Tile can Add Big Style to a Small Bathroom
Jessica Ackerman
March 18, 2010
Just as it can in a large bathroom, tile can add a big decorative punch and high end style to a smaller bathroom. In a small bathroom the key is to choose appropriately sized tiles with designs that won´t overwhelm the space but attract the eye through the creation of beautiful pattern, inviting color and interesting texture.
Here are design tips on using tile to make a small bathroom more stylish.
Create a border:
A tile border can be used to visually expand the horizons of a small bathroom. Run the border along the wall just above the sink countertop and extend it all the way around the room for the greatest effect. You can choose solid tile or mix solids with patterned or decorative tile.
How to choose pattern:
Remember that large designs will overwhelm a small space; so when you are looking at patterned tile choose smaller scaled patterns that are not overly busy. You can also create a pattern with two different colored solid tiles or a solid mixed with a patterned tile. A popular method in a small bath is to lay simple white or neutral tile on the floor interspersed with a random colored or patterned tile. You can also make a shower more interesting by choosing two colors that complement the rest of the room and combine the tiles on the shower wall in a repeating pattern, with one as the background color.
Reflective tiles:
Glass and metal tiles with bright shiny surface will make a small bath feel larger as they reflect light around the room. Choose tiles based on the mood you wish to create, from elegant spa to playful and bright.
Go lightly:
Similarly, light colors will make the bathroom seem larger and brighter, while dark colored tile will absorb whatever light is in the room. Keeping window treatments light and open to available outdoor light will also help; a window treatment that can remain open on top will provide needed privacy and still let light into the room.
Create a mosaic:
Choose smaller tile to maintain proportion in a small bathroom. Choosing small tile also allows you to combine multiple colors to create a mosaic on the floor, in a backsplash, a border or around a mirror.
How to live large:
It is possible to use larger tile in a small bath. Choose a dramatic size, such as 12x12 inches, instead of medium size tile, and run the tile from the floor up to the ceiling. Placing the floor tiles on a diagonal will stretch the visual line of the bathroom. Be sure to keep your grout color close to the tile color; this will create an uninterrupted expanse without contrast that will make the room feel larger.
Go for continuity:
Select the same or similar tiles from one area to another in the bathroom, such as from the shower to the floor or sink area. For instance, a visible shower stall can be tiled in the same material as the floor and you can add a little variation with a backsplash tile. If you keep the color the same but vary the texture or size, the room will be appealing without being busy. Keep paint, countertop and fixture colors complementary and the bathroom will seem larger than it is.
This article is provided by Jessica Ackerman at Walldecorandhomeaccents.com - a site featuring wall hanging wine rack and wall sconce vases.
Here are design tips on using tile to make a small bathroom more stylish.
Create a border:
A tile border can be used to visually expand the horizons of a small bathroom. Run the border along the wall just above the sink countertop and extend it all the way around the room for the greatest effect. You can choose solid tile or mix solids with patterned or decorative tile.
How to choose pattern:
Remember that large designs will overwhelm a small space; so when you are looking at patterned tile choose smaller scaled patterns that are not overly busy. You can also create a pattern with two different colored solid tiles or a solid mixed with a patterned tile. A popular method in a small bath is to lay simple white or neutral tile on the floor interspersed with a random colored or patterned tile. You can also make a shower more interesting by choosing two colors that complement the rest of the room and combine the tiles on the shower wall in a repeating pattern, with one as the background color.
Reflective tiles:
Glass and metal tiles with bright shiny surface will make a small bath feel larger as they reflect light around the room. Choose tiles based on the mood you wish to create, from elegant spa to playful and bright.
Go lightly:
Similarly, light colors will make the bathroom seem larger and brighter, while dark colored tile will absorb whatever light is in the room. Keeping window treatments light and open to available outdoor light will also help; a window treatment that can remain open on top will provide needed privacy and still let light into the room.
Create a mosaic:
Choose smaller tile to maintain proportion in a small bathroom. Choosing small tile also allows you to combine multiple colors to create a mosaic on the floor, in a backsplash, a border or around a mirror.
How to live large:
It is possible to use larger tile in a small bath. Choose a dramatic size, such as 12x12 inches, instead of medium size tile, and run the tile from the floor up to the ceiling. Placing the floor tiles on a diagonal will stretch the visual line of the bathroom. Be sure to keep your grout color close to the tile color; this will create an uninterrupted expanse without contrast that will make the room feel larger.
Go for continuity:
Select the same or similar tiles from one area to another in the bathroom, such as from the shower to the floor or sink area. For instance, a visible shower stall can be tiled in the same material as the floor and you can add a little variation with a backsplash tile. If you keep the color the same but vary the texture or size, the room will be appealing without being busy. Keep paint, countertop and fixture colors complementary and the bathroom will seem larger than it is.
This article is provided by Jessica Ackerman at Walldecorandhomeaccents.com - a site featuring wall hanging wine rack and wall sconce vases.
Print
Email
