Bathroom Tiles Ideas for Spaces Big & Small

When it comes to designing your dream bathroom, space can be a problem. Small bathrooms are the norm in the UK, especially in flats and new build properties, so it’s important to fully utilise the space in order to achieve the perfect design. Choosing the right bathroom tiles can make a massive difference, opening up the space and transforming a dark and dingy bathroom into a stylish and functional haven.

On the other end of the spectrum, those with larger bathroom spaces can’t afford to avoid rigorous interior planning, either. After all, striking that luxury balance between functionality, efficiency and style in bigger spaces is no easy feat! 

From choosing the right materials to picking the perfect size and colour, today’s post is a no-nonsense guide on tiling bathrooms of all shapes and sizes – with bathroom tile ideas guaranteed to inspire your next project.

Finding the perfect material

Choosing the ideal material for your bathroom tiles can be tricky. You’ll want to reflect your home’s overall aesthetic, but will also need something that’s practical and easy to clean.

Luckily, there are a number of attractive and practical finishes available – perfect for use in bathrooms, meaning it should be easy to find something to suit. 

If you’re short on space, matching the texture and finish of your bathroom tiles to the design of the adjoining room can ensure continuity between the two rooms. Doing so will create the illusion of the two rooms seamlessly merging into one, projecting the impression of more space as a result – a smart tiling idea for any small bathroom owner. 

If the amount of lighting is a problem in your smaller bathroom, opting for a glossy tile finish will help you to capitalise on any natural or artificial light sources by reflecting light around your bathroom. Alternatively, you can look to utilise mirrors (see here for more tips on this) or even mirror tiles for the same effect! 

If you opt for a ‘busy’ material like marble with its own natural patterns, it’s best to let the pattern speak for itself and avoid over-cluttering your bathroom with accessories. This will help to maintain the illusion of space, and with the striking aesthetics of our marble tiles range, your smaller bathroom will do all the talking for you! 

For owners of bigger bathrooms, consider how your material choices fit into your budget. Larger bathrooms naturally cost more to fit out, so if your budget is tight, consider cost-effective flooring and walling solutions such as non-slip tiles. Visually striking and boasting undeniable practicality, these tiles are a great idea for large bathroom owners looking to ensure more bang for their buck.

Choosing the perfect size

While opting for smaller tiles for bathrooms with limited space may seem the more practical idea, the sheer number of grout lines and the complex pattern they create can make small bathrooms appear ‘busy’ and cluttered. The rule of thumb for small bathroom flooring and wall tiles is the larger, the better. Measure your bathroom and find the largest tiles you can use.

Some smaller nooks and crannies may limit you to smaller tiles in order to avoid all of the complex cutting and edging required. If you do need a smaller tile, make sure you go for a matching grout colour to avoid creating a distracting pattern in the walls or floors.

Larger bathroom owners benefit from slightly more freedom when it comes to choosing the right sized tile. Whether you opt for large format tiles or smaller patterned alternatives like our hexagon mosaic tiles, remain cautious of how the amount of grout lines may impact the overall interior approach of the space. 

Opting for the perfect colour

When it comes to maximising space in smaller bathrooms, we’d recommend that you stick to lighter colours. Pale greys, cool blues (2020’s colour of the year) and bright whites are ideal for brightening up smaller bathrooms.

Large, white bathroom floor tiles are perfect for reflecting light and can make a small bathroom appear significantly lighter. That being said, not everyone wants to stick to white. Rather than opting for a darker design, why not add a bit of interest using mosaic border tiles or incorporating the odd colourful feature tile? Whether you edge your floor with black or add a pattern to your bathroom splashback, less is more – so try and keep it simple to avoid a cluttered result.

If you have a bit more space at your disposal, consider the role you want your bathroom tiles to play when choosing the perfect colour. For example, bathrooms with feature focal points such as stand-alone baths would benefit from a plain neutral palette that serves to complement and accentuate standout features. Alternatively, make the tiles the star of the show by opting for eye-catching patterns and design that act as focal points in their own right. From snazzy Moodboard tiles to eye-catching 1900 tiles, the only limit to your large bathroom tile ideas is your own imagination!

If our bathroom tiling ideas have left you feeling inspired, why not browse our wide range of bathroom wall and floor tiles online? Your dream bathroom interior, big or small, is just a few clicks away…