Are dark tiles OK in a smallish bathroom?

[Kathysclown]

We are having our en suite bathroom renovated next week, and as it is happening a little quicker than I anticipated (a lucky gap in the fitter's diary), I am having to make a pretty quick decision on tiles (i.e. I need to order them tomorrow).

The bathroom is average size for an en suite, and will have a rectangular shower along the far wall, toilet and recessed basin along the left hand side, and just a towel rail on the right. The plan is for the shower surround and the left hand wall (which also includes the window) to be tiled, but the right hand wall to be painted.

We already have the flooring (left over from having the main bathroom done) and it will be wood effect vinyl tiles in a limed grey, made to look like planks of timber.

The designer has produced images of the design that show this flooring combined with dark grey wall tiles. We do like this look, but it is very bold (for us) and I am worried that the darkness may make the room feel smaller than it is? We are generally useless with design, so wondered if anyone here could give opinions/experience on using dark wall tiles in a fairy small space, and whether it works OK, or makes the room feel smaller??

Thanks for any input!

I just think grey has been trendy for a long time and is already starting to date. Your floor sounds great. Dark grey is also so gloomy. What about a natural stone colour, or a very light cream stone? Dark grey will definitely make the room feel smaller and the shower like a cavern.

I think a light color that looks natural in color and neutral will be better but I like light and bright especially in bathrooms!

Thanks Moveablefeast - I think is what we are worried about.

I would search bathroom images on Pinterest to help you find the look you personally like.

Make sure you have your own concept of the look you like otherwise you could be building your designers dream bathroom but it won't make you happy.

We have Brazilian slate floor and feature tiles with large format white tiles to the majority in our North facing bathroom. Some plants soften the look. We spotted it in a bathroom showroom and loved the look. Have a look on pinterest and maybe visit some tile showrooms.

I'm all over pinterest this evening :-) I am going back to the showroom int he morning, but hoping to have a firmer idea of what I like by then

I’d always have neutral tiles, then you can change the paint colour whenever you wish.

I love white metro tiles with dark grout- and change the painted walls eve I fancy.

It’s important to get it right as tiles are pretty expensive and tricky to change.

Personally I like a bathroom that looks fresh and relaxing. I am not a germaphobe but greys and browns don't signal clean and fresh to me. If It's your personal bathroom it should feel special. Light is very important and if any natural light just comes from the north your bathroom would feel like a prison cell. Not welcoming! How much natural light is in the room?

You can't beat white tiles IMO. You can jazz up the room with bright mats and towels, and paint the wall a bright colour too.

I hate the "greige" tiles that seem to be all the rage these days.

I had a small bathroom we refurbed ours with large rectangular light cream shiny porcelain tiles, They were the same tiles for both floor and walls and it looked stunning, We had a lot of comments on how beautiful they were. light colours are the way to go with tiles imo gives a sense of space and a nice feel, I would never choose dark tiles. Also a large mirror in the wall was a fairly cheap way of creating more of a sense of space and a luxury feel.

I like my little dark room!

I would also recommend you build in a good size shelf into the new shower so you can keep toiletries tidy and to hand.

My bathroom is tiny, with peacock colour mosaic tiles, and dark green walls. It's like being in a mermaids cave or inside the ministry of magic. Actually my favourite room.

I would also go for light and Minsk tiles to give a bright and airy feel and open up the space.

Minsk=minimal

The post was from January. I’m sure the bathroom is finished now.

Can we have a pic of your bathroom that was finished 11 months ago @Kathysclown!!

I think it was resurrected by kppatel who writes in the same style as the website he mentions. I’ve reported it.