Bring life to all your spaces
By Clay Imports
Tiles are more than just functional, they are a versatile design element that can transform any space. They add color, enhance aesthetics, and influence how spacious a room feels. When dealing with limited space, whether in a bathroom, kitchen, or living room, choosing the right wall and floor tiles can make a significant difference. In this article, we’ll share expert tips on using tiles to create the illusion of a larger, more open space.
- Large Format Tiles
- Choose Light-Colored and Glazed Tiles
- Plain Tiles vs. Patterned Tiles
- Tiles Layouts
- Rooms to Transform
- Conclusion
Large Format Tiles
If you want to make your space look bigger using tiles, consider the size, finish, and layout, as they all play a crucial role in enhancing the illusion of spaciousness. One of the most effective ways to create a larger-looking room is by choosing large-format tiles over smaller ones. Larger tiles minimize grout lines, creating a seamless, open feel that reduces visual clutter. In contrast, more grout lines can make a space look busier and more confined, ultimately making it feel smaller.
The classic twelve-inch Saltillo tile makes the space feel expansive.
Contigo Ranch Fredericksburg | Photography Mark Menjivar
Choose Light-Colored and Glazed Tiles
Opting for light-colored tiles is a simple yet effective way to make a space feel larger and more open. Light shades like white, ivory, and cream reflect more light, instantly brightening the room and emphasizing its full dimensions. Additionally, lighter hues create a less visually cluttered appearance, an essential factor in making a room look more spacious.
To enhance this effect, we recommend using glossy glazed tiles, which further reflect light and add depth, making the space feel even larger and airier. One key advantage of glazed tiles is their shiny finish, which softens the impact of color compared to matte tiles. This versatility allows for greater flexibility when blending colors within your design while maintaining a bright and open aesthetic.
Glossy light green tiles enhance brightness while creating a fresh, open feel by reflecting light and adding depth.
Design by Kim Wolfe | Photo by Patrick Brickman
Plain Tiles vs. Patterned Tiles
Highly patterned tiles can make a space feel busier and, in turn, appear smaller. However, this doesn’t mean you have to stick to completely plain tiles. Instead, consider subtly patterned tiles or those with natural variations to achieve a balanced look.
For a more open and relaxed aesthetic, opting for plain or subtly patterned tiles is the best approach. Our Fringe and Petal tiles are excellent choices, as their larger-scale patterns and soft, low-contrast colorways create visual interest without overwhelming the space. Explore our patterned tile collection to find the perfect design that suits your style while maintaining a spacious feel.
Subtly patterned tiles are a better choice if you want to give your space a visual break.
Design Modern Hippie Design Studio | Photo Madeline Harper
Tile Layouts
Once you've chosen your tiles, the layout and pattern play a crucial role in how spacious a room appears. To maximize the illusion of space, it's important to strategically plan your tile placement. Check out our Tile Layout Guide to explore the best layout options for your space.
Best Tile Layouts for Floors
For floor tiles, the best layouts for creating a sense of openness are standard grid or elongating diamond patterns. These layouts help maintain a clean and seamless look. On the other hand, brick bond (staggered) patterns introduce more visual breaks, making a space feel busier and, in turn, more confined.
Best Tile Layouts for Walls
For wall tiles, laying rectangular tiles vertically draws the eye upward, making a room appear taller. Another effective technique is diagonal tile placement, which works particularly well in smaller rooms by creating a dynamic visual effect that enhances the perception of depth and length.
White subway tiles extend to the ceiling, creating a seamless backsplash and enhancing visual continuity. Design by Bonnet Ventures | Photo by Will Strawser
Rooms to Transform
While tiles can enhance any space, certain rooms benefit the most from strategic tile choices. Small bathrooms can feel more open and spacious by using light-colored tiles on both floors and walls, creating a seamless flow.
The vertically stacked subway tiles, combined with a consistent color palette, expand the space by creating an illusion of height and fluidity.
Design by Inside Out Construction | Photo by Steven Gunter
Make your kitchen feel more spacious by extending the same tile from the countertop up to the ceiling. This creates visual continuity and draws the eye upward, elongating the room. Alternatively, mix tile sizes in the same color palette to add interest without overwhelming the space. Sticking to neutral tones helps keep the overall look light and bright.
Hallways are often overlooked, but the right tile can make them feel wider and more welcoming by visually opening up narrow spaces.
This subtly bold patterned tile, paired with bright walls and minimal decor, brings depth and light to the hallway, making the narrow space feel open, airy, and inviting.
Design by Rock Paper Build | Davey McEathron Architecture | Photo Jeremy Doddridge
The right tile choice doesn't just enhance the look of a room; it also improves its functionality, making your space feel both larger and more livable.
Conclusion
Tiles are more than just a construction material; they are a powerful design tool that can transform the perceived size and feel of any space. By selecting the right tiles and strategically using layouts and patterns, you can master the art of making a room appear larger and more open.
Explore our glazed and patterned tile collections to find the perfect fit for your space. If you need expert guidance, feel free to book a virtual consultation or reach out to us at contact@clayimports.com. We’re here to help!
Disclaimer: Since the installation of tile greatly determines the integrity of the project and the tile itself, Clay Imports does not warranty this product and is not responsible for dissatisfaction with the material following installation. Please inspect all tiles upon receipt and notify us immediately if you have any quality concerns. This guide is meant to serve as a general resource. Because each project is unique, consult your tile installer before installing your tile.
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