Large or small tiles? We compare the options for your project

The choice of materials in a renovation or construction project is one of the most important aspects that influences both the aesthetics and functionality of a space. Tiles, in particular, play an essential role in any design, as they are not only key visual elements but also need to be practical and durable.

This brings us to one of the most common questions when building or renovating any type of space: should I choose large or small tiles? Selecting the correct type of tile is crucial to achieving the desired final result. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on several factors, such as the size of the space, the design style you prefer, and how you will use the space.

Small tiles, for example, are highly valued for their versatility and ability to create intricate, detailed designs. They are ideal for adding texture and personality to an area, especially in small or complexly shaped spaces. On the other hand, large tiles have become a growing trend in modern interior design. They offer clean, minimalist surfaces with fewer visible joints, providing a sense of continuity and spaciousness.

In this article, we will help you make an informed decision about which type of tile is best suited to your project by analyzing the main advantages of each option and guiding you on how to choose the best alternative according to the space's characteristics and your specific needs. To do this, we will explore the advantages of small and large tiles, compare their functionality and aesthetic impact in different types of spaces, and provide practical tips so you can make the best decision. Let’s get started!

Advantages of small tiles

Small tiles are a solid and versatile option for many projects. Below are their main advantages.

Greater flexibility in design

One of the biggest advantages of small tiles is the flexibility they offer in terms of design. Due to their smaller size, they are easier to use for creating complex, detailed patterns that add texture and personality to a space. For example, mosaics or geometric patterns are easy to achieve with small tiles, allowing you to play with combinations of colors, shapes, and textures to personalize any surface.

Additionally, small tiles are perfect for curved areas or irregular spaces where larger tiles would be difficult to install or cut. If you have a surface with rounded corners or unusual shapes, small tiles can better adapt to these areas, creating a cleaner, more fluid finish. Mosaic tiles, which are small tiles pre-assembled in sheets, make creating these intricate designs much easier, saving time in installation while maintaining the visual appeal of a detailed job.

Small tiles add texture and visual detail

The use of small tiles can be ideal for adding texture to a room. When placed together, these tiles create more grout lines, which add visual texture and a sense of depth to the space. This quality is particularly useful in areas like bathroom and kitchen walls, where rich texture can complement the more subdued overall design of the room.

Additionally, using small tiles on vertical surfaces like walls or showers can create an interesting contrast with other smooth materials or larger pieces, such as countertops or mirrors, offering extra dynamism and visual appeal. The play between small tiles and larger elements in the space can create a pleasant, visually appealing balance. On the other hand, small tiles are also ideal if you want to highlight a specific area with a detailed design, like a decorative stripe or an accent area on the wall.

They facilitate the creation of non-slip surfaces

A practical consideration for choosing small tiles is their ability to create safer surfaces in wet areas. In places like bathrooms or showers, where safety is a priority, small tiles tend to be more slip-resistant, making them an excellent choice for shower floors, around pools, or in entrances that may be exposed to water.

Moreover, this safety advantage does not compromise aesthetics, as there is a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes of small porcelain tiles that can fit any design, providing an attractive and functional space at the same time.

Advantages of large tiles

Large tiles have gained popularity in recent years due to the trend toward more minimalist and elegant spaces. They offer a modern, clean look that appeals to those seeking a sense of spaciousness and sophistication in their renovation projects. Here we review their main advantages.

Fewer grout lines, more visual continuity

The main advantage of large tiles is their ability to create a continuous look. Due to their size, large tiles require fewer grout lines, which creates a more uniform and seamless surface. This type of finish can make a space appear larger and more organized, which is especially desirable in large areas like living rooms or open-concept kitchens.

With fewer interruptions on the surface, the eye perceives a more expansive space, making large tiles perfect for areas that need visual enlargement. This sense of spaciousness is particularly effective in small rooms or spaces where a clear, relaxing environment is desired. Using large tiles on the floor, for example, can help open up a room visually and add a luxurious feel.

Similarly, in areas like bathrooms, where smooth and continuous surfaces are essential for a modern design, large tiles serve this function perfectly. A shower with large tiles can appear more luxurious and spacious by eliminating the visual effect of multiple grout lines found in smaller tiles.

Less maintenance

Another important advantage of large tiles is that they require less maintenance than small ones. With fewer grout lines, there are fewer areas where dirt or moisture can accumulate, making the surface easier to clean and maintain overall. The grout lines between tiles tend to be one of the first areas to show signs of wear or dirt, so having fewer of them is definitely a benefit for those who want to keep their home spotless with minimal effort.

In areas like the kitchen or bathroom, where mold or grease buildup can be a problem, large tiles prove to be a practical option. Additionally, tile grout usually requires periodic maintenance to ensure it stays clean and in good condition, which is significantly reduced with the use of large-format tiles.

They create a modern and minimalist look

Using large tiles is also associated with a more modern and minimalist style, which is a very popular trend in current interior design. The simplicity and elegance that large tiles offer are perfect for projects seeking a sophisticated and distraction-free finish.

The look of large tiles is ideal for those who want a clean, orderly atmosphere, as they eliminate the visual interruptions of grout lines, generating a sense of purity in the design. This feature is perfect for spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, or work areas where a calm and serene atmosphere is desired.

Another aesthetic advantage of large tiles is that, when used on floors, they create a smooth transition between different spaces, which can be useful in open-concept designs. Their continuity helps integrate areas harmoniously, eliminating the sense of separation between rooms, making them ideal for those seeking complete fluidity in their home.

How to choose between both options

Choosing between large or small tiles is a decision that goes beyond aesthetic preferences. It involves considering factors such as the size of the space, functionality, the overall design of the project, the level of maintenance you're willing to undertake, and the feeling you want to convey in the room. This decision should be strategic to ensure that the space not only looks amazing but is also practical and suitable for daily use. Below, we analyze in detail the key aspects to consider when choosing between both options.

Space and maintenance resources

One of the first factors to consider when choosing between large or small tiles is the size of the space you are covering and the resources you have available for long-term maintenance.

-Large spaces: Large tiles to enhance the sense of continuity. If you are working in a large area, such as a living room, lounge, large kitchen, or even a spacious bathroom, large tiles tend to be the best choice. Their size helps reduce the number of visible grout lines, creating a continuous and uniform surface that conveys a sense of spaciousness. This is especially useful in rooms where a minimalist and uncluttered atmosphere is desired, as visual interruptions are kept to a minimum.

Large tiles also allow the space to look more cohesive, as they don’t divide the area into small segments. This effect is ideal if you're seeking a modern or minimalist aesthetic, where the focus is on simplicity and flow in the design. Additionally, in rooms with high ceilings or large windows, large tiles help make the space appear even more open and elegant.

-Small spaces: Small tiles to better fit dimensions. On the other hand, in small or narrow spaces, such as compact bathrooms, small kitchens, or areas with irregular shapes, small tiles can offer greater versatility. Since small tiles are easier to adjust and cut, they can better adapt to curves, corners, and narrow areas where large tiles would not cover efficiently without complex cuts.

Furthermore, small tiles can help break up monotony in small areas by allowing the creation of more detailed patterns or textures that add character to a compact space. Instead of making the space feel overloaded, patterns or mosaics with small tiles can create a visual focal point that enhances the room, making it more interesting without overwhelming it.

Design and continuity of the project

Beyond practical aspects, such as space size, it’s essential that tile choice aligns with the overall design of the project. The type of tile you choose can have a considerable impact on the room’s aesthetics and ambiance, and your decision should match the style and functionality you’re aiming for.

-Minimalist and modern style: Large tiles for a clean and elegant look. If the design project leans towards a modern, minimalist, or contemporary aesthetic, large tiles are a natural choice. This type of tile provides a sense of visual cleanliness that is hard to achieve with smaller tiles. By minimizing grout lines, large tiles create smooth, continuous surfaces that fit perfectly with these aesthetics, where the goal is to eliminate visual clutter and maximize the sense of space.

In design projects with straight lines and a focus on smooth materials like marble or polished cement, large tiles perfectly complement this style by offering an expansive surface that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the design. Additionally, this type of tile can help integrate different areas of the same space, such as between the living room and kitchen in an open-concept design, providing a sense of visual continuity that unifies the entire project.

-Detailed and textured design: small tiles for creating unique patterns and textures. On the other hand, if your design project aims for a more eclectic, traditional, or intricately detailed approach, small tiles are ideal. Small tiles allow for greater flexibility in decorative design. You can create mosaics, geometric, or artistic patterns that add a unique and personalized touch to any room.

This versatility makes them especially useful in spaces where you want to create a focal point or add texture to a wall or floor. For example, in a small bathroom, you might choose a small tile mosaic on one of the walls to add character to the space without overloading the rest of the decor. Small tiles are also perfect for creating customized designs around specific elements, such as a fireplace or a headboard, giving you the opportunity to play with shapes, colors, and patterns.

-Continuity between spaces: integrating different areas. How tiles are used to integrate different areas of a house or commercial space is another factor to consider. Large tiles are especially effective in creating continuity between different areas, particularly in open-concept spaces. If you want the transition between a kitchen and living room, or between a dining room and terrace, to be seamless and without abrupt visual breaks, large tiles are the right choice.

Conversely, if you prefer to define and visually differentiate various spaces within the same project, small tiles can be useful in creating specific zones with unique designs. For example, you could use small tiles with decorative patterns in a kitchen or bathroom while keeping large, neutral tiles in the common areas to create an interesting visual contrast that distinguishes the different spaces.

Ultimately, continuity between areas depends on the general style of your project and how you want to visually connect the different spaces. Large tiles can create a sense of cohesion, while small tiles can be a key resource to highlight and create intentional transitions.

Other important factors in choosing between small tiles or large tiles are

- The type of tile material. It is not only the size that is important when choosing between large or small tiles; the type of material they are made of will also influence your decision. Ceramic, white body or glass tiles have different characteristics in terms of durability, water resistance, maintenance and cost. Make sure you choose a material that is compatible with the size and intended use.

- Installation and cost. Another crucial aspect is the installation process. In general, larger tiles may require less installation time because they cover more area, but they may also require more experience to ensure that they are properly aligned and level. Small tiles may take longer to install because of the number of pieces required and the joints.

The cost can also vary depending on the type and size of tile, as well as the time required for installation. Generally, larger tiles may have a higher initial cost, but can be offset in terms of reduced maintenance costs in the long run.

Both large and small tiles have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice will depend on your particular needs and preferred design style. Small tiles offer design flexibility and attractive textures, while large tiles create a sense of spaciousness and require less maintenance. Evaluating your space, desired style and level of maintenance will help you make the right decision for your project.