Standard floor tile sizes range from just two inches wide to a foot and a half. Now, the more common and fashionable sizes include 12”×12”, 18”×18”, 12”×24”, and even larger dimensions for floor tiles, and 8”×10” and bigger for wall tiles.
Larger tile sizes ranging from 24″x24″ to 48″x48″ are excellent selections when making a room appear spacious. These sized tiles can be used throughout the entire home and patio area, giving your home a consistent appearance.
1. Larger Tiles Make Small Rooms Appear Bigger. Because grout lines are thinner and fewer as part of the layout, smaller rooms appear bigger when using larger tiles. Large-format tiles make floors look more streamlined – therefore, creating the illusion of more space.
Because they are larger and heavier, they can be more difficult to handle and install. This means that if they are not installed properly, they can crack or become damaged over time. Additionally, because they are less flexible than smaller tiles, they are more susceptible to damage from impact.
Think cream carpets, natural and neutral toned tiles and whitewashed wood flooring. These attractive, light and neutral colours give a room an open and airy feel, making it appear larger, whilst also drawing in the natural sunlight from outside.
Lay rectangular tiles vertically down the length of the room, to further trick the eye into imagining the space is elongated. A great technique that can be implemented in small bathrooms, utility room and entry ways. Essentially, to maximise the spacious appearance in your home, avoid busy!
As a general rule of thumb, it is best for a bathroom floor to be a darker shade than the accompanying walls and ceiling. However, if your personal preference dictates, you can choose to be adventurous and go against the grain in this regard.
A small bathroom can actually benefit from a large tile. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room visually expands.
Over the years, tile sizes have grown dramatically. 20 years ago, 8×8 floor tiles and 4×4 wall tiles were in fashion and the more common sizes, but now, the more common and fashionable sizes include 12×12, 18×18, 12×24, and even larger for floor tiles, and 8×10 and larger for wall tiles.
The large size makes them quicker to lay and creates a uniform surface, making the room look big, bright, and minimalistic. In contrast, large tiles are not ideal for those hoping to mix shape, color, or pattern. If you want to create an intricate design, small tiles are your best option.
Larger tiles will trick the eye and make a room look bigger,rather than smaller. The main reason for this is that larger tiles reduce the 'busy' factor, whereas smaller tiles, such as mosaics (with comparatively more grout lines), will increase how busy the design looks.
Large format tiles (tiles that are larger than 60cm x 60cm) will make your bathroom feel bigger than it really is. Firstly, there will be fewer grout lines, so your walls & floors will look more seamless & less cluttered & restrictive. Secondly, the scale will make your space feel larger.
Using larger floor tiles is a great way to trick the eye and make a room look bigger than it actually is. Larger tiles used throughout the bathroom look a lot less 'busy' than with smaller tiles, which therefore make the room appear larger; the lack of grout lines also makes the whole space appear more expansive.
According to basic design principles, light colors such as white, crème, pastel blue, gray or yellow will visually expand a room, while dark colors such as a deep red, green or brown, will make a room feel smaller.
White Subway Tiles Make a Timeless Bathroom Design
Subway tiles are definitely the number one classic bathroom tiles. It's safe to say that they never go out of style. These tiles are a nice mix of retro and modern, and can give your bathroom the ultimate ageless look.
Floor tiles will last for many years so it is best to choose a neutral colour that will stand the test of time. The amount of natural light in your room may determine whether your floor tiles need to reflect light (lighter colours) to make the room feel larger or if a darker colour will suit.
When tiles are laid horizontally, and to the ceiling, the bathroom looks wider and more spacious. Compare this to a vertical laid tile, which tends to make the ceilings look taller but the space tighter.
We've seen the traditional 12x12 size tiles double, and even triple over the last few years. Still trending thanks to fewer grout lines that result in a cleaner and uninterrupted look, large format tiles are a go-to option for open spaces as well as smaller rooms that need visual enlargement.
With light coloured tiles like whites or creams, you will open up all the space thanks to the sheer amount of light that will be allowed into the space. Lighter colours also look less busy than dark colours, again helping the room to appear much larger than it actually is.
Large-format tiles sometimes cost less to buy and install. Sometimes materials that replicate natural stone can be cheaper when and if it takes fewer individual tiles to cover more floor or wall space. Remember, though; it takes a trained professional with the best tools to measure precisely enough not to waste tile.
A good rule of thumb is that more delicate pieces of furniture go well with lighter floors, while heavier pieces match better with dark woods. This will help you preserve balance in the room so that everything gets its chance to shine within the space.
Many home experts agree that the floor color should be darker than the walls. The rule generally applies because lighter walls and a dark floor make the room seem larger. Most homeowners prefer a spacious looking interior. However, the rule can change with low ceilings.
You may have already guessed it, but the floor with the highest resale value is hardwood. Since hardwood is always in demand, it is an easy choice to up level your home.
Decorating Tips for Color
Generally, light colors make a room look bigger and brighter. Light and bright-colored walls are more reflective making a room feel open and airy and maximizing the effect of natural light. Dark colors, on the other hand, absorb light, making a room look smaller.