The Ultimate Tile Size Guide

Craving a refresh without a major renovation? Explore the design potential and lasting value of tiles. Whether you're giving your bathroom a spa-worthy makeover or breathing new life into your kitchen splashback, tiles add a touch of texture, colour and personality that's hard to beat. But before you jump into that gorgeous box of hexagons, there's one crucial decision to make: size.

Don't worry, this isn't an exact science! To help you figure out which tile to go with,, we'll break down popular tile sizes available in Australia, plus some hot tips on choosing the perfect fit for your space.

Standard tile sizes in Australia

With so many tile sizes available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry — we’ll help you understand the common tile sizes and find the perfect fit for your home.

Floor tiles

• Small (up to 300x300mm): These tiles are perfect for creating intricate patterns or adding a pop of colour in smaller spaces like your bathroom or laundry. They do require more grout, so keep that in mind if you're after a more seamless look.
• Medium (300x600mm to 600x600mm): Consider this your average floor tile size. This is a seriously versatile size that works well in most areas, from bathrooms and kitchens to living rooms and hallways. They offer a good balance between detail and minimalism.
• Large (over 600x600mm): Large format tiles create a sleek, modern aesthetic with fewer grout lines. They're ideal for larger spaces like open-plan living areas or for creating a sense of grandeur in a bathroom.

Wall tiles

• Small (up to 150x300mm): Similar to their floor-dwelling counterparts, small wall tiles are great for adding a decorative touch or creating interesting mosaics. Think subway tiles, kit kats or fish scale tiles for a serious injection of personality.
• Medium (300x600mm to 600x600mm): This size reigns supreme on walls, offering a clean look without overwhelming the space. It's particularly popular in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Large (over 600x600mm): Take your walls to the next level with statement-making large format tiles. They're perfect for creating a dramatic focal point or making a small bathroom feel bigger.

Tile size considerations

Forget paint swatches, it's time to talk tiles! These design powerhouses can completely transform your space — but only if you know what you’re doing. We’ll unlock the secrets of tile size and help you create a space that's both functional and looks amazing.

The size of your space

When selecting tiles, consider how big your space is. Like shoes to an outfit, tile size can make or break your room. Mock up a design or order some samples to better visualise your options. 

Budget

Let's be honest, finances matter. Generally, smaller tiles are easier on the wallet — but remember to factor in grout and installation costs. Get a quote, or if you’re DIY-ing, throw some figures into a spreadsheet to find estimated costs.

Grout lines

The amount of grout lines you have also affects how much cleaning is involved. If you're not a huge fan of scrubbing grout — and who could blame you — consider medium or large tiles in wet areas for a more low-maintenance look.

Maintenance

Some finishes, like textured tiles, can be trickier to keep clean. Be honest, are you a obsessed with cleaning or do you ‘get around to it when you get around to it’? Choose a size that complements your lifestyle.

The look you're going for

Tiles have the power to set the mood in a room. Smaller tiles like intricate mosaics add a vintage feel, whereas larger tiles paint a picture of modern minimalism. Choose your own adventure!

Recommended tile sizes for different spaces in the home

Figuring out the best tile size for your space is all about reading the room. Here’s the lowdown on how to pick the right tile for each room in your home.

Bathroom

• Walls: In a bathroom, anything goes. Subway tiles offer a timeless foundation, while intricate mosaics inject personality. Large tiles create a sleek look, but smaller ones add a touch of whimsy. The beauty lies in the freedom!
• Floors: Medium to large tiles are the responsible pick for bathroom floors. They create a sleek, modern look and minimise grout lines, making cleaning easier. Opt for textured tiles for better slip resistance.

Kitchen

• Walls: Similar to bathrooms, small to medium tiles offer design flexibility and work well with backsplashes. Mosaic tiles can add a touch of luxury.
• Floors: Medium to large tiles are again a great pick for kitchen floors. They're durable, easy to clean, and create a sense of spaciousness. Consider textured tiles for better grip, especially in high-traffic areas.

Living/Dining Room

• Walls: We love a good backsplash. Here’s your chance to get creative — consider large squares for a modern look, embrace the timelessness of subway tiles, or opt for smaller kit kats for intricacy.
• Floors: This is where you can play with scale! Large format tiles create a sense of openness and are perfect for modern, minimalist spaces. Medium tiles offer a balance of practicality and style, working well with various aesthetics.

Outdoor

• Floors: Outdoor tiles need to satisfy both form and function. Large tiles create a seamless, contemporary feel for patios and entertaining areas. Medium tiles look great and are a manageable scale for walkways and smaller courtyards.

While these suggestions may be what someone might expect from a tile, remember that the choice is yours— do your thing and don’t be afraid to diverge from the norm!

How to match floor & wall tile sizes

There's no hard and fast rule when it comes to matching floor and wall tile sizes. It really depends on the overall look you're trying to achieve and the size of your space. Here are some things to consider:

Similar-sized tiles for continuity

For a sense of flow and spaciousness — especially in compact areas — using similar-sized tiles on both floors and walls can work well. This creates a cohesive vibe and allows the beauty of the tile to take centre stage. 

Pro tip: When opting for similar-sized tiles, consider playing with texture. Mixing matte and gloss tiles is a great way to add dimension to your space. To see this in action, check out this stunning urban farmhouse bathroom transformation by Three Birds Renovations

Large floors, smaller walls

This is where the art of balance comes in. When your heart is set on large tiles for the floor, a sense of proportion is key. You may opt for smaller-sized tiles on the walls to create a more grounded feel and prevent the space from appearing too uniform.

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to experiment with colour! Keep the size ratio in mind and consider using a darker colour on the floor for a grounding effect and a lighter colour on the walls to make the room feel more airy. 

Play with proportion

Break away from the expected with unexpected pairings. Imagine large, hexagonal floor tiles paired with small square tiles on the walls — did somebody say modern Mallorca? This play on scale can work wonders in any room, adding a layer of intrigue.

Pro tip: To truly nail this look, you’ll either need a great imagination or a one-on-one with an expert. Let our in-house design team bring your vision to life with a free design consultation.

Let the pattern guide you

If you've fallen head over heels for a captivating patterned tile, it's best to let it shine! Using a bold patterned tile on both the floor and walls can quickly become sensory overload.  Instead, choose one hero — floor or wall — and let the patterned tiles be the smallest and busiest tile in the room.

Pro tip: Intricately patterned tiles tend to ‘read’ larger than simpler ones. If you're set on a bold pattern, consider using it on a smaller surface like a backsplash or a portion of the wall.

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment with layouts and visualise the finished product. Tile stores often have display areas where you can see different combinations firsthand.

TileCloud tile sizes in mm

We don't just do tiles, we do tile options! TileCloud offers heaps of sizes to fit any project, big or small. Here are some standard tile sizes on our site:

Mosaic tile sizes

• 12X92mm 
• 19X19mm 
• 48X48mm
• 23X23mm 

Small

• 100X100mm 
• 100X300mm 
• 125X125mm 
• 150X150mm 
• 200X200mm 
• 50X200mm 
• 65X265mm 
• 75X150mm 
• 75X300mm 

Medium

• 300X300mm 
• 300X600mm 
• 450X450mm 
• 300X900mm 

Large

• 600X600mm 
• 600X1200mm 

Size us up for your next tile project

When it comes to tile size for your space, think of it like Goldilocks finding the perfect fit — neither too big nor too small, but just right. Take your time, consider the factors we've discussed and get ready to stretch your design legs. 

We’ve also got a tile gallery bursting with inspiration and designers on hand to help you realise your vision. Your dream home is just a few clicks away!

FAQs

Is it hard to install small tiles?

Yes, small tiles can be trickier to install than larger ones. There's more cutting involved, and achieving a perfect grout line takes more time and skill. If you're a DIY novice, it might be best to leave small tile installation to the professionals.

How does tile size affect grout colour choice?

Grout colour can definitely play a role with different tile sizes, but the impact depends on the look you're going for:

• Large tiles: For a sleek, minimalist vibe with large tiles, consider going with a grout that closely matches the tile colour. This creates a seamless look. Conversely, a contrasting grout colour can add definition and a bolder statement.
• Small tiles: With smaller tiles and increased grout lines, lighter grout tones can help open up the space and make it feel less busy. However, darker grout can create a vintage or patterned effect, especially with contrasting coloured tiles.

Ultimately, the choice is yours! Experiment with grout samples alongside your chosen tiles to see what speaks to your design vision.

I love small mosaic tiles, but are they a nightmare to clean?

Small mosaic tiles with intricate patterns can add a touch of luxury, but yes, they often require more maintenance due to the increased grout lines. If you have your heart set on a mosaic look, consider using it on a smaller area like a feature wall, and opting for larger, easier-to-clean tiles for high-use areas.

Does tile size impact installation costs?

Don't let tile size stress your budget! Smaller options offer design flexibility at a potentially lower cost per tile. Medium sizes are installation champs, keeping costs balanced. Large tiles? They create a luxurious look with less waste and faster installation times. Talk to your tiler to find the perfect size for both style and savings!

What sizes do floor tiles come in?

Any tile size can technically be a floor tile, but keep in mind factors like grout lines and durability for smaller tiles.