Tile Size Matters: How to Pick the Right Format for Every Room

When it comes to choosing tiles, it’s easy to focus on colour, finish, or pattern. But did you know the tile size can be the thing to make or break a room? The same tile in a large format (like 600 x 600 tiles) will give a space a sleek, modern feel, while the smaller version (like 200 x 200 tiles or 100 x 100 tiles) might add texture and visual interest. And it’s not just about aesthetics. Tile size affects how a room feels, how much grout you’ll see, and even how easy it is to clean.

In Australia, we’re seeing more homeowners experiment with everything from classic subway tiles to bold large-format tiles, thanks to a growing range of sizes available across floor tiles and wall tiles. But what works in a bathroom might not work in a kitchen splashback, and what flatters a small powder room could overwhelm a spacious living area. So how do you know what’s right? Let’s break it down by space.

Small kit kat style tiles in the bathroom? Always a winning combo!

Small Bathrooms: Make the Most of Every Inch

Small bathrooms are where tile size really counts. Larger tiles can reduce grout lines and make walls or floors feel less busy, giving an illusion of space. But go too large, and they might feel out of scale with the room. A 300 x 600mm tile tends to strike a happy balance here: big enough for fewer grout lines, small enough to avoid overwhelming tight spaces.

Pair them with a matching wall tile to create a seamless look, or, for more depth, contrast a light wall tile with a darker floor tile like a black tile or grey tile. If you’re worried about slippage, make sure to check the slip rating for bathroom floors, especially in wet areas. If you love texture, a decorative tile feature or a herringbone tile wall adds personality without crowding the space. 

A herringbone tile like this Callisto Norwegian Pink tile is the perfect way to add visual intrigue to any room.

Kitchens: Balancing Splashbacks and Flooring

In kitchens, tile size needs to work with multiple surfaces: the splashback, floor, and even benchtops. For splashbacks, smaller tiles like 100 x 100mm or 75 x 200mm are popular for their intricate patterns and playful layouts. Think classic white tiles, glossy coloured squares, or even kit kat tiles for a slimline, modern twist.

Glossy white tiles in kitchens are a classic for a reason!

But if you’ve chosen a bold tile for the splashback, you might want to dial things down with the floor. A large-format floor tile in a neutral tone lets the wall be the hero while keeping cleaning practical: fewer grout lines mean less maintenance in high-traffic zones.

If you’re coordinating with other kitchen finishes, Buildmat’s range of kitchen sinks and kitchen mixer taps make it easy to match metallics or colours to your tile choice for a cohesive, styled space.

Living Areas: Go Big for Impact

Open-plan living spaces love a large-format tile. Sizes like 600 x 600 tiles or even bigger create seamless flow across wide areas, minimising grout lines and helping the floor feel expansive. In homes with sliding glass doors or outdoor access, continuing the same tile outside can blur the line between indoor and outdoor, making spaces feel larger.

Just keep in mind that large tiles need a level subfloor to avoid lippage, something your tiler will need to factor in. And if you’re tiling both floor and wall in an open-plan space, consider mixing up formats: a large tile on the floor paired with a feature tile or decorative tile on a fireplace or entry wall adds interest without clashing.

For more ideas on mixing wall and floor tiles, check out our blog on how to match wall and floor tiles in any room.

Outdoor Areas: Durability Meets Design

Outdoor spaces call for a different approach. You’ll want a tile that not only looks good but can withstand Australian weather. Here, large-format porcelain tiles with a matte or textured finish are a solid pick. They’re durable, slip-resistant, and less likely to stain than natural stone. Plus, large tiles mean fewer grout joints to clean between fallen leaves and dirt.

Key Things to Keep in Mind

Choosing tile size isn’t just about aesthetics. Bigger tiles often need fewer grout lines, which can visually expand a room and reduce maintenance. But smaller tiles let you create patterns like herringbone, hexagon, or penny round, adding texture and personality.

There’s no single ‘best’ tile size for every space, but considering the room’s scale, how it’s used, and the vibe you want to create will steer you in the right direction. And remember, if you love a style that isn’t in the size you imagined, sometimes the finish or pattern can compensate for format.

At the end of the day it’s YOUR space, so feel free to get creative!

Trust Your Space (And Samples)

When in doubt, ordering tile samples is the best way to visualise how different sizes will work in your home. Place them against your cabinetry, paint colours, and other finishes to see how they feel under natural and artificial light.

And if you’re still weighing up different formats or styles, take a look at our guide on which tile style matches your space for more tailored advice.

Explore Buildmat’s Premium Tile Collection

Whether you’re tiling a compact ensuite, a busy kitchen, or a sprawling open-plan living area, the right tile size can elevate your space from functional to fabulous. And with Buildmat’s carefully curated collections of floor tiles, wall tiles, decorative tiles, and more, finding your perfect match has never been easier. Explore the full tiles collection.