7 Tile Tips to Make Your Rooms Look Bigger
When it comes to transforming small spaces, the right tiles can make all the difference. Whether you’re working with a compact living room, a cosy bathroom, or a narrow hallway, choosing the right tiles can create the illusion of more space and make your rooms feel larger and more open. If you’re ready to refresh your interiors and give your space a sense of airiness, here are some tile tricks to make your rooms look bigger.
1. Opt for Light-Coloured Tiles
Light colours are your best friend when it comes to making a room feel bigger. Pale shades like white tiles, soft greys, light blues, and beiges can reflect light and make a room feel more expansive. Black tiles can absorb light, creating a more enclosed and cosy atmosphere, which can work well in larger rooms but might make smaller spaces feel cramped. For smaller areas like bathrooms or entryways, choose light-coloured tiles to brighten up the space and give it a sense of openness.
Tip: Consider using white or off-white tiles for your walls and floors to create a seamless, expansive effect.

2. Use Large-Format Tiles
It might sound counterintuitive, but larger tiles can actually make a room feel bigger. Large-format tiles, such as 600×600 tiles or even 1200×1200 tiles, reduce the number of grout lines and create a more continuous and open surface. Smaller tiles with lots of grout lines can create a fragmented look, making a room feel more cluttered and cramped. Large tiles are perfect for both walls and floors, especially in smaller rooms like bathrooms or kitchens. When using large tiles, make sure to select a neutral or light shade to maximise the effect.
Tip: Use large tiles on floors and walls to create a smooth transition from one surface to another, further enhancing the sense of space.
3. Go for Vertical Lines
Vertical patterns are a great way to add the illusion of height to a room, especially in spaces with low ceilings. Tiles with vertical lines, whether they’re plain or patterned, can draw the eye upward, giving the impression of higher ceilings and more space. You can use long, rectangular tiles for a sleek, contemporary look or vertical mosaics for a more decorative effect. This trick works particularly well in bathrooms and narrow hallways where the height of the room is often more prominent than its width.
Tip: For bathrooms, consider vertical subway tiles or elongated rectangular tiles to create the illusion of height and space.
4. Use Mirrors and Reflective Tiles
Mirrored or glossy tiles can work wonders in small spaces by reflecting light and creating a sense of depth. Glossy finishes, particularly on floors or backsplashes, can bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open. Reflective tiles, such as those with a mirror finish or metallic sheen, add a touch of glamour while making the room feel larger. Be cautious with mirrors, though—while they can make a space feel bigger, too many can make a room feel overly busy. Balance is key.
Tip: Try using reflective tiles for your kitchen backsplash or bathroom walls to add sparkle and depth.
5. Opt for Continuous Flooring
For a truly expansive look, opt for a continuous flooring solution. This means using the same tile across the entire floor area, including adjoining rooms. When the flooring flows seamlessly from one room to the next, it creates the illusion of more space and less division. Choosing large format tiles or even timber look tiles in the same colour family can create a sense of continuity that stretches the space. This trick works wonders in open-plan living areas or when combining living and dining areas.
Tip: Use the same floor tiles in your living room and hallway to create a fluid, open space.

6. Go for Minimalist Designs
When it comes to small rooms, less is often more. Busy, overly intricate tile patterns can make a room feel cluttered and confined. Instead, opt for minimalist tile designs that focus on simplicity and clean lines. Subtle textures or light patterns can still add interest without overwhelming the space. Plain tiles, simple mosaics, or tiles with a soft texture or matte finish are great options for creating a calm, spacious atmosphere.
Tip: Choose a simple design with subtle variations in colour and texture, and avoid overly bold patterns that might dominate the room.
7. Use Tiles with a Subtle, Gradual Transition
Tiles that feature a gradual gradient or soft transitions between colours can help open up a space. For example, tiles that fade from light to dark, or from one colour to another, can create the illusion of depth. This technique works particularly well on feature walls or as a backsplash in the kitchen. It’s a clever way to add visual interest while maintaining a spacious feel.
Tip: Gradient tiles can be perfect for creating a sense of flow between different areas of your home, such as from the kitchen into the dining room.
Final Thoughts
Making your rooms look bigger doesn’t require a complete renovation—it’s all about choosing the right tiles to enhance the space you already have. By opting for light-coloured tiles, large-format designs, vertical patterns, reflective finishes, and minimalist styles, you can transform even the tiniest room into a more spacious and inviting environment.
At GET TILES ONLINE, we offer a wide selection of tiles in all shapes, sizes, and styles to suit your space. Explore our range and order free samples today to find the perfect tiles that will open up your home and elevate your design.