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

Use large format tiles to create the illusion of space

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

But just because you have a smaller bathroom doesn’t mean you can’t create that boutique hotel look that your guests will envy. There are easy ways you can use tiles to create the feeling of more space.

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 think large bathroom tiles are better suited for a bigger space, using them as tiles for a small bathroom can cleverly create the illusion of more space. This is mainly due to the tiles’ grout lines, or the lack of them, that achieves this effect.

When using smaller tiles, especially in large quantities, there will inevitably be a labyrinth of grout lines between each tile, which, in a small space, can sometimes feel busy and overwhelming. However, when using large format bathroom tiles, there are far fewer grout lines between each tile, resulting in a more streamlined and spacious feel.

And if these large format tiles are laid in a linear or brick formation, the long, straight grout lines are 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 in a small bathroom makes cleaning and maintenance easier. A regular wipe down and a quick scrub are far quicker with fewer grout lines to slow you down.

Choose your shades wisely

Another great trick when using large tiles for small bathrooms is to opt for light enhancing, neutral shades, such as pearly whites, rich creams and contemporary greys, to create the illusion of more space.

You can also choose to match your grout colour to your tiles, making the lines between each tile all but disappear, resulting in the look of one expansive space.

While we’re not shy of colourful and decorative tiles in a small bathroom, it’s best to bring these elements into the space via bathroom accessories like towels, window dressings, sanitaryware and artwork if you really want the space to work hard.

That said, we’re not for a moment trying to discourage you from using smaller tiles in your bathroom. Here at Mandarin Stone, we have the same love and passion for all our tiles, big or small. However, if space, or the lack of it, is an issue, you might find large bathroom tiles are the way to combat this. If you do want to incorporate small-scale tiles into your space as well, perhaps use them more sparingly.

Here, we’ve shared our top four ways to use large format tiles in a small bathroom to maximise the space, no matter your style.

Draw eyes to the walls

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

In this space, opting for large bathroom wall tiles has ensured minimal grout lines, making the space feel bigger and allowing for the gemstone patterns to take centre stage. Keeping the shower screen simple, with just a single pane of glass, adds to the sleek finish and stops the space from feeling cluttered or busy.

Combine little and large

While large format tiles will help to make the space feel a little bigger, you can still combine them with smaller-scale designs too. 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 format bathroom tiles across the floor and up the lower half of the walls, it creates the feeling of a continuous and seamless space. Meanwhile, the subtle Zellige tiles add a textured contrast to the top half of the wall.

Cocoon in colour

Craving some coloured tiles in your small bathroom? We have plenty of large format tile options that will drench your space in an array of hues, starting with our aptly named Capri Sunset Honed Marble tiles. These tiles are available in two sizes, a linear brick tile and large scale slab, but 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.