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 16-inch tile is the largest size we offer at Clay Imports.
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, like our terracotta tiles, to achieve a balanced look.
For a more open and relaxed aesthetic, opting for plain or subtly patterned tiles is the best approach. Our Linot and Emmeline 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.
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, large-format tiles on both floors and walls, creating a seamless flow.
- Kitchens gain visual continuity by extending the same tile from the floor to the backsplash, elongating sightlines and creating a cohesive design.
- Hallways, often overlooked, can feel less cramped and more inviting with the right tile selection, helping to open up narrow spaces.
Beyond just making rooms appear larger, the right tiles optimize both aesthetics and functionality, enhancing the overall feel and practicality of a space.
The vertical and continuous tile layout enhances the bathroom’s sense of height and flow, creating a seamless and spacious feel.
Design by Bonnet Ventures | Photo by Leonid Furmansky
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!
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