Mosaic tile: piece by piece design

For decorative purposes, simple ceramic tiles can be replaced with mosaics. This method of decoration has deep historical roots, nevertheless becoming increasingly popular in contemporary design art.

The specificity of such a decoration is that a pattern is created from small pieces of different color. In addition, each of the elements can itself be decorated with some kind of pattern. The main advantages of this decoration are:

• presentable appearance;
• practicality;
• simplicity in leaving;
• durability;
• large selection of topics;
• the ability to use on any hard surface.

Basically, mosaic tiles are divided into glass and ceramic products. Ceramic products are created according to the same principles as classic tiles, so this mosaic retains all the properties of the usual finishing material. Each element is covered with glaze, which provides the resulting picture with brilliance and volume of the image.

Glass mosaic is recognized as more durable. This was achieved by incorporating smalt particles, a special opaque glass with enhanced strength indicators. Smalt can have various shades, which allows you to create the most intricate drawings with its help. The composition of this material also includes sand, but the main properties are given by metal oxides.

In addition to the most common materials for the manufacture of parts, marble, granite and polymers are also used.

The size of the selected mosaic depends on the purpose for which it is purchased. Pieces can vary from 10 to 50 mm. This range is the most popular and convenient to use. Most often, pieces are sold pre-glued to the substrate. The sizes of the resulting elements also vary.

The coloring of such a facing material gives the designer great scope for imagination. Mosaic elements can be bright rich colors or calm bed shades. Unusual varieties can be considered transparent, pearlescent or even mirror details.

In addition to color, the mosaic differs in the texture of the upper layer. Smooth elements can be combined with embossed, glossy can easily be combined with matte. The most versatile option is a smooth glossy mosaic. It is perfect for walls, countertops and decoration of any surface. More textured varieties are not recommended for use in places exposed to contamination, as it will be difficult to wash food and grease particles out of the recesses on the parts. The porous structure of stone or unglazed tiles contributes to the absorption of contaminants.

Mosaic panels can decorate any room. It is difficult to limit the use of such an element by location. One of the most popular places for mosaics has become the kitchen. Here, in bright pieces, you can decorate the walls, floor, countertop, apron over the working area. For the perfect combination, mosaic tiles of the same type can be glued to shelves or large household appliances.

The advantage of such a coating for the kitchen is the strength of the resulting surface, resistance to scratches and temperature extremes. Mosaic panels perfectly tolerate high humidity. These properties allow you to use them in addition to the kitchen also in the bathroom.

In the rooms of baths, saunas and bathrooms, the mosaic performs practical functions. Such material reliably protects the walls from moisture, preventing it from penetrating into the cracks between concrete slabs or other building materials.

The interior of the living room and hallway with mosaic tiles can imitate carpets on the floor.In addition, reproduction on the ceiling of a favorite ornament became popular. Mosaics can decorate arches, niches and other architectural elements, making them the central pieces of furniture. The mosaic pattern can be repeated on the furniture using the same details. The doorway or fireplace, laid out with natural stone tiles, will give the room majesty and chic. This will be facilitated by decorating the upper part of the elements with a thin coating of precious metals or imitation of precious stones. To create a chic interior mosaic is an indispensable tool.

One of the most important advantages of mosaic tiles is the ability to lay it on an uneven surface. This is possible due to the small size of the elements.

Creating paintings from mosaics is a whole art. Sophisticated design ideas are realized in large panels that become the most valuable and brightest element in the room. The similarity of some mosaic designs with oil paintings or photographs is striking. Moreover, custom-made images will be an exclusive and unique decoration for any home.

This method of decoration has several disadvantages:

• high price;
• some types of mosaics and grouts are difficult for her to wash.

There are several ways to focus on the mosaic panel, thereby highlighting the interior design detail. With just a few colorful pieces, you can update the interior of the bathroom without having to remodel the entire wall. It is enough to lay out new pieces on the site of broken or faded parts and the wall will immediately take on a fresh look. In the case of wallpaper this is not possible.

An apron in the kitchen can turn into a work of art. It is enough to choose the right picture and perpetuate it with mosaic tiles on the kitchen wall.

A rug on the bathtub floor made of pebble stone mosaics may be interesting. Such an unusual solution will look original, while exerting a therapeutic effect on the feet. It is better to lay out the floor in the shower with a relief mosaic to reduce the risk of slipping during water procedures.

An unusual and picturesque design solution is the mosaic design of a table, bar counter or coffee table. This method has a decorative function and allows you to profitably fit into the interior a new piece of furniture.

The use of mosaic tiles in the interior of any room can be both decorative and practical. The main thing is to choose a suitable color combination and place of use of such an original and impressive design element.