Small bathroom tile ideas – 20 stunning small-space designs

Our small bathroom tile ideas come in handy if you don't have much room to work with but want to create impact.

Tiles are a must-have in the battle to keep bathroom splashes contained, and they're also the ideal way to inject a hefty dose of personality into the smallest of spaces, too. Luckily, we have plenty of bathroom ideas up our sleeve to help you along.

Often decorated by famous designers, the bathrooms in glamorous hotels and restaurants are also rich hunting grounds for clever and unusual tiling ideas. Even the most bijou bathroom tile ideas can take your breath away and leave you longing for a similar look at home. 

While there are no tiles designed specifically for small bathrooms, there are still plenty of ways that tiles can be utilised to get more from a small space. The tile industry is very led by bathroom trends, so you’ll need to select carefully to achieve individuality. And, more crucially, choose a design you won’t quickly grow tired of.

Small bathroom tile ideas

Find inspirational small bathroom tile ideas and expert advice to help you plan your next project. We have both bathroom wall tile ideas and bathroom floor tile ideas to help you create an inspiring space.

1. Use neutral textures to create a calm space

Using white bathroom tile ideas is one of those tricks for boosting space in tiny bathrooms. However, use white-only and you will have a soulless space. Instead, introduce texture with tiles and other materials. 

 ‘We wanted to keep the bathroom calm and serene,’ says interior designer Angus Reid of Angus Reid Projects. ‘We used a variety of materials: glossy terrazzo floor tiles, slubby French linen blind, a raw oak milking stool and an amazingly moody photograph of a turbulent sea. This mixture of textures along with the calming palette create an interesting, yet inviting, space to relax and unwind.’

2. Be bold with floor tiles for small bathrooms

A monochrome scheme is always classic, but this one is given a lift with the choice of contemporary fittings from Vipp including a wall-hung vanity module in powder coated stainless steel with rubber plated handles. The black floor featuring tiles from fellow Danish design company, Made a Mano provides crisp contrast.

3. Use small bathroom tile ideas to create zones

‘We wanted to give this ensuite boldness and character, so we designed a graphic marble mosaic,’ says interior designer Pernille Lind of Pernille Lind Studio. ‘It creates a strong yet elegant effect, bordered in black marble to contrast with the light timber floorboards of the bedroom area.’ 

The Tumbled Blocks mosaic tile is made from three types of Greek marble: Thassos White, Kavala Grey and Edessa Black. It comes on 11 13/16 x 11.13/16 inch (30 x 30cm) net sheets, designed to be easy to install, all from Pernille Lind Studio.

4. Add a modern penny tile

Small bathroom tile ideas are most successful when they're subtle. The rectangular shape and off-white color of these Kasama glazed porcelain mosaic tiles from Claybrook adds architectural interest and quiet contemporary detail to this room design. Their textured effect is enhanced by contrast with the smooth wall painted in deep Caffeine Boost emulsion, also by Claybrook.

5. Use one-tone tile in different formats

If you are looking for shower tile ideas for small spaces, these small bathroom tile ideas above are a masterclass in getting it right. This shower has an inviting feel, created by the choice of tiles from the same softly neutral color palette, in different formats used to add interest and sophisticated detail. 

Natural stone Keystone Cirrus wall tiles are teamed with Parramore Fading Field custom mosaic on the back wall, with the cocooning effect enhanced by Keystone Thassos marble mosaic on both the floor and ceiling. All products are by Waterworks. 

6. Bold and colorful small bathroom tile ideas

A wet room can be the best solution in a small space; losing the shower screen leaves the whole room visible. However, wet room ideas require serious tanking, which can easily lead to tile overload. 

In this Moroccan-inspired wet room, water-resistant polished plaster was color-matched to the emerald green encaustic shower tiles to create a cozy, cocooning effect.

‘We used the tiles only where needed to protect the walls and floors where they come into direct contact with water,’ explains Malcolm Abela Sciberras, interior designer, Rebirth at Cuschieri Architects.

7. Create optical illusions

Taking bathroom floor tiles up the walls, or in this case up the tub panel, blurs the boundaries between floor and walls to create the illusion of a bigger space. 

Here, Day True has deliberately mismatched the tile’s pattern direction to effectively conceal the juncture where horizontal meets vertical and make the bathroom appear longer.

Do check the tiles you like are suitable for both floor and wall use. Some floor tiles can be too heavy to adhere safely to vertical surfaces, while wall tiles may crack underfoot.

8. Consider a whole new shape

Shape can prove just as effective as pattern when it comes to making a statement with tiles. Hexagons and fish-scale shaped tiles are still popular tile trends, but circular mosaics are a classic that somehow manages to look timeless and on-trend.

‘Penny tiles are small and sweet, and offer a modern twist on classic square mosaics, while retaining that luxe look mosaics will always offer,’ says Hamish Smith, Creative Director at Ca’ Pietra. 

‘They look great popped in a recess near the tub or shower but for maximum impact in a small bathroom, go floor-to-ceiling with a fabulous accent wall.’

9. Try changing direction

For marble bathroom ideas, the direction of the vein pattern can have a big impact in a small room. In this sophisticated ensuite idea, David Collins Studio went for a classical book-matched pattern.

‘Like a trompe l’oeil, it makes the space appear larger and is a technique synonymous with luxury that elevates the marble to a unique piece of art,’ says associate director, Siobhan Kelly.

Mother of pearl mosaics were added around the vanity area to provide variation and further enhance the delicate features of the natural stone. Running the marble vein pattern horizontally can make a narrow room feel wider, while vertical veining improves the sense of height.

Always do a dry run if possible; lay the tiles out to find the most natural vein connections across tiles, then number each one before installing.

10. Keep it clear

When it comes to small bathroom bathroom tile ideas, it’s no secret that the more flooring left on show, the more spacious your bathroom will appear. Here, Spanish interior designer Miriam Barrio has drawn all attention to the floor by using bold geometric tiles in an otherwise neutral scheme.

‘Wall hung toilets and vanity units are hugely effective in opening up floor space to pave the way for eye-catching tiles,’ says Emma Joyce, brand manager at Victoria+ Albert Baths. ‘Opting for a freestanding bathtub can also be an intelligent design solution. Unlike built-in tubs, the flooring, and daylight, flows underneath.’

11. Wrap it up

Embrace your creative side and give plain tiles a new lease of life, as Carden Cunietti brilliantly demonstrates in this fun family bathroom. 

‘We loved the idea of being in the pattern not just standing upon it and that’s why the graphic pattern continues up the walls and on to the ceiling,’ explains director Audrey Carden.

Other creative ideas for plain tiles include creating an ‘ombre’ effect by diffusing the color from dark to light as you tile up the wall and using monochrome mosaics to add words or rug-effect patterns underfoot.

12. Go big on pattern

Choosing small bathroom tile ideas with outsized pattern may sound like a bad idea for bathroom backsplashes, but actually the unexpected polarity of scale can pack a powerful punch. Targeted behind a key feature, like a freestanding bathtub, it only takes a few square metres to make a small bathroom memorable.

‘Patterned tiles are brilliant for creating eye-catching feature walls,’ says Jane Addis, New Products & Design Manager at Original Style.

Taking the tiles from floor-to-ceiling will effectively mimic the look of wallpaper, serving to soften the hard edges of sanitaryware. ‘Go for large format tiles if possible; fewer grout lines will provide a more seamless finish,’ adds Jane.

13. Use the lines

When considering darker gray bathroom tile ideas, be aware that using grout lines to add pattern without overpowering can prove very effective in small spaces. Here, Waterworks has switched tile direction to shake up a classic brickwork installation, without going overboard. 

The results are interesting but still beautifully timeless. The decorative impact of the grout itself shouldn’t be overlooked. Go for a dramatic black or slice of color to really make tiles stand out.

14. Create a colorful accent wall

A colorful tiled accent wall at the end of a small bathroom will draw the eye through, ensuring every inch gets noticed. ‘Color is being embraced in small bathrooms in a big way right now,’ enthuses designer Katie Agombar from West One Bathrooms.

‘Patterned tiles are a really effective way to introduce color, which can then be picked up on accessories, towels and even sanitary ware. Colors such as dark green, pastel blue and pale pink teamed with gray bathroom tile ideas are particularly popular. Combine with brass and black accents for a contemporary and sophisticated palette.’

15. Use tiles to pull focus

Tiles can be used as a tool to draw attention away from awkward architecture, as Cherie Lee Interiors demonstrates in this modern loft bathroom. ‘If the ceiling is sloping or the walls have awkward alcoves, using patterned or intricate tiles on vertical surfaces will often exacerbate the issue,’ she explains.

‘Whereas on the floor, boldly patterned tiles, or plain subway bathroom tiles laid in an interesting geometric pattern like these, creates a horizontal focal point, allowing problematic walls to fade into the background.’

16. Consider suitability first

'Before you start looking at what you want the tiles to look like, it’s important to check the tiles are best suited to a bathroom environment,' says Hamish Smith of Ca' Pietra. 

'So make sure you check the following: Are the tiles right for walls or floors? Do they work with underfloor heating? If you are going for a wet room then underfloor heating will be essential to dry the space quickly. 

'If you adore a tile but it isn’t advisable to use it on the floor (and that’s where you planned to lay it) then unfortunately you'll have to steer clear.

'Finally, make sure the slip-rating is adequate enough for the room, you don’t want little feet slipping on tiles post bath-time.'

17. Half-tile in a bold color

When it comes to picking bathroom color ideas, Hamish Smith says there's no need to shy away from intense tile color in a small bathroom:

'Embrace the lack of light or a narrow space by using a deep green tile with a rich, reflective glaze. Adding green, in its many forms, connects us to nature, creating a soothing and cocooning space. Used on the walls, this timeless and sophisticated green creates a cosy and enveloping atmosphere. A lighter color on the floors or ceiling will balance the dark tone.'

Fixing the tiles to waist height and using a lighter color above will make the room feel taller. 

18. Create a splash with terrazzo

Terrazzo bathrooms are very much en vogue, but which to choose – small or large format? Our advice is: for impact, choose large format tiles with a large pattern; for more reticent schemes, choose a smaller repeat pattern. 

It's worth noting that the wall tiles in this splendid bathroom have plenty of texture but are otherwise plain, to let the flooring stay the focus.

19. Create a focal point with natural stone

Small bathroom tile ideas can be allowed to steal the show while still being incredibly subtle. One way to do this is to choose really beautiful natural stone, as in the bathroom above.

'Natural stone remains a firm favorite of mine for use in small bathrooms, not least because there is such a huge range of colors, textures and sizes available,' says Ella Small, Director at Mandarin Stone. 'You can choose to tile the entire bathroom with the same product on both walls and floor to give a greater feeling of space and connectivity.'

20. Use small bathroom tile ideas to boost color

Just because you're limited on space doesn't mean that small bathroom tile ideas are in limited supply, too. Smaller bathrooms, from ensuites and wet rooms, to simple compact family bathrooms, don't automatically have to be a plain white room to get the feeling of space.

Adding color and pattern won't necessarily make a small space feel smaller either – chosen carefully, they can often give the space a cocooning, rather cramped feel.

What size tiles look best in a small bathroom?

If you're unsure what size tiles will look best in a small bathroom, we've got you covered. In any small space, paring back visual distractions can help achieve a calmer atmosphere. This is where large format tiles excel. Fewer grout lines provide a cleaner aesthetic. They are literally cleaner, too, as there are fewer opportunities for bacteria to hide.

Large format tiles work particularly well where large areas need tiling, such as in the shower or on floors. For smaller areas like the space between basin and mirror, daintier tiles can provide decorative focus.

What color tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?

Did you know that certain color tiles can make a small bathroom look bigger?

‘The trick is to look for light-reflecting surfaces such as polished marble, glass and metallics. They will instantly make the bathroom appear larger. They’ll also look so glamorous and eye-catching that they’ll draw attention away from the size of the room,’ says Fired Earth’s creative director, Colin Roby-Welford.

‘While gleaming white tiles are a failsafe choice, creating a spacious and airy feel, bolder colors can work really well, too. Iridescent, jewel-toned glass or shimmering metallic mosaics will enhance the impression of light in a compact bathroom, opening up the space.’

Should I use patterned tiles in a small bathroom?

We love the use of patterned tiles in a small bathroom. But, unless you’re trying to make a strong impact, it is smart to think about scale and balance. A little bit of pattern can go a long way in a compact space.

‘A subtle way of using wall-to-wall pattern in a compact space is to opt for patterned mosaics such as hexagons or scallops in pared-back palettes,’ suggests Roby-Welford. Restricting the use of strong patterned tiles to below dado height will also reduce their dominance, especially if you paint or tile the wall above in plain, pale colors.

Should you fully tile a small bathroom?

Fully tiling a small bathroom has its upsides and downsides. The upsides first: it will make the room incredibly practical. This is vital if ventilation is poor or if you have a shower or wet room, plus you can add plenty of texture, color and pattern with tile. The downsides: fully tiling a small bathroom can make it feel more enclosed and cold, plus it limits your choice of personalization, such as artwork that you might like to hang.