Have you heard about small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles? This is a duo that is increasingly fashionable and makes up a multitude of walls. While it is true that its use is currently widespread in all types of rooms -especially in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor spaces-, its use in small bathrooms has become even more prominent, a position that is more than justified if we consider its characteristics.
Faced with this information, the most common question is the following: what exactly are hydraulic tiles and why resort to them in small bathrooms? But, once we give you the answer, you are going to want to find ideas that correspond to this type of decoration, so we are obliged to make you some proposals and, of course, to properly argue the key choice for this room: the hydraulic tile.
What are hydraulic tiles?
Hydraulic tiles owe their name to the manufacturing method used two centuries ago to shape them, since a mixture of cement, pigments, water and marble powder was pressed in their production. The process was carried out using a hydraulic press and was then waterproofed and decorated by hand.
The taste for vintage decoration has given a second chance to this construction material, which has become one of the main options when tiling kitchens and bathrooms. Although they are no longer manufactured in this way, the result still offers an artisanal and homely style that has never really gone out of fashion.
Small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles, why are they the best option?
Within the multitude of uses that is usually given to this material, there is an option that is worth highlighting above the rest: small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles have positioned themselves as one of the most used decoration alternatives among users who reform their bathroom or build it in a new home.
The question in this regard is obvious, why small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles have become one of the best decorative options? Mainly because of the versatility offered by this material, since it offers an infinite number of different styles within the same cut and greatly favors luminosity, making it an opportunity to generate a feeling of spaciousness.
Ideas and tips for small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles
If you have already considered this option for your next renovation, you may have some doubts about how to do it, something very common considering the wide variety of options that exist. To help you solve your indecision, we propose some good ideas about small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles. Surely some of them will be useful!
Make everything revolve around the same idea, including hydraulic tiles.
If you have seen some hydraulic tile designs, you will have noticed that there are thousands of patterns -including plain colors- and colors. However, we cannot fall into the temptation of choosing the option we like the most on its own; keep in mind that this is one more aspect in the decoration of your bathroom, so you must make the decisions as a whole.
Choose your style with hydraulic bricks: vintage, zen, industrial, design?
In the same line as the previous recommendation, we must pay attention to the style to apply it to the bathroom completely. Although the material itself is vintage, the designs go far beyond this option, including industrial, zen or design as the most common alternatives at this time. Evaluate all the possibilities within your reach to choose the ideal one.
Colors, a fundamental aspect of hydraulic tiling
If we talk about small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles, we cannot leave aside the choice of color, because it is an issue that becomes much more relevant when space is reduced. The trend in this regard always points to light tones, much more advisable when it comes to show spaciousness.
Generate a greater sense of light and space with hydraulic tiles.
In line with generating a feeling of spaciousness through the chosen color, clarity is again the key, in this case with respect to lighting, which is also directly related to the feeling of space. If we choose dark tones for the walls of a small bathroom, we will further reduce its size aesthetically, so it is generally advisable to discard them.
Plain or patterned, bright or neutral colors, what’s best for small bathrooms?
And if we talk about colors, we must talk about patterns. In this case, we advise against tiling small bathrooms with overloaded hydraulic tiles, again because of the feeling of spaciousness. However, if we talk about installing a pattern in very specific areas -for example, only over the sink or on the shower walls-, it will not visually reduce the size of your bathroom and you will give it a very personal and differentiating touch.
Combines hydraulic tiles with wood
One of the materials that best fits with the hydraulic tile at a decorative level is wood. If you reflect on the styles with which we have related this element, you will see that wood fits perfectly in a zen environment, in an industrial bathroom or, of course, in a room with vintage air. It seems to us an association to take into account.
Uses hydraulic tiles in very specific locations
In the same way that we mentioned the possibility of including stamped hydraulic tiles in certain places, we can bet on generating different environments. Leaving aside the design of the pieces, differentiating areas always helps to perceive a space as much larger than it really is; in this case, the shower is usually the most common place to highlight.
Alternatives to hydraulic tiles for small bathrooms
Decorating small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles is a great option, but if for some reason you cannot install them, there are other alternatives. For example, there are imitation vinyl tiles with similar patterns, which, if chosen well, can look great even though they are not very realistic. On the other hand, you can also find a very similar aesthetic in ceramic hydraulic tiles, which are also more economical.
How to decorate small bathrooms successfully with hydraulic tiles
As you can see, there are many possibilities when it comes to decorating small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles. However, the measures also have certain limitations, as not all variables are valid for every size. In small rooms, it is essential to create a greater sense of space and increase the lighting, which poses a challenge when choosing aesthetic and construction materials.
However, in this regard it is also important that you dare. Small bathrooms with hydraulic tiles are a great decorative option that, despite the drawbacks, offers a lot of color to a home. Do not be afraid of patterns or colors, but use them with measure and good taste so as not to overload the room. From there, your choice will be perfect if it suits your tastes.
Are terrazzo tiles suitable for small bathrooms?
Yes. Cement tiles are perfect for small bathrooms because they add character, help improve brightness and create a feeling of spaciousness if you choose light colours or moderate patterns.
Which colours of hydraulic tiles work best in small bathrooms?
Light colours—whites, beiges, soft greys, or pastels—are most recommended because they visually expand the space. Dark tones should only be used in small doses so as not to reduce the feeling of spaciousness.
How to use terrazzo tiles without overloading a small bathroom?
The key is to apply them in specific areas: an accent wall, the sink area, the front of the shower or a small skirting board. This way, you add style without overwhelming the space.
What materials go well with hydraulic tiles?
Wood is one of the best companions for hydraulics. It adds warmth, reinforces styles such as Zen, industrial or vintage, and helps balance the prominence of the pattern.
Are there alternatives to terrazzo tiles for small bathrooms?
Yes. The main alternatives are ceramic tiles with a hydraulic effect —more economical and easy to maintain— or adhesive vinyl tiles, ideal for quick updates without any building work.
