Does Installing Floor Tiles Diagonally Make a Room Look Larger?

Dimension

• Floor tiles are generally square, but you can install them at an angle to give the appearance of diagonal tiles. Think of a square tile turned sideways, like a marquise diamond, to get a visual image of the design. This method of installation makes a floor look continuous with no end. The result is added dimension that makes the room visually expand and appear as if it has a larger surface area. Select floor tiles with a uniform color to increase the room-expanding appeal.

Pattern

• Diagonally installed tile adds room-lengthening pattern to a room design. Vertically or horizontally installed tile makes a floor appear as if it has a checkered design, even if the tiles are uniform in color. The symmetrical vertical and horizontal grout lines increase the evenly squared appearance of the room. Select diagonal installation if you want the pattern on the floor to appear as if it is flowing like rolling waves.

Optical Illusion

• If you have ever looked at one of those pictures where you can see two unique figures, depending on your visual perception, diagonal floor tile installation provides a similar optical illusion. Depending on your visual perception, the floor can look as if the tile starts at the top of the room and flows downward, or it can look like it starts at the bottom and flows upward. Choose diagonal installation if you want your space to appear as if it has no starting point or ending point. The end result is visual room expansion.

Tile Size

• Depending on your tile size, diagonal installation can increase or decrease the visual appearance of your room. Select 1-foot-by-1-foot tile for the most appealing and expansive room design. Smaller diagonally installed tiles tend to look cluttered and create too much pattern. Larger tiles neutralize the room-enhancing effects of diagonal installation and tend to make the room look unfinished.