How to Choose the Right Sized Bathroom Tile

The use of tiles in bathrooms has been a trend for years. Great aesthetics, durability, and low maintenance are the reasons behind this long-standing love of bathroom tiles. However, beside look and convenience, selecting the right tile size is also an important consideration. The traditional rule of thumb is that small to medium-sized tiles should be used in small bathrooms, and large format tiles in large bathrooms. This achieves a seamless complement to the size of the room and equally shows off the beauty of selected wall and floor tiles.

However, as they say, nothing about bathroom tile size “is written in stone.” You can use large tiles on the walls and floor of a small bathroom and vice versa. With fewer tiles, the walls or floor will look less cluttered and give the impression of more space. With creativity in mind, small format tiles in a large bathroom can create a statement wall, and the use of Mosaic tiles in particular, can rejuvenate a spacious, otherwise boring bathroom with a completely stunning and modern new look.  

Popular Bathroom Tile Sizes

Bathroom tile sizes, just like tiling materials, patterns and designs, have undergone a massive evolution. Earlier, 4x4 wall tiles and 8x8 inch floor-tiles were the most common across the globe. Now, the more fashionable bathroom tile sizes include 8×10 inches or even larger for walls, and 12×12, 12×24, or 18×18 inches or larger for the floor. Some brands are also making floor tiles as large as 24X48, 36X36, and 48X48 inches. In porcelain category, you get planks of dimensions such as 4X24, 6X36, and 6X48 inches. So, there are all sorts of tile sizes to choose from, all depending on your personal preference.

*Inches are not really used in AUS – can we either recalculate in metrics or add in brackets?

Shower Floor Tile Sizes

For shower floors, generally smaller-sized tiles are best. The general idea is that small tiles make it easy to form a gentle contour on the shower floor to allow water to move easily toward the drain. The other reason for installing small tiles on the shower floor is that they provide a better grip and ensure slip-resistance, increasing personal safety. More grout lines mean extra grip when standing on wet tiles.

Shower Wall Tile Sizes

Generally, bigger tiles are a better option for shower walls, however, Subway tiles are a popular choice for a modern look. If low maintenance is high on your agenda, then head for the bigger tiles. However, if you’re willing to trade a little more maintenance for this attractive modern look then don’t hold back on any of the more popular options.

Bathroom Wall Tile Sizes

Bathroom walls look their best with tiles measuring 4X4 inches and above. Tiles measuring 12 inches in height and 24 inches in length look great as they mirror the shape of the bathroom walls.

Contrast tiles are a persistent favourite among homeowners as these tiles are used in a 1:2 size ratio. For the optimum, long-but-narrow Ceramic tile, you can go for the same length tiles. You may also use asymmetrical decorative tiles to off-centre the two sections of wall tiles with different sizes.

Bathroom Floor Tile Sizes

There are a wide range of bathroom floor-tile size options including, mosaic tiles and large-format tiles. Generally, interior designers suggest that you should use large floor tiles for a small bathroom as they help to create a size illusion when illuminated. 4X4 and 12X12 inch tiles have the advantage of being easy to cut with wet tile saws as well as with rail tile cutters, and importantly easy to install and maintain.

Dimensions do matter and can make a huge difference when it comes to bathroom tiles, or for that matter, any aspect of interior designing. So, keeping functionality in mind, flex your imagination, be creative, do your research, and make informed decisions around what bathroom tile sizes will help you tick your boxes when transforming your bathroom into a stylish, relaxing sanctuary within your home.