Do Small Tiles Make the Room Look Smaller?

Size

• Tile comes in sizes ranging from 1 inch square to 24 inches square. Most experts agree that small tile generally makes a room appear smaller. Before choosing an appropriate tile size, you must consider the size of the room you are tiling. According to the World Floor Covering Association, extremely large-sized tile in a small space can overpower the room. It is advisable to select tile in several sizes and try them out in the room before you choose one to install.

Color

• Small, dark-colored tiles tend to make a room appear smaller. Light-colored tiles in white, eggshell and beige tend to make a room appear larger regardless of their size. If a room is small, it is especially important not to use small, dark-colored tile that could shrink the appearance of the room and draw unwanted attention to the floors or walls.

Matching Grout

• Medium-sized tile ranging from 4-inch-by-4-inch to 12-inch by-12-inch helps increase the visual appearance of a room. The World Floor Covering Association recommends using colored grout that matches the color of the tile. A contrasting grout color creates a "checkerboard effect that defeats the whole goal of visual expansion." Regardless of the size of the tile, it is best to choose a similar grout color.

Pattern

• Small tile, installed in a pattern or design, decreases the visual size of a room. The use of multi-sized tile and varying shapes decreases the simplicity and visual expansion of a room design. In a small room, busy patterns and complicated designs distract from the size of the room and force the tiled area to become the focal point of the room. Intricate small-tile patterns and complicated designs are only recommended in large open spaces such as great rooms, oversized kitchens and large patio areas.