What Are Mosaic Tiles
Bursting with personality, mosaic tiles can create wow-factor in any room of your home. What are they, exactly? A mosaic design consists of small pieces of tiles that can be arranged together to form a variety of exquisite patterns – from checkerboard to honeycomb.
Available in an abundance of beautiful styles, shades and surfaces, the versatility of mosaic tiles makes them the go-to for a distinct look that’s one of a kind. As layering intricate designs require an eye for detail and an experienced hand, we recommend hiring a professional tiler to avoid any tiling mishaps. Below, we explain the modern materials, process and placement of mosaic tiles.
What Are They Made From?
The earliest mosaic features were designed with found objects such as shells, mother-of-pearl inlay from oysters and broken pieces of stone. With a whole lot more materials on offer today, it can be difficult to decipher which style of tile will best suit your space.
Natural stone: This timeless texture was the original mosaic tile as pebble pavements have been around for thousands of years, found in Ancient Greece and in Asia Minor in excavated floors. Other popular selections of stone include marble and travertine, which can be used across an array of surfaces, including flooring.
Metal: Due to its stain-resistant properties, this low-maintenance material is a great option for hard-working spaces such as the kitchen and bathroom walls. As for aesthetics, the reflective surface on metal mosaic tiles bounces natural light throughout the room and complements an industrial interior style.
Ceramic: Made by baking natural clay in a kiln, ceramic tiles can blend seamlessly into any interior style, from modern Hamptons to rustic country. Glossy ceramic tiles can lend a gorgeous, hand-made look to walls when cut with imperfect edges. An added bonus? They’re often finished in a protective glaze, meaning they’re stain and moisture-resistant.
Porcelain: Fired at a higher temperature than ceramic, porcelain tiles are a dense and durable option for any zone in your home. Depending on the size, shape and shade you select, porcelain mosaic tiles can also convey a range of interior styles.
Glass: Another timeless material, glass tiles were used thousands of years ago by the ancient Romans. Made to withstand moisture, they’re an excellent addition in a wet zone, from bathrooms to swimming pools and garden water features.
How Are They Installed?
While mosaic tiles often seem like complex design features, it’s never been easier to engage a professional tiler to install them. To start, your tiler will lay out a foundation for a substrate, which is made up of cement board or flooring with mortar or adhesive. If you’re using mosaic tiles on flooring, they will also level out any uneven surfaces.
Once the foundation is in place, the next step is an intricate task that involves laying the overall design. The tiles are generally provided in a sheet format, making the installation process easier. The last phase of the installation process is cleaning the tiles. Your tiler will remove wax on porcelain tiles or any other physical film which was protecting the tile during transit, and clear grout residue.
Where Are They Used?
Mosaic tiles can be used anywhere in the house that your heart desires! These versatile designs can be splashed on bathroom walls, across kitchen splashbacks, laundry benchtops or even used as decorative flooring in the hallway. Unlike most tiles, mosaics can also be used on curved surfaces, stretching your freedom of design. As mosaic tiles create striking statements, it’s best to balance these features with pared-back colour palettes, simple silhouettes in your furnishings and clean lines in cabinetry.
Feeling inspired? Explore our vast range of stunning mosaic tiles here, or get in touch with us today to view our tile library and determine which style is right for your home.