Large-format tiles visually enlarge a space, but they demand a perfectly prepared substrate — and a higher installation cost.
Large format — beauty and demands
Choosing tiles is one of the decisions that most affects the final look of a bathroom — and one of the hardest to undo. Large formats such as 60×120 cm or 80×160 cm eliminate excess grout lines and make even a small bathroom feel more spacious.
However, installation is more demanding. The substrate must be perfectly flat — max. 2 mm deviation per 2 m. Adhesive must be applied using the full-coverage method with no air pockets, and handling requires two people and suction cups.
Colour and texture — aesthetics versus practicality
Light, glossy tiles are beautiful but pick up every water mark and soap smear — they require frequent cleaning. Concrete-effect or stone-look tiles in greys and beiges hide dirt well and are popular with clients who have children.
For floors, don't overlook the slip-resistance rating R. For domestic bathrooms the minimum is class R10. Matte tiles with a slight texture work best — they don't slip when wet and don't look clinical.
Grout — the detail that changes everything
Grout is something most clients treat as a detail, yet it can ruin the entire effect. Too light a grout with dark tiles immediately draws the eye and is very hard to keep clean.
We typically recommend epoxy grout in a colour close to or slightly darker than the tile — it's more durable, mould-resistant, and far easier to maintain than traditional cement-based grout. It costs more, but over the years it pays for itself.
