Mosaic tiles for the bathroom: features and tips for choosing

Mosaic tiles for the bathroom is considered one of the best design solutions, it looks equally good in a spacious room, and in a small room. With its help, you can visually adjust the curvature of the walls and the height of the ceilings, create volume or add depth to the selected decor option.

The design of the room with mosaic tiles on the floor or walls allows the use of various styles and textures of the material. And the variety of options for choosing such a finish can amaze even an experienced decorator.

Mosaic tiles for the bathroom should have certain characteristics that allow it to easily tolerate regular contact with detergents, moisture, steam. That is why you can find it far from the cheapest segment of the market, budget brands produce such products extremely rarely.

The use of mosaics is relevant for finishing surfaces of walls, floors, and ceiling structures can be decorated with it. Small-format blocks look especially impressive over a large area, where with their help you can get original panels and whole pictures.In addition, it is easy to finish these modules with complex shapes of architectural elements - arches, niches, ledges, sides.

A variety of materials is also important. If the tile is mainly represented by ceramic modules, then the mosaic can be glass, stone and even plastic. The choice of options is practically unlimited.

All types of mosaic tiles can be divided according to their texture and type of attachment to the surface. Manufacturers offer matte and glossy elements, mirror options. In addition, mosaic tiles can be structural and embossed, have a spongy texture with pronounced pores.

Among the products there are narrow border elements or full-sized matrices and grids.

The format of mosaic tiles on sheets of self-adhesive paper is usually 30 × 30 cm. In addition, a stretch mesh can be used to hold the modules together. Its dimensions are larger, can be 50 × 50 cm or more, which allows installation work much faster and more efficiently.

But it requires a perfectly even base, otherwise sheets fixed to the walls can quickly come off the surface. As a basis, moisture-resistant drywall or concrete can be used, carefully leveled with the help of finishing plasters. To glue the mosaic, it is enough to mark the base and fix the elements on the prepared adhesive solution, the paper part of the sheet is removed at the final stage of installation.

The grid on which the mosaic is placed is also different. The most convenient is polyurethane, able to maintain its properties in contact with a humid environment.

But it is permissible to apply and metal durable galvanized. When choosing a mosaic, you should pay attention to the reliability of its attachment to the grid - with free sagging, the elements should not depart from the base. You do not need to purchase tiles on a gauze basis - it is poorly suited for rooms with high humidity and is not so convenient to install on glue.

It is also worth considering the following points, dividing the mosaic into separate types.

1. Variety of products. The most durable modules of the 1st grade are marked in red. Blue according to the international classification indicates the 2nd grade, green - the 3rd, the least durable, it is suitable only for finishing the floor.
2. Appointment. Mosaic matrices can be floor or wall. Packaging with decoration for the walls will have an icon with a view of the palm. The floor is marked with the image of the footprint of the shoe.
3. Chemical resistance. There are 5 classes of products; for the bathroom, options marked AA or A are most suitable, able to withstand contact with moisture, steam, household cleaning products. The packaging must have a bulb marker.

Given all these points, it is easy to navigate the existing types of tiles and understand which option is suitable for decorating the bathroom.

Among the materials that are used for the manufacture of mosaic tiles, we can distinguish the most popular.

The budget option, which under certain conditions, for example, with a glossy finish and pearlescent, can look quite worthy. Plastic tile is not porous, in its properties is similar to tile, it is inexpensive. But its use is limited by the surface of the walls - on the floor, the coating will be too fragile.

The basis of such mosaic tiles is plastic, on top of which metal plates are laid.

But in small quantities, tiles for copper, brass, bronze can be used in decor, as a border or frieze.

The most popular mosaic finish option is durable, varied in design, texture, and colors. Ceramic mosaic tiles are made of ordinary or white clay and have all the characteristics of this material.

Ceramic mosaics are often included in the collections of tiles from leading manufacturers, decorated in the same style or harmoniously complement the main line.

Artificial glass, obtained using metal oxides, acquires an original deep color and is perfect for making mosaics.

The material is more difficult to manufacture and more expensive. But such mosaic tiles are highly valued because of their decorative properties and are especially loved by Mediterranean-style interior designers, where they convey the full depth and splendor of the color scheme.

The original glass mosaic is more expensive than usual, but it looks much more interesting and respectable. Its shape is more round due to the careful processing of the edges. Smooth transparent mosaic of different shades is produced, as well as a rough texture, complemented by various impregnations.

One of the most expensive options for mosaic tiles, suitable for luxury designer bathrooms. Can find patinated, cracked, aged versions or multi-colored, black, red solutions. Mirror mosaic looks good in hi-tech interiors, but can be used in other styles, the only limitation is it should be a bright accent, and not the dominant component of the design decision.

Marble, granite, travertine, jasper, onyx - all these types of minerals and rocks can be found in the form of mosaics. Such decor is always more expensive than usual, it contains true nobility and respectability.

Beautiful stone panels, floor and wall cladding made of this material do not have excessive brightness of colors and create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation in the interior of the bathroom.

Imitation of natural minerals is a good solution, if you want to get the original interior decoration of the bathroom, but the budget does not allow you to purchase material of natural origin.

Acrylic is cheaper and not so durable, but it looks quite attractive.

These are the basic materials, the mosaic of which can be used in the bathroom. But wooden or made from other non-moisture resistant materials decor options here are prohibited.

Mosaic is most often used in combination with ordinary tiles, becoming an original accent on the background of larger modules. If you have to apply just such a combination, the shape of the small elements needs to be selected similar to the main finish.

Among the commercially available options for mosaic tiles, the following varieties can be distinguished:

• square;
• hexagonal;
• rectangular;
• diamond-shaped;
• round;
• asymmetric.

As for the sizes, the size 1 × 1 cm is best suited for creating panels and ornaments, framing curved interior details. Larger tiles 2 × 2 and 5 × 5 cm are used on the floor or in the frame of wall sections with a simple relief.

The thickness of the mosaic is usually less than that of classical ceramics, ranges from 0.3 to 1.2 mm, all options up to 0.6 mm are suitable for walls. But when choosing a ready-made set of elements from one collection, you don’t have to worry about the difference in heights - both the tiles and the decor will certainly be made to the same level.

In most cases, mosaic tiles are fixed to 30 × 30 cm matrices or rectangular A4 sheets. They are convenient to use, suitable for use and cutting to the desired size.

The color scheme of mosaic tiles is wide enough and allows you to implement the most unusual design ideas. Can be used plain options or contrasting combinations.

The most commonly used certain color combination techniques.

Plain mosaic is considered not so spectacular. But if this is an original mirror panel or a framing of a portal in the wall, such a solution may turn out to be advantageous. Plain mosaic walls or floors blend well with aesthetics minimalism. In the interior modern only one wall can be monochrome.

Mosaic base can be a good addition to the original panel in the center or art painting. Background mosaic tiles are often used in combination with plumbing of non-standard colors (gold, silver, decorated with rhinestones), favorably shading it and not drawing attention to yourself.

Color change with a gradual transition of shades from light to dark or vice versa. Stretching can be done vertically or horizontally. Gradient laying of mosaic tiles is well suited for visually expanding or increasing the height of ceilings in the room.

It involves a combination of identical in size, but different in color elements. They can be arranged randomly or in a specific order. There should be more than two colors, otherwise a domino effect will result.

White, gray, black gamma - individually and in combination, fits the Scandinavian style, minimalism, hi-tech. But it can also be found in country interiors, as patchwork patterns. And in the style of modernism, the combination of white and black has long become a classic.

For instance, gold mosaic tiles are usually used to frame areas of a room with complex geometric parameters. It is framed by arches, fonts, niches. But the totally golden color may look too accent, it is better to leave it as a pleasant addition to the overall design of the space.

The smaller the room, the more light colors are chosen for its decoration. Mosaic for such a bathroom can be marble or plain, in milk, lemon, pastel pink, mint, light beige colors.

The spacious bathroom allows more room for the application of design solutions. Will be appropriate here saturated blue and juicy green gamma. A calm brown or laconic black mosaic tile also looks good in a bathroom, in which not only a bathtub, sink and toilet bowl, but also necessary furniture are easily placed.

Deserves special attention a room in which a significant part of the area is occupied by a shower room. Here, mosaic decoration can separate different functional areas with narrow horizontal or vertical stripes.

White and blue, gray and shade of sea wave, lemon and lime components harmoniously complement each other in the interior.But it is better to refuse too active red in the bathroom, in a mosaic design it can be too overwhelming.

The original design is one of the reasons why the choice is made in favor of mosaic tiles. The bathroom area is usually small, so it is possible to realize those ideas that cannot be implemented in more spacious rooms. Mosaic panels can continue the general theme of the decor or be an original detail that attracts attention. You can enhance the effect with the help of mirrors or contrast with large-format tiles.

Besides, mosaic patterns can dilute the basic finish. So, the floor "under the tree" can be decorated with an original border. In a vertical plane on a wall or in a niche, floral compositions from mosaic tiles look spectacular. Moreover, it is not necessary to use exclusively floral ornaments. Juicy green stems of young bamboo or Japanese sakura look no less attractive.

A horizontally oriented mosaic panel most often depicts a seascape or sunset. A mosaic placed in a niche or located along the wall near the bathtub visually expands the space. Two-color pixel paintings with different scenes are also popular.

Another relevant option is Animalistic mosaic panels. The image of dolphins, tigers, pandas and other animals requires some support in the interior. You can use predatory or marine colors and prints, frame the panel with a juicy grassy decor.

If we talk about patterns for mosaic tiles, the most popular are ornaments:

• in the style of patchwork;
• ethnic motives;
• repeating geometric shapes;
• waves or zigzags;
• brickwork;
• honeycombs;
• river bank.

Fashion periodically changes, and new trends come to the peak of popularity. That is why, choosing various ornaments for mosaics, it is worthwhile first of all to focus on the chosen style and current collections.

Depending on what style is chosen for the design of the bathroom, the interior, decorated with mosaic tiles, can look strictly and concisely or luxurious and bright. You can highlight the popular styles.

• Minimalism. Here, small light tiles of one tone or a combination of milk and light gray tones will be appropriate. Mosaic should not draw attention to itself, the optimal solution would be to use it as a background.

• High tech. Black or white mosaic tiles with glossy shine on the walls harmoniously fit into the interior with an abundance of chromed metal and cutting-edge plumbing fixtures.

• Country. It uses large-format mosaic tiles of complex shape - hexagonal or round, imitation of pebbles and other natural materials is possible.

• Loft. The gray “concrete” mosaic on the walls looks interesting and unusual. Natural stone trim with deliberately rough surface treatment will be appropriate here.

• Art Deco. In this style, combinations of white and gold mosaic tiles are simply irreplaceable. She will give the interior the necessary chic, emphasize the uniqueness of the decorative solution.

• Vanguard. In the bathroom in this style, mosaic tiles organically look in the most incredible and juicy color combinations. Light green, orange, yellow, purple, raspberry and ultramarine tones form a fancy combination that can transform the most conservative layout.

• Mediterranean. It uses mosaic tiles in all shades of blue and original panels with marine themes. Pure white is usually chosen in pair with azure.

• Oriental. A small complex ornament, which is famous for interiors in India, China, Iran, in this case it is possible to convey the most accurately.For decoration, natural stone or smalt, glass mosaic is suitable.

To find the best combination for the interior of the bathroom using mosaic tiles, you can quite easily. Here are the options that are used most often.

• One accent mosaic wall. It can be variegated or monophonic, in any case, such a detail will not be left without attention.

• Apron over the sink. Framed with classic tiles or in combination with decorative moisture-resistant plaster, painted walls, it will help to beautifully frame the mirror and bring fresh notes to the usual design decisions.

• Mosaic carpet. If the flooring area allows, you can lay out its central part with mosaic tiles, and leave a monophonic tile along the perimeter, similar or contrasting in texture. If you choose pebble tiles for the "carpet", you get a pronounced massage effect.

• Finishing the shower area. It is worth using a textured rough mosaic with wide jointing under the legs and smooth materials on the walls.

• Mosaic decoration. It can be inlaid not with walls or floors, but with a dressing table, dressing table, outer surface of a bathtub, toilet bowl or bidet. In the shower, you can tiled with mosaic tiles a small bench for sitting and take water treatments with comfort.

When choosing a mosaic, it is very important to consider a number of points. You can highlight the most relevant recommendations.

• Careful selection of manufacturers. The best ceramics are Spanish and Italian. Quartz agglomerate and artificial stone can choose Chinese. Glass tiles can be found among Russian and Italian brands. In any case, it is better to choose a mosaic from well-known companies, otherwise you may encounter low quality goods.

• Accurate calculation of the coverage area. If it is planned to complete the cladding of the room with mosaic tiles, the area of ​​the floor, wall, ceiling surfaces is considered and a reserve of about 10% for each type of coating is laid.

• Mandatory accounting for the size of the bathroom. For a small room, it is worth choosing light and pastel colors - white, milky, cream, mint, blue. The spacious room can be decorated with darker and brighter mosaic tiles. It also matters the size of the chips - individual pieces. The smaller the area, the smaller they should be.

• Surface texture. For floors it is better not to choose too slippery and smooth coatings. The tile here should be quite textured, rough. Smooth, glossy or textured elements can be laid on walls. The ceiling is usually made matte, this gives it depth.

Among the methods used for mosaic tiling, there are combinations that allow you to harmoniously fit such an unusual decor element into space. If the repair has already been done, but I want to upgrade, you can finish only one accent element. Mosaic tiles look good as a decoration for the bath screen or the outer frame of the acrylic model.

For example, select patchwork ethnic ornament, large hexagonal modules in the form of bee honeycombs. The cladding options look very good, in which the same tile continues the line of the wall on the floor. This technique is often used for zoning space.

Mosaic tiles on the shower floor can be complemented by a similar-colored mirror frame. Near the bath, around the washbasin, toilet bowl, a contrasting curb can be made around the perimeter of the floor covering. If the mosaic is laid on the wall, it can be used to balance the imperfections of the room by simply trimming the corners and ledges and turning them into a design element. So you can emphasize beams, niches, thresholds, frame a panel or shelf.

If the bathroom has a podium or steps, fine mosaic tiles on the under-road sections will become an interesting decorative accent. Light - milk or white - wall decoration will look richer with pearl inserts, horizontal or vertical stripes with a metallic effect or mirror shine.

When choosing a laying method, you can use interesting tricks.

• Direct arrangement of elements. All lines are parallel to each other, matrices or sheets are placed end-to-end to form clear geometric matches.

• Corner mounting. In this case, the modules fit in the form of a rhombus, docking diagonally. Ready-made solutions are available or rectangular matrices can be used for this installation method. Usually, two colors of mosaic tiles are used in a diamond-shaped installation.

• Chess arrangement of elements. It is carried out without displacement of the seams, using contrasting colors. Usually there are no more than two of them and the result resembles the arrangement of cells on a chessboard. This type of styling is often recommended for 3D mosaics.

• Parallel stripes. In this case, a mosaic of different colors and textures replaces each other, located in parallel in a vertical or horizontal plane.

• With offset. It should be 1/2 of one chip - in this case, you can visually expand the space, make it more voluminous and deep. You can also cross lines to achieve interesting visual effects.

Bright green mosaic on the walls and a black-green version of small-format tiles with a checkerboard pattern on the floor create a special atmosphere in the room. In such a bathroom you can definitely relax and enjoy the minutes of relaxation.

A classic example of combining mosaic wall designs with complex geometry with smooth tiles on other surfaces. The variegation of the decor is balanced by a matte white floor.

Spectacular golden motifs in the design of the bathroom. Mosaic is presented in a small volume, but it is it that is the most striking accent in the interior.

You will learn even more mosaic information from the next video.