Why Tile Size Matters: The Hidden Impact on Design, Cost and Space
- Marieke Rijksen
- Aug 10
- 4 min read
Tile size is often treated as an afterthought — just another box to tick once you’ve chosen a colour or pattern. But the dimensions of your tiles deserve far more attention.
From visual impact to budget, laying patterns to maintenance, tile size has a ripple effect across nearly every aspect of your project.
I’ve seen firsthand how the right (or wrong) tile format can change a space dramatically. It’s not only about personal taste; it’s about how your rooms work, feel, and even how much they cost to finish.
Let's explore why tile size is important and how to make choices that balance style and practicality.
Understanding Tile Sizes
Tiles come in all shapes and sizes, but generally break down into a few categories:
Small format: 10x10 cm (4x4 inches), 15x15 cm (6x6 inches), metro tiles, mosaics
Medium format: around 30x30 cm to 60x60 cm (12x12 to 24x24 inches)
Large format: 80x80 cm to 120x120 cm (32x32 to 48x48 inches)
Slabs/XL tiles: up to 3 metres (9.8 feet) or longer
Small tiles bring rhythm and texture to a space, while larger formats offer a sleek, modern and more expansive look. There is no universal “best” — but there are clear differences worth understanding.
The Visual Impact of Tile Size
Tile size affects how you perceive a room. Large tiles, especially in pale or stone-effect finishes, create fewer grout lines and a more seamless surface. That can make a smaller room feel bigger and calmer.
Smaller tiles, on the other hand, naturally break up a surface. That pattern and texture can feel intimate, warm and full of character, particularly in older or traditional homes. Think of a small-format herringbone floor in a 19th-century hallway — timeless and inviting.
Oversized tiles in a very tight bathroom can sometimes look overwhelming or simply impractical to install. Likewise, tiny mosaics across a vast open-plan floor might feel far too busy. Balance really is key.
Patterns and Laying Considerations
Tile size directly influences the patterns you can use. Small tiles open the door to classic layouts like herringbone, basketweave or checkerboard. These patterns can bring energy, movement and a handcrafted feel to a room.
Larger tiles tend to be laid in simpler grid or stacked patterns, partly because of their weight and handling. This simpler look makes them a favourite for modern and minimalist interiors.
And then there are the grout lines. Bigger tiles mean fewer joints, which can be easier to clean and more restful to look at.
Small tiles naturally bring more grout lines to maintain — something worth remembering if you dread scrubbing with a toothbrush.
Practical Challenges and Opportunities
Each tile size comes with practical trade-offs. Smaller tiles are easier to carry, cut and replace, and can be more forgiving if your walls or floors aren’t perfectly level.
Larger tiles, however, require a flawless subfloor or wall surface to avoid lippage (uneven edges). They’re heavier, harder to move, and often need specialist equipment or an extra pair of strong hands — which brings me to a lesson I learned the hard way.
When I chose 2.4 metre (about 8 foot) high tiles for my own primary bedroom, my tiler was not amused. They needed special lifting gear to manoeuvre them upstairs, one slight crack would have meant replacing an entire enormous panel, and it was certainly no fun getting them through tight Haarlem staircases.
But I have to say, the end result is absolutely worth it. Sometimes you need to push through the headaches to get the look you want.
Oversized tiles can also result in more cutting waste, especially in rooms with awkward corners. That waste is not only environmentally frustrating but can hit your budget hard if you underestimate the overage.
Cost Considerations
It’s easy to assume bigger tiles automatically cost more. Sometimes they do — but installation is where the bigger difference often appears.
Smaller tiles: cheaper per tile, but more labour to lay, grout and level
Larger tiles: pricier per tile, but faster to cover large areas — though only if you have a perfect surface and skilled installers
Always get a clear estimate including prep work, materials and labour, because tile size can tip the budget in surprising directions.
Trends and Personal Style
Right now, large-format tiles and slab sizes are very much in vogue, especially for calm, minimalist looks. They create uninterrupted surfaces that mimic poured concrete or natural stone.
At the same time, smaller formats like metro tiles, mosaics and encaustic patterns are still going strong, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways where detail and pattern are welcome.
In my own house, I’ve mixed both: larger tiles where I wanted a seamless, calm atmosphere, and smaller, more intricate formats in rooms that needed a bit of character.
It’s a reminder you don’t have to commit to one tile size throughout — each space deserves its own solution.
How to Choose Tile Sizes for Your Home
A few practical tips before you decide:
Measure properly — a small cloakroom rarely suits a 120x120 cm (48x48 inch) slab
Think about ceiling height — large tiles can make a low ceiling feel even lower
Respect the style of your home — older buildings suit traditional smaller formats beautifully
Plan for future repairs — smaller tiles are easier to match and replace
Lay out samples — always view tiles in your own space, not just in the showroom
Conclusion
Tile size goes far beyond personal preference. It affects how your room feels, how it functions, what it costs, and how easy it is to live with day to day.
The right size can make your home look larger, calmer and more cohesive — or bring pattern and character where you want it most.
Next time you’re choosing tiles, don’t just focus on the colour and finish. Think about scale, handling, and practical challenges, because size — in tiling as in most things — really does matter.
