The trick to making a small space appear bigger is all about tricking the eye. Using bold, large-scale patterns is one way of making a room feel more spacious than it actually is. Another option is using larger-sized tiles in the shower. These mean fewer grout lines, which can give a shower wall a more seamless and, therefore, more airy appearance. Large format tiles like 12- by 12-inch square shapes or 12- by 24-inch rectangular ones are great options for an eye-catching feature in the bathroom. Plus, when they feature bold colors and graphic patterns, they can bring a stylish character to the space.
The layout of the tile can also make a difference in the perceived size of the room. Use horizontal and vertical lines to your advantage. Instead of an offset pattern, opt for a stacked layout so the edges of the tiles line up. This can create unbroken lines that can draw the eyes up or out and enlarge the look of the room. Vertically stacked tiles can make the ceiling appear taller, while horizontally placed tiles can widen the shower stall.
Selecting a grout that is a similar color to the tile can also be a way of blurring the tiles’ edges. For example, using a white tile with white grout rather than gray or black grout will make it appear as if one tile is leading into the next. This can make the tiles appear like one solid piece, which can also help make a shower feel larger.