Designing a small bathroom can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to choosing the right tiles. Tiles play a significant role in shaping the overall look and feel of your bathroom, but if not chosen correctly, they can make the space appear cramped and cluttered. Many people unknowingly make tile design mistakes that can limit the potential of their bathroom. In this article, we’ll go over the top 5 tile mistakes to avoid when designing a small bathroom, helping you achieve a stylish, functional, and spacious look.
Using Too Many Different Tile Patterns
One of the most common bathroom tile design mistakes is using too many different tile patterns in a small space. While it may seem like a great way to add visual interest, this can actually overwhelm the space and make it feel chaotic.
Why It’s a Problem: In a small bathroom, the goal should be to create a cohesive and soothing environment. A variety of tile patterns can create disjointed visual lines, making the room appear even smaller. Instead of experimenting with numerous patterns, it’s better to focus on one or two complementary designs that flow together.
What to Do Instead: Stick to a simple, unified tile design. Opt for a neutral palette with minimal pattern variations, like subway tiles or large-format tiles with a subtle texture. If you want to add some character, consider incorporating smaller accent tiles in areas like the shower niche or as a border, but keep the overall design simple.
Pro Tip: If you choose patterned tiles, limit them to one wall or area, such as the shower space, to avoid overwhelming the room.
Choosing Dark, Heavy Tiles
While dark tiles like deep blues, blacks, and grays can create a sense of luxury and sophistication, they can also make a small bathroom feel more closed in and cramped. Dark colors absorb light, which can make the space feel even smaller and less inviting.
Why It’s a Problem: In a small bathroom, natural light is your best friend. Dark, heavy tiles can overshadow that precious light, making the room feel smaller and more claustrophobic. The lack of reflection from darker tiles also means the bathroom may appear dull and unwelcoming.
What to Do Instead: Choose lighter-colored tiles that reflect light and open up the space. White, light gray, soft beige, and pastel hues can make a small bathroom feel airier and more spacious. If you love the drama of dark tiles, consider using them as an accent or feature wall, or pair them with lighter tiles to balance the look.
Pro Tip: When using darker tones, make sure to use ample lighting to help balance out the space and create contrast.

Neglecting to Use Large Tiles
One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to bathroom tile design is using small, intricate tiles throughout a small space. While small tiles like mosaic and penny-round designs can look charming, they can also clutter a small bathroom visually.
Why It’s a Problem: In smaller spaces, the grout lines from small tiles can create a busy pattern, which breaks up the walls and floors, making the space feel even more confined. The more grout lines there are, the more “busy” the space will look.
What to Do Instead: For a clean, streamlined look, opt for larger tiles. Large tiles, such as 12×24 inch or even larger porcelain tiles, create fewer grout lines and help visually expand the space. Large tiles also make the room feel less busy and more unified, enhancing the feeling of openness.
Pro Tip: If you’re going for a larger tile, make sure to consider the scale of your bathroom. Large tiles can work well in rooms with enough wall space, but they may look out of place in extremely tiny bathrooms.
Overlooking the Importance of Tile Placement
Tile placement is crucial in small bathrooms, as it can have a significant impact on how the space is perceived. Installing tiles haphazardly or without strategic planning can lead to a misbalanced, awkward design.
Why It’s a Problem: The wrong placement of tiles can lead to awkward transitions between walls and floors, creating visual clutter. For example, placing full tiles near the top and cutting them at the bottom can create a jarring effect, making the bathroom feel less polished.
What to Do Instead: Strategically place tiles so that they flow seamlessly throughout the space. If you’re using larger tiles, make sure they are aligned with the edges of the room to avoid the need for awkward cuts. You can even use horizontal tiles to give the bathroom an illusion of more width. For walls, consider placing tiles in a vertical or diagonal direction to draw the eyes upward and make the space appear taller.
Pro Tip: Plan your layout carefully before beginning the installation process to ensure the tiles are placed in a way that maximizes space and enhances the room’s proportions.
Using the Wrong Material for the Space
Choosing the wrong type of tile material can also lead to aesthetic and practical problems. For instance, using porous materials like natural stone in areas that are frequently exposed to water can cause staining and require excessive maintenance. Similarly, not choosing the appropriate tile for a small bathroom can lead to issues with durability and cleanliness.
Why It’s a Problem: Porous materials like marble or travertine, while beautiful, are not ideal for small, moisture-heavy bathrooms. In small spaces, moisture build-up is inevitable, and materials that are not waterproof or easy to clean can lead to deterioration over time. Additionally, materials that aren’t suited to bathroom conditions can require more maintenance.
What to Do Instead: For a small bathroom, opt for porcelain tiles. Porcelain is an excellent choice for bathroom spaces due to its durability, water resistance, and low-maintenance nature. Porcelain tiles come in a wide variety of designs, including those that mimic the look of marble or wood, so you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.
Pro Tip: When choosing tiles for small bathrooms, make sure the material you select is water-resistant and easy to clean, ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance.
Conclusion
Designing a small bathroom with the right tile choices can make all the difference in maximizing space and creating a relaxing, stylish retreat. Avoiding common bathroom tile design mistakes, such as overusing patterns, choosing dark or heavy tiles, neglecting proper placement, or using the wrong material, will help you create a bathroom that feels open, inviting, and functional.
By opting for large, light-colored tiles, strategic tile placement, and durable materials like porcelain, you can design a small bathroom that doesn’t just look great, but also stands the test of time. With a bit of planning and consideration, your small bathroom can become a beautiful, spa-like space that you’ll enjoy every day.