Designing With Tile: Make Small Spaces Look Bigger
March 20, 2015[Revised January 2025 – updated content and current products added]
You don’t need to physically increase square footage to make a small space live larger than its dimensions. Strategic color choices, thoughtfully selected furnishings, and expertly designed premium surfaces—like tile flooring—can visually expand even the tiniest of bathrooms. When creatively laid out on walls and floors, natural stone and porcelain tiles add depth and continuity, opening up a space to create an airy feel.
General Space-Stretching Strategies
Contrasting colors and patterns, dissimilar materials, and massive furnishings create visual breaks that stop the eye, making small spaces feel even smaller. To amplify the perception of space, opt for light or neutral color schemes, compact fixtures, and tiles that blend seamlessly in color and texture with adjoining surfaces.
Shift spatial perceptions by arranging light-colored floor tiles in diagonal patterns that guide the eye deeper into the space. Opt for large-format tiles with minimal grout lines to create a seamless, uninterrupted flow. Keeping tile patterns simple, tone-on-tone, and borderless ensures the eye moves freely, enhancing the sense of openness.
Beyond flooring, strategic tile layouts can make small bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas feel more expansive. Here’s how to use tile to visually extend a bathroom’s dimensions.
Install Mosaics in Bathrooms
Athena Gold Lola PolishedEnhancing a small bathroom with Athena Gold Lola Polished tile on the floor instantly elevates both style and spatial perception. The warm white and creamy golden hues create a soft, inviting ambiance, making the space feel brighter and more open. Its intricate geometric patterns add depth and movement, subtly drawing the eye across the room to give the illusion of more space. Crafted from natural marble with a sleek polished finish, this mosaic tile exudes elegance while seamlessly blending with various design aesthetics. Whether paired with minimalist décor or bold accents, this flooring tile transforms a compact bathroom into a refined, visually dynamic retreat.
Add Interest with Subway Tiles
In a small bathroom, an Urbano Warm Concrete 3D Mix Tile backsplash adds both texture and dimension, making the space feel more dynamic and visually expansive. The subtle concrete-toned backdrop provides a modern, neutral foundation, while the three-dimensional patterns create depth, enhancing the perception of space. Its polished finish reflects light, brightening the room and adding a touch of sophistication. At 4x12 inches, the larger subway tile format minimizes grout lines, ensuring a sleek, seamless look that keeps the design clean and uncluttered. Whether paired with minimalist décor or bold accents, this Portuguese subway tile transforms a compact bathroom into a stylish and inviting retreat.
Make it Pop from Floor-to-Ceiling
Installing La Fleur Marble Tile as a floor-to-ceiling backsplash in a small bathroom creates a stunning, cohesive design that enhances both style and spatial perception. The elegant blend of white and gray mosaic tile, paired with its delicate floral pattern, adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Extending the tile from floor to ceiling draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more expansive. Its neutral tones effortlessly complement various color schemes, allowing for versatile décor choices while maintaining a refined, airy aesthetic. This seamless installation transforms a compact bathroom into a sophisticated, spa-like retreat.
Maximize Space with Large-Format Tile
Aria Bianco Porcelain TileUsing large-format tile in a small bathroom is a design trick that creates the illusion of a more open, seamless space. With fewer grout lines, oversized porcelain tiles reduce visual clutter, allowing the eye to move freely and making the room feel less confined. Check out Aria Bianco Porcelain Tile used above. The soft, warm cream tones of these tiles add a touch of elegance while reflecting light to enhance brightness. Whether installed on floors or walls, large tiles establish a sleek, continuous flow that expands the perception of space, transforming a compact bathroom into a sophisticated, airy retreat.
When it comes to making small spaces feel larger, the right tile choices can work wonders. From large-format tiles that create a seamless flow to light-reflecting mosaics that add depth and dimension, strategic tile selection and installation can transform even the most compact areas. Whether you’re refreshing a bathroom, kitchen, or living space, incorporating tile with thoughtful patterns, colors, and finishes helps maximize style and function. With these expert design techniques, you can stretch your space beyond its actual dimensions—creating a home that feels open, airy, and effortlessly elegant.
If you’re ready to take your small space to the next level with tile, MSI has plenty of options to choose from. Can’t decide where to buy flooring and tile nearby? Chat with us online, visit an MSI showroom, or find an authorized MSI tile retailer near you for help bringing these design trends to life in your home.
Learn More About Tile:
4 New Brick-Inspired Porcelain Tile Colors Create Endless Possibilities
Create an Urban Loft Look with Brick Porcelain Tile
The Go-To Guide to Decide On a Kitchen Backsplash
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