Which Tile Size Is Best for Flooring? A Guide for Cincinnati Homeowners

Choosing tile for your home is an exciting step—but it comes with plenty of decisions, especially when it comes to size. From 12x12 square tiles to modern large-format options, tile size affects everything from the room’s appearance to ease of installation. So, which tile size is best for flooring?

The answer depends on your space, your design goals, and how the flooring will be used. At Cincy Preferred Flooring, we help homeowners across the Cincinnati area find the right tile for every room—and tile size plays a key role in creating a floor that’s both stylish and functional.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose the right tile size for your home, compare standard dimensions, and give you room-by-room recommendations.

Why Tile Size Matters

Tile isn’t just about color and material—size impacts how your floor looks and performs. The dimensions you choose can:

• Change how big or small a space feels
• Affect the number of grout lines (and how easy it is to clean)
• Influence how smoothly the flooring flows from one room to another
• Impact installation time and waste

Whether you're tiling a bathroom, kitchen, or living area, selecting the right tile size helps you strike the perfect balance between style, function, and long-term durability.

Common Tile Sizes and Their Uses

Let’s take a look at the most popular tile sizes for flooring and when they work best.

12x12 Tile

This is the classic tile size, and it has been used for decades in residential floors. It’s square and balanced, and it fits well in small to medium spaces.

Best for:

• Small bathrooms
• Laundry rooms
• Entryways

Pros:

• Familiar and widely available
• Easy to install
• Works well with diagonal layouts

Cons:

• It can look busy in large rooms due to more grout lines
• Feels traditional or dated in modern designs

12x24 Tile

This rectangular tile has quickly become one of the most popular sizes for flooring thanks to its clean, contemporary look.

Best for:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Living rooms
• Open floor plans

Pros:

• Sleek, modern aesthetic
• Fewer grout lines than smaller tiles
• It can be laid in various patterns (brick, herringbone, stacked)

Cons:

• Requires a level subfloor
• May need a professional installer for the best results

Large Format Tiles (24x24, 18x36, and larger)

Large tiles make a bold statement and create a seamless look, especially in bigger spaces. They’re often used in open-concept areas and high-end homes.

Best for:

• Living rooms
• Dining areas
• Master bathrooms
• Commercial spaces

Pros:

• Expands the look of the room
• Minimal grout lines
• Ideal for creating a luxurious feel

Cons:

• Heavier and harder to install
• Not ideal for uneven floors
• More waste if cutting is required

Small Tiles (1x1 to 4x4 mosaics)

Smaller tiles are commonly used for accent areas or floors where grip and slope are important, like showers or entryways.

Best for:

• Shower floors
• Bathroom floors
• Accent areas
• Backsplashes

Pros:

• High traction
• Great for curved or sloped surfaces
• Adds visual interest

Cons:

• Lots of grout lines
• More time-consuming to install
• May feel busy in large spaces

How to Choose the Best Tile Size for Your Space

Now that you’re familiar with the most common options let’s talk about how to narrow down your choice.

1. Consider the Room Size

• In small rooms, larger tiles (like 12x24 or 18x18) can actually make the space feel bigger by reducing grout lines and creating a more seamless appearance.
• In large rooms, oversized tiles (24x24 or larger) create a sleek, open feel. Smaller tiles may look busy unless used intentionally for a patterned effect.

Pro Tip: Use larger tiles for floors and smaller ones for walls or accents to create depth and variety.

2. Think About Layout and Pattern

Different tile sizes work better with certain layouts. For example:

• 12x24 tiles work beautifully in a brick or herringbone pattern, ideal for adding movement and style.
• Square tiles (like 12x12 or 24x24) are more traditional and best suited to a grid or diagonal layout.
• Mosaics are ideal for borders, inlays, or textured visual interest.

Larger tiles often require more precise planning, especially if you want a consistent pattern across multiple rooms.

3. Assess Grout Preferences

Don’t underestimate the impact of grout. Smaller tiles mean more grout lines, which can add texture—but also require more cleaning.

• Prefer easy maintenance? Go with larger tiles and a narrow grout joint.
• Want more grip or visual detail? Smaller tiles and wider grout lines can help.

At Cincy Preferred Flooring, we help homeowners choose grout colors and spacing that complement their design and simplify ongoing care.

4. Match the Style of Your Home

• Modern and contemporary homes typically look best with large-format tiles or long rectangles like 12x24 and 6x36.
• Traditional homes often suit square tiles in the 12x12 to 18x18 range.
• Rustic or farmhouse styles pair well with irregular or multi-size patterns that mimic natural stone or handmade tile.

Your tile should feel like a natural extension of the rest of your home’s design.

5. Account for Subfloor Conditions

Larger tiles require a flat, level subfloor to prevent lippage (uneven edges). If your home has older or uneven subfloors, smaller tiles may offer more flexibility and reduce installation challenges. At Cincy Preferred Flooring, we inspect every subfloor and can prep or level the surface as needed—so you get the right look, no matter what tile size you choose. Explore our tile flooring installation and options.