Large Format Tile in Smaller Spaces

Image: Borgo Luce 24 x 48 Large-Format Porcelain Patio Tile from Arizona Tile

Misconceptions are rampant when it comes to design—sure, there are some “rules,” “suggestions,” and “assumptions” that make sense, like where to use dark colors vs. light colors; where to add texture or not; how to add depth to a space; the psychological effects different colors have, etc.—but then there’s the confusing assumption that small tile should be used in a small space and large format tile should be used in a large space. This may seem logical, but it isn’t necessarily the case. Let’s talk about how large tile works in small spaces!

What is Large Format Tile?

Large format tile can make a small area seem larger by providing a simpler, more streamlined effect. In fact, too much small, intricate tile can actually overwhelm a small space and make it look too busy. Large format tile is any tile with one length over 15” and can be used in spaces across commercial and residential settings, and on floors and walls. There is no specific design or material that has to fit into this category.

For example, take a look at the following picture of Anthea Dark in a large format 24” x 48” size. In this bathroom, the herringbone accent (Calacatta Umber marble) behind the vanity offers a valuable appearance of depth and detail with its neutral color and stunning display, but too much of this could overwhelm the space. Sitting adjacent to it is large format tile that adds a level of expansiveness with its diminished grout lines and streamlined nature. While its dark, along with the floor and countertop (Black Mist Honed granite), the Anthea Dark porcelain wall tile allows the herringbone detail to pop as the feature wall without making the space feel dark and closed-in.

Image: Anthea Dark 24 x 48 Large-Format Bathroom Wall Tile, Black Mist Honed Granite Countertop, & Calacatta Umber Honed Herringbone 1 x 4 Mesh Bathroom Tile Backsplash from Arizona Tile

Why Large Format Tile?

Appearance is a huge factor in your tile selection, but maintenance is another. As mentioned above, the fewer grout lines provide a streamlined look, but when it comes to maintenance, the larger the tile, the fewer the grout lines; and, fewer grout lines mean fewer nooks and crannies to collect dirt and grime. Otherwise, the general maintenance of large format tile is delightful—because there is not much of it! The tile itself requires minimal maintenance—except natural stone needing to be sealed on a routine schedule, though not too often. Even so, simple wiping and the occasional use of a mild soap or pH-balanced cleaner is all that is needed.

Image: Unica Desert 24 x 48 Large-Format Porcelain Patio Tile from Arizona Tile

Ok, so cleaning is easier, and who doesn’t want that? But, also, installation of large format tile in small spaces can be more cost-effective. The larger the tile is, the less there is to lay, thus creating less labor for installation. With smaller tile, even mesh mount, it takes much more time to lay as there are more grout lines present. One thing to discuss with your installer ahead of time, is the condition of the surface on which it will be installed. It may seem obvious, but a more level surface means less prep work for installing large format tile. Large format can still be installed on a surface that isn’t perfectly level, it just means the installer will have a little more work to do, to prep the surface.

Also, where the tile will be installed is another topic to discuss with your installer. Inside a shower, for instance, smaller tile is often used on the shower floor to allow for the slight grading that is needed for water to drain properly. Without that grading, water would sit and pool. Small tile can be easily manipulated to adjust to the various leveling fluctuations. However, large format tile can also be used, when cut appropriately to make sure the grading is as needed for proper draining. Bianco Carrara Marble tile can make anything look beautiful, but as you can see in the next photo, the shower walls and bathroom floor are 24” x 48” tile, while the shower floor is 2” x 2” hex tile. This allows the homeowner to keep a consistent look in their shower and incorporate both large format tile as well as a coordinating, smaller, mesh mount version of that same marble.

Image: Bianco Carrara Honed Marble 24 x 48 Large-Format Bathroom Shower Wall Tile and 2 x 2 Hex Mesh Floor Tile from Arizona Tile

Maintenance and cost are important factors to consider, but there are even more benefits of large format tile. Many large format tile selections have the option of our R11 Anti-Slip Finish, which creates a gripping on the tile surface without altering its appearance. This can be ideal for entryways, patios, and around a pool. Safety is important to everyone, so if there’s a way to add stunning tile like Borgo to your design and have it help reduce the possibility of slipping… it’s a win-win. The Borgo porcelain series is an excellent option for your outside gathering areas because it not only has the look of natural stone, but it’s offered in four beautiful, neutral colors and is available in the R11 Anti-Slip Finish.

Image: Reside Beige USA 24 x 48 Large-Format Porcelain Bathroom Shower Wall Tile, Reside Beige USA 1 x 12 Straight Stack Mesh Floor Tile, Calacatta Umber Marble Shower Bench from Arizona Tile

A few other great options to consider are Reside USA—a porcelain tile inspired by rich textures of commercial textiles, offering a clean, simplistic, and modern appearance; which pairs well with Smooth porcelain wall tile. Pietra Italia—a porcelain tile that emulates limestone and pairs well with granite, like Breckenridge, to maintain a cohesive natural stone appearance; and Unica, a porcelain that was created through inspiration from sedimentary stones, like limestone, while displaying veining of traditional marble.

Image: Pietra Italia Black 24 x 48 Large-Format Porcelain Floor Tile, Smooth White Glossy 8 x 24 Ceramic Wall Tile, & Breckenridge Granite Countertop from Arizona Tile

Best Places for Large Format Tile

The answer here is anywhere and everywhere. A small space will look expansive, and a large space will look sleek and well-maintained. To help you feel more inspired, take a few minutes to read the following blogs: Small Entryway Tile Ideas, Entryway Floor Tile Ideas, Kitchen Pantry Tile Design Ideas, and Tile Design Ideas For a Small Kitchen.

Image: Anthea Dark 24 x 48 & Anthea Earth 24 x 48 Large-Format Porcelain Bathroom Shower Tile from Arizona Tile

Arizona Tile will provide you with the best products to make your dream design a reality! While you’re searching for the perfect tile and stone for your project, stop into an Arizona Tile store or slab yard to see our amazing products in person—our helpful and knowledgeable staff will be there to help! Also, check out our Just Imagine Tile Visualizer to gain a better visual of your design plans. If you have questions along the way, please send us a message!