Large vs Small Tiles – Which is Right For You?

It’s time to choose tile for your project. If you have never done this before, you are probably realizing that it’s not as simple as going with the “standard” tile that your contractors pick. Tile is a huge part of the room and will be there for a long time. Selecting the right tile requires some thought and planning. There is no clear right or wrong answer, it is largely up to you and your taste. That being said, there are a few things that should be considered when choosing the size of your new tile.

Create A Plan and Visualize

Consider the size and layout of the room to be tiled. Is it a larger room that you want to have a more open space feeling? If so, large rectangular tiles are going to give the room a wide elongated feeling. If you are tiling a smaller room and want to have a more complex look, then small tiles will give it more of a busy look and will be perceived by the eye to be larger than it is. The tile will set the tone for the room, so be sure to develop and understand the look you are aiming for.

Grout Lines

The smaller the tile, the more grout lines you will have. Conversely, the larger the tile, the fewer grout lines. The more lines there are, the busier the room looks. Use this to your advantage – in a bathroom where there are sinks and toilets to go around, the smaller tiles will be beneficial and fit without making as many cuts. Small tiles with more grout lines are also good for grip, keep that in mind when selecting tile for the shower or outdoor patios. Large tiles in small rooms lead to needing to make several cuts to the tile for it to fit around objects. Something to keep in mind, the grout should be as close to the color of your tile as possible. By doing so, you will avoid turning your floor or walls into a giant grid.

Let’s Cut to the Chase

If you are still unsure of the right tile for your project, here are some general “rules of thumb” to get you in the right place. Use large tiles for living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas. Consider laying the tiles in a diagonal pattern rather than the standard method. Diagonal tiles make the space look larger.

Small tiles are great for smaller rooms or for making borders around larger tiles. Borders accent the room and create a more complex pattern. As mentioned, small tiles are better for areas that need extra grip like bathrooms and showers.

Once you have a general idea of the size of the tile you want, get some samples. It’s a good idea to see the actual tile in the room it is going to be in. You will be able to gauge better the size and how it will look in the space. It’s much easier to change your mind and go a different direction when there are only a few tiles in the room versus the floor being completely finished.