Most people desire a spacious kitchen for their homes, but it’s not uncommon for this desire to be unmet. We must often make the best of tough or tiny circumstances. Don’t fret anyway, because smaller kitchens come with a few advantages too. They are less expensive to renovate or decorate and allow for more square footage in other parts of a home. They also need minimal upkeep. A sprinkle of creativity here and there can really make a small kitchen pop. One of the biggest creative elements that can make or break your kitchen is flooring. Choosing the perfect floor can transform a space from dreadful to dreamy.
Choosing the right style of the floor is an important decision for tiny kitchens because some styles will make your space feel smaller and more cramped, whereas others will make it feel open and airy. One should aim for colors, textures, and patterns that express a cool sense of style and are full of life and personality. And while aesthetics matter, there’s a whole lot more to picking the perfect floor than its outward appearance. Today we will go over five important factors to consider when choosing the right floor tile for a small kitchen space. We will also be introducing 19 kitchen floor tile ideas that cater, not only to small spaces but also to a wide variety of personal preferences.
Five Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing Floor Tiles for a Small Kitchen:
Tile material and texture
There’s a wide variety of gorgeous and trending options for kitchen floor tile materials. Some of these materials include slate, travertine, porcelain, granite, limestone, vinyl, ceramic, and marble. If your kitchen is a super high-traffic area in your home, ceramic tiles can be a good option because they are resistant to stains and water. Other popular options include natural stone tiles. Such tiles include slate, marble, or limestone. Stone tiles are widely known for being durable, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Vinyl floors are one of the easiest types of flooring material to maintain because it is stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-porous. Slate is a material that works wonderfully for anyone who prefers a non-slip texture. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind for small kitchens is that glossy and luminous tiles reflect more light, which makes the surrounding space feel bigger and look brighter.
Tile size
Bigger tiles can make a space feel extensive. Smaller tiles, on the other hand, require more grout lines, which can make a kitchen floor look busy and, as a result, more cramped and cluttered. Large tiles will require fewer grout lines, which can have a kitchen look very sleek and stretch out. However, this doesn’t mean that small tiles shouldn’t be considered at all because there is more than just one correct option when in regards to selecting the right tile size. The vastness of a floor tile shouldn’t only depend on how big a kitchen is but rather on how it works seamlessly with the other elements that are also there.
Tile pattern
Selecting a good tile pattern is important, but it’s also a great way for people to show their preferred creative style. Herringbone tiles, for example, add a sprinkle of eclecticness to a kitchen, whereas hexagon tiles can give a space a touch of modernity. One idea to make your tiny kitchen feel grand would be to lay your tiles in a diagonal format. This creates an illusion of more space. Placing tiles in a vertical fashion can result in a kitchen feeling taller, whereas tiles in a horizontal fashion can have a kitchen feel wider. Identify the shortcomings of your kitchen when it comes to length and width, and use that knowledge to your favor.
Tile color
A big factor to consider when deciding on your kitchen floor style is the color of the tiles. This decision plays a grand role in how a kitchen looks because it has to pair well with the cabinets, walls, kitchen island, and any other features or accents that may be present. When it comes to small kitchens, aim for light and bright colors, such as pastels and natural tones. Doing this can result in a space feeling more open and inviting. A hue that stunningly reflects plenty of light can also make a room look more spacious. Lastly, choosing a tile color that matches with the kitchen walls as well as kitchen cabinets can give an illusion of vastness.
Tile grout
Narrow grout lines tend to add a sleek touch to the look of your kitchen floor, whereas wide grout lines can add a trendy and appealing aesthetic. Floor tiles should have grout lines of ⅛ of an inch or wider, based on the kind of tile it is. Special types of tile can vary Lines of slightly in size from one to another, which makes it difficult to have tight spacing between them. Alternatively, these tiles are usually spaced with grout lines that are 3/16 inches wide at the very least. Some bigger tiles go well with super narrow grout lines that have a color that matches the shade of the tile.
Tile maintenance
Last but not least, we recommend considering maintenance upon selecting a kitchen floor tile. Stone tiles are super elegant, but they require sealing because stone tends to be porous and more absorbent in nature. Stone can absorb bacteria, food particles, and liquids that are commonly spilled in the kitchen. Stone is also among the most expensive options. Ceramic tile does not stain easily, but it is a bit softer and can be more prone to damage than porcelain. Porcelain tile is less porous and more dense, making it better for high-traffic areas, but it can be harder to install. Difficult installation can discourage people who prefer to DIY their home projects. Evidently, there are pros and cons to each option. It would help to first determine which of these characteristics are of the highest personal priority, as well as the lowest.
Now it’s time to be inspired by 19 wonderful kitchen floor ideas that will breathe life into your small space. This may be the moment you stumble across the perfect idea for your dream kitchen. In that case, don’t hesitate to bring that idea to life and, better yet, make it your own.
Embrace a kitchen style that goes to show that a floral theme doesn’t simply consist of freshly picked flowers. Rather, it is a style that can also be celebrated in the form of floor cement tiles that flaunt a gorgeous, symmetrical floral shape. With proper care, these are the kind of “flowers” that won’t wilt anytime soon.
“Brilliant,” “contemporary,” “retro,” and “vibrant.” These are only a small handful of the words that can be used to describe the kitchen shown here. Serene blue cabinets glamorously accompany chic light fixtures and stainless steel appliances in all their modern-day glory. On another note, the fridge and the blue and white tiles bring forward a more vintage vibe. With a kitchen like this one, you get the best of both worlds. It’s perfectly fine to simultaneously enjoy timeless features as well as more eccentric ones.
The charming feel of a country-styled kitchen will always manage to sweep us off our feet. This kitchen space flaunts a gorgeous combination of minimalism through its white tones and its extensive limestone tile floors with white grout lines. There are studio lights that pull the whole look together. They add a soft and tranquil illumination to the area, making it all the more sublime.
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Use darker shades of color to make the lighter ones stand out.
The deep browns shown here provide brilliant white countertops and wall tiles with an extra pop of vibrance. This is a kitchen with a color scheme that is also beautifully portrayed within its trendy kitchen island. The walnut cabinets add a sophisticated timelessness to the space, and they radiate an unmatched level of quality. Brown wood kitchen floors complete the stylish design, full of a delightful selection of textures and tones.
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The navy and gray tones of this shaker kitchen radiate sophistication.
The glossy dark blue fish scale tile backsplash demands attention as it takes center stage, flaunting a bold contrast amongst horizontal gray tiles. The dark base kitchen cabinets with brushed brass pulls are paired with elegant light marble patterned countertops. The medium tile floors are the very definition of excellence with their symmetrically printed shapes. This shaker kitchen is perfect for those who can admire the bold variety of patterns at work.
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Use black and white features with contemporary and sleek undertones.
It is evident through this kitchen that small spaces can be chic, just as well as they can be entirely functional. The wide variety of blacks and whites is a true display of refined minimalism. Extremely thin grout lines on the terrazzo floors provide the tiles with a blended-together look. It can be just as easy to create beautiful memories in such a kitchen as it would be in a spacious one.
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Storage Won’t Be an Issue with This Much Cabinet Space
Here is a kitchen setup that offers plenty of shelves and a generous amount of cabinet space. From base cabinets to cupboards that are placed higher up, the functionality of this design is excellent. Dual floor patterns give the illusion of separating the main kitchen area from the remainder of the room. One of the floor patterns has an eccentric twist on the classic black and white checkerboard tile, whereas the other one flaunts a spectacular herringbone hardwood floor layout. The display of two strikingly different patterns next to one another makes this kitchen style as bold as it is.
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Create an Eclectic Kitchen Design with a Mix of Trendy Patterns and Colors
A kitchen can radiate eclecticness regardless of how tiny it may be in size. The intricate patterns of the black and white tile floor work seamlessly with the minimalistic style that can be seen throughout the rest of the area. There’s a dual backsplash that also comes with a stunning intricate pattern in the space above the cooking range. The glossiness of the electric stove top adds a modern and sleek energy to the design of this kitchen.
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Unique Style Kitchen with Patterned Porcelain Tiles and the Chick Lamp
Black and white kitchen floor tiles are always in style and are a super versatile option. They are more than just a sight for sore eyes. They pair flawlessly with a great selection of textures, patterns, and shades of color. A focal point of this stunning kitchen would arguably be the bubble lamp due to its eccentricity. For anyone with a bubbly personality, this design is the one. Pun intended!
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Symmetrical Floor Tiles Amp Up Elegance with a Combination of Cool and Warm Colors
Minimalism can be the way to go if you need to make a small kitchen feel big. A stunning gold-toned wall lamp perfectly matches the polished cabinet pulls, offering a touch of luxury to this kitchen design. The compact cooking range pairs well with the sleek cylinder range hood that goes over it. Both cool and warm colors are at work within the intricate, symmetrical patterns of the floor tiles. They are solid proof that contrasting colors can work wonderfully together.
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The Limestone Floors of This Rustic Cottage Kitchen Add a Dash of Contemporariness
Yes, it’s perfectly okay for a rustic kitchen style to also display modern characteristics, and this one is a great example of so. The variety of earthy colors found in the gorgeous limestone rectangular tiles bring about light, cheerful airiness to the space. There’s also a stunning farmhouse sink that immediately elevates the romantic vibes of an already dreamy kitchen.
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Checker Marble Floors Add a Touch of European Beauty to This Kitchen Style
This design is called “Parisian Chequer Marble”. The floor of this kitchen is amongst the most striking focal points that are present. The natural stone floors ensure an unmatched kind of quality along with the timeless beauty of a classic design. Shaker kitchens like this one are a wonderful choice for those who enjoy more simple, minimalistic styles.
Herringbone patterns like the one portrayed in this hardwood kitchen flooring will help you achieve a dash of vintage appeal if that’s what you seek. In this particular style, the vintage design pairs beautifully with sleek and modern elements. The wide set window exemplifies how natural light can make a small space seem much bigger.
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Employ Deep Greens, Pendant Lights, and Black and White Floors with Mini Tiles
Lustrous gold-colored pendant lights are a dashing feature of this deep green kitchen design, and they match with other gold accents as the cabinet pulls. Compact circular dining tables are an amazing space saver. Stunning modern and sleek appliances bring about a contemporary radiance, while mini black and white floor tiles make the place feel Art-Deco.
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Achieve a Serene and Stunning Kitchen Space with Subtle Colors and Minimalistic Characteristics
The bubble pendant lamps offer a utopian feel to the design of this kitchen. There’s an ongoing theme of light and subtle tones, perfect for the minimalists out there. To tie it all together, wide-plank hardwood floors flawlessly elevate the elegance of this design. The simplicity of the elements being used here is what makes this tiny kitchen feel so much bigger.
The polished look of the tumbled beige travertine tiles surprisingly does not come with a hefty price tag. There is something super earthy, rustic, and tranquil about stone floor tiles. They pair beautifully with the black hues scattered throughout the space. You can elevate your kitchen in a heartbeat with a glorious combination of textures and tones.
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Marble Chequerboard Floor Tiles Are Versatile and Add a Touch of Flair
The grandeur of these black and white marble chequerboard tiles is very apparent. This floor style is versatile in that it can be paired with an enormous variety of colors, textures, and patterns. Base cabinets, drawers, and shelf space make the area more than eye-catching. They make it functional too. This kitchen layout is an inspiration to home decor enthusiasts near and far.
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“Tobacco Light Oak” Colored Hardwood Floors Steal the Show with a Charming Herringbone Layout
The laminate floors, cleverly named “Tobacco Light Oak,” emit refined sophistication. They pair beautifully with both the black and the white countertops. One of the assets of this alluring kitchen space is definitely the “exposed brick” design of the backsplash. The reclaimed brick flooring and brick styles can easily bring about a moody and mellow vibrance to any kitchen.
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Colorful Cement Floor Tiles and a Bright Skylight Bring In a Fresh and Airy Feel
These handmade and stamped cement tiles are available in a dashing combination of colors. Slanted walls and ceilings are completed by a gorgeous skylight, resulting in tons of natural light, causing the space to feel bigger than it really is. There are wood ceiling beams that add a touch of rustic charm to the look of the design. A kitchen layout like this one brings forth a fresh and bright aesthetic.
FAQs
What Kind of Tiles Work Best with a Small Kitchen?
There is more than just a single correct answer. A great variety of materials, sizes, styles, and prices can be ideal, depending on someone’s specific list of wants and needs. It’s also important that the other features at play within the kitchen work well with the tiles.
What Type of Tiles Make a Small Room Look Larger?
- Large format tiles with narrow grout lines, usually with each side being at least 16 to 18 inches.
- Light and bright tiles which reflect tons of light can make a space feel more airy.
- Lustrous tiles with a glossy finish also work due to the amount of light they reflect.
- Tiles with a diagonal layout can give a small room the illusion of spaciousness.
What Is the Easiest Type of Tile to Install on a Kitchen Floor?
A: Vinyl floor tiles require very little effort during installation. They can be glued down to the floor, but there are also vinyl tiles that come with a self-adhesive. Self-adhesive vinyl tiles simply require peeling and sticking the product, making DIY renovations easier to tackle than most other options for flooring.
Can I Use Colorful Tiles in My Small Kitchen?
Yes, you can. Colorful tiles can work wonderfully in small kitchens, offering a burst of personality and a distraction from the lack of space. An easy-to-remember rule of thumb would be to stick with pale or bright colors that reflect lots of light. This can make a kitchen space feel more expensive.
