Tips Using Tile Sizes To Your Advantage by American Olean (2024)

Nowadays, floor tile is available in many designs, styles, and sizes. From one-inch mosaics to large format planks, there are tons of tile options to fit your needs for any size room. Choosing tile that adds dimension, uniqueness or pops of color can be fun when you know how to blend different shapes and sizes to meet your design goals. Consider these following tips when selecting different tile sizes to spruce up your space or achieve distinctive looks.

Tips Using Tile Sizes To Your Advantage by American Olean (1)

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. If you’re incorporating wall tile in smaller rooms too, consider a proportionate tile for the size of the room.

It's important to note that wall tile should be complementary and must never be larger than the floor tile. Using wall tile that is larger than floor tile upsets the balance and proportional look of the room.


2. Tiny Tiles Help a Small Rooms Flow

Tiny tiles can help improve the flow of small floor plans when the spacing between the sink, toilet, cabinets, and other bathroom fixtures is compact. Small tiles like mosaic tiles require fewer cuts, which ultimately offers a more streamlined look.

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3. Plank Tiles Add Depth and Texture

When you want the warmth and coziness of hardwoods with the resiliency of tile, wood-look plank tile is the answer. Linear tiles, like 9 x 36-inch planks, add depth to any room and they come in a variety of styles, textures, and colors.

You can also incorporate stone planks in herringbone, corridor, and brick-joint patterns to give your floor a modern twist.

4. Tile Shape Will Impact a Room

Instead of a common tile design, add interest and depth to your space by utilizing a unique shape or pattern. Diagonal tiles, for example, can make a narrow room appear wider. For an extra-large room, add a border of contrasting rectangular-shaped tiles to define your space. There are also mosaic tile shapes, like arabesque, that can create unique specialty designs. You can use these different shapes in a strip to offset traditional square tiles or to create your own attractive accent walls.

Tile sizes can greatly affect the feel of your space and when you choose a tile that is the right size and shape it can make small rooms appear bigger and define larger rooms. So before you commit to a tile size, consider these helpful tips.

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Tips Using Tile Sizes To Your Advantage by American Olean (2024)

FAQs

Tips Using Tile Sizes To Your Advantage by American Olean? ›

Measure the Room

Use a tape measure to learn the square footage of the floor space. To do so, measure the width and length of the room then multiply the two together. Small to medium-sized rooms typically work better with larger-sized tiles. Remember the larger the tile size, the bigger the space appears.

How to know what size tile to use? ›

Measure the Room

Use a tape measure to learn the square footage of the floor space. To do so, measure the width and length of the room then multiply the two together. Small to medium-sized rooms typically work better with larger-sized tiles. Remember the larger the tile size, the bigger the space appears.

Do larger tiles make a room look bigger or smaller? ›

This is because there is a common misconception that large tiles will dominate the space and make a small room feel even more compact. On the contrary, large format tiles can help give the impression of increased space by reducing the number of grout lines.

Should wall and floor tiles be the same size? ›

Should wall and floor tiles be the same size? No, floor tiles should be square in shape and large in size whereas, wall tiles should the rectangular and the size should conside with 1/2 or 1/3 of the width of floor tile. ( Example for 600*600 —300*600).

What is the most popular size tile sold? ›

The most common tile sizes include: - 12x12 inches: This size is widely used for floor and wall applications, providing a balance between coverage and ease of installation. It is a versatile option suitable for various spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas.

What are the disadvantages of big tiles? ›

The disadvantages of big tiles

- More prone to cracking: due to their large size and inflexibility, large tiles are prone to cracking under extreme temperature conditions or when dropped or knocked, meaning you'll have to spend money having any damaged tiles replaced.

What size tile is easiest to install? ›

Mid-sized square tiles are a favorite pick for DIYers. They are easier to install than both large and heavy tiles or tiny individual mosaic tiles. They are also relatively easy to replace if one chips or stains. You're most likely to find medium square tiles on backsplashes, countertops, and bathroom walls.

What is the best layout for large tiles? ›

If you're looking to create the illusion of space, large format tiles laid in a vertical or diagonal pattern are your best option. This will create the look of length and width, making any room appear bigger.

What color tile makes a room look bigger? ›

Cream and natural tones for solid colored tiles will definitely make any room appear larger.

What is the best tile pattern to make a room look bigger? ›

Layouts such as herringbone and chevron are ideal for lengthening narrow spaces, but if your room is more boxy, stick with traditional vertical or horizontal layouts. Lay rectangular tiles vertically down the length of the room, to further trick the eye into imagining the space is elongated.

Can tile be too big for a room? ›

Large tiles are proportionate to a large room, and they can make a small room feel bigger. However, tiles larger than 18 to 24 inches may overwhelm a small space, like a bathroom or mudroom.

Should the bathroom floor be darker than the walls? ›

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.

What size tile looks best in a small bathroom? ›

Best Tiles for Small Bathroom Wall

Bathroom walls usually look best with tiles that are 4 x 4 inches up to 12 x 12 inches or even larger. To make bathroom walls appear taller, consider vertically installing rectangular tiles like standard 3 x 6-inch subway tiles to give visual height to the room.

Are 12x12 tiles outdated? ›

Tile Sizes & Shapes

The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger. Sizes like 16” x 16”, 12” x 24” and even 24” x 48” are becoming more prevalent. Large-format tiles have fewer grout lines to clean and help a room look bigger, more open and less busy.

What is the latest trend in tile? ›

Marble Mosaics & Marble Waterjets

Since ancient times, marble has never gone out of fashion, and 2024 will be their year. Although they come in various sizes, shapes, and styles, marble mosaics are among the most popular tiles, especially for those looking for marble mosaic tile ideas.

Is large format tile out of style? ›

They have become an increasingly popular choice over recent years and have expanded to cover more sizes and more styles. Whether you are thinking of a mid-size tile like a 12×24” or an extra-large slab over 8 feet long, there is sure to be a large format tile out there for you!

Is it easier to tile with large or small tiles? ›

While larger tiles may cover more area than small tiles, they are harder to install, requiring two people to carry and a solid technical understanding of tiling. These challenges mean they are more time-consuming to lay, so your tiler may charge extra for them.

What size of tiles is good for a floor? ›

Like with all tile, floor tile size varies widely. Options such as 12 by 12, 12 by 24, and 18 by 18 inches are popular for smaller kitchens and living areas. More spacious areas may benefit from 24 by 48, 36 by 36, and 48 by 48 inches.

Is 12x12 tile out of style? ›

Tile Sizes & Shapes

The tried-and-true 12” x 12” tiles are still popular, but tiles are tending to be larger and larger. Sizes like 16” x 16”, 12” x 24” and even 24” x 48” are becoming more prevalent. Large-format tiles have fewer grout lines to clean and help a room look bigger, more open and less busy.

What size tile is best for a floor? ›

Anything smaller than 12x12 is usually used for flooring, walls, as part of a mosaic, or even a backsplash, whereas large format tiles are best used for flooring and large accent walls or oversized walk-in showers. Common oversized tile sizes include 16x16, 18x18, 24x24, 12x24, and even 24x48, sometimes larger!

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