Learn how to choose tile patterns to make a room look bigger with a few simple tips and tricks.
Move over David Copperfield! We also have some tricks up our sleeve when it comes to showcasing our skills as a Great Illusionist!
Using tile flooring to give rooms the impression of being larger and more spacious can work with the implementation of correct colors, sizes and some trusted ideas.
Floor tiles are easy to maintain, available in a variety of sizes, shapes, styles and colors offering optimal choices for ambiance, style and comfort.
Dark Colored Tiles
Despite suggestions to keep colors light when wanting to impress upon your audience the illusion of a larger room, dark tiles can work. In fact, with a few tips and some out of the box thinking, they are a great option when it comes to providing an appearance of a larger room. For darker tiles, shape is key to adding depth to a space. Choose an irregular design including a unique shape or pattern.
The shape of tiles can greatly improve a rooms appearance when it comes to size.
For example, diagonal tiles are a sure way to make a narrow room appear wider. Additionally, when using dark tiles, consider the option of lightening other elements of the room. Use lighter colors on the walls, ceilings and furniture or decor. Whites, neutrals all work well while warmer and intense colors can make a room appear smaller. Shelving, bookcases, should be the same color allowing them to blend into the walls and limit their presence. This will also make the floor appear more open.
How to choose tile patterns to make a room look bigger: Light Colored Tiles
As most designers and experts will suggest, one of the best ways to give the illusion of more space, is to use light tiles. Lighter tiles also afford an airy feeling while reflecting light as opposed to absorbing it.
You don’t necessarily have to maintain a singular color theme and can instead try a tone on tone color exchange that can include warm beige, whites or even soft blues.
Lighting is also an important element in giving space an open feeling. Consider skylights and solar tubes as a natural alternative. Aim for a matching floor and wall color for a harmonious look while considering the configuration of your tiles.
Solid Color, no pattern
Plain colored tiles are an excellent option to give the illusion of a larger space. Use plain patterned tiles with only minimal contrasting colored accents. A lighter colored tile can expand the perceived size of any room. Cream and natural tones for solid colored tiles will definitely make any room appear larger.
How to choose tile patterns to make a room look bigger: Big scale tile
Large scaled tiles are no longer for the commercial structure. Homeowners are now able to enjoy numerous options when it comes to a larger scale of tile. The larger the tile size, the more of an impression can be made. Residential tiles now come in a wide assortment of sizes due to customer demand.
One of the many reasons larger tiles are in such high demand include the preference of a large tile to assist with the impression of making smaller areas appear bigger.
A large scale tile can be any tile that has at least one edge greater than 15 inches. Residential tiles were usually limited to a 12” tile, that was previously the largest choice option for residential designers and homeowners. The tiles are also available in square or rectangular shapes, allowing your further options on how you plan to lay the tile to take advantage of tricking the eye into believing a room is larger than it really is.
A minimal grout area is also an important design factor to consider. Large scale tiles are a great option as they offer less area for grout application.
Dark or Light Grout!
When wanting to give a tiles room the appearance of being large than it actually is, designers suggest not drawing attention to individual tiles and allow for the floor to blend well together. This allows for the surface to blend with grout lines disappearing.
Light grout and flooring may be susceptible to stains and discoloration.
Take extra precautions and care when maintaining upkeep of your floor to keep that pristine look.
Use a dark grout with dark tiles, especially if your goal is to give the impression the room is larger than it is. Using a lighter grout with dark tiles will give off a busy appearance and be counter productive to working on the illusion of more space. It is important to use the same color family and use the tiles in rows perpendicular to the longest lines in your room.
A common goal for most homeowners today is to give the appearance of more space within the rooms of their homes. Adjusting flooring and the layout of your tiles can provide a positive impact. Be sure to review your options when planning the flooring for whatever room you are hoping to impact with an illusion of more space. From the flooring right through to the ceiling, walls and furniture will all have a great consideration when it comes to the appearance of a clean area. – Text by Cora Lee
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