light, making the bathroom feel brighter and more spacious. Mirrors can also be used on the bathroom walls to enhance the feeling of depth and expanse.

Consider installing a mirrored medicine cabinet, which serves both a functional and decorative purpose. This can add a touch of luxury to the bathroom while also reflecting light and creating a feeling of openness.

6. Choose a Tile Grout That Blends In

Grout is an important part of tile installation, and its color can have a significant impact on the overall look of the bathroom. Choosing a grout color that blends in with the tile will minimize the visual impact of the grout lines, making the space appear larger and more seamless.

If you have chosen light-colored tiles, consider using a light-colored grout to create a cohesive look. Conversely, if you have chosen dark tiles, use a dark grout to complement the tile color and create a unified aesthetic.

7. Think About the Shower Surround

The shower surround is a large element in a bathroom, and it can significantly affect the overall appearance of the space. To make a small bathroom feel bigger, consider using a transparent glass shower door or enclosure. This allows light to pass through, making the bathroom feel more open and airy.

Alternatively, you can use large format tiles for the shower surround. This creates a minimal look with fewer grout lines, making the shower area appear larger and more spacious. You can also use a light, reflective tile in the shower surround to bounce light around the bathroom.