Small Kitchen Tiles in Ireland
Large-format tiles have dominated kitchen design for several years, but small tiles are firmly back in fashion. Homeowners and designers are turning to them for the character, craft and personality that a big, plain surface cannot give. Small kitchen tiles create pattern and texture in a way that larger tiles cannot, whether that is a classic metro splashback laid in herringbone, a honeycomb of hexagons behind the hob or a mosaic panel that catches the light. Because each tile is small, they also adapt easily to the awkward areas every kitchen has, from window reveals and boxed-in pipes to sockets, corners and curved walls.
Small tiles suit a wide range of kitchen styles. In a traditional or country kitchen, they recall the hand-laid tiles of older homes. In a modern kitchen, they bring a crafted, designer detail that softens plain cabinets and worktops. And in rented or compact homes, a small-tile splashback is one of the most affordable ways to give the kitchen a fresh, personal look without replacing the units.
Do small tiles make a small kitchen look smaller?
This is one of the most common questions people ask when planning a compact kitchen, and the answer is: not necessarily. The old rule that small rooms need small tiles, or that small tiles always make a room feel cramped, does not hold up. What matters most is how the tiles are used and laid. A full wall of small tiles laid in a straight grid, with a strongly contrasting grout, can make a compact kitchen feel busy, because the eye picks up every line. The same tiles laid in a brick bond or herringbone pattern, with a grout close to the tile colour, feel calm and flowing, and the pattern can even draw the eye along the length of the room.
Many designers recommend mixing tile sizes by zone in a small kitchen. For example, larger tiles on the floor keep the space feeling open and continuous, while small tiles on the splashback add the detail and personality. Using small tiles on one feature area, such as behind the hob or in an alcove, also stops them from dominating the room. Lighter tones reflect more light and help a small kitchen feel brighter, but deeper tones on a small feature area can add depth and make the space feel cosy and deliberate rather than cramped.
Where do small tiles work best in a kitchen?
Kitchen splashbacks
The splashback is the natural home for small tiles. It is a relatively small area at eye level, so the detail of a small tile is easy to appreciate, and grout lines on a wall are far less of a cleaning issue than on a floor. A small-tile splashback can run the full length of the worktop, or be used as a feature panel behind the hob or sink. Small tiles also fit neatly around sockets, switches, window sills and the edges of wall cabinets, with fewer awkward slivers than large tiles, which often need to be cut into thin strips in these spots. For a complete guide to splashback planning, see our kitchen backsplash tiles.
Alcoves, niches and range cooker surrounds
Small tiles are ideal for recessed areas, such as a chimney breast alcove housing a range cooker, a recessed shelf or a coffee station niche. These areas are often irregular in shape and depth, and small tiles follow the angles and returns more easily than large ones. A tiled alcove becomes a focal point in the kitchen, and using a different shape or pattern from the main splashback can define it as a special zone.
Kitchen islands and breakfast bars
Tiling the end panels or back of a kitchen island with small tiles adds texture and protects the panel from scuffs from bar stools and feet. Small tiles wrap neatly around edges and corners, and they bring the splashback design into the centre of the room, tying the kitchen together. This works especially well in open-plan kitchen-diners, where the island is visible from the living area.
Small kitchen and utility floors
Small tiles can also work on floors, particularly in compact kitchens, utility rooms and pantries. The extra grout lines give more grip underfoot, which is useful in areas where water and spills are common. Small tiles also cope better with floors that are not perfectly level, as each tile sits individually. Patterned and hexagon floor tiles add character to a utility room or a small galley kitchen. In larger, open-plan kitchens, many people prefer larger floor tiles for a more continuous look and less grout to clean. Our guide on which flooring is best for a kitchen compares the options.
Which small tile styles suit a kitchen?
Small kitchen tiles come in a wide range of shapes and designs. As a guide, small metro tiles are the most popular choice for kitchens. They can be laid in a brick bond for a timeless look, in a vertical stack for a modern, architectural feel, or in herringbone and chevron for movement and a designer finish. Hexagon tiles create a playful honeycomb pattern that works as a feature behind the hob or across a whole splashback.
Mosaic tiles are usually supplied on mesh-backed sheets, which makes them much quicker to fit than laying each piece individually, and they add rich texture to smaller areas. Our guide on how to install mosaic tiles explains the process. Patterned small tiles, from geometric designs to Victorian-inspired motifs, bring personality and suit both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Mixing two small tile shapes, or framing a patterned panel with plain tiles, is a popular way to create a bespoke look.
How do you keep small kitchen tiles clean?
Because small tiles have more grout lines, grout care is the key to keeping them looking good in a kitchen. Choose a grout colour that hides everyday marks, as a very light grout behind the hob can show grease and cooking stains over time, while a mid-tone grout is more forgiving. Some homeowners choose a stain-resistant grout for splashbacks behind the hob and sink, where splashes are heaviest. Applying a grout sealer after installation also helps protect against stains.
For everyday cleaning, wipe the splashback with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, and give the grout lines an occasional scrub with a soft brush. Avoid harsh or acidic cleaners, which can damage grout over time. Wiping up splashes quickly, especially oil and tomato-based sauces, is the simplest way to keep small tiles and grout looking fresh for years.
How to plan small kitchen tiles
Small tiles take more time to lay than large tiles, as there are more pieces to place and more grout lines to fill, so allow for this when planning your project. Mesh-backed mosaic sheets speed things up considerably. Start the layout from a central point, such as the middle of the hob or window, so the pattern looks balanced and any cut tiles fall at the edges. Order extra tiles to allow for cuts and breakages, especially for herringbone and other angled layouts. Finish exposed edges with tile trims for a neat, protected edge, and seal the joint between the worktop and tiles with a flexible sealant. Tile Merchant supplies tiles and accessories only and does not provide fitting, so we recommend using a qualified tiler if you are not confident doing it yourself.
Patterns and grout colours look different in your own kitchen lighting, so it is worth seeing tiles at home before you buy. Order up to five free samples delivered to your door, or visit one of our showrooms in Ireland, open seven days a week.
Frequently asked questions
Do small tiles make a kitchen look smaller?
Not necessarily. Laying them in brick bond or herringbone, and using a grout close to the tile colour, keeps the look calm. Mixing small tiles on the splashback with larger floor tiles also works well.
Are small tiles hard to keep clean in a kitchen?
They have more grout lines, so choose a mid-tone or stain-resistant grout and wipe splashes quickly. On walls, grout is rarely a problem.
Can small tiles be used on a kitchen floor?
Yes. The extra grout lines add grip, which suits compact kitchens and utility rooms. Larger tiles are often preferred in big open-plan spaces.
Are small tiles harder to install?
They take longer as there are more pieces, but mesh-backed mosaic sheets make fitting much quicker.
Can I get samples of small kitchen tiles?
Yes. You can order up to five free tile samples delivered to your door to compare styles in your own kitchen.