choosing the right size tile for your (small) space

design: house of jade interiors / photo: lindsay salazar

you need small tiles for a small space... right? seems to make sense. however, matching room size to tile size is a myth — and a design mistake we often see. what matters more than size is scale. taking into account the size of your projects’ space is a good thing. but, tile shoppers who select a smaller tile simply because their space is small are working off of bad intel.

it’s really all about optical illusion. fashionistas understand there’s a reason why horizontal stripes are (generally) a no-no. tile designers feel the same way about small tile in small spaces. using 2×2 or 4×4 (inch) in a five-foot-squared space may seem appropriate. but small tile requires more grout joints — so that becomes the focus. it produces the undesirable effect of making the room look even smaller.

alternatively, bigger tiles (8×8) expand the illusion of a larger space. it’s not magic, just optics.

how does that work, though?

a larger tile installation requires fewer/less frequent grout lines, making the space appear more open and streamlined. you can go as large as your space will allow. the bigger you go, the bigger the space looks.

small tiles aren’t out of style

all of this is not to say you should never use smaller tiles in small spaces. certain tiles can make a small floor plan flow better. for example, consider this approach if the spacing between a sink, toilet, or other room feature is compact.

should you decide to go with a smaller tile for these small floor plans, it’s best to choose a tile that creates a textural impact — and that doesn’t correspond to a grid. a small mosaic tile, such as penny rounds, is a good option. there will be more grout lines, but because these tiles work better around corners and fixtures, it creates a smooth flow to the room. small mosaic tiles also require fewer cuts, thus offering a more streamlined look.

most importantly: make it yours

large or small, the most important thing to keep in mind is your desired design look — and not get hung up on tile size dos and don’ts. after all, it’s your home.