How to use large format tiles in a small bathroom to maximise space

Small yet mighty

Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, and although we all dream of expansive ensuites, or spacious, spa like sanctuaries, in reality, bathrooms are often on the smaller side, giving more space to other rooms in the house like kitchens and living rooms.

But just because you have a wee washroom doesn’t mean you can’t create that smart, boutique hotel feel you’ve been lusting over, and devise a feeling of more space too.

Surprisingly, one of the easiest ways to do this is by using large format tiles on both the walls and floor of your bathroom.

While you might be thinking that large tiles are better for large bathrooms, in fact large format tiles are ideal for small space bathrooms as they cleverly create the illusion of more space. And it’s mainly due to the grout lines, or more specifically, the lack of grout lines that achieves this.

When using smaller tiles, especially in large quantities, there will be an unavoidable labyrinth of grout lines between each tile, which in a small space, can sometimes feel busy and overwhelming. But when using large format tiles, there are far less of these grout lines between each tile, resulting in a more streamlined and spacious feeling.

And if the tiles are laid in a linear or brick formation, these long, straight grout lines are then perfectly positioned to lead your eye up and across the room, again resulting in a feeling of more space.

Plus, opting for large format tiles makes for easier cleaning as a regular wipe down and a quick scrub will be far quicker with less grout lines to slow you down.

Another great trick when using large format tiles in a small bathroom, is to opt for light enhancing, neutral shades, such as pearly whites, rich creams and contemporary greys to again create the illusion of more space. If you then choose to match your grout colour to your tiles, then the lines between each tile all but disappear, resulting in the illusion of one expansive space.

And while we are not shy of colour in a bathroom, look to bring this into the space via bathroom accessories such as towels, window dressings, sanitaryware and artwork, if you really want the space to work hard.

All that said, we are not for a moment trying to discourage you from using smaller tiles in your bathroom, as here a Mandarin Stone we have the same love and passion for all our tiles, big or small. However if your issue is space, or lack of, you might find large-format is the way to go to combat this, so if you do want to incorporate small-scale tiles into your space too, perhaps use them a little more sparingly.

Here, we’ve shared our top 4 ways to use large-format tiles in your bathroom to maximise the space, whatever your style.

Big is beautiful

If your bathroom doesn’t have the floor space for a bath, look to make your shower the star of the show. In this contemporary bathroom, large slabs of our show-stopping Gemstone Pink Matt Onyx Effect Porcelain tiles line the walls, while on the floor, our Gemstone Black Matt Onyx Effect tiles provide a striking contrast.

Opting for such large-scale tiles has ensured minimal grout lines, allowing the space to feel bigger and for the gemstone patterns to take centre stage. Keeping the shower screen simple and to just one single pane of glass, adds to sleek finish and stops the space from feeling cluttered or busy.

Little and large

As mentioned before, if you do have a bijou bathroom, while large format tiles will help to make the space feel a little larger, you can still opt to combine these with some smaller-scale designs too. Opting to keep things light and bright, here we’ve paired our large-format Violetta Nouveau Gloss Marble Effect Porcelain tiles, with our Zellige White Gloss Ceramic tiles in a more modest 100x100mm size.

By cleverly taking the large scale tiles across the floor and up the lower-half of the walls too, they give this bathroom a feeling of continuous and seamless space, while the subtle Zellige tiles add a textured contrast to the top half of the wall.

Cocoon in colour

Craving some colour in your compact bathroom? We have plenty of options for large format tiles that will drench your space in an array of hues, starting with our aptly named Capri Sunset Honed Marble tiles. Although available in two sizes, a linear brick tile and large scale slab, it’s the latter that will really make an impact in a small space.

To truly immerse yourself in colour, tile from the floor to ceiling and choose sanitaryware and hardware in further show stopping shades, to really make the colours pop.

Pattern play

Finally, perhaps pattern is key for your new-look bathroom, in which case large-format is definitely the way to go. Our Cosmic Ivory Terrazzo Effect Porcelain tiles already pack and punch with their eye catching and colourful shards, so by keeping the tiles large-scale, it ensures no crisscrossing of busy grout lines will ruin their effect.

Taking these tiles from floor to ceiling creates a playful space that guests will be talking about because of its stand-out style, not its petit size.

So would you opt for large format tiles in your bathroom?

For more inspiration and ideas on how you can use large format tiles in your own home or space, browse our extensive tile range and view real-life My #mandarinstone projects. You can order online or at one of our tile showrooms around the UK. See our lookbook or contact us on +44 (0)1600 715444 to learn more.