Large vs. Small Kitchen Tiles: Which is Best for Your Space?

Choosing a tile size for your kitchen that aligns perfectly with your space’s requirements and artistic taste can turn out to be a hectic job. Keeping aside the plethora of design options to choose from, one initial and major choice has to be made between small or large kitchen tiles. In this blog, we’ll go in extensive detail regarding the process of tiling your kitchen based on your kitchen size and personal requirements.

Basics of Tiling a Kitchen

The kitchen is a space that experiences the highest foot traffic and becomes the dirtiest room in any household. You need to be very careful with your kitchen tiles choice and installation. Keep the following things in mind while tiling your kitchen:

1. You must choose tiles that are highly durable and water-resistant.
2. Measure your kitchen walls and floors beforehand so you don't end up buying extra tiles.
3. Smooth any uneven surfaces with sandpaper so the tiles can be installed seamlessly.
4. Fix any holes or cracks using a filler compound.
5. Make sure your tile size fits the physical requirements of the kitchen.

To understand point 5, let's explore tile size in depth. We’ll examine whether small kitchens pair best with small tiles and large kitchens with large tiles—or if the opposite holds true.

What is the right tile size for your kitchen?

Clayton M. Christensen perhaps didn’t know he was answering a tile size question when he said, “There is no single right answer or path forward, but there is one right way to frame the problem.” What it can mean in our case is that a tile is the right way to frame our kitchen, but a single tile size cannot be the universal right tile for every kitchen.

Different kitchen tile sizes fulfill each kitchen's unique physical requirements. For example, a small kitchen needs a large tile in order to make the room look bigger and more spacious. On the other hand, a large kitchen needs a small tile size to make the room feel cosy and compact. Kitchen floor tile size and kitchen wall tile size also have different sets of requirements and implications, which we’ll understand further in the blog.

Small Kitchen Tiles

Small tiles are tiles that are less than 300x300 mm in size. These have a major use case in every room of the house due to their specific features and qualities. Small tiles for the kitchen wall can be incorporated to create aesthetically pleasing backsplashes. They are generally used for kitchens in large sizes as they foster a cosy and vibrant atmosphere in order to not make the big space feel boring or bland. Their design patterns also offer a traditional look for your kitchen.

Some of the features of small kitchen tiles are:

1. Intricate Designs: These tiles generally come with huge, very detailed, and striking designs that infuse character into your kitchen. 
2. Flexibility: Since they are small in size, they can be easily carved or cut to make switches and plugs. Their small size also comes in handy when dealing with uneven surfaces.
3. Mix and Matching: Due to their small size, it becomes easier to fuse together two or more design patterns, enabling you to create a unique look showcasing your artistic and creative prowess.
4. Easy Installation: They can be handled quite easily due to their low weight and size, making them perfect for DIY projects.
5. Variety: Small kitchen tiles come with a wide range of designs and patterns, along with a plethora of tile sizes for kitchen walls and floors, giving a lot of options for homeowners to choose from.

Recommended Small Tiles for Kitchen

1. Ceramic Black and White Moroccan Tile (300x300 mm, Matte) These Moroccan tiles with a matte surface add subtle charm and texture that is both timeless and flexible. 
2. Mosaic Metal Tile (300x300 mm): The metallic mosaic adds a sparkling texture to the backsplash, giving it an exquisite appearance. Its reflective surface draws attention to your kitchen and creates depth. These can be used perfectly as small kitchen floor tiles.
3. Ceramic Hexagon Wall Tile (255x295 mm): Walls with matte-finish hexagon tiles create a stunning geometric design. They can be used in any room, including both modern and traditional kitchen styles.
4. Ceramic Subway Wall Tile (100x200 mm Glossy): Glossy subway tiles are a kitchen design mainstay that may create a clean, polished look for your backsplash. They are a timeless classic due to their ease of upkeep and ability to suit any kitchen decor.

Large Kitchen Tiles

With the advent of technology , we’re seeing an increase in the kitchen wall tile sizes that enables homeowners to have a modern and utterly nuanced look. Large tiles can be defined as tiles with sizes over 600x1200 mm. People are rapidly opting for big tiles in kitchens because of their unique features and sophisticated nature. Due to their large size, these tiles tend to make the kitchen look more spacious, which bodes perfectly for small and compact kitchens.

Some of the features of large kitchen tiles are:

1. Fewer Grout Lines: Large tiles have very few grout lines, which makes their design more appealing and adds finesse to their look.
2. Easy to clean: Due to their large size and fewer grout lines, they are simple to clean and maintain. This makes them perfect to use, as kitchen tiles generally face a lot of stains and splashes. 
3. Seamless look: Their big slab creates a continuous and seamless look, giving your kitchen a modern and contemporary look.
4. Hygienic: As stated, they have fewer grout lines, which prevents dirt from clogging up in those tiny spaces. This further enhances the cleanliness of your kitchen, which is extremely critical for that space.
5. Size: Large tiles also come in various sizes for kitchen walls and kitchen floors, such as 600x1200 mm, 300x600 mm, 800x2400 mm or 800x3000 mm, etc.

Recommended Large Tiles for Kitchen

1. Imported Highlighter Wall Tile (300x600 mm, glossy): This imported highlighter wall tile (300x600 mm, glossy) is a popular choice for creating a striking style statement as a backsplash in any kitchen. The tile's glossy surface adds depth and refinement.
2. Ceramic Geometric Wall Tile (300x600 mm, glossy): This tile is known for its eye-catching geometric shape, which adds a modern touch to kitchen walls. Its shiny surface requires little upkeep, making it both beautiful and functional.
3. Ceramic Wall Tile (300x600 mm, glossy): This best-selling tile combines elegance and simplicity, creating a polished look that compliments a wide range of kitchen styles. Its glossy texture reflects light, creating a sense of openness in the area.
4. Octagon Rustic Matt Tile (500x500 mm): This octagonal tile has a rustic matte texture that adds a refined look to the environment. It is perfect for kitchen flooring because of its durability and characteristic textured appearance, which adds an earthy sense to the space.
5. White Vitrified Terrazzo Slab Tile Code 17674 (600x1200mm, Matt): This collection of double-fired vitrified tiles is crafted with extreme precision to invoke your artistic taste. Measuring 2x4 feet, each terrazzo tile sports faux polygonal prints to mimic the look of reused stone chips. 
6. Vitrified Slab Tile Code 21168 (600x1200mm, Matt): Bring home the old Victorian design, blending art and culture seamlessly in this 2x4 feet vitrified wall and floor tile. The cloud-like textures and nuanced color makes its an epitome of sophistication.

Small Vs Large Kitchen Tiles: A Quick Comparison

Let's draw out a table listing the differences between small and large kitchen tiles based on important parameters. This will help you understand the subtle and refined differences and implications of the two categories.

How do you decide between small and large kitchen tiles?

You need to be careful while making a choice between small and large kitchen tiles. You must strike a balance between kitchen physical size and your own design preferences. You must do extensive research and take advice from professionals before landing on a choice. Keep the following things in mind while choosing a kitchen tile:

1. Take careful note of your kitchen size, and based on that, choose a kitchen tile that compliments the overall space.
2. If a lot of dust comes into your house through the windows, then choose large tiles since they have less grout, preventing the dust from settling in.
3. If you specifically want a unique and different kitchen, opt for small tiles, as they open doors for endless possibilities of mixing and matching.
4. Measure your walls and floor accurately before buying tiles in order to avoid wastage.

Tiles Suggestions for Kitchen

A wide range of tile choices are available when it comes to kitchen floors and walls. Every tile material has its own quality and features. Let’s talk about some of them:

1. Ceramic tiles: Ceramic tiles are durable, simple to clean, and come in a variety of styles, making them a versatile choice for kitchen backsplashes and flooring. They are softer than porcelain tiles, which makes it easier to cut and install them however you want.
2. Vitrified Tiles: Vitrified tiles are tough and are highly durable and moisture-resistant, enabling them to withstand heavy foot traffic. Their non-porous surface also resists stains and bacteria, which is ideal for maintaining a hygienic cooking environment.
3. Stone Tiles: Stone tiles, like granite or slate, offer a natural, elegant look and excellent durability for kitchen surfaces. They are resistant to heat and scratches, making them perfect for high-use areas such as countertops and floors.
4. Glass Tiles: With their ability to reflect light, glass tiles transform the kitchen into a space that is both bright and airy. They are a great, stylish alternative because of how long they last, how well they clean, and how resistant they are to stains. Beautiful kitchen tile sets often include glass tiles, which add a touch of refinement to any room.
5. Terracotta Tiles: When decorating a kitchen, terracotta tiles are the way to go for a more classic and inviting look. They have a unique earthy hue and are crafted from real clay. They may not be as long-lasting as pottery, but they certainly liven up a classic kitchen.
6. Moroccan Tile: Moroccan tiles are known for their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, making them an artistic choice for kitchen walls or backsplashes. They infuse personality and charm into the kitchen, creating a lively, eclectic atmosphere. While they require careful installation, the aesthetic payoff is unmatched, transforming the space into a cultural and visual delight.
7. Subway Tile: Subway tiles are a timeless option, perfect for achieving a clean and contemporary kitchen design. Their simple rectangular shape offers versatility, allowing for creative layouts such as herringbone or vertical stacks. Subway tiles are simple to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy kitchens.
8. Glass Highlighter: Glass highlighter tiles add a touch of glamour to the kitchen by introducing reflective surfaces and vibrant colors. Often used as accent pieces, they pair well with neutral tiles, drawing attention to specific areas like backsplashes or borders. Their glossy finish enhances light, making the space feel larger and more sophisticated.

For further understanding of choosing ideal kitchen tiles for home, read this blog from MyTyles.

Let’s Sum it up

Choosing the perfect tile size for your kitchen is crucial for achieving the right balance and functionality on both walls and floors. Whether you opt for small or large tiles depends on various factors, such as the size of your kitchen, your aesthetic preferences, and your maintenance needs. Small tiles offer flexibility and intricate design possibilities, ideal for creating personalised, vibrant backsplashes or enhancing the cosiness of a large kitchen. On the other hand, large tiles are perfect for smaller kitchens, making them feel more expansive while offering ease of cleaning and a modern, seamless look.

At MyTyles, we offer a wide range of large and small kitchen tiles, helping you create an aesthetically pleasing and vibrant kitchen space that suits your style. Explore our catalogue and reach out to us for expert guidance on selecting the best fit for your kitchen. We wish you success and satisfaction in your tiling journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What tile size is best for a small kitchen?

Ans. 300x600 mm tile and 600x1200 mm tiles are perfect for a small kitchen.

Q. What tile size is best for a large kitchen?

Ans. 300x300 mm, 100x300 mm, and 200x200 mm tile sizes are perfect for a large kitchen.

Q. Does tile size affect the perception of space in a kitchen?

Ans. Yes. Small tiles make a kitchen look cosier, while large tiles make the kitchen bigger.

Q. Can large tiles make a small kitchen look bigger?

Ans. Yes. Due to their seamless, continuous look and fewer grout lines, they make a kitchen look spacious and big.

Q. How do I choose tile size for an open-concept kitchen?

Ans. Choose larger tiles to create a seamless, cohesive look that visually connects the space, making it feel more expansive and unified.

Q. Why is it better to use large or small tiles in a large kitchen?

Ans. It’s better to use small tiles in a large kitchen because intricate design patterns and large numbers make the space look cosier.

Q. What is the standard tile size for kitchens?

Ans. 300x300 mm for a large kitchen and 300x600 mm for a small kitchen.

Q. Are there specific tile sizes that work better for narrow kitchens?

Ans. In narrow kitchens, rectangular tiles (like subway or plank styles) laid in a horizontal pattern can help visually widen the space and create a more open, flowing look.

Q. Should backsplash tiles match floor tiles in terms of size?

Ans. No. It completely depends on the homeowner and the theme they are going with. Generally, they try to match the backsplash tile with the cabinet and countertop’s color.

Q. What are the pros and cons of large vs. small tiles in kitchen design?

Ans. Small tiles bode well for uneven services but are challenging to maintain. Large tiles provide a seamless look but are harder to replace.

Q. Does grout color impact the look of tile size in small kitchens?

Ans. Yes. Lighter grout can make tiles appear larger and the space feel more open, while darker grout can highlight individual tiles and create a more defined look.