Annual Homes & Design Issue
Tile comes in many shapes and sizes, from small mosaic installations to large format tiles that span several feet. Here, four local tile experts offer advice on the best uses for different tile sizes and how to make the most of this versatile fixture in every part of the home.
We use tile sizes and formats to achieve many different goals when designing a space. The size and shape need to work within the space, but can also be used to manipulate the look of a space. My new favorite tile format is the 24”x48” porcelain tile. On shower walls, they allow for fewer grout lines and the feel of a slab shower without the expense. Paired with a mosaic shower floor you can achieve a very luxurious look. For floor tiles, squares are definitely becoming more requested. I see the 8”x8” format making a comeback. It is a mid-size tile that works in most areas. There are lots of patterns you can make with the size for an interesting floor.
Tile sizing is a big deal! Truly it comes down to grout – the larger the tile, the less grout you will have. Porcelain has really stepped up its game with options in big slab sizes. These slabs can be used for countertops, giving you the look of natural stone without the upkeep and maintenance. Porcelain slabs are also ideal for shower walls – just one slab can take up the entire wall. There is nothing more timeless than a subway wall tile and a tiny hexagon floor tile; however, there will be more grout to clean. The larger format tile gives a more modern, contemporary feel. Larger tiles have fewer grout lines, creating a cleaner look, while smaller tiles have more grout lines, adding to the complexity and visual texture of the tiles. If a contemporary aesthetic is important to you, then going with larger tiles will deliver that look. And if you don’t want something modern and trendy, medium subway tiles will strike a perfect balance between classic style and fresh appeal, and small mosaic tiles will deliver a busier, more intricate appearance. Furthermore, the grout color will affect the space. Choose a grout color in the same or similar shade as your tiles to create a seamless appearance.
Large format tile transforms a room – often used in commercial spaces or residential homes touting open floor plans, these tiles create visual infinity, drawing the experiencer’s focus on the expansiveness of the room. Elongated tile establishes interior boundaries with subtlety, perfect for highlighting poignant art installations or extensive window views that welcome in the beauty of nature. Mosaics create an entirely different viewpoint, narrowing the visual into neatly patterned formations. Often defined by color, light, and more notable grout joints, mosaics give an opportunity for the experiencer to zoom into detail and defined space. Mosaics can also provide functional necessity, particularly in shower floor applications, where grout joints or intricate sizing provide additional slip resistance for the user. Taking a dive deep into what you find truly inspiring – while respecting the functional needs of the space – will yield personal masterpieces and visionary outcomes for your corner of the world.
Large format tile has taken this industry by storm! It is great for shower walls (very few grout lines), foyers, laundry rooms, and bathroom floors as well. A small mosaic feature over the stove paired with an oversize subway tile is timeless, and if you have a period home it brings you back to that time when a mosaic was used in bathroom floors as well. As mosaics tend to look a tad busy, I would use it as a feature if you are putting it on the wall. Penny rounds are popular again for small space flooring and shower niches. When using a larger format tile in the showers, don’t be afraid to use my favorite choice–sliced pebbles for the shower floor. I love to mix the organic and contemporary.
