How to Make a Narrow Bathroom Look Wider With Tile

Use large tiles if the layout of the room makes this possible. Large tiles, typically sold in sizes up to 20 inches by 12 inches, can dwarf a small room. If, however, you can install the tiles without too many cuts necessitating small edge pieces, they can make a room appear larger. Lay with small intertile spaces to minimize the amount of visible grout.

Use small tiles in a bathroom with a lot of fixed furniture. Small tiles, sold in sizes down to 1-inch square, gives the effect of a larger floor space. Choose simple square or rectangular patterns, because complex hexagonal shapes look cluttered. Lay them in a classic grid pattern. If the intention is to use a contrasting grout, particularly a darker shade, the smaller tile choices can make the room appear cramped and confining.

Use light-colored tiles, including white tiles, to make rooms feel larger in general. More light is reflected into tight corners and behind fixtures such as commodes and pedestal sinks, giving a feeling of airiness and space. Using the same tiles, or similarly light-colored tiles, on the walls will boost the effect.

Use patterns to deceive the eye. The fashion industry has long held that stripes running vertically up and down clothing make the wearer appear slim. This logic transfers to tile patterns. Intersperse the regular, light-colored or white tiles with rows of darker accent tiles crosswise between the bathroom’s longest walls to achieve the effect of making a narrow room seem wider. Do not choose tiles with busy patterns. If the room is large enough to tile at a 45-degree angle to the longest walls, this pattern often succeeds in making a room feel larger.