Kitchen Tile Ideas to Maximise Space in Small Kitchens

Dreaming of a spacious kitchen but working with a small footprint? You're not alone. While magazines and Instagram feeds are packed with expansive kitchen designs, many homeowners are navigating much tighter spaces. The good news? With the right tile choices and layout tricks, you can create the illusion of a larger, brighter kitchen — no knocking down walls required.

Tiles are more than just a practical surface — they’re a powerful design tool. From light-reflecting finishes to clever patterns and shapes, the right tiles can transform even the smallest kitchen into a welcoming, open-feeling space. Here are 10 tile ideas to help your kitchen appear bigger.

1) Go Light and Bright with White kitchen tiles

Light colours naturally reflect more light, helping to brighten up your kitchen and create an airy atmosphere. White tiles, in particular, are a timeless option that visually expand the space by bouncing light around and softening shadows.

• Best for: Small kitchens with limited natural light.

• Try this: Glossy white metro tiles with minimal grout lines for a clean, contemporary look.

• Design tip: Pair white tiles with pale cabinetry (such as light oak or cream) to maintain continuity and avoid visual breaks that can make a room feel segmented.

2) Marble-Effect Tiles for a Luxurious Finish

Marble-look tiles add elegance and movement through their natural veining, which helps direct the eye across the surface — a subtle but effective way to suggest more space. Their light hues, such as white, ivory, or soft grey, give a premium feel while still keeping things open and uncluttered.

• Best for: Homeowners looking to elevate a small kitchen with a luxurious finish.

• Try this: A soft grey marble-effect porcelain tile with gentle veining for the floor and splashback.

• Design tip: Lay the tiles in a diagonal pattern to lead the eye outward and make the room feel broader.

3) Think Big with Large format tiles

Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines and less visual interruption. This clean, uninterrupted look can make your kitchen feel significantly larger. Large-format tiles also create a sleeker, more modern aesthetic and are easier to clean.

• Best for: Floors and statement splashback walls.

• Try this: A 60x120cm porcelain tile in a light taupe or concrete-effect finish.

• Design tip: Match the tile colour closely with your grout for a seamless effect.

4) Mosaic tiles as Focal Features

While too many small tiles can feel busy, when used strategically, mosaics are excellent for drawing the eye and breaking up monotony. Think of them as design punctuation marks, best used sparingly.

• Best for: Hob splashbacks, alcoves, or open shelving recesses.

• Try this: An interesting stone texture to create depth and interest.

• Design tip: Use mosaic tiles in one focused area, with large neutral tiles elsewhere to balance the look.

5) Patterned Tiles Used Wisely

Patterned tiles can add vibrancy and visual depth to a small kitchen, as long as they’re used in a controlled way. Instead of tiling the whole space, consider using them as a rug-effect tile section under a dining table or kitchen island.

• Best for: Kitchen floors, focus backsplashes or under breakfast bars.

• Try this: Soft monochrome geometric encaustic-look tiles with coordinating neutral tiles along the edges.

• Design tip: Frame the patterned tiles with plain borders to create a "zone" and give the room structure.

6) Timeless Black and White Monochrome Tiles

Black and white tiles, especially with a gloss finish, add depth, drama, and classic appeal. The contrast draws the eye and can cleverly define zones within a space, while still bouncing light thanks to reflective finishes.

• Best for: Checkerboard floors, geometric feature walls, or splashbacks.

• Try this: Glossy black tiles with white grout or vice versa for striking visual effect.

• Design tip: Use black tiles on lower surfaces and keep walls white to prevent the space from feeling boxed in.

7) Diagonal & Herringbone Layouts for Visual Flow

How you lay your tiles can change the entire dynamic of a room. Herringbone and diagonal tile layouts create movement, helping to lead the eye around the room and making it feel wider or longer.

• Best for: Wood-effect floor tiles and rectangular splashback tiles.

• Try this: Warm oak-effect tiles laid in herringbone across the kitchen floor to mimic parquet flooring.

• Design tip: Keep grout lines subtle and consistent to maintain flow.

8) Add Colour with Floor Tiles

Neutral walls and cabinetry can act as a blank canvas, allowing you to introduce colour on the floor in a way that doesn't overwhelm the space. Soft blues, greens, or blush tones can help break up the monotony and draw the eye downward.

• Best for: Open-plan layouts or minimalist kitchens.

• Try this: Pale terrazzo tiles with coloured chips to subtly bring in tones from your accessories.

• Design tip: Choose a matt finish for a soft, understated look that feels natural and earthy.

9) Stone-Effect Tiles for Calm Continuity

Stone-look porcelain tiles offer all the beauty of natural stone with the practical benefits of porcelain. When used on both floors and walls, they create a continuous visual flow that makes the space feel larger and more cohesive.

• Best for: Walls, floors, and splashbacks in cohesive colour schemes.

• Try this: Soft limestone-look porcelain tiles in warm ivory or light grey, continuing from floor to wall.

• Design tip: Match your tiles to your countertops for a seamless transition that looks high-end and intentional.

10) Add Vertical Interest with Stacked Tiles

While classic brick patterns are popular, stacking tiles vertically in a straight line can instantly elongate your kitchen walls, drawing the eye upward and making the ceiling appear higher. This is especially helpful in galley kitchens or spaces with low ceilings.

• Best for: Splashbacks, narrow wall spaces, or behind open shelving.

• Try this: Glossy rectangular tiles in a 7.5×30cm format, stacked vertically in white or blush tones.

• Design tip: Pair with open shelving above to avoid blocking light and maintain visual height.

Navarro Tiles: Supporting Retailers with Expert Tile Advice

Here at Navarro, we offer a curated selection of premium tiles perfect for small kitchens, from Italian porcelain to elegant marble-effects and patterned ceramic tiles. Our team can guide you through selecting the right style, format, and finish for your space.

Get in touch today for product recommendations, retailer orders, or free samples.