A Guide To Tiling Your Small Bathroom
May 9, 2019

Small bathrooms can be a nightmare for owners trying to get it right. There can be little room for error with these types of rooms as everything is magnified due to the inability to hide anything. Small bathrooms in Perth can range from tiny to small so I think it’s small but it’s actually big but it’s important to take this guide to whatever the size of your room. For 4 tips on layouts and tricks for small bathrooms Click Here.

One Size Does Not Fit All (Tile Size)

The Conventional wisdom says that small spaces call for small tiles but think again. Large tiles can actually trick the brain into thinking the space is bigger than it is. With fewer grout lines the walls and floor are less cluttered and the room is visually expanded. With lots of grout lines, which can give the bathroom walls a grid-like appearance that can promote the feeling of being boxed in – making your bathroom feel smaller still.

Smaller tiles shouldn’t be ruled out though as they are great at creating a feature which we will cover in the section below with examples of bathroom renovations we have completed often with a combination of small feature wall tiles and large format tiles for the rest. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tile work patterns, just make sure to plan ahead. When it comes to small spaces, there’s little room for error.

Large Neutral Tiles

Large Neutral Tiles

See large neutral tiles with narrow grout lines that won’t distract from the smaller tile focal point.

Smaller tiles

Which Way To Go (Tile Direction)

Different patterns trick our minds into thinking that a space is bigger than it really is. We don’t see the normal squared tiles when laid this way, so our eyes are instead drawn to the diagonal points while our brain has a lot more trouble figuring out how many tiles are actually there.  The key is key is also grout as if it matches perfect you will lose tile direction.

Tile Direction

Tile Direction

Tile Direction

One option with 300mm x 600mm large format tiles is if you lay rectangle tiles horizontally or on their side going up the wall or along the floor, this will give the illusion that the walls are wider than they actually are. If you lay the same tile vertically, you will make the room look taller or the room longer if used on the floor.

 large format tiles

 large format tiles

Colors and Finish

We often look to play it safe and small bathrooms are no different when it comes to color or shade. The number 1 tile we often use is white and the reason for this is lighter walls make a room feel so much bigger. Darker tiles bring in a closing effect to the bathroom so a little bit of darkness is preferred to the full room.

Colors and Finish

Keeping the tile the same floor to ceiling creates a more expansive feel with no barrier dividing the two.

Colors and Finish

If you just stick to the principle of less is more with a small bathroom you will most of the time be happy with the decision. Another trick for getting the right tiles for a small bathroom is to use glossy or metallic which will enhance the space by reflecting light, giving a sense of grander proportions.

It’s important to note that all our advice is general in nature and all bathrooms are unique so always speak to your local qualified tradesman for the best advice. At on the ball bathrooms we love feedback so let us know what you think with a comment below or if you are looking for a bathroom renovation quote and live in Perth, Western Australia contact us on 0419964678 or email us at info@ontheballbathrooms.com.au

If you are looking for a bathroom renovation in Perth WA, just send us an email at ontheballbathrooms@gmail.com for a same day quote.

For More DIY TIPS For Renovating Your Bathroom Visit:

Before and After Albums: Click Here

High-resolution examples of all projects: Click Here

A Guide to Tiling Your Small Bathroom