SMALL BATHROOM TILE IDEAS THAT ARE BIG ON DESIGN INTEREST
‘The overall layout of a small bathroom is typically the first and most important step. Certain tile patterns that are more bold and larger scale are typically a win in a small bath because they translate and don’t feel too busy.’
Pave the way to your favorite look with bathroom tile ideas that will transform a small space instantly.
Even the most compact of bathrooms can still be big on style – fact! Transform your tiny space with small bathroom tile ideas that create the illusion of more room, whilst adding color and pattern for a bright and breezy update.
Space-enhancing small bathroom tile ideas will transform your compact bathroom into a cool sanctuary of calm and color.
Cleverly trick the eye with tile patterns in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and finishes, and discover your tiny bathroom’s inner-spa potential. From creating an ombre effect with deliciously dark tiles on the floor, fading to lighter shades on walls for a heightening effect, to going big on glossy finishes that will add texture and tactile appeal, there are a ton of ways to enhance small bathroom ideas with tiles, in a big way.
1. CREATE A COZY SPACE FILLED WITH FLORAL DETAIL
Breathe life into your small bathroom with a decorative tiled focal point featuring whimsical, botanical designs. Pair floral motifs with deep tones of green, dusky pinks and warm neutrals to create a rustic bathroom scheme, with a scattering of cottagecore chic.
*Tip: So as not to overwhelm a small space with too much intricate pattern, balance a tiled feature area with a single hue on walls and flooring.
2. KEEP IT CONTEMPORARY WITH A TOUCH OF TERRAZZO
Inject dynamic spirit into flooring with cheerful, Terrazzo tiles that deliver flecks of color and pattern in fun abandonment. By choosing a mid-large scale design with a bright or neutral foundation, you’ll ‘grow your space,’ with personality. Tutti fruitti Terrazzo tiles make a striking small bathroom shower idea too.
3. ENVELOP YOUR SPACE IN DRAMA
Instead of trying to magic your small bathroom into palatial proportions with space-enhancing tricks of the tile, how about, embracing its perfectly petite proportions with a dark palette that dares to be different?
4. CREATE A CALM JAPANDI INSPIRED SMALL SPACE
In small bathrooms where you want to achieve a clutter-free, minimalist space, channel the fusion of pared-back Scandinavian and Japanese interior design styles with a simple, Japandi style. Adopt a neutral color palette, clean lines and natural textures to create a relaxed and nurturing environment.
‘A Japandi scheme will usually feature a simple, pared-back color palette. In bathrooms, add a subtle touch of color with colored bathroom tiles in a single muted tone, such as soft pink or sage green. Contrast with a black basin and opt for a mixer in brushed brass.’
5. USE REFLECTIVE TILES TO BOUNCE THE LIGHT
As part of a modern bathroom design, pick tiles with a shimmering, multi-tonal effect. And yes, it might sound a bit extra and too luxurious for a family bathroom, but metallic tiles can totally work in a small bathroom.
‘The oldest trick in the interiors book – mirrors and reflective tiles are an easy way to open up a room. Use silver or even black reflective mosaic to add reflections to your bathroom and add a bit of shimmer and glamor to a commonly overlooked room!’
They’ll add texture, depth and dimension, and will reflect light more than tiles with a flat finish. Just be wary that picking small mosaic tiles can make a bathroom feel busier so limit them to one or two walls and contrast with large format floor tiles.
6. USE PATTERN TO CREATE VISUAL TRICKS
The basic rule of thumb for choosing patterned tiles for a small bathroom is to go for graphic designs that can be used cleverly to stretch the space (visually, at least). Here, a horizontal(ish) stripe will make a narrow bathroom feel wider. Match with large format, fuss-free floor tiles for the floor.
‘Be clever with shapes – using hexagonal tiles or mosaic adds interest without overwhelming a small space. For a more traditional decor, opt for rectangular tiles and use them to create your own shapes on the wall, or make stripes by combining two colors. Applying vertically adds depth to the room and gives the illusion of higher ceilings. Laying horizontally, you can optically ‘stretch’ the room out and create the feel of a wider space.’
7. USE DIAGONAL LINES TO WIDEN AND LENGTHEN WALLS
Any tiles that create a diagonal pattern, however subtle, will create another visual trick: that of lengthening and widening walls. The same rules can be used with plain tiles laid diagonally. If yours is a very narrow bathroom, avoid putting tiles on all four walls; instead, create contrast and interest with a paint color.
8. GO FOR A STATEMENT WALL BEHIND THE BATH
Designing bathrooms on a budget, but would like to invest in luxury tiles? Go for a statement wall – preferably the one that frames the bath, since you’ll look at it the most – and keep the other walls simple, perhaps painted with a toning shade or tiled in something really simple. The upside of creating a feature wall? You notice it, not the room’s modest size.
9. RAISE THE CEILING WITH A VERTICAL COLUMN OF TILES
If your bathroom has a low ceiling, fitting tiles like this, in a vertical column, will draw the eye upwards to create the impression of a taller room. If it’s going to look too formal for a whole wall in your small bathroom, go with the half wall trick and paint the upper portion.
But what color to choose? You can’t go wrong with a classic white tile combined with a gray grout to make the pattern pop. This will work with lots of other tile patterns too so you can go big on the floor tiles if you fancy.
10. COMBINE STRIPES IN DIFFERENT SCALES
Narrow vertical stripes up the wall, and even onto the ceiling draw the eye up, giving a small space the illusion of added height. Partner this look with bathroom floor tile ideas in a wide stripes formation, in a complementary color palette, to play with a sense of scale, whilst lengthening the area and injecting fun pattern and color.
AND GALLERI…
