top of page

THE SURFACE EDIT BLOG

Ideas, tips, and inspiration for designing beautiful spaces with ceramic, marble, and granite. From material guides to project trends, curated by the Céramique Costa team.

Search

5 Common Mistakes When Using Tiles in Small Bathrooms (and How to Avoid Them)

  • ceramiquecostainc
  • 15 minutes ago
  • 2 min read

Decorating a small bathroom might seem simple, but it's precisely in tight spaces where every decision matters. One of the elements that most influences the perception of space is the use of tiles. The size, color, texture, and placement can make your bathroom feel more spacious—or much more cramped. Here are 5 common mistakes you should avoid when choosing tiles for a small bathroom, and how to fix them.


1. Using tiles that are too dark


  • Why it’s a mistake:Dark colors absorb light and make the space feel more closed-in and smaller.

  • How to avoid it:Choose light and neutral tones like white, beige, light gray, or pastels. These colors reflect both natural and artificial light, creating a sense of brightness and openness.


2. Choosing tiles that are too large (or too small)


  • Why it’s a mistake:Very large tiles can throw off the proportions of the bathroom. On the other hand, very small tiles (like mosaics) with many grout lines can visually clutter the space.

  • How to avoid it:Find a balance. Medium-sized tiles (like 30x60 cm or similar) work well in small bathrooms because they reduce the number of visible lines and help create visual continuity.


3. Ignoring tile layout direction


  • Why it’s a mistake:The way you lay tiles affects how the space is perceived. If you don’t plan the direction, you could unintentionally make your bathroom feel smaller.

  • How to avoid it:Lay tiles horizontally if you want the room to appear wider, or vertically if you want it to feel taller. The lines should guide the eye and visually elongate the space.


4. Overlooking tile finish and texture


  • Why it’s a mistake: Matte tiles can absorb light and, without proper lighting, make the bathroom feel dull. On the flip side, overly glossy tiles can create distracting glare.

  • How to avoid it: Go for satin or semi-gloss finishes that reflect light gently without overwhelming glare. Also, make sure you have good artificial lighting to enhance the effect.


5. Using too many patterns or mixing styles


  • Why it’s a mistake: In small spaces, busy patterns or too many competing styles can create visual noise and make the bathroom feel chaotic.

  • How to avoid it: Less is more. Choose a single focal point (like a textured wall or accent in the shower area) and keep the rest of the design simple and cohesive. Visual harmony is key to creating a sense of order and spaciousness.


Conclusion


Tiles are a powerful tool to transform a small bathroom—but only if used strategically. Avoiding these mistakes will help you make the most of the space, making it more functional, stylish, and most importantly, visually larger.

Thinking about updating your bathroom? At Ceramique Costa, we specialize in professional tile installation, with high-quality finishes and attention to detail to ensure your space looks modern and feels more spacious.


Contact us and transform your bathroom with flawless tile installation.

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page