
Common Tiling Problems - Tackling Odd Shapes
Written by: Halima Bapu
You’ve just stepped into your bathroom, which has a surprising number of quirky features . It’s oddly shaped, walls jutting out at strange angles, corners that seem to serve no purpose, and quirky little nooks that make you wonder if there’s a secret room hiding between your bathroom and guest bedroom, maybe separated by just one tile… or if the architect simply didn’t think it through.
Either way, you’re stuck with it. Those tight, awkward corners aren’t much use, and the gaps between your shower, sink, and toilet are barely wide enough to stash a spare toilet roll. And those gorgeous porcelain tiles you dreamed of? They’re still sitting in the store because you’re not sure how to make them fit.
Decorating your, let’s be honest, unique bathroom has been nothing but confusing, especially with the tiling problems that arise . Standard tiles leave unsightly gaps that invite mould to settle in. Your floor’s still carpeted because tiling around that curved shower base feels impossible. And the patchwork of botched painting and mismatched tile attempts over the years hasn’t helped either.
You’re at your wit’s end. Something’s got to give, before you end up tearing tiles off the wall, painting over the damp spots, and leaving the window open forever in frustration to explore better options.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to face this alone.
You need someone who knows how to make tricky spaces work beautifully. Having the right knowledge is key to solving complex tiling problems and presenting compelling arguments for your design choices. and avoiding common pitfalls. An expert can walk you through the best approach for awkward spaces, making sure you understand every step. Someone who gets that awkward angles deserve elegant solutions. Enter: ROCCIA Bespoke Services, your go-to for turning your bathroom into the spa you deserve.

Precision Planning for Awkward Spaces
Before laying a single tile, we start with careful measurement and planning. Every curve, angle, and niche is mapped out, either by hand or using 3D laser scanning, to get every detail just right. Once we know the space inside and out, we design a custom solution that takes your chosen materials, tile sizes, and patterns into account. The goal? A tiling solution perfectly tailored to your unique bathroom.
Instead of forcing standard tiles into non-standard rooms, we tailor the tiles to fit your space. That might mean reshaping large porcelain slabs to flow around curves, cutting natural stone tiles to fit snugly into sharp recesses, or crafting elegant mosaics that adapt to sloped or irregular surfaces. The aim is always the same: a seamless finish with no awkward breaks, no wasted materials, and no compromise on style, check out more inspiring tile patterns that can transform your bathroom.
Using 3D visualisation tools and sample boards, we show you exactly how everything will look before we start, so you know what to expect and feel confident about the outcome. The board is where all the tile arrangements are planned and visualised.
Causes of Tiling Issues in Unusual Spaces
When you’re dealing with unusual spaces, many common tiling problems come down to a mismatch between standard sized tiles and your room’s unique shape, among other factors . Imagine trying to fill an oddly shaped nook with a tile that’s just a little too big or too small, what you end up with are awkward gaps, uneven edges, and a finish that feels anything but intentional. These gaps don’t just look bad; they also become magnets for mould and dirt, especially in moisture prone bathrooms.
The shape and size of your space really matter when deciding how to tile it. Taking the time to measure carefully and choose tiles that fit your area, whether that means sourcing custom-sized tiles or using bespoke services, can save you a lot of headaches later. For example, using one oversized tile to fill a small alcove might seem smart, but it often leads to uneven edges and wasted tile. By thinking about how many tiles you actually need and how they’ll fit together, you can create a smooth, secure, and beautiful tiled surface that lasts.

Understanding Tile Installation in Challenging Areas
Tiling a room with unusual shapes or awkward corners can feel like solving a puzzle, especially when standard sized tiles just won’t fit. Imagine standing in a bathroom with walls jutting out at odd angles or a floor that’s not quite square, these are exactly the spaces where common tiling problems pop up. Gaps between tiles, uneven edges, loose pieces, these issues often happen when the unique shape and size of the area aren’t factored in from the start, which can lead to frustrating results .
To tackle this, you need a mix of knowledge and creativity, forming a robust system for effective tiling. For example, if your floor curves around a shower or your wall has a tight alcove, you might need custom-sized tiles or a mosaic pattern to fill the space without gaps. Taking the time to measure carefully and plan your layout makes all the difference in creating a seamless, professional finish.
Using the right techniques is just as important as picking the right tiles. A high-quality adhesive and a level floor or wall help prevent tiles from shifting or coming loose. Careful cutting and placement minimize gaps, making your tiled surface look polished and intentional. And don’t forget security, choosing durable tiles like porcelain for bathroom floors ensures your installation stands up to daily wear and tear.
Mastering tile installation in tricky areas comes down to expertise, planning, and attention to detail. Whether you’re working with bespoke designs, mosaics, or just filling awkward gaps, focusing on quality every step of the way will give you a tiled space that looks great and lasts.
Optimising Light and Space with Reflective and Textured Tiles
Oddly shaped rooms, narrow spaces, and unusual angles can make it tough to create an open, inviting feel. That’s where tile choice becomes more than just fitting tiles into corners, it’s about enhancing the whole space.
At ROCCIA, we often suggest reflective tiles like glazed porcelain or glass mosaics to bounce light around the room. This brightens the space and creates an illusion of depth, which is a game-changer for small or oddly shaped bathrooms and kitchens. Textured tiles add subtle interest without overwhelming the layout, playing with light and shadow to draw attention away from awkward angles.
By combining reflective and textured tiles thoughtfully, we create balanced, visually dynamic spaces that make the most of every nook and cranny. This approach not only looks great but also makes the room feel more welcoming and practical, whether it’s walls or floors you’re tiling.

Aligning Complex Geometric Patterns
Geometric tiles, think hexagons or Moroccan-inspired designs, are super popular for their bold, stylish look. But they need precision, especially in the context of intricate design. Even a tiny misalignment can throw off the whole pattern, making the wall or floor look messy instead of elegant.
We start by making sure the surface is perfectly level and smooth, that’s a must for geometric tiles. Before laying a single tile, we mark out the entire pattern using lasers or chalk lines to find the perfect centre. There are lots of ways to arrange these tiles, creating different visual effects depending on the pattern you choose. Instead of adjusting tiles as we go (which can cause mistakes), we lock in the layout first, then cut edge pieces only after the main area is perfectly aligned. For tiles that meet at corners or transition zones, we use templates to plan cuts ahead of time, saving material and avoiding mismatched edges.
When done right, geometric tiles create a stunning sense of movement and style. We make sure that’s exactly what you get.
Maximising Style in Irregular Floorplans
Rooms that aren’t your standard rectangle, like L-shaped bathrooms, narrow utility rooms, or open-plan living spaces with columns or bay windows, pose a different challenge. Without careful planning, tiling these areas can feel chaotic or patchy. There are tons of ways to arrange tiles to suit unique spaces, offering creative solutions that make the most of function and style. But if the layout isn’t thought through, you might end up with cut tiles or offset patterns in the most visible spots, making the room feel off-balance.
We start by mapping the room and deciding where full tiles should go to create visual impact, places like entryways, mirror backdrops, or the floor’s centre. Cuts are saved for edges and less obvious zones. This approach gives the illusion of symmetry and keeps the pattern consistent, offering a range of visual effects even if the room isn’t perfectly shaped.
We also pay close attention to grout lines and the room’s architecture. Whenever possible, we align grout with doorways, windows, or cabinetry to enhance flow. Sometimes we adjust tile size or switch to modular patterns that better fit the space’s proportions. Every choice is made to ensure the room feels intentional, not compromised.

Seamless Grout Solutions for Irregular Tile Patterns
Grout might seem like a small detail, but it’s key to both durability and looks, especially with irregular tile layouts. When tiles are cut into unique shapes or squeezed into awkward corners, grout lines can get uneven or wider than usual, making the finish look less polished.
At ROCCIA, we carefully pick grout types and colours that complement your tiles and lighting to create a smooth, cohesive look. Flexible grout compounds are perfect for unusual patterns because they can handle slight movements in the substrate, preventing cracks and gaps over time, leading us to the conclusion that careful planning is essential . To plan grout line placement for complex patterns, we recommend using tables or charts to visualise the layout before installation. Plus, coloured grouts can either highlight geometric patterns or blend grout lines for a more continuous surface.
Our expert tilers make sure every gap is fully filled and smoothed, helping to keep moisture and mould out of tight corners or hard-to-clean spots. This careful work results in a flawless, durable finish that shows off your bespoke tile work, no matter how unique your space is.
Preventing Tile Lippage and Height Inconsistencies
One of the most frustrating tiling issues is lippage, when tiles aren’t flush and one edge sticks up higher than its neighbour. It can happen because of an uneven surface, inconsistent adhesive, or mishandling large tiles. Not only does it look bad, but it can also be a safety hazard, especially in wet areas.
To avoid this, we start by preparing the surface thoroughly, levelling it with self-smoothing compounds if needed. During installation, we use wedge levelling systems to keep tiles perfectly aligned while the adhesive sets. We also “back-butter” tiles by applying adhesive to both the tile and the floor or wall to ensure full contact and avoid hollow spots. These methods spread pressure evenly, minimise height differences, and ensure tiles stick well, critical for preventing lippage.
Flexible grout helps absorb natural movement without cracking, and expansion joints protect larger areas from future shifts. Following these steps leads to a level, safe, and long-lasting tiled surface, which is the desired result for any tiling project.