Does your bathroom feel like a cupboard when you walk into it? Maybe you live in an older home which was built when bathrooms weren’t given the proper attention they deserved.

Or maybe your apartment itself is just on the smaller size and every square metre counts. Either way you probably are often on the lookout for ways to make your space feel bigger. Without knocking down any walls.

The tiling experts at GIB Tiling have transformed plenty of cramped spaces into rooms that feel surprisingly spacious, and most of the time it comes down to smart tile choices rather than expensive renovations.

They have shared some tips with us on how to choose the best tiles for your space, so sit back and enjoy!

Tiles may just be your golden ticket to a bigger feeling bathroom. Tiles can work magic if you select the right ones for your space.

Why tiles matter more than you think

The thing about small bathrooms is that every surface and square inch counts. In larger rooms you can use artwork or unique future pieces to draw attention to the eye and bring the space together. In a small bathroom the tiles are pretty much the star of the show.

If you choose wrong, you risk making your space feel even more cramped than it already does.

But get them right? You can actually trick your brain into thinking the room is bigger than it really is.

It’s not just about colour either, though that’s obviously important. The size, shape, pattern, and finish of your tiles all play a role in how spacious the room feels.

Even things like grout colour and width can make a difference, which sounds a bit obsessive but honestly, when you’re working with limited space, every detail counts.

Two bathrooms could be exactly the same size, but with different tiles and design, they can feel drastically different.

The bigger is better rule 

Tile size matters. Previously it was a known thing to use smaller tiles for smaller spaces, like those tiny mosaic tiles. But small tiles mean less tile surface area and more grout surface area. Grout lines break up the visual flow and make the space look more busy.

If you scale up and go for larger tiles, there are fewer interruptions and it helps the eye smoothly across the surface.

This allows the space to feel continuous, which in result makes it feel bigger. We’re talking about going as large as you can reasonably fit, 600x600mm or even 800x800mm floor tiles if your layout allows for it.

But unfortunately you cant just choose any old big tile and call it a day. If your bathroom is genuinely tiny, like under 3 square metres, you might need to scale back slightly. A 600x300mm tile often works better than a full 600x600mm because you’re not ending up with lots of awkward cuts around fixtures.

Wall spaces generally allow for larger tiles. 300x900mm or 400x800mm tiles are becoming popular because they create these clean, uninterrupted lines that draw the eye upward.

You’re probably wondering why upwards?

Playing with layout and direction

The choice of tiles is very important but the way you actually lay them can be equally important. Most people just use the normal grid pattern with all the tiles lined up neatly in rows and columns.

Which honestly looks great most of the time and theres nothing wrong with it. Its just not the most flattering technique to use in a small space.

If your goal is to make your space look as large as possible you’re going to want to have tiles running vertically.

Running tiles vertically on walls can make ceilings feel higher. It’s a simple trick but surprisingly effective. Those 300x900mm tiles I mentioned? Install them vertically and suddenly your bathroom feels taller even if it’s not.

When it comes to floors the best way is to have your tiles running diagonally or in a herringbone pattern. Diagonal tiles make a narrow bathroom feel wider because it makes the movement go across the space rather than focusing on the parallel walls that maybe feel too close together.

Herringbone tiles are more expensive because they are trickier to install. It creates a dynamic zig zag pattern that keeps the eye engaged and can disguise a rooms proportion really nicely.

Colour choices that actually work

Everyone always says light colours in small spaces. And there’s good reason for that! Light colours do reflect more light and create a sense of openness. But the part that catches a lot of people is that they think light just means white.

White can feel cold and clinical. Don’t get me wrong it can look great too! But soft greys, warm beiges, pale blues, even very light greens can all work beautifully.

The key is choosing colours with enough warmth that the space doesn’t feel cold and sterile.

Also don’t dismiss all dark colours. A darker feature wall can actually add depth to a bathroom if its done right. The trick is using it strategically maybe just the back wall of the shower or behind the vanity. It creates a focal point and can make the other walls seem to recede.

The grout game

Something you may not have thought of it grout. The colour and the width can be changed and can create drastically different looks.

If you want your tiles to create a seamless, spacious feeling, you want the grout to disappear as much as possible. That means getting a close match between the tile and grout colour.

Contrasting grout lines can definitely look striking in larger spaces, but in a small bathroom, those bold lines just highlight the fact you’re looking at individual tiles rather than one big open space

Common mistakes to avoid

I’ve seen plenty of small bathroom tile jobs go wrong over the years. One common mistake is choosing tiles that are too busy or patterned.

That geometric pattern might look amazing in the showroom, but in a 2×2 metre bathroom it can be overwhelming.

Another huge mistake is not planning. Something may look great in your head but until you see it on your wall you don’t know what its going to look like. A bit of planning upfront saves a lot of disappointment later.

You also need to make sure your bathroom is waterproof. When space is tight you need everything to be absolutely watertight because there’s less room to hide problems if something goes wrong.

Making the final call

The key to maximising space in your small bathroom is balancing all your elements. Balance the size, colour and layout all practically. Plan before you start anything. Don’t rush the decision. You’ll be living with these tiles for years and changing them later is expensive and disruptive.

But also don’t overthink it to the point where you never make a choice. Sometimes the difference between your top two options is minimal and either would work well.

Small bathrooms don’t have to feel small. With the right tile choices and good installation, you can create a space that feels surprisingly generous and comfortable.