Do Big Tiles make a small Bathroom Bigger?
A simple question that almost all homeowners have to face is the choice of tiles for their shower and the bathroom. This is a complicated question as there are many types, verities, and colors of the tiles that are in the market. Each of them different from the other. Today we will discuss a very important aspect of the tiles and that is their size. There seems to be a common conception that is when larger tiles are used in the shower than even a smaller space can be given the illusion of being larger than it actually is. So does this illusion ever occur?
How to choose tiles?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the color and the cut of the tile, as well as the material and the arrangement of the tiles; will have the biggest effect on the overall effect created in the shower. So the decision to make use of larger or smaller tiles should not only be based on their size alone, rather it should be made while keeping in mind the cut, color and the overall look of the tile. There are three main options that are in one’s mind when they are considering large tiles, so let us examine them all.
Ceramic Tiles
The most common type of tile that is used in the so-called illusion creating is the ceramic tile in pastel or any other similar color and tone. If you are going to use this kind of tile to create the illusion then the only way you will be able to create the illusion of space being larger than the original is by employing three different techniques. The first thing that you will have to do is to make sure that the tiles are joined expertly, for if the grime collects around the tile, it will destroy the illusion. Even though larger tiles are less prone to grime, this does not mean that they are grime proof. The second thing to keep in mind is that you should make sure that the tiles on the floor and the walls are complementing each other and they are not clashing with each other. The illusion of a larger space requires that all the tiles in the room are the same variety or they are complementary to each other, so avoid anything that clashes with each other. The third important step you must take is to make sure that all the surfaces that are not covered by the tiles are not “jutting out”. For example, there should not be a marble-edged bathtub jutting out from the wall, rather you should purchase a bathtub that is flush with the wall. The entire illusion is created and maintained if the walls are smooth and the curves flow with the tiles instead of sharp edges jutting out.
Gray Color Tiles
The second option that you have is to use stone tiles that will allow for only a limited range of pastel and gray colors, but they will have a greater tolerance to shock and will not have to be replaced much earlier than the other ones. The best alternative will be to use the gray metallic style tiles that are in vogue these days. They are available in a verity of color tones, but the best ones will be gunmetal gray or any other similar tone. With this kind of tile, it is best to employ someone who can fix them in such a way that they are flush against each other. This not only prevents grime but also allows for even greater longevity so you do not have to replace them quickly. The main problem with tones like gray and similar colors is that once grim forms on them, it is noticeable and it destroys the entire illusion of the larger space. So you will have to make sure that the tiles are spick and span.
Synthetic Vinyl Tiles
The third option that you can use has the most verity and requires the least maintenance, but you will be sacrificing the classic shower look if you use this kind of tile. These are the synthetic vinyl tiles. They are far cheaper than the ceramic tiles, but they do not give the same look. They are also far more resistant to water and they are far better at withstanding shock. The only thing that you should keep in mind is that as the pattern on vinyl has been printed, the person who is fixing the tiles should make sure that he installs them in such a manner that the pattern on all the tiles matches and there is a distinct flow throughout the shower space. If the tiles are not installed like this and even if a single tile is out of sync with other tiles then the entire illusion will be destroyed. One of the most common mistakes that many people make is that choose patterns that have thick lines or borders. If you want to make your shower space appear larger than it is, then you should choose only tiles that are full solids, or that have abstract patterns. Avoid all kinds of borders and complete pictures.
Conclusion
These are the three options that are commonly used by people who want to make their shower space appear larger than it actually is. The ultimate choice of the pattern and the tile color depends on them, however, but there are certain things that should be avoided, so as long as those are avoided, any other color and or form is capable of creating the illusion of a space that is larger than it actually it. The expertise of the person fixing the tiles also comes into play, so it is better to hire a person who is an expert instead of attempting to do this yourself.
