With the average size of the bathroom ranging between 36 to 40 square feet, it goes without saying that this is the section of your home that will take up the least amount of space. Some homes can extend the bathroom size to 146 square feet due to the interior combining bathroom, powder room, and shower-only rooms.
However, 36 to 40 square feet is the norm. Due to the minimal floor space, the type of bathroom flooring is a crucial element that can spruce up the bathroom’s aesthetics. So, what is the best flooring for a small bathroom?
The best flooring for small bathrooms must first be 100% waterproof and has an anti-slip surface. With those factors in mind, we recommend using natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, or rubber flooring when it comes to your bathroom. As for design, unconventional tile shapes are a perfect choice for bathrooms with limited floor space.
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Different Tiles Ideal for Small Bathrooms
When choosing the tiles for your bathroom, the critical feature should be its waterproof and anti-slip qualities. The tile materials that are listed below come with these aspects while also offering excellent aesthetic qualities.
Ceramic Tile
It is pretty much the most commonly used tile for bathrooms; ceramic comes in a wide variety of shapes and colors, making it an excellent choice for small rooms. There are also ceramic tiles that feature a similar appearance to high-end marble at a fraction of the price. Additionally, ceramic does not degrade due to wear and tear and is incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
Porcelain Tile
An excellent alternative to ceramic is porcelain, with its superb variety and waterproof construction. Similar to ceramic, porcelain tiles are easy to clean and maintain. In terms of aesthetics, porcelain can emulate the appearance and texture of wood, marble, and other natural stones.
Natural Stone
Chosen for its durability and low-maintenance nature, natural stone adds a significant layer of class to your bathroom floor, whether it is in the powder room or a full bath. Having natural stone flooring on your bathroom can also increase the overall market value of your home. Another great reason to install natural stone is that it can deliver the appearance of a vast space, making a small bathroom look bigger.
Laminated Tile
If budget is a factor, you might want to check out the laminated tile. This type of flooring is affordable and is also relatively easy to clean. In terms of aesthetics, laminated tiles can somewhat copy the appearance of marble and wood. Despite being one of the cheaper flooring options, laminated tile provides excellent longevity with an average of 10 years.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Another cost-effective small bathroom flooring option is the luxury vinyl tile. Despite being one of the cheaper flooring options, luxury vinyl is a sturdy, waterproof, scratch, and stain-resistant material. In addition, when it comes to the design of luxury vinyl, you can find that it copies the appearance of ceramic, natural stone, and even wood amazingly well.
Cork Tile
Cork tiles come in hexagonal shapes and are made from the bark of oak trees, and are another excellent choice for small bathrooms. This eco-friendly option delivers an ‘Earthly’ and relaxing vibe to your bathroom. Other than the unique aesthetics that it brings to the table, cork tiles are also hypoallergenic and come with a mold and mildew-resistant coating.
Tips with Small Bathroom Flooring Ideas
Now that you have an idea of the best floorings to use in a small bathroom, we further expand on this topic with some nifty ideas that you can implement to give your bathroom a larger appearance.
Use Similar Aesthetics for the Floor and Wall
A relatively simple way to maximize your bathroom flooring’s design is by utilizing a similar color shade or design for the wall. By using similar patterns and colors, you can give the bathroom a seamless appearance that makes it look more spacious than what it is.
Use Unconventional Shapes for Your Bathroom Flooring
A little bit of optical illusion can go a long way in making your bathroom look larger. Using geometrical tiles can warp the perception of space in a room. Keep this in mind, especially if you have narrow floor space in your bathroom, as geometrically shaped tiles work best in this situation.
Take Advantage of Monochrome Tiles
Monochrome style tiles add that art deco vibe that adds character and style to your bathroom and creates the perception of having a broader or longer floor. Combine this with unconventional shapes such as diagonal stripes to double the appearance of the floor space.
Implement a Grid Pattern Design on the Bathroom Flooring
There is a reason why we included the cork tile in the list, as smaller tiles work best in small rooms. Even better than small tiles are the hexagonally-shaped versions, as it is pretty versatile in occupying space. Hexagon tiles also add a modern charm to the interior. Additionally, you can apply hexagon tiles for both the floor and wall of your bathroom.
Perfectly Balanced, as it Should Be
If you have an all-white bathroom, which is the most common design, you might want to add a splash of visual flairs to both the floor and wall. Although try not to go too wild with patterns, instead, go with a matching splashback to accentuate the areas you want.
Go for a Seamless Design
Expanding on the previous idea, incorporating a streamlined or seamless design in a small room is essential for a more spacious appearance. To accomplish this, you must have a connecting thread regarding the design, color, and fixtures installed in the bathroom. For a modern look, utilize the same theme for the floor, wall color, and bathroom fixtures. What this does is create a smooth visual transition from each section of the bathroom.
Recommended Flooring for Small Bathrooms
The three main features that must be first on your checklist in regards to bathroom flooring are:
- Waterproof
- Ant-slip
- Heat-resistant
These three factors are crucial for the flooring due to the bathroom’s high humidity and varying temperatures.
As for the tiles, this is subjective as our recommended tiles for the bathroom above are all suitable and excellent options. It is all about your preference in interior décor that will decide what type of tile to use.
If you are still on the fence, check out these alternatives to bathroom tiles.