A tile spacer comprises a base for engaging a bottom surface of tiles and a stem projecting upwardly from the base. The stem comprises two oppositely facing surfaces and two projections (36, 38) extending in opposite directions from the surfaces so that the stem and the projections define cross-shaped profile with corners for contacting corners of four tiles. At least one of the surfaces of the stem includes a recessed, i.e. set-back, area. The projections extend from the recessed areas. One or both projections can be removed from the stem by breaking the projection(s) so that the tile spacer can be used with four, three or two tiles depending on whether one or both projections is removed. The recessed areas confine any residual material of the projection(s) that is not removed when the projection(s) is broken at least substantially within the recessed area(s) and minimises or avoids altogether interference with laying tiles.