Cramped spaces and weird tile choices - anyone else?

I get where you’re coming from, but I actually went with big tiles in our small guest bath and I’m glad I did.

“if the layout’s a mess, it’ll still look off.”

Cutting was a pain, not gonna lie, but for us it was worth it.

I’ve seen the “big tile in a small space” approach work surprisingly well, especially when, as you said, the layout’s carefully planned. The fewer grout lines really do trick the eye. Still, I sometimes wonder if there’s a sweet spot - too big and you’re left with awkward slivers at the edges, which can look odd. I once had a client who insisted on 24x48s in a powder room... let’s just say the tile saw got a workout. But when it works, it really does open things up visually.

Big tile in a tiny room is one of those risks that can totally pay off, but yeah, it’s a balancing act. I’ve had folks push for massive slabs in bathrooms barely big enough to turn around in, and sometimes it’s magic - other times, you’re left staring at a weird little strip along the wall and wondering if it was worth the trouble.

I’m with you on the grout lines though. Visually, fewer lines just feel calmer, less “busy.” But I do think people underestimate how much planning goes into making those big tiles work - if you don’t map it out just right, you end up with awkward cuts or even worse, a layout that feels off-center.

One trick I’ve used is running the tiles vertically instead of horizontally in narrow spaces. It draws the eye up and can make even a closet-sized powder room feel taller. Not always possible depending on plumbing or fixtures, but when it works, it’s pretty cool.

At the end of the day, I’d rather see someone go bold than play it safe with tiny tiles everywhere... just as long as they’re ready for some serious tile saw time.

CRAMPED SPACES AND WEIRD TILE CHOICES - ANYONE ELSE?

I totally get the appeal of big tiles in small rooms, but I’ve had a couple of projects where they turned into a headache. One powder room, the client insisted on 24x48s - looked amazing in the showroom, but once we started dry-laying, it was clear we’d have these tiny 3-inch slivers on one wall. Ended up reworking the whole layout just to avoid that “afterthought” look.

Mapping everything out is definitely step one, and I always recommend doing a full-scale tape mockup on the floor or wall before you even order the tile. It’s surprising how often people skip that and then regret it when the cuts get weird around outlets or plumbing.

Vertical stacking is a neat trick, though I’ve found it works best if you’ve got high-ish ceilings. Otherwise, sometimes it just makes the space feel even narrower. Honestly, I think the biggest win is when you get the grout lines to line up with major elements - like the edge of a vanity or a shower niche. Makes everything feel intentional, not just squeezed in.

CRAMPED SPACES AND WEIRD TILE CHOICES - ANYONE ELSE?

You nailed it with the tape mockup advice. I learned that the hard way in my own laundry room - thought I could eyeball it, ended up with a weird little strip behind the washer that still bugs me. Lining up grout lines with vanities or niches really does make a difference. I’ll add: sometimes smaller tiles just work better in tight spots, even if the big ones look fancier in the store. It’s all about what fits the space, not just what looks good on a sample board.