Small Bathroom – Big Style

Porcelain Superstore on how to add big personality to small bathrooms

Whether you’re looking to add character to a bijou bathroom, excitement to an ensuite or remove the drabness from your wet room, independent tile retailer Porcelain Superstore is on hand to help.

The tile experts are encouraging homeowners to embrace the bold to bring big personality to small bathrooms.

Abbas Youssefi, Managing Director of Porcelain Superstore, said: “When it comes to styling small bathrooms, there is a temptation to stick with neutral shades and minimal pattern.

“And while this might make a space feel more open, when done correctly, using colour and pattern can be just as effective.

“Patterned tiles are a great choice for bathrooms, as they’re full of life and personality.

“Sometimes, they can be a bit too much for kitchens and other social spaces - so the bathroom is a great place to get creative, as it’s a more private space.”

Here Abbas shares his top tips on how to use tiles to bring colour and pattern to small bathrooms – all tiles are available now from Porcelain Superstore.

Consider Natural Light

First and foremost, consider the natural light available. In small bathrooms that are short of natural light, it’s a good idea to choose glossy, lighter wall tiles that will bounce light around and increase the sense of space.

Abbas said: “The impact of natural light shouldn’t be underestimated. It will have a massive effect on the final look of your tiles so don’t rush this step.”

Image shows: Fluted Pink Décor Wall Tiles - £52 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Choose Patterns Carefully

The key is to not overwhelm the room. Less can be more, so instead of tiling your whole room in patterned tiles, why not consider a simple feature wall behind your shower, or contrast plain wall tiles with a striking decorative floor?

And pick patterns carefully. While they’re undoubtedly beautiful, patchwork-style patterned tiles can easily overwhelm a smaller room. Instead, look towards geometric patterns with simple repeating designs. 

Abbas said: “On-trend diagonal tiles will add a sense of dynamic energy to smaller floors - you could even create your own simple checkerboard design by using plain white and black tiles together.”

Image shows: Chelsea Classic Mix Tile - £98.40 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Size Matters

Larger tiles can make a small bathroom feel more expansive as they reduce the number of grout lines, creating a more seamless look. However, there’s always a balance.

Abbas said: “Avoid overly large tiles that can look out of place in tiny rooms, as well as leaving awkward slithers of cut tiles at the edges.”

Image shows: Jewel Onyx Pink Porcelain Tiles - £72 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Think About Layout

Running tiles in a brick bond or herringbone pattern can add visual interest and make a room appear larger. And Abbas has another styling trick to make a room feel bigger.

Abbas said: “In bathrooms that are short on heights, such as attic conversions, you can also experiment with patterns. Strips of different coloured tiles or diagonal layouts can draw the eye up or across the space, enhancing the sense of roominess.”

Vertical tiles can make a ceiling feel higher, while horizontal tiles can make the room feel wider. A huge trend right now is for extra-long wall tiles - at over double the length of traditional wall tiles, they will really help make narrow galley bathrooms feel wider.

Image shows Myth Aqua Tile - £50.95 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Add Texture

Textured tiles can add depth and interest to a small bathroom, if they are used strategically.

Abbas said: “Lay them on a feature wall, such as behind the shower, or as a smaller backsplash, to create a focal point that catches the eye but doesn’t overwhelm.

Image shows: Dolce Mist Kit Kat Tiles - £105 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Choose Your Colour

Light, neutral tones such as whites and creams will always work well in smaller spaces as they reflect light and create an airy feel. However, cooler colours like blues and greens can also be refreshing and open up the space.

Abbas said: “There is a current trend towards darker hues of greens and blues - these can work particularly well in smaller rooms, if you’re looking to create a moody, bijou feel.”

Image shows: Locke Almond Décor Tile - £51 per m2 from porcelainsuperstore.co.uk