Best backsplash installation pros near Blue Island, IL

To make a small bathroom look bigger, choose light-colored tiles in a medium- to large-format size. Lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray help open up a room, making it feel larger and more airy. While it may seem counterintuitive, small tiles can actually make a bathroom look smaller because the increased number of grout lines creates a busy pattern that visually shrinks the space. Instead, opt for medium- or large-format tiles for a more seamless, expansive appearance. For the best effect, pair your tiles with a matching or similarly colored grout to create a continuous surface that enhances the illusion of a larger area. Avoid dark colors, heavy patterns, and contrasting grout, as these can make the space feel more confined.

You can attach tiles to a wall using thin-set mortar. You’ll also need a notched trowel to create grooves within the adhesive so it flattens completely when pressed in and securely holds the wall tiles. Finally, you’ll need grout to smooth the gaps between the tiles and, ideally, a grout sealer to prevent mold. While it sounds simple enough, proper planning and execution are crucial, so carefully review the steps in this guide or hire a pro tile installer to complete this project.

Whether you use a brush or roller depends on the size, shape, and amount of tiles. Rollers are easier to maneuver over large areas and can apply a more even coat of paint in a shorter time frame with no visible brushstrokes. Brushes are best for precision work, particularly in very small areas. If you don't want visible brushstrokes on your painted tiles, you can paint details with small foam brushes instead of bristled paint brushes.

Technically, you can start tiling in a corner and work your way out. However, it's not traditionally how tiling is done. Instead, work from the bottom middle of the wall. Tile out the entire row with whole tiles before moving on to the next row. Once you finish installing all of the whole tiles, then you focus on tiling the corners.