The wrong tile can make your bathroom a slip hazard or your kitchen feel smaller than it is. 🚫 On the flip side, the right choice transforms your home into a safe, stylish, and seamless space. PebasDesign has guided countless homeowners and DIYers through this process, because interior design planning isn’t just about looks, it’s about function. This tile size guide will walk you through the smart steps to pick the perfect tile for any room.
Step 1: Tile Size Guide for Homeowners
Choosing the right tile size is the foundation of home design planning.
| Tile Choice | Best Application |
|---|---|
| Larger Tiles | Expansive rooms like kitchens or great rooms. Fewer grout lines, more flow. |
| Smaller Tiles | Powder rooms or compact spaces. Add drama without overwhelming. |
| Shower/Tub Areas | Use smaller tiles for traction and slope around drains. |
| Textured Tiles | Best for wet walls and bathrooms. Matte, slip-resistant, and stone-like feel. |
Step 2: Tile for Larger Spaces
Large-format tiles expand the feel of your space, reduce grout lines, and make rooms flow naturally. Designers call this the “seamless look”, fewer interruptions, more visual calm. Perfect for open-concept kitchens and living rooms.
Step 3: Tile for Smaller Spaces
Small rooms benefit from small-format or mosaic tiles. A marble mosaic, for example, delivers high drama without overwhelming. The trick? Keep patterns balanced. Too much detail in a small room can make it feel chaotic.
Step 4: Tiles for Wet Areas
Rule number one: don’t put glossy tiles on wet floors. Wet areas demand safety first. Matte, textured, or anti-slip finishes prevent accidents while still looking sharp. Shower floors especially need small tiles, more grout lines mean more traction. 🚿
Step 5: Textured Tiles for Safety & Style
Run your hand across a textured tile, you’ll feel the natural ridges and valleys. These mimic stone and add grip. Today’s porcelain tiles can look like marble, slate, or limestone while offering more durability. Perfect for shower walls, floors, and mudrooms.
“To be effective you need to take organized steps toward your objective. Tile choice is one of those steps.”
– Ed Shears
Quick Tile Selection Checklist ✅
Use this mini-guide as a go-to when planning your project:
- Match size to space → Large tiles for big rooms, small tiles for compact spaces.
- Mind the moisture → Matte or textured tiles in bathrooms, never polished.
- Shower floors → Always use small tiles (2 inches or less).
- Add drama smartly → Use mosaics or patterns in small doses for impact.
- Think ahead → Less grout means less cleaning and easier maintenance.
FAQs
❓ What size tile makes a room look bigger?
Large-format tiles make spaces feel more expansive by minimizing grout lines.
❓ Are small tiles good for small bathrooms?
Yes. Smaller mosaics add drama without overwhelming, but avoid overly busy patterns.
❓ What’s the safest tile for bathroom floors?
Choose matte, textured, or anti-slip finishes. More grout lines improve traction.
❓ Can I use large tiles in the shower?
Not for the floor, stick with small tiles (around 2 inches or less) for grip.
❓ What’s trending in bathroom tile right now?
Porcelain in hexagon or picket patterns, durable, stylish, and slip-resistant.
At PebasDesign, we believe interior design planning means practical design decisions that elevate your space while keeping it safe and timeless. From kitchens to bathrooms, the right tile can make your home flow better and feel larger. Trust PebasDesign for smart home design planning guides that cut through the noise and keep homeowners and DIYers on track.