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How To Make A Small Bathroom Look Bigger With The Right Flooring

Does your bathroom feel tight or cramped? It doesn’t have to be this way, and no, we’re not talking about ripping down walls; we’re talking about practical flooring solutions that will make your bathroom appear much larger. You shouldn’t have to feel claustrophobic in your bathroom, so rather than tolerate it, why not maximize the space?

You may wish to use tile flooring specialists in Toronto or elsewhere, or perhaps do the work yourself, but one thing is certain: check out our tricks to opening up your bathroom!

Make Your Bathroom Appear Larger With Flooring

As experienced flooring contractors serving the GTA, we help clients update their bathrooms. And one of the most common questions we hear is how to make bathrooms feel bigger, or even if it’s possible. Firstly, yes, flooring can make your space feel bigger. Which begs the question: How? Read on to find out how your flooring can make your bathroom bigger.

Size: Large-Format Tiles

There are many options for tile flooring in Toronto and the GTA. When considering tile size, go big in small spaces. The trick here is that the fewer the grout lines, the more open the space feels. This means small tiles will draw the eye more and close in the space. Another bonus of large-format tiles: easier to clean and maintain, with less grout to scrub. Homeowners who opt for large-format tiles often tile both the floor and walls to increase the perceived size of the space.

Pro Tip: If you’re working with large-format tiles, use a neutral colour to make it feel even bigger. Another simple trick to make your room bigger is to install a generously sized mirror, as it will also help widen the bathroom. 

Application: Floor-To-Ceiling Tiles

If you’re hiring a tile installer, the best way to maximize the size of your bathroom is to tile floor-to-ceiling! This applies not just to large-format, but to all tile shapes and sizes. Think of it this way: your eye is fully immersed in tile, so when you walk in, your gaze will start at the floor and end at the ceiling, creating a spacious feeling. We strongly discourage half-wall tiling in small bathrooms, as this abrupt halt will make your space feel short.

Pro Tip: You can further increase your space by using recessed or niche walls, which provide more shelf space and make your room feel bigger. 

Colour: Cool Or Neutral

Most homeowners envision a tidy white bathroom; certainly, this is a traditional look that suits any bathroom. However, if you’d prefer a touch of colour, light greens and blues will entice the eye outward.

Pro Tip: Tile flooring in Toronto and the GTA comes in a range of colours, but you can further enhance the illusion of space with glossy finishes that reflect light, creating an airy, more spacious feel.

Pattern: Herringbone

You can also try a herringbone pattern to make your bathroom feel larger. Herringbone is a timeless pattern with near-universal appeal, so it’s a great way to add intrigue while also making your room feel more spacious. The trick to this pattern is that your eye follows the gentle zig-zags, which widen the space. However, we recommend herringbone as a wall tile in a small bathroom. You can pair it with any neutral tiles, like large-format floor tiles.

Pro Tip: You can add metallic accents, like gold fixtures, for a trendy visual appeal that complements the beautiful pattern without distracting from it. Herringbone looks lovely in spaces with a lot of natural light, which again will make the space feel more airy.

Direction: Diagonal 

Lastly, tile diagonally. It doesn’t matter if you’re using square, rectangular, or plank tiles; if you set them on an angle, it will lengthen the space! Be mindful that black-and-white checkered patterns can make a space feel cozier, so opt for a different pattern or colour in small spaces. For instance, wood-look plank tiles are a fun way to naturalize your bathroom.

Pro Tip: Hire an experienced tile installer to get the job done right, as they will determine the best angle for your space! Additionally, glass shower stalls are unobtrusive, as the eye can see beyond them, hence making the room feel bigger. So why not pair diagonal floors with a glass shower stall?

Final Thoughts On Making A Small Bathroom Feel Larger

Ultimately, there are many ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger than it actually is, so it’s up to you to decide which trick will best maximize the space. For instance, in a long rectangular room without natural light, you’ll need to make it airy with lighting, light colours, high-gloss finishes or large-format tiles, floor-to-ceiling tiling, and mirrors. Whereas, if your bathroom has a lot of windows but is small, you may find a herringbone wall finish or diagonal flooring suitable.

And when in doubt, you can always call us, the Brothers Flooring, for a free consultation! We’d be happy to share our tiling knowledge with you! Let us help you decide the best way to update your small bathroom, so it feels more welcoming and spacious.

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