Big Tile or Little Tile? How to Design for Small Bathrooms and

Every house has some small space - whether it's a minuscule bathroom or powder room, or a tiny living nook. In the image above, you see rectangular tile in an off-white colored pattern installed vertically at a 25% offset.

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. Notice how the white subway tile used in the shower and the light trim and vanity pull the design together. Square tiles - including sizes larger than 4x4 and 6x6 - 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. However, they can be extremely effective for adding visual interest and creating a sense of space. 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.

Or, add muted visual interest as a counterpoint to the vibrant wall covering. 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.

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. Don’t rule out wood plank tiles in a small bathroom where they look fabulous.

In the image below, you see a black and white basketweave design on the floor which works beautifully with the darker shower wall mosaics. Below you see a classic black and white mosaic floor tile that effectively ties together the stunning soaker tub with the dark cabinetry and the countertops.

Do you prefer small mosaics or large format square and rectangular tile (not to mention wood planks)? You can watch the 6:20-minute video segment by visiting Renovating Small Living Spaces with Tile Outlets | Suncoast View. For additional ideas, check out 7 Best Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Trends for Bathrooms.