15 Jun 2024 | Updated Date: 30 Apr 2025, Read Time : 11 Min

Small Bathroom Tiles Design Ideas

Tiles are often the go to choice while designing or remodelling a bathroom. However, with more options to choose from, homeowners are opting for bathroom tiles that not just perform a functional role, but also add to the aesthetic of the space. Designing a small bathroom can be challenging, but we are here to help. Choosing the best tiles design for small bathroom depends upon various factors, such as the actual size of your bathroom, layout, and the style you are opting for. The size of the tile, the colour of the grout, the finish, the design, the material, and the layout pattern will all play an important role in tile selection as well as the overall functionality and look. If you are looking for small bathroom tiles design in India, this article will inspire you regardless of your chosen style! Also Read: Crack the Code of Bathroom Tiles: Your Ultimate Selection Guide

Small Bathroom Tiles Design

Bathrooms are often compact and if you use too many elements or designs in the space, it will end up looking smaller. While considering small bathroom tile ideas, it is imperative that you look for designs that can visually expand your small space and make it feel bigger. Here are 25 small bathroom tile design ideas for you to consider:

1. White With A Touch Of Wood For A Warm And Open Feel

It is common knowledge that white reflects most of the light in a space, making the room brighter and appear bigger. This is probably why white tiles have been a go-to in most bathrooms. But, only white can make your bathroom feel sterile and very hospital-like. So, if an all white bathroom is what you wish for, add a few wooden elements, such as a wooden window frame or wooden shelves to warm the space up. You can take one step further and add a few plants for a fresh and homely feel.

2. Create A Seamless Look With The Same Tiles On The Floors And Walls

In crafting a small bathroom's design, employing uniform floor-to-ceiling tiles offers more than just aesthetics—it's a spatial illusion. Consistent tiling makes the space expansive and unified, minimising visual clutter. This strategic approach maximises the perception of space, enhancing the room's ambience. Emphasizing cohesion and continuity, the small bathroom tiles design, particularly the bathroom floor tiles, is pivotal in creating a seamless and visually impactful environment.

3. Go Classic With Penny Tiles

Penny tiles are a classic bathroom tile choice. With their circular “penny” like pattern, the tile is a great fit for floors, walls, and backsplashes. These tiles are usually smaller in size, making them a great choice for small bathrooms. Penny tiles are now available in a variety, ensuring there is a tile for every colour and design scheme.

4. Vertical Is The Way

Horizontal patterns are a common sight in most spaces, but if you want to give your bathroom a truly unique look, install your tiles vertically (i.e. with their longer size being perpendicular to the ground). This draws the eye upwards, creating an illusion of higher ceilings, and therefore, more space.

5. Add Colour For An Interesting Look

Shop this look here. Yes, using the same tiles throughout can make your small bathroom look a lot larger, the opposite approach also has a similar effect. Adding a pop of colour can enhance the beauty of your small bathroom and make it look stylish and elegant. For example, the combination of blue and white tiles is a classic and makes the small area appear much larger. What color tile is best for a small bathroom, you ask? Well, it will depend upon various factors, such as your overall colour palette and the size of your space, but generally, lighter colours are preferred since they reflect light and make the space look bigger.

6. Give Your Space A Sense Of Movement With The Herringbone

Who says simple tiles cannot add drama to a space? Laying them in a herringbone pattern can help add a subtle texture and sense of movement to your small bathroom. Subway tiles are usually laid in a herringbone pattern, but if you have a skilled tile layer, you can use almost any tile to create your own herringbone heaven!

7. Use A Mix Of Textures

How boring would it be if your whole bathroom has a single texture – be it matte or glossy. Using a mix of both glossy and matte finishes for tiles, sanitary ware, or other fixtures can create an interesting variation and also helps make your small bathroom look bigger. Also, glossy tiles should be avoided on floors since they can be a slipping hazard.

8. Larger Tiles For A Less Cluttered Look

Shop this look here. Opting for large floor and wall tiles in a small bathroom can work wonders. With fewer grout lines, "bathroom tiles" enhance spaciousness and make cleaning effortless. Embrace the illusion of space!

9. Exude Elegance With Neutrals

Shop this look here. Neutral colours, such as white, black, grey, beige, cream, ivory, brown, etc. exude elegance and can make your small bathroom appear a lot larger. Another advantage of using a neutral palette is that it works well with all kinds of design schemes, so if you want to redecorate, change your sanitary ware, or replace your furnishings, you can do so easily without having to change your tiles.

10. Add Depth To Your Design With Contrasting Grout

For a simple bathroom tile design, consider contrasting grout to add depth. It's perfect for minimalist design lovers seeking subtle drama. Elevate your bathroom tile designs effortlessly with this modern touch. Also Read: 20 Bathroom Tile Design Ideas That Are Pretty and Practical

11. Go Opulent With the Marble Look

Shop this look here. Marble is timeless, but maintaining a natural marble in the bathroom can be a task. Marble tiles, on the other hand, provide you with the same timeless elegance and luxurious feel at a lesser cost as well as lower maintenance.

12. Use Textures For An Interesting Look

The smooth surface of the brick tiles in contrast with the rough cement look in the image above creates an interesting look, adds visual depth, and gives the bathroom a striking look. A mix of smooth and rough textures can help create a space that is stunning and that does not fall flat.

13. Create A Focal Wall For Max Impact

Shop this look here. Transform your simple bathroom with an accent wall, enhancing it with color, pattern, and texture. This addition can be transformative for a small bathroom without overwhelming the space. When considering simple bathroom tile designs for small bathroom tile designs for your accent wall, opt for at most three different patterns to prevent the area from feeling claustrophobic or visually cluttered. It's a subtle yet effective way to elevate the ambience of your bathroom.

14. Add Tranquillity With Subtle Hues

Shop this look here. Using subtle colours can help make your small bathroom look bigger and more spacious. While it may feel exciting to use bold colours, such as red or black in your bathroom, using subtle colours is more beneficial since they reflect more light and create an atmosphere of calmness and tranquillity. Loud patterns and darker colours can make your bathroom feel very stimulating, and you may not be able to relax in it.

15. Create A Brighter Space With Glossy Tiles

Shop this look here. With a smaller bathroom, you may think tile options for small bathrooms may be limited, but on the contrary you have a plethora of tiles to choose from. It is best to opt for glossy tiles for your small bathroom, since these tiles reflect maximum light and can make your small bathroom feel larger and brighter.

16. Add A Vintage Charm With Terrazzo

Shop this look here. Terrazzo tiles, once a popular flooring choice, had gone out of fashion for a while, but now they are back at the top of trends. The subtle flecks of colour add a touch of panache to the space, making it feel vintage and modern at the same time.

17. Create An Illusion Of Width With Horizontal Tiles

The direction of the stripes dictates how your room looks. While vertical stripes can make your ceiling look higher, horizontal stripes can help make the room feel wider and more open – making them one of the best small bathroom tile ideas.

18. Subway Tiles – A Fail Proof Concept For Small Bathrooms

Subway tiles, originally for the NYC subway, are versatile small bathroom tile designs. They brighten spaces with options like classic stacking or dramatic herringbone patterns. Grout choice impacts subtlety or standout style. Also Read: 2024 Shower Power: Top Trending Shower Tile Designs

19. Go For A Half And Half Approach For Some Vertical Space

Shop this look here. If you have low ceilings, this approach will work best for you. Use one set of tiles for the lower half of the wall, while another set of tiles for the upper half – this helps create an illusion of a higher ceiling. You can also add a band of patterned tiles to add some colour and pattern to your bathroom.

20. Mosaic Tiles For A Stunning Look

Shop this look here. Yes, using smaller, more intricate tiles can make your space appear visually cluttered, but this does not mean mosaic tiles cannot be used in moderation in small bathrooms. The best approach would be to pick a small area – such as the backsplash, a smaller wall, an all round border, or in the shower area and use it as a focal point.

21. Go Bold!

Shop this look here. Similar to mosaic tiles, using bold prints can make your space look visually cluttered, but using bold patterns in small doses can help make the space look enticing and add personality to the space. Select a small section for your bold pattern and use simple tiles and colours for the rest of your space so that your pattern is the star of the show!

22. Play With Chevron

Shop this look here. Chevron is another pattern that can elongate the space and make it look bigger. While using chevron, either as a print or a tile laying pattern, it is best to use simple floors and fixtures to reduce the visual clutter in the space.

23. Use The Same Tiles In The Shower

Rather than using different tiles in the shower area, designers, and homeowners are increasingly using the same tiles throughout the bathroom area. This helps create a seamless look, creating an illusion of more space.

24. Opt For A Colourful Accent Wall

Shop this look here. A colourful accent wall can help draw the eye and can ensure that all the corners of the bathroom are noticed, making the space feel a lot bigger than it actually is. Adding a pop of colour is a great way to uplift the mood of the bathroom, without overwhelming the space with visual clutter.

25. Use A Striking Backsplash

Shop this look here. Using a striking and eye-catching backsplash is a great way to insert colour and pattern into your small bathroom, without adding a lot of visual clutter to the space. A striking backsplash adds drama to the space, without overwhelming the overall look of the space. Pair a bold backsplash with simpler walls and floors for a more spacious look. Your space, be it the bathroom, bedroom, living room, or any other, should be a reflection of your personality. While these ideas can be used as is, they can also be combined to create a unique and eclectic mix that reflects you.

Tile Shower Ideas for Small Bathroom

The shower area is usually one of the most used spaces of your bathroom. Here are some ideas on how you can enhance the space.

Use The Tricks OF The Trade To Create An Illusion Of Space

Using large format tiles is a great way to make your shower area seem bigger than it actually is, thanks to the lower number of grout lines present. The seamless and unbroken look gives the space a touch of grandeur and makes it look bigger than it actually is.

Hexagons To Trick The Eye

Your illusionary tricks need not be limited to the wall tiles, but they can be extended to the floor too. Bold shapes, such as hexagons, can be used to create a focal point that distracts from the compactness of the space,

Using Tiles Everywhere

Narrow spaces, such as shower cubicles, can be enhanced by using boldly coloured tiles on all walls and the floor. Pair these with sleek and modern fixtures for a streamlined look.

Single Tone Compact Tiles For An Enhanced Look

While the usual brief is to opt for large format tiles in the shower area, if you wish to opt for smaller and more compact tiles, it is best to opt for a single tone for a more comprehensive look. Use large format tiles in the same colour in the rest of the bathroom for a modern look.

Tile Layout To Create An Illusion Of More Space

In small bathrooms, tiles can be used to correct the proportions and help visually expand the space. For example, horizontally placed wide tiles can make your bathroom feel a lot wider. Similarly, placing rectangular tiles vertically can help extend the space vertically, making your ceiling feel a lot higher. This helps make cramped shower areas feel more spacious.

Tile Borders For A More Spacious Look

Shop this look here. Use tile borders, placed at the eye level, to play with the proportions of the shower are and make it feel a lot bigger.

Pattern Tiles For An Added Interest

Shop this look here. Pairing plain or simple tiles with a few pattern tiles is a great way to add motion and colour to your bathroom. Using patterns sparingly can add a decorative interest to the space without completely overwhelming it. At Orientbell Tiles we have a large collection of bathroom tiles for floors, walls, and backsplashes. For more details, visit our website or visit a store near you today!

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FAQs

What size tiles should be used in a small bathroom?

The common advice is to use small tiles in a small bathroom, but on the contrary, large format tiles can be used in small bathrooms too. A larger unbroken surface and fewer grout lines, makes your small bathroom look bigger. Small tiles, on the other hand, have more grout lines and can make your space appear visually cluttered and should be used in moderation.

Will tile walls make my small bathroom appear bigger?

Tiles with their smooth, reflective surface can help lighten up the small bathroom and make it look bigger. The type of tiles and their application will play a big role in determining the overall impact of the tiles on the space. For example, pattern tiles should be used in a smaller area – as an accent or on the backsplash, in order to reduce visual clutter and make the bathroom look bigger.

Can you use 12x24 tiles in a small bathroom?

Yes, 12x24 tiles or the 300x600mm tiles can be used in a small bathroom. As mentioned before, large format tiles can make small spaces look visually open and create an illusion of more space, making them a great choice for small bathrooms.

What pattern is best for a small bathroom?

In a compact space, such as the bathroom, even the smallest patterns can have a great impact. Using too many patterns or patterns on all walls can crowd a space. Rather, concentrate the patterns in a smaller area for a higher impact, such as on the backsplash. And never use more than three different patterns in a small space.

What type of tile is best for a small bathroom?

Bathroom tiles not only need to add to the aesthetics of the space, but also to the functionality. This is why it is recommended to use glazed or ceramic tiles on the walls of a small bathroom, since they are easy to clean and reflect maximum light, making the space appear brighter and more spacious. It is recommended to use matte tiles on the floor since they provide better grip and do not become too slippery while wet.

What colour makes a small bathroom look bigger?

Generally, lighter colours, such as shades of white, beige, cream, ivory, soft grey, light blue, light green, baby pink, etc. are preferred for small bathrooms since they make a small bathroom look a lot bigger. While that is said, darker shades and brighter colours, such as red, yellow, black, purple, navy blue, etc. can be used in moderation on feature walls, borders, and floors to add drama and contrast.

How can I make my small bathroom look amazing?

You don’t need much to make your bathroom look astounding – a good colour palette, a few patterns, and a mix of textures is all you need to make your small bathroom look amazing.

What size tile should you use in a small shower?

Large format tiles, some of the best tiles for small showers since they have minimal grout lines and can make a cramped and small shower appear much bigger. Smaller tiles can be used in moderation too.

What's the best direction to lay tile in a small shower?

The direction in which you lay the tiles plays an important role in dictating the aesthetic of the space. Vertically laid tiles can make the shower appear taller, while horizontally laid tiles can make the shower appear wider.

Author

Mannika Mitra

Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.