Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and when it comes to choosing tiles for your project, the size of your tile will play a role in whether it turns out to be a piece of art or an eyesore. Large tiles have the ability to elevate the style of a room with their chic and seamless edges, whereas smaller tiles tend to offer more creativity.    For anyone deciding on which size tile to use, we’re happy you’ve stopped by as we aim to help you find the best fit for your tiling project. In this guide, we’ll cover the importance of choosing the perfect tile size as well as what to consider when making your decision. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and avoid some unsightly and costly mistakes. 

Key aspects to consider before choosing a tile size

Not every tile suits every room. We need to choose the tile size appropriately for the room they’re going to be used in. But this choice isn’t the easiest sometimes, especially if you don’t have a visual idea of how the end product will look. Should you get rectangular tiles or square ones? And what size should they be? These are some good questions to ask. Here are a few questions that’ll help you make a decision when answered:  

• How big is the room, and what atmosphere are you trying to create? Some tiles can make a room feel bigger, while others make it smaller
• What thickness do you want the grouting lines to be?
• Consider the pattern or shape of the tile
• Is there a specific colour scheme you’re going for? How does tile size influence the choice of the colour scheme or vice versa?

 

How to Measure Your Space for the Perfect Floor Tile Size

When choosing the size of your tiles, you need to consider both the overall size of the space and the specific measurements of the room. Think about whether the room is small and narrow or big and bright. Knowing the square metre area will help you figure out the best tile size and shape for your space.   Also, keep in mind any permanent fixtures that could impact your tile choice. For example, do you have a kitchen island, a fireplace in the living room, a sink in the bathroom, or an outdoor braai? These kinds of fixtures mean that if you go with bigger tiles, you’ll have to cut them to fit around the fixtures, which could end up looking messy and make the job more complicated.  

Tile size guide for small and large spaces

Tiles come in a variety of standard sizes, from small to large. For instance, you might see sizes like 350mm x 350mm or 600mm x 600mm. As a general rule, bigger tiles can make a room look larger and more open, while smaller tiles can make a big space feel cozier and more intimate. We’d suggest shopping around and maybe purchasing certain tiles, taking them home and checking how they’ll fit into the space of the room you’re tiling.    It’s also important to consider where you’re tiling. You get both floor tiles and wall tiles. The tiles you buy for your floors will be stronger, more durable, and usually a bit thicker. While wall tiles will be thinner and lighter. 

How to install tiles in any floor space 

Go for large format tiles to make small rooms appear bigger or to achieve a seamless look in large spaces. In smaller areas, use small tiles arranged in eye-catching patterns for a creative and interesting look. Feel free to experiment with different shapes and layouts. Try staggered, diamond, or herringbone patterns, or even mix them up to create unique and stylish effects on your floors. Here’s a breakdown of how different tiles fit into different-sized rooms:

Small Tiles

Small tile sizes can vary from 350 mm to 350 mm and down. They’re perfect for making smaller rooms more interesting and captivating. In terms of creativity, there’s a lot more that you can do with smaller tiles because they provide you with the space to do so. 

Medium Tiles

Medium tiles sit at a good size between large and small tiles. They offer you the best of both sizes. They can make a place feel more spacious while giving you enough space to get creative as well. 

Large Tiles

Large tiles are great for creating a consistent flow. As said before, they can make a smaller room look more spacious. You’ll often find that larger tiles are used in commercial buildings and larger homes because they cover the surface area a lot more effectively. 

What are the benefits of using different tile sizes in different room sizes?

Either tile size has the benefits that come along with it. We suggest you weigh up these benefits to decide which tile size would be best for your project. Here are some of the major benefits of larger and small tiles: 

• For a large room with plenty of natural light, consider using large-format tiles in light or neutral colours to create an open-plan living space that feels seamless, almost blending the indoors and outdoors. 
• In smaller spaces, like a bathroom, study, or cosy kitchen, opt for differently shaped and coloured tiles to add interest and intimacy. Experiment with laying rectangular tiles in patterns like diamond, herringbone, or staggered designs to create movement and make the room appear larger and more dynamic.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing tiles doesn’t need to be difficult. Whether you’re buying expensive tiles from your local store or cheap tiles online, you should find a large range of tiles in different sizes, styles and colours. Enough to help you choose the perfect tiles for your project. Follow the tips above to choose the right size tiles for your home or business and match it with your vision. All the best!