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Various interior design strategies can trick the eye into viewing small spaces as much larger than they actually are. In this blog post, we’ll discuss seven ways to use tile to your advantage, as well as outline a few general interior design tips to make spaces seem bigger.
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1. Choose Large-Format Floor and Wall Tile
Whether you want to install tile on the floor or on the walls, selecting large-format options is a great way to make the space seem more expansive, especially in comparison to tiny tiles like mosaics, which can make the room feel busy and cluttered. The numerous grout lines needed for small tiles can break up the flow of the room and make it seem smaller.
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An advantage of large-format tile is that it frequently has rectified edges, or edges that have been ground down after firing to create perfectly precise lines. Rectified edges allow for smaller, less visible grout lines, contributing to a more seamless appearance overall. To make your space appear even larger and more cohesive, consider using the same tile for the flooring and the walls, as seen in the photo here.
2. Install a Glass Accent Wall or Backsplash
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Another way to make a small space seem bigger is to install a glass backsplash or accent wall. One of the most notable benefits of glass tile is that it’s reflective, making spaces feel lighter, brighter, and larger overall. Choosing polished glass tiles and installing them opposite a window (if possible) will make the most of this effect.
3. Opt for Light Colors
When considering what color tile you’d like to use, we recommend opting for lighter options like white, beige, light gray, or pale brown. Not only do these neutrals have a calming effect that can make your space feel more relaxed, but they also make spaces seem more open and airy.
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Dark colors, in contrast, can create a sense of being enclosed. You can learn more about the effects of common colors in our blog post about color psychology. For more information about the mental impacts of various interior design choices, we recommend checking out our recent article on enhancing well-being through interior design.
4. Select Matching Grout
For rooms with tile flooring, select grout that is similar in color to the tile. While contrasting grout can create a dramatic, eye-catching effect, it can also make small spaces feel hectic. A coordinating grout color, on the other hand, allows the tile floor to visually flow without interruption. Take a look at our blog post about choosing the right grout for additional guidance.
5. Install Floor Tile Diagonally
Installing tile diagonally creates a longer line for the eye to follow, extending the boundaries of the room. Another benefit is that if your walls aren’t perfectly square (most walls aren’t), installing tile on a diagonal can hide those imperfections.
Planning to install tile on your own rather than paying a pro? We have multiple DIY installation guides to help.
6. Pick Plain Tile Over Patterned Tile
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Fun, personality-filled patterned tile definitely has its place, but small rooms benefit more from plainer options. Loud patterns take up a lot of space visually, so if space is already at a premium, a simpler design is usually better and less overwhelming to the eye.
7. Consider Wider Planks for Wood-Look Tile
Wood-look porcelain and luxury vinyl are excellent choices if you want to get the appearance of wood with all of the advantages of a tile floor. (Less maintenance, better water resistance, and lower costs are just a few examples!) In rooms where you’re using wood-look tile flooring, consider selecting wider planks to expand the space.
General Interior Design Tips to Expand Small Spaces
Aside from carefully choosing and installing your tile and grout, there are several general interior design strategies to make rooms seem bigger:
● If the room doesn’t need doors, remove them to create a more open space.
● Strategically hang mirrors to create the illusion of a larger room. For example, place a mirror across from a window, opt for large mirrors with simple frames, or use a mirror that covers an entire wall.
● Take a “less is more” approach to decor, embracing a minimalist mindset.
● Curate lighter color palettes.
● Hang curtains at ceiling height rather than directly above the windows to draw the eye upward and make the room seem taller.
● If the room allows for it, move the furniture slightly away from the walls to give the illusion of more space.
● Choose furniture with legs, as the glimpse of floor underneath the furniture can make the room seem bigger.
● Clear out any clutter. Clutter makes it difficult to relax and focus, while a clean and clear space induces calmness.
Explore Expansive Tile Options at Tilezz.com
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At Tilezz.com, we have a wide range of options to make your space feel larger–but if you’re more of a fan of fun patterns and mosaics, we have plenty of those as well! No matter your interior design preferences, we have something for everyone.
Take a look at our full product range here, or find interior design inspiration and DIY tile installation guides by visiting our blog.
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