For a small bathroom, large tiles are generally better to make the space feel bigger and less busy due to fewer grout lines, creating a seamless, expansive look, while small tiles can work for accents or create a classic, detailed vibe if used strategically. The choice depends on your goal: large tiles for an open feel, small tiles for intricate patterns, or a mix to balance space and detail.
By using large-size tiles you can reduce the number of visible joints and thus create a space with a more open, airy 'feel'. Conversely, small tiles can generate a more enclosed impression.
If your bathroom is small, it's better to go with larger tiles like 12x24 inches or 24x24 inches, as they make the space look more spacious and have fewer grout lines. Using light colored tiles will give an even more open feel. If you prefer a bit of texture, a matte finish can also be a great choice.
Larger tiles are more prone to cracking. If there is ANY bounce in your floors - if you have a basement- if your house is older- I think you should focus...
The 3-4-5 rule for laying tile is a method to ensure a perfect 90-degree (square) corner, based on the Pythagorean theorem (32+42=523 squared plus 4 squared equals 5 squared32+42=52). You measure 3 units (e.g., feet, inches) along one wall/line from the corner, 4 units along the adjacent wall/line, and the diagonal distance between those two marks should then be exactly 5 units, confirming a perfect square corner for your tile layout. This prevents tiles from running crooked and ensures straight grout lines.
Common Tiling Mistake #1: Neglecting Surface Preparation
Any existing coating or residues must be removed to ensure a smooth and clean surface. This step is extremely important to ensure a secure bond between the tile and the floor, preventing future issues like loose tiles or cracking.
Always apply adhesive horizontally with a notched trowel, rather than in a swirling motion. You should never store tiles in direct sunlight prior to fixing. Tiles should be dry, clean and free from grease, wax, oil, curing compounds, etc.
To sum up, when designing a small bathroom, large format tiles really are one of the best choices. They help create a seamless, uncluttered look, which in turn will make your bathroom feel bigger and more open.
Less Spacious Look: Small tiles do not create the same spacious illusion as large format tiles, making a room feel compact. Higher Risk of Water Seepage: More grout lines mean more chances of water seepage, which can lead to damage over time.
The general rule of thumb is that the larger the tiles, the bigger the room looks. You can consider 40X40 CM or 60X60 CM sized tiles. Larger tiles also look more modern and elegant than smaller tiles. It also means there will be fewer grout lines in your living room.
Best Floor Tile Size for a Bathroom
If you want to make your smaller bathroom feel bigger, installing large bathroom tiles is a great option. Generally, a 12x12 or 24x24 tile size works best.
Bathroom Tile Trends
Tiles in 2025 have been reimagined in bolder and more impactful ways for the bathroom. Not only are striped tiles in abundance and used in a variety of configurations, but designers are using vertical tiles to create tiled, pinstripe walls in seaside colours.
Best Tile Shapes for Small Bathroom Floors
Hexagon tiles bring texture without overpowering the space. Herringbone patterns create movement, making the floor look wider. Penny tiles and small subway tiles add classic style while maximizing grip.
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.
The 1/3 rule for tile is a layout technique for long rectangular tiles (like wood-look planks) that recommends staggering joints by one-third of the tile's length, not the traditional 50%, to minimize lippage (uneven tile edges) caused by natural tile bowing, creating a smoother, safer, and more visually harmonious floor or wall. Instead of a standard brick-like pattern, it creates a diagonal or "stair-step" grout line, which looks more natural and helps hide slight height variations between tiles, making the surface feel flatter and more professional, especially under raking light.
Small bathrooms: Lighter grouts such as white and light gray make the space feel more open. Matching grout to light tiles amplifies this feeling. Large bathrooms: These bathrooms offer more flexibility. Darker grouts can add depth, while light grouts maintain brightness.
Large bathroom tiles create a sleek, modern look with minimal grout lines, making them an excellent choice for those who want a spacious feel and easier cleaning. In contrast, small bathroom tiles provide more grip and design flexibility, which can be beneficial for shower floors and high-moisture areas.
The 3-4-5 method in flooring uses the Pythagorean theorem (32+42=523 squared plus 4 squared equals 5 squared32+42=52) to create a perfect 90-degree (square) corner, ensuring straight lines for tiles, hardwood, or laminate, essential for professional-looking, accurate layouts in rooms, by measuring 3 units along one wall from a corner, 4 units along the adjacent wall, and checking if the diagonal between those points is exactly 5 units.
Porcelain tile is nearly impervious to water compared to ceramic tile. According to the ASTM standards, porcelain must have a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or lower. Consider using shower porcelain tile in your bathroom remodel. Ceramic tiles are more porous and often have a higher water absorption rate.
Creates Space.
We are often askedShould you completely tile a small bathroom? And the answer is it is dependent on your personal design preferences. The installation of light or glossy tiles on your walls will help bounce light around your bathroom and create the illusion of a more airy and spacious design.
Tile Gone Wrong: Top Tile Mistakes to Avoid By Chip Wade
If your main goal is to make your small bathroom feel bigger, then focus on light colors. White is always a classic, but you can also try light blue, light pink, or yellow.
Inadequate Space Planning: Poor space planning can result in cramped and uncomfortable bathrooms. Make sure fixtures like the toilet, shower, and vanity are appropriately spaced to allow for easy movement and functionality.
A 50% tile pattern (brick-bond) is often not recommended for larger, rectangular tiles because it exaggerates lippage, the unevenness where tile edges meet, due to natural tile warpage. This creates an unsightly "step" or shadow line where the highest point of one tile aligns with the lowest point of the next, making surfaces feel bumpy and look unprofessional, especially with long-format tiles that tend to bow in the middle from manufacturing. Professionals often suggest a 33% offset or a random pattern for better visual flow and to minimize these imperfections, say Get Tiles Online and Tile Warehouse.
Start on your walls and floors
Ask any professional Tradesperson and they'll tell you that wall and floor tiles should go in first, before installing your fixtures and fittings. This allows for a more professional finish, and means avoiding awkward tile cuts to fit around fixtures.