Small apartments call for thoughtful design choices, especially when it comes to floors and walls. The right tile can make a compact layout feel more spacious, more practical, and easier to maintain. Here’s a look at some of the best flooring and tile options for key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.
Large-Format Tiles to Open Up Living Rooms
Large-format tiles, such as 24x24, 24x48, and 48x48 sizes, are ideal for making living rooms appear larger. With fewer grout lines, these tiles create a smooth surface that draws the eye across the room without interruption.
Using the same tile for floors and a partial wall accent can also help maintain visual flow. Neutral shades, like soft grays or beiges, prevent the space from feeling cluttered and allow furniture and décor to stand out.
Practical Tile Choices for Compact Kitchens
In small kitchens, flooring needs to handle frequent cleaning while maximizing the sense of space. Porcelain or ceramic floor tiles in large formats reduce grout lines and simplify maintenance.
For walls, a combination of mosaics for the backsplash and simple rectangular tiles for larger areas keeps the design interesting without overwhelming the space. A monochromatic palette with light-colored tiles helps reflect light and opens up the room visually.
Smart Solutions for Bathrooms
Bathrooms benefit greatly from careful tile selection. 12x24 porcelain tiles on floors resist moisture and give a clean, modern appearance. On walls, vertical 24x24 tiles can make the ceiling seem higher, enhancing the sense of openness.
Adding a strip of mosaic tiles around the vanity or in a shower niche provides subtle detail while keeping the overall look simple.
Bedroom Floors That Feel Open and Connected
While bedrooms are often overlooked for tile, large-format porcelain or ceramic tiles offer an easy-to-clean surface and help unify flooring throughout the apartment. Pairing tile floors with a soft area rug creates comfort without breaking visual continuity.
If you want to bring in a touch of design, consider a partial wall feature behind the bed using tiles from the same collection as your floors.
Tips for Designing Small Spaces with Tile
- Lay large-format tiles parallel to the longest wall to make the room feel wider.
- Match floor and wall tiles across different areas to create a seamless flow.
- Keep grout lines minimal and choose a grout color close to the tile shade.
These small adjustments can make a big difference in how spacious your apartment feels.
Final Thoughts
With thoughtful choices, even a small apartment can feel open and inviting. Whether you’re updating the kitchen, bathroom, or extending flooring throughout your living room and bedroom, large-format tiles and simple designs offer a clean, cohesive look. Adding subtle accents like mosaics in select areas can complete the design without crowding the space.