Top Flooring Trends: Oversized Tile
Sep 10, 2026 | Carpet One Floor & Home
Large-Format Tile Key Takeaways:
- Large-format tile is any tile larger than the standard 12x12. It creates a more open, expansive feel in any room thanks to fewer grout lines.
- Popular for floors, walls, and showers, it pairs a sleek, modern look with a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Choosing a new look for your home can feel like a big decision, but the right flooring can make it a simple one. Large-format tile has become a go-to choice for homeowners looking for a clean, modern feel, and it's easy to understand why once you see the possibilities. With a wide range of colours, styles, and materials to choose from, it's a flooring option that adapts to your home and your vision.
We've helped countless homeowners find flooring that actually fits their life, and we're here to help you understand why large-format tile is a smart choice for busy households and the best ways to bring it into your space. Read on to explore how this timeless trend can elevate your everyday while adding beauty and value to the place you call home.
What Is Large-Format Tile?
Tile is classified as "large-format" or "oversized" once it exceeds the standard 12x12 dimensions. While smaller tiles are typically used for backsplashes, mosaics, or compact flooring areas, large-format tile is ideal for creating a sleek, modern look in spaces like expansive floors, striking accent walls, or oversized walk-in showers. Popular sizes include 16x16, 18x18, 24x24, 12x24, and even 24x48, with some styles reaching even larger dimensions.
Why Choose Large-Format Tile?
Large-format tile is a popular choice for homeowners and designers. Here's why people love it:
- Creates a spacious look. Fewer grout lines mean a more open, seamless surface, which naturally helps a room feel bigger and more expansive rather than closed in or busy.
- Low maintenance. With fewer seams to clean, large-format tile is a practical, low-maintenance option for high-traffic households.
- Timeless and trendy. It's a design choice that feels current today while holding up as a lasting style for years to come.
- Versatile style. Whether you're designing a bathroom, kitchen, or living space, large-format tile fits effortlessly into nearly any design aesthetic.
Creative Pattern and Design Ideas
Large-format patterned tile is a fantastic way to elevate your home's design while adding both style and practicality. These tiles aren't just beautiful, they're also durable, making them a smart choice for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.
- Statement floors and walls. Bold patterns make large-format tile perfect for creating a feature wall or floor that instantly catches the eye.
- Modern and minimal. Sleek geometric prints in monochrome tones bring a clean, contemporary feel to any room.
- Warm and traditional. Vintage-inspired florals or Moroccan-style designs add character to traditional or bohemian spaces.
- Eclectic and playful. Mixing and matching patterns creates a one-of-a-kind aesthetic for those who want a bolder look.
It can be hard to picture a new pattern until you see it in your own home, which is exactly what our Room Visualizer tool is built for. Simply upload a photo of your space and explore different large-format tile options to see how each style transforms the room. In just a few minutes, you'll have a clear picture of what your finished space could look like.
Where to Use Large-Format Tile
From luxurious bathrooms and spacious kitchens to living rooms and outdoor patios, large-format tile can elevate any kind of space.
Transform Your Bathroom
Large-format tile can make all the difference in a bathroom, creating a sleek, spa-like feel while making the room feel more open, perfect for busy families or anyone looking to build a calming retreat at home.
Whether you're updating your shower, flooring, or wall surfaces, large tile brings a clean design that's easy to maintain. For a cohesive look, try large tile from floor to ceiling for a bold, contemporary statement, or mix it with smaller tile for a touch of texture and character.
Make a Statement With Large Wall Tile
Oversized wall tile is a game changer for bold, stunning accent walls. Its size instantly grabs attention, making any space feel cohesive and modern. Neutral colours like beige, gray, or charcoal offer a timeless look that complements nearly any design style, while textured or patterned large tile adds personality for those who want a bolder statement.
Create a Modern Kitchen
Large-format tile offers a sleek, seamless look that instantly elevates a kitchen by making it appear larger and more open. With minimal grout lines, it creates a clean, contemporary aesthetic while reducing places for dirt and grime to build up.
Porcelain is a popular choice for its durability, though marble and limestone are excellent options for homeowners looking for a more luxurious, natural surface. For a bold statement, consider large square tile on your backsplash to add a striking design element that stands up to moisture and everyday spills.
Elevate Your Dining Room
In a dining room, large-format tile brings a touch of understated luxury without sacrificing durability. Terrazzo and textured porcelain finishes are especially popular here, offering visual interest that holds up beautifully in a high-traffic gathering space. Neutral tones create an airy, expansive feel, while richer textures add warmth for entertaining.
Bring a Modern Retreat to Your Bedroom
Large-format tile isn't the most common choice for bedrooms, but it can create a striking, hotel-like retreat when used thoughtfully. Porcelain and natural stone looks both pair beautifully with soft bedroom textiles, and the reduced grout lines keep the space feeling calm and uncluttered, ideal for a room built around rest.
Installing Large-Format Tile
Installing large-format tile takes more precision than standard tile, which is why professional installation can be worth the investment. Because these tiles are larger and heavier, the surface underneath needs to be properly leveled before installation begins. Even small dips or high points in a subfloor become far more noticeable under a large tile than they would under a smaller one, so substrate prep is one of the most important steps in the whole process.
Grout joint spacing matters too. Large-format tile typically needs a slightly wider grout joint than standard tile to allow for natural material expansion and to keep the finished surface looking clean and even over time. Getting this right, along with proper mortar coverage across the full back of each tile, is what keeps a large-format installation looking flawless for years rather than developing uneven edges or hollow spots.
As your local flooring experts, we understand the importance of getting every detail right, from substrate prep to the final grout line. Our expert installers bring years of experience to every project, ensuring your tile looks stunning and stands the test of time.
Shop Large-Format Tile
There's a reason large-format tile keeps showing up in the homes people fall in love with. As your trusted flooring partner, we've helped countless homeowners bring this exact look to life, and we know what it takes to get a large-format installation right the first time.
From choosing the perfect size and material to planning a layout that fits your space, our flooring experts are ready to guide you through every decision. Don't wait to start the transformation your home deserves. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home estimate and take the first step toward the space you've been picturing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sizes does large-format tile come in?
Large-format tile typically starts around 16x16 and ranges up to 24x24, 12x24, and 24x48, with some specialty styles available in even larger dimensions.
Is 12x24 considered a large-format tile?
Yes. Any tile larger than the standard 12x12 size falls into the large-format category, which includes popular sizes like 12x24.
Does large-format tile make a room look bigger?
Yes. Because large-format tile requires fewer grout lines to cover the same surface area, the eye reads the floor or wall as one continuous, uninterrupted surface. That visual continuity is a big part of why designers reach for it in smaller bathrooms and kitchens, where a busy grid of tile lines can make a compact space feel more closed in.