It’s widely accepted that big people shouldn't wear horizontal stripes, as these can create an illusion of added width and reduced height. The upside? This optical trick can work wonders in interior design, too, making spaces appear wider. And it’s not just limited to stripes! The orientation of tiles - whether laid horizontally or vertically - can significantly influence how we perceive a room’s dimensions.
all images taken at Eden Brae Homes display homes
all flooring shown is by DiLorenzo Tiles
In short, horizontal lines draw the eye across, emphasising width, while vertical lines direct the eye upward, enhancing height. The most straightforward approach is to use the tile layout to guide the eye either in the distance or from side to side, as illustrated in the images below.
Stripes may not suit everyone’s style, but you can achieve a similar effect by cleverly arranging tile edges and patterns to emphasise space and define a room. Here are some tips to help you get started!
On the Floors:
The positioning of tiles or timber boards has a subtle yet significant impact, and flooring decisions should be based on one key principle: guiding the eye. The eye naturally follows the longer lines created by the flooring’s understated patterns.
To encourage quick movement from one area to another, such as in hallways, tiles or boards should be laid lengthwise to subtly direct traffic. This approach also makes spaces feel longer than they are.
If the goal is to invite a slower pace or even a pause in a specific area, horizontally placed tiles are the way to go. This option helps spaces feel wider as well.
On the Walls: Tiled walls in wet areas can be used to suggest either width or height as needed. Once again, the pattern created by the tile layout will guide the eye to look either side to side or up and down.
For example, horizontally laid tiles can add a sense of width to a small bathroom.
Conversely, vertically positioned tiles enhance a sense of height to the space.
When space is not a relevant issue, the positioning of tiles can be used freely to achieve any effect you are after. Exciting, huh? One last piece of practical advice:
Consult with your tiles' retailer on what extra work and expense would be incurred by laying tiles one way or another.
So, this way or that?
Have fun with it!
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. More of James' knowledge is now accessible via Practical Design Online Course.
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