The Best Tile for Small Bathrooms

When renovating a small bathroom, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially while tiling floors. 

Tile Size 

When choosing a glass, ceramic, porcelain, or stone tile, a question do-it-yourselfers and clients often ask is, what size tile should be used for my small-bathroom project? 

For small-bathroom flooring, it is best to use large tiles for two reasons: fewer grout lines give the room a more relaxed, larger feel and are more easily cleaned in humid environments. 

However, when tiling walk-in shower floors, be sure to use very small tiles. This will give your feet better grip and allow easy adjustments in slope to direct water toward the drain.

Another concern is to make sure the tile you select offers at least 95 percent contact from the tile to the wall, especially with small, mosaic tiles.

Tile Color

When selecting tile for the floor, be sure to use lighter shades. Light colors will brighten the room.

Tile Grouting

Proper grouting will keep your tile looking great for years. David Goodman, a tile contractor for This Old House, had this to say:

“Not only does grout fill the voids, it makes the floor, wall, or countertop stronger by bonding the tiles together and preventing the edges of a tile from chipping and cracking.”

While enhancing durability in high-traffic, moisture-filled rooms, grout can also have an aesthetic influence. It is highly recommended to go with small grout lines, using 1/32 or 1/16-inch tile spacers. This will give your bathroom floor a sleek look and require less cleaning.

Tile Orientation

What direction you lay the tile will make a huge difference. Doing so on the diagonal will give your small bathroom longer lines for the eye to follow, creating a larger look and feel.

For further assistance with your bathroom project, watch this video from the DIY network.