Mosaic cladding options
A few of the most popular options.
On the wall
For decoration, a variety of types of mosaics are used, which can be plain, matte, glossy, or have decorative patterns or designs and decorate all the walls in the room, or just one.
The photo shows the walls in the bathroom, lined with black mosaics with golden patterns.
On the floor
Ceramic floor mosaic tiles with a high class of resistance will give the room a truly excellent appearance.
Arch
An arched doorway with this design will add special style, character and uniqueness to the environment.
Apron
Application of glass mosaic in the living room
Mosaic is not just pieces of regular or irregular shape, randomly assembled together. A mosaic is used to assemble a panel, which can be an abstract drawing or a complete image. Therefore, the use of such finishing can be the most unpredictable. It all depends on your imagination or the designer who is trying to fit the mosaic into the interior of the room. Let's look at several common options for using it.
- When creating an accent wall.
- When decorating a fireplace area.
- Laying a mosaic on a partition or bar counter.
- In the process of decorating a niche in the wall.
As for the interior style in which glass mosaic can be used, designers can skillfully fit it into most styles.
One of the most popular techniques for refreshing the design of a living room is a mosaic panel depicting nature. In the living room combined with the kitchen, you can lay out a still life from a mosaic. And if you prefer something more austere, then you can choose a mosaic portrait that resembles a black and white photograph, or a completely abstract pattern.
Application options for coconut mosaic
Coconut mosaic in the living room is the most extraordinary pleasure. An African-style interior will be simply excellent. Such mosaics can be used not only for finishing walls, but also for finishing floors, and the laid out area can be either small or large. Thanks to a special method of processing coconut shells, which contain 50% resin, mosaics are produced that are highly resistant to external influences.
In addition, the surface of such a mosaic is smooth and has no seams. In the interior it looks like a solid canvas. Another advantage of this type of finishing is that it is environmentally friendly and safe. Coconut shell mosaic has the ability to absorb noise and has thermal insulation, so it is not uncommon to lay a floor from it, which becomes pleasant and warm. As for the palette of this mosaic, it can be from light (beige brown and ivory) to the darkest, like ebony.
Stone and ceramic mosaics - features of use in the living room
It is generally accepted that ceramic mosaic tiles in the interior are mainly suitable only for rooms with a difficult microclimate, such as a bathroom, kitchen, corridor. However, if you evaluate this material from an aesthetic point of view and foresee the artistic perspective of its use, it turns out that it can be very good for the living room.
Take, for example, the finishing of parts of horizontal and vertical surfaces in the living room in the process of creating accent elements of the interior. Ceramics tend to reflect light non-obtrusively, making the living room brighter. Two advantages emerge: on the one hand, we partially correct the lack of space associated with the lack of natural light, and on the other hand, we draw attention to the elements of decorating the room with ceramic mosaics.
For the coziest area of the room for receiving guests, the one where the fireplace is located, a mosaic consisting of natural stone or its high-quality imitation is perfect. Stone mosaics on the fireplace or next to it on the wall look very impressive, organically fitting into classic or rustic interior compositions. In addition, such a mosaic brings additional comfort to the room; it seems as if each fragment of the stone mosaic exudes warmth and subtle aromas of nature.
If you decide to use natural stone when creating a mosaic, you will have to use the expensive services of specialists, since working with real stone is quite difficult. But if to create a mosaic composition you use a self-adhesive flexible stone that qualitatively imitates natural stone, then you can do all the work yourself.
We decorate the living room with smalt mosaics
One and a half thousand years ago, smalt mosaic first became a decoration of Orthodox churches, but now designers use it to create amazing interior compositions of rooms for receiving guests and other residential and non-residential premises.
Smalt mosaic is made from quartz sand with the addition of potassium salt, the result is an amazing material that is significantly superior to glass in strength and beauty. Smalt mosaic can be used to create panels on the wall or as decoration of some specific elements of the living room interior. However, it should be noted that smalt is a rather expensive material. Only wealthy people can afford a 1x1 meter smalt panel, let alone larger compositions.
When creating a mosaic using smalt, designers use a trick by mixing its pieces with glass. If such a mixture is carried out competently and talentedly, then the difference between “purely” smalt mosaic and smalt-glass mosaic will not be noticeable. Smalt mosaic design or living room design using smalt mosaic is rapidly gaining popularity. Today it can be found as part of the most sophisticated and expensive interior compositions created by leading designers.
So, although mosaic is an ancient material for interior decoration, which has a lot of modern options, its use in the living room should be carefully thought out. The mere desire to lay a wall or floor with mosaics, just because you like it, is not enough. Such finishing must be chosen wisely; it must be combined not only with other decoration of the room, but also with all interior items, furniture, and in accordance with the style. Only in this case will you achieve a harmonious and warm atmosphere, a cozy and comfortable environment.
Perhaps there is not a single person who would remain indifferent in the face of this masterpiece. Mosaic art was known to mankind long before the beginning of the new era. It originates in Mesopotamia. Mosaics in the interior first began to be used in the Hellenistic era, when the method of producing colored glass became known. From century to century, creators are improving their technique - its details are becoming smaller, and the pattern is becoming more refined.
The shine of the mosaic is like the shine of precious stones, and the unlimited color palette allows it to be used to convey the most complex and luxurious images. This art has always been recognized as one of the greatest, along with painting and architecture. Shall we bring a piece of it into our home?
- mosaic in the bathroom interior
Types of mosaics
There are a variety of varieties that differ from each other in material, color and performance.
Ceramic tile
It can differ in different sizes, square, rectangular shape and have a variety of designs, for example, be glazed, craquelure or imitate certain materials.
The photo shows a kitchen apron lined with ceramic mosaic tiles of different colors.
Wooden
It is considered a very unusual and original design solution, which is a mixture of two different wood species.
Stone
Mosaic tiles made from natural untreated stone, such as marble, onyx, lapis lazuli or jasper, have a natural convex shape, have an incredibly luxurious appearance and are perfect for room decor, both in Provence, country style, and for modern design
Glass
It has a variety of colors, low price and many different options. Glass cladding can be clear, frosted, silver, platinum or gold.
The photo shows the interior of a bathroom with brown glass mosaics on the walls.
Coconut
It is made from a natural unusual material, which is distinguished not only by its originality, but also by its high strength, durability, environmental qualities and resistance to damage and fungus formation.
Smalt
It is one of the most expensive designs, as it is made of natural glass. Fragments of brilliant smalt mosaic are characterized by rich colors and, in high-quality lighting, as if they emit light from within.
The photo shows a working kitchen area lined with rectangular smalt mosaic.
Metal
It is made of stainless steel, has a large thickness and is quite light in weight. Metal tiles are not subject to corrosion and are therefore especially suitable for rooms with high levels of humidity.
Due to the spectacular metallized surface, this cladding is used in more modern styles, such as high-tech.
Plastic
Thanks to the large selection, varied designs and low price category, beautiful plastic PVC finishing is quite often found in various interior solutions.
Advantages and disadvantages
To make a decision about using mosaics as decoration, it is important to understand the costs of arrangement. This interior solution is practical and durable, but its implementation requires considerable costs. The cost of mosaics is determined by the naturalness of the material, its quality and quantity, and special coating. If you do the mosaic installation yourself, it will help you save money, but it will take time. If you hire specialists, mosaic finishing will be expensive.
But there are also economical ways to decorate with mosaics. It is possible to tile and use mosaics for individual inserts. This way, you can make an accent and highlight some areas in the interior, adding a little personality.
Related article: How to transform the interior of a hall with your own hands?
Like any material, mosaic has its disadvantages. The material is quite expensive, especially from reputable manufacturers. Material made in an unknown place will also suit few people. Installation by a good specialist is also expensive. If we are talking about a small surface, then even without experience in repair work, you can do it yourself if you wish. A lot of experience will be required when finishing large surfaces; not every specialist will cope with the task efficiently. Of course, the cost of the work will be significantly higher than when laying conventional tiles.
What sizes and shapes are there?
This cladding consists of many individual fragments or tissers, which can be large or small and have a wide variety of shapes, for example round, rectangular, in the form of squares, diamonds or honeycombs.
The photo shows a mosaic in the form of hexagons in the design of an apron in the interior of a modern kitchen.
Square tissers are most often laid in strict parallel rows and columns to form clear lines on the surface. Rectangular fragments, due to their unusual placement, allow you to achieve unique combinations. Round mosaics significantly soften the design and can be the same or different sizes. Figured elements allow you to create specific patterns or, conversely, unusual chaotic decoration.
The photo shows a bedroom interior with a large white mosaic on the wall.
Features of glass mosaic tiles
Despite the persistent stereotype, glass mosaic tiles in the bathroom are much more durable than ceramic ones. This feature lies in the manufacturing technology, where the glass composition includes feldspar, quartz and dye, which is made from metal oxide.
In addition, during production, such tiles are fired, which hardens the product from impacts. It can also be glossy or matte.
White tiles in the bathroom: optimal design ideas and combination options. Advice from professionals on choosing tiles and their use (110 photos)Mirror ceiling in the bathroom - 95 photos and videos of the best ideas for placing mirror surfaces
Bathroom tiles in Leroy Merlin: ceramic options, application features and tips for decorating a bathroom
The main distinguishing property of glass mosaics is their resistance to the development of fungus and bacterial colonies, which is simply ideal for the bathroom.
Colors
Mosaic has a huge variety of colors; it can be white, gold, silver, black, red, grey, blue, turquoise, green, purple, lilac, pink or have a hint of mother-of-pearl.
The photo shows a work area decorated with silver-colored mosaics in the kitchen interior.
Purple cladding has a special, at the same time expensive, stylish and cozy appearance and is especially suitable for creating unusual and non-standard designs. The pearl shade, thanks to its properties and the creation of an amazing effect of play of light, will visually make the room much more spacious. Beautiful, bright colored and multi-colored finishes individualize the interior and make it more expressive.
Total tiling with mosaic tiles
Among modern bathroom design projects, there are many where almost all surfaces of the room are tiled with mosaics. Such repairs can be expensive, but you are guaranteed durability and unchanging appearance.
Even a small bathroom can be transformed with mosaic decoration. This type of drawing is called pixel – it is an original way to integrate several shades of one color scheme.
A single-color mosaic, with which all surfaces, niches, shelves and recesses are lined, can create an original image of your water treatment room. Depending on the size of the chips (mosaic elements) that will be used, whether there will be grout between them and what tone, the appearance of the bathroom or toilet will depend.
Light shades of mosaic tiles can visually expand the space of the bathroom, which very often needs it. In addition, a calm, neutral palette sets the mood for relaxation and peace, which is necessary for household members after a difficult day at work while taking a bath or shower.
Among the light palette of mosaic tiles, I would especially like to highlight the marble finish. Even small inclusions of marble mosaics into the interior add an atmosphere of luxury, filled with the cleanliness and even sterility of a utilitarian room.
The contrasting combination of black and white mosaics within one room produces an incredible effect. Especially if, instead of the usual arrangement of a light tone on the walls of the bathroom and a dark one on the floor, we see the opposite color scheme.
The dark shade of mosaic with a mother-of-pearl sheen as a total surface cladding can add drama to any bathroom. Thanks to the glossy surface of the mosaic, fingerprints and traces of water drops will not be visible on dark chips, and the bathroom will not be cleaned very often.
Bright blue, azure and blue shades of mosaic tiles are especially popular. It is not surprising that in a water treatment room we want the reflection of the blue of the ocean or the azure of the sky reflected in the water, successfully integrated into the interior of the room.
Large single-color mosaic chips against a background of snow-white grout give the bathroom incredible geometricity and rigor.
Mosaic design
Thanks to different design options, it is possible to bring any creative ideas to life and create an undeniably beautiful interior.
Panel
Thanks to such a highly artistic element, which represents a real picture, it is possible to favorably emphasize the aesthetic appearance of the room and create a bright visual accent in it.
Mirror
Mosaic drawings
Using this cladding you can create the most unusual and unique sketches.
Patterns and ornaments
Multidimensional, shimmering with a precious shine, laid out patterns and ornaments, due to countless edges, refract the light flow and look very luxurious.
Geometric figures
They can occupy a large area of the surface or be placed accentuated. Geometric shapes formed from many mosaic tiles will give the decor expressiveness, brilliance and create a certain illusion.
The photo shows mosaic geometric shapes on the accent wall in the interior of the toilet.
Decorative inscriptions
Through the use of artistic, bold and unusual lettering, the interior of the room will become truly creative.
Animal and plant images
They will give the atmosphere originality, uniqueness, create a truly unique design and bring new, fresh creative ideas into the design.
Bathroom color
Thanks to a wide color spectrum, including both bright contrasting and all kinds of pastel colors, you can bring any design ideas to life.
White
It has a truly stylish and modern look and blends seamlessly with a wide variety of colors and shades, adding the necessary personality to the environment.
Blue
The rich blue finish evokes associations with the water element and allows you to completely immerse yourself in the marine theme.
The photo shows a blue mosaic on the walls in the interior of a modern bathroom.
Golden
This design is especially suitable for those who value beauty, nobility and chic. The gold finish, due to its shiny and shimmering effect, gives the room a warm glow, spaciousness and coziness.
Blue
Significantly refreshes and harmonizes the space, giving it freshness, coolness and cleanliness.
Silver
It is quite an effective choice, adding interesting touches to the interior. Silver mosaic tiles look equally good both with complete and fragmentary decoration of surfaces.
Beige
Fills the atmosphere with lightness and promotes comfortable relaxation. Beige is considered a noble shade, which allows you to endow the room with special elegance and impeccability.
Green
Delightful green or light green cladding adds freshness and natural motifs to the interior.
Gray
Thanks to such a fashionable color scheme, it is possible to create not only an ideal basic background, but also to form a truly aristocratic design.
Brown
A classic option that has a very noble and expensive appearance and at the same time brings coziness and solidity to the atmosphere.
The photo shows a brown glass mosaic in the design of a small bathroom.
Mother of pearl
It will undoubtedly become the most exquisite decorative element, which, when hit by light rays, begins to glow and play with multi-colored highlights.
Black
Incredibly stylish dark mosaic instantly attracts attention and gives the atmosphere a certain mystery.
Turquoise
It will give the interior ideality and aesthetic refinement. With the help of such a creative idea, it is possible to fill the room with harmonies and purity.
Exterior finishing examples
In the exterior, mosaic broken tiles can be used to decorate a veranda, gazebo or garden furniture. Also, with the help of original patterns, they lay out paths, fountains, or decorate the facade of the house.
