Mosaic tile for bathroom: varieties, design choice and installation
Mosaic tile for bathroom: varieties, design choice and installation
Mosaic tile for the bathroom is a finishing material that is a stylish and original solution that allows you to decorate rooms of different sizes. Long operational life and presentable appearance causes its high popularity in the modern world. However, choosing and laying this material is not an easy task, since mosaic requires a special approach.
Small mosaic tiles are an ideal material for finishing bathrooms
Advantages and disadvantages of mosaic tiles
Like any other building material, mosaic has its advantages and some disadvantages. It has high strength and reliability. And also, which is very important, such tiles can be used in rooms with high humidity levels.
Most varieties of mosaic tiles have common advantageous characteristics: reliability, durability, moisture resistance
Another advantage of this lining is its resistance to temperature fluctuations. In the modern construction market, you can choose a mosaic of different sizes, shapes and colors. Thanks to this, everyone is able to purchase exactly the material that will suit the design of a particular bathroom.
Choosing a mosaic in the bathroom, it is also worth remembering that it is made of various materials. Each of them has its own characteristics. With the help of such cladding, it is possible to design not only vertical and horizontal surfaces of the room, but also individual interior elements.
Pay attention! The small dimensions of the individual elements allow them to be placed on an uneven surface.
A positive aspect is the possibility of installing tiles on any surface, curved structures
The color of the mosaic is resistant and does not fade with time, which is also a big plus. From the point of view of design, such cladding is one of the most interesting. If necessary, small tiles can be combined and various patterns and drawings can be made from them.
However, the use of mosaic tiles for the bathroom has its drawbacks. The main one is a difficult installation. This disadvantage is reflected in the cost of work: laying such a veneer by a master will be quite expensive. The price of the material itself is also high.
Mosaic in the bathroom looks much more attractive than traditional tile
Mosaic in the bathroom: main types and characteristics
It is customary to classify such facing material into varieties according to several characteristics. The first of them is the form. Let’s consider what these products can be:
- square;
- rectangular;
- round;
- diamond – shaped;
- multifaceted.
The unusual round shape of the mosaic looks very original and stylish in the bathroom
Square and rectangular elements are most often used. Mosaic of this shape is a traditional solution for facing surfaces in the bathroom. The original option is considered to be the use of elements that have an irregular shape.
Mosaic for the bathroom can have different sizes (from 1×1 to 5×5 cm). The classic option is the use of 2×2 cm tiles . And also, if necessary, you can purchase a mosaic assembled in blocks. It is a tile, 30×30 cm in size, which consists of a base (paper, rubber, etc.) and individual elements glued to it. The price of self-adhesive mosaic tiles for the bathroom is lower than the individual elements.
Mosaic tiles can be of various sizes, depending on the location and purpose of installation
An important criterion is the material from which the mosaic is made. In this case, there are several basic options. The most common is a mosaic made of ceramics. Glass elements, as well as smalt ones, are also popular. To emphasize the originality of the interior, you can purchase this type of cladding made of non-standard material (for example, wood).
Features of ceramic mosaic: photos and characteristics
As mentioned above, such tiles are the most popular among buyers. It is characterized by versatility and moderate cost. Elements made of this material have the same technical and physical characteristics as ordinary bathroom tiles. The main difference in this case is in the dimensions.
Ceramic tile mosaic has a wide variety of shapes, textures and colors
The surface of ceramic mosaic tiles can be different: glossy or matte. The first of them is performed using glazing technology and is easy to care for. Matte mosaic is more stylish, it is used for finishing mainly horizontal surfaces (floors), as it eliminates sliding.
Useful information! The surface texture of the elements made of tile material may also differ. On the market you can find products that imitate the surface of wood, stone, etc.
Ceramic tile is considered one of the most popular low-budget options
Ceramic cladding has many advantages. A large range of such products determines their wide operational scope. Using ceramics, you can turn almost any design idea into reality. It is resistant to temperature fluctuations, resistant to humidity and easy to care for. Mosaic tiles in the bathroom made of ceramic material are also refractory.
Such cladding looks good in combination with ordinary tiles. Its spot application is a common design move that allows you to focus on a specific area of the room. If necessary, you can make such a lining yourself from old or broken tiles. From the mosaic obtained with your own hands, you can also lay out a separate element, like a panel.
The ceramic surface of mosaic tiles is easy to care for with the help of modern detergents
Glass mosaic tiles in the bathroom: photos and properties
In second place in popularity among buyers is a mosaic tile made of glass. Such cladding will be cheaper than ceramic. It has the same technical characteristics as ordinary glass. However, there is one difference – the high strength of the tile. The technology of glass mosaic production takes into account the use of several materials, including:
- quartz sand;
- feldspar;
- dye (metal oxide).
During the manufacturing process, the glass tile undergoes heat treatment, as a result, the material is very durable
In order to obtain this type of cladding, melting technology is used. At the next stage, stamping is performed. At the end of the process, the resulting elements are tempered by firing. Thus, the mosaic glass tile in the bathroom acquires high resistance to mechanical influences (impacts).
Related article:
Ceramic tiles in the bathroom: modern decoration design
Advantages and disadvantages of the material, the design of products from catalogs and photo finishes in the interior of the room, product prices.
Glass elements are distinguished by a presentable appearance and are represented on the modern market by a variety of colors and textures. The products can be glossy or matte. Transparent glass mosaic is very popular.
Glass mosaic tile perfectly resists the effects of steam and moisture, has special hygiene
Such a lining is resistant to bacteria, so the possibility of a fungus on its surface is practically reduced to zero. It is characterized by thermal and moisture resistance, and is also easy to care for. Separately, it should be said that the mosaic made of glass is able to tolerate not only high, but also low temperatures.
Tiles made of this material are most often used for wall cladding, but it can also be placed on the floor. Mosaic for horizontal surfaces must necessarily have an anti-slip property.
Smalt mosaic tile for bathroom: photos and advantages
The facing material made of smalt is distinguished by unique properties inherent only to it. The production technology of such a mosaic includes several stages. Initially, the material is pressed, after which the glass particles painted with a dye are fused into separate elements.
Smalt is interesting because it is opaque, but it seems to glow from the inside
Mosaic for the bathroom made of smalt is used in rooms that have an increased load. Thus, it can be concluded that this material has a high coefficient of strength. The advantages of such cladding can also include resistance to low temperatures and active chemical compounds.
Pay attention! Products made of smalt, as well as glass mosaic tiles, can be used for finishing pools.
The smalt mosaic is opaque, but its peculiarity lies in the play of light. If you look at a separate element of such a cladding, the effect of light emission from the inside will be noticeable.
Smalt mosaic has a very smooth and pleasant to the touch surface, from which any dirt is easily removed
Today, the construction market offers a wide range of mosaics made of smalt. The shape and size of these products may be different. The main disadvantage of smalt cladding is its cost, which is higher than that of glass.
Stone Tile mosaic for bathroom
Such cladding is made of different types of stone. It can be marble or granite. And also quite often there are products made of jasper and slate on the market. Stone mosaic has a presentable appearance and can become a decoration of any bathroom interior.
Stone tiles are durable, resistant to various mechanical influences, so they can be used as a floor covering
To increase the aesthetic effect, the finished stone elements are subjected to additional processing. Small elements are ground, polished or aged artificially. This production technology contributes to the production of unique cladding that looks great on the walls and floor. For clarity, it is recommended to study the relevant photos. Mosaic tiles made of stone are used not only for full facing. With the help of it, you can highlight individual elements of the interior, place accents.
The technical characteristics of the stone tile are determined by its origin. It can be used in rooms with high humidity. It is not afraid of temperature fluctuations and is fireproof. This material is great for facing surfaces both inside and outside the house.
The color of the natural material is unique, so each mosaic image is unique
The appearance and high technical characteristics affect the price of mosaic tiles of this type. It is very expensive (especially marble). There are options when you can significantly save finances. For example, elements made of pebbles have proven themselves perfectly, and this material, if necessary, can be collected for free on the seashore.
Metal tile mosaic in the bathroom
Such a mosaic appeared not so long ago, but has already found its buyer in the construction market. Cladding of this type is made of different metals, but the most common is steel. Brass mosaic tiles are no less popular.
Individual elements, which may have different sizes, are fixed on a special base. It is usually made of flexible materials (for example, rubber). There are many varieties of metal cladding for the bathroom, which differ not only in size, but also in shape. In specialized stores, you can find elements in the form of triangles, hexagons, irregular geometric shapes, etc.
Useful information! It is important to remember that such cladding requires special care. It is strongly not recommended to wipe such a tile with chemical compositions that include abrasive particles.
One of the rarest, but at the same time spectacular options is considered to be a metal mosaic
The surface of the metal cladding is also classified into several types. It can be glossy or matte, and also have a certain texture. Photos of mosaics in the bathroom of this type will help to make the right choice, so it is recommended to familiarize yourself with them.
Mosaic tile for bathroom: non-standard solutions
Mosaics for bathroom cladding can also be made from other, less traditional materials. For example, if you want to save your finances, you can buy a plastic-based tile. Polymer products are much cheaper, but they do not have such high technical properties. Such a mosaic does not look so impressive, but it is quite suitable for facing horizontal and vertical surfaces in wet rooms.
The use of glass mosaics in the interior is now very relevant, such decoration can give the space an extraordinary and mysterious character
Of the advantages of polymer cladding, it can also be noted that it holds very well on almost any surface. In addition, it can be used as a mosaic floor tile. The surface of polymer mosaic is not as slippery as that of tile cladding. A non-standard, but effective solution is the purchase and laying of mirror tiles. The technology of its production includes the processing of individual fragments of the mirror surface. It is most often used to highlight some element in the bathroom interior.
If necessary, you can purchase a mirror mosaic with silver or gold coating. You can buy a mosaic for a bathroom of this type in a specialized store or place an order online. The cost of such material is quite high.
The least common is mosaic tiles made of wood. It appeared on the market quite recently. Rare, expensive tree species are used in its production. The use of such cladding allows you to cover the walls of the bathroom with small tiles of different shades. Of course, this solution is the most original.
The wooden mosaic needs special care and is not fire-resistant. And also it does not have such resistance to moisture as other varieties of these products.
It is not recommended to use wooden tiles for finishing particularly wet rooms, but it is possible to lay them as small decorative elements.
Varieties of mosaic by type of base
Before buying, it is recommended to pay attention not only to the outer part, but also to the base of the mosaic. The bathroom is a room with high humidity, so the material for its cladding should be chosen with special care. Let’s consider on what basis a mosaic tile can be located:
- mesh;
- paper;
- without a foundation.
Thanks to the mesh base, the mosaic is easily cut
Tile mosaic on the grid. In this case, the individual elements are fixed on a special grid. They are arranged in a certain order, forming the necessary pattern. Rectangular or square blocks consisting of sequentially assembled individual tiles are great for mounting on any surface. They can be placed on uneven walls by adjusting the distance between the elements.
Tile mosaic on paper. The base of such a material contributes to the fast and accurate laying of the tile block. The paper is fixed on the front side of the mosaic, which allows you to save the necessary arrangement of individual elements.
Paper-based mosaic is very convenient and easy to install
Useful information! After laying such a lining, it is necessary to remove the paper from its surface. To do this, it is moistened with warm water.
Mosaic tile without a base. It is rarely used for laying in bathrooms. Products without a base, as a rule, are used to organize beautiful panels. For such work, it is necessary to have certain qualifications. Therefore, it is better not to use a scattering of tiles for self-installation. It is also worth saying that today you can buy an ordinary tile made for a mosaic. It looks presentable on the walls in the bathroom, and its installation is much easier. You can buy a tile for a mosaic in a specialized store or via the Internet.
To lay a mosaic tile without a base, you need to have certain qualification skills
Mosaic tiles in the bathroom: design, photos
The appearance of such cladding is influenced by several main factors. These include: the material of manufacture, the option of processing the front side, the size, shape and method of installation. In order to perform the original wall and floor cladding in the bathroom, it is necessary to take into account all these criteria.
Mosaic tile itself is a material that looks presentable and stylish after laying. The use of such cladding is more popular than the creation of a classic panel. This is due to the reasonable cost and relatively simple installation. Let’s consider what design options for mosaics in the bathroom exist today:
- monochrome;
Mosaic is one of the most common decorative interior decorations
- background;
- gradient;
- mix;
- panel.
Monochrome. In this case, a tile of the same shade is laid on a vertical or horizontal surface. Most often it has the same size as well as shape. This design solution is suitable for creating a bathroom in the style of minimalism.
An advantageous combination of a black-and-white mosaic mix in the bathroom
And also a monochrome mosaic is often used to organize a bright stripe or geometric figure on the wall. Such a move in the interior affects the visual change in the proportions of the room, which is characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. Another option is the use of non–standard cladding in shape, but of the same color and size.
Background. This variant of bathroom design involves the use of identical or different-sized tiles. Their combination should not form a clearly defined pattern. It is worth noting that such a design solution can be both monochrome and colored, as well as with a pattern.
Background tile mosaic for a small bathroom creates an interesting textured surface and without the presence of a pattern
Gradient. An original and stylish version of the bathroom design with mosaic. The peculiarity of this solution is the smooth transition of the shade from one edge of the wall to the other. This method of laying mosaics is used, as a rule, in cases where it is necessary to visually expand the space or increase the ceiling.
Mix. From the name it becomes clear that this design method takes into account the combination of different shades. The individual elements of the cladding in this case have the same shape and size. In the case of laying a dimensional mosaic (at least 5×5 cm), this method makes it possible to use elements with a pattern or imitation.
A tile stretch is a mosaic panel on which one color smoothly transitions to another
Such cladding is very popular in the construction market because of its favorable cost. If you are interested in the question of how to design a bathroom, then this option is one of the most suitable.
Panel. A spectacular design solution that requires professional skills. Mosaics can be used to create real works of art that will last for many years. The shape of individual facing tiles in this case can be very different, as well as the size, color.
The panel, made on the basis of the matrix assembly technique, is an image that is typed from a mosaic
Pay attention! The individual tiles that are used to organize the panels are small in size. They are not assembled into blocks, so they can be stacked on a curved surface.
There is an option implying the use of block mosaic. It is more popular because it requires less skills during installation and costs less. In turn, manual installation requires both professional training and large financial costs. However, a panel assembled by hand is the most spectacular interior solution that can be made. The panels are often used in combination with the background mosaic in the bathroom. Photos of designs of different types will allow you to visually assess the beauty of a particular styling method.
Bathroom tile Design: Color selection
Before you buy a mosaic tile, you need to decide on its color. Which shade to choose? Experts recommend paying attention to colors close to nature. They are most often focused on in the modern world. It can be brown, blue, beige and gray shades.
The wall looks original, decorated with textured mosaic, which imitates stone or wood. The ideal solution for the bathroom is laying tiles made of natural stone. In case of lack of funds, you can also use a less expensive artificial stone.
If there is enough light in the bathroom, then its walls can be safely decorated with black tiles
The use of multi-colored mosaics is very popular. The bathroom, decorated in different shades, looks stylish and pleases the eye. However, it must be remembered that in this case it is categorically not recommended to combine more than three shades.
When choosing suitable tones, it is advisable to take into account the rules of their combination. For example, designers advise marking one color as background. The other two will also perform a specific function. The second color will be additional, and the third will place the necessary accents in the room.
White bathroom tiles will always remain relevant, because this color has always been a basic and common option for the design of the room
For the bathroom, it is advisable to choose a pastel shade as a background. The additional color in this case should be brighter. Individual elements can be decorated with a more contrasting shade. In any case, before deciding on the design of the room, it is recommended to pay attention to the photo of the bathroom tiles. Mosaic can both decorate a room and “saturate” it.
A win–win solution is a white mosaic. Such a room will always look stylish. Therefore, if you cannot decide on a variety of colors, then choose a white tile. It has another significant advantage: water stains are not so visible on it.
You can create a unique exclusive interior in the bathroom thanks to the bronze tile mosaic
Overview of popular mosaic laying options
There are several ways to lay mosaic tiles. Some of them are more traditional, while others are used in rare cases. Let’s consider the options for mounting this cladding material in more detail.
Basic (grid). This method is notable for its popularity, as it is the simplest. In this case, the mosaic wall tiles are laid parallel to the plane of the wall itself. And it is also worth noting that the seams between the individual elements with this installation take the form of a grid. This method of laying allows you to use not only classic tiles in shape.
The basic way of laying mosaics in the bathroom is the simplest and most widespread
Useful information! For laying with a grid, it is best to choose a veneer of one shade. The use of multicolored elements is not recommended, as they distract attention from the seams.
Basic (angular). This method is also common and involves laying individual mosaic elements with a diamond. They are glued to the wall at a certain angle, which is 45 °. This arrangement of the mosaic allows you to visually align the walls if they are curved.
The basic (angular) method involves laying individual mosaic elements with diamonds
And it is also worth noting that the corner laying contributes to the visual expansion of the room. However, with this installation, there are some disadvantages. The main one is the need to cut the material to fit it. Designers recommend using one or two shades when lining the walls in this way. There are other bathroom renovation ideas, but in any case, you can not combine more than three colors.
Chess. Laying a mosaic in this way is similar to the first option (basic). The difference in this case lies in the location of the seams and the coloring of the individual facing elements. In this installation, two mosaic colors are used, which must necessarily be contrasting relative to each other. And the seams are arranged sequentially, without displacement. The chess variant is often used for laying relief tiles that have notches. The alternation of horizontal and vertical stripes forms a stylish and interesting veneer.
The linear method of tile laying involves installation in rows that differ in texture and shade from the main background
Linear. The technology of such laying is made in the same way as in the first case. It differs from the basic method only in that it implies the installation of rows that differ in texture and shade from the main background. Such styling is most often used for the design of bathrooms in a modern style (for example, hi-tech).
In a run-up. It is used when laying mosaic tiles on the floor or wall. It is another variation of the traditional basic style. In this case, the mosaic is laid with a mixture of exactly half of one facing element. The effect, which is achieved when mounting in a run-up, gives the cladding the appearance of a brick wall.
The method of laying the mosaic in a run-up gives the facing the appearance of brickwork
In some cases, other technologies are used for laying mosaics: modular, parquet, relief, etc. However, the most common options for laying such tiles today are listed above. You can buy a mosaic for a bathroom in a specialized store, a construction hypermarket or order it online.
How to glue a mosaic tile: the laying algorithm
Laying mosaics is a more complex undertaking than facing surfaces with ordinary tiles. Mosaic tiles require a special approach, the presence of certain skills and knowledge. In the case of self-laying, experts advise paying attention to wall or floor tiles for mosaic. This material will simplify installation. The front side of such products imitates a mosaic, but the back surface is made in the same way as with ordinary tiles.
The mosaic is laid on a cleaned and durable surface, so, to begin with, it should be prepared
In turn, the algorithm for laying mosaic tiles is more complicated than in the case of tiles for a mosaic bath. Therefore, it is recommended to study it carefully. First of all, it is necessary to prepare the surface on which the mosaic tile will be glued. It is advisable to align the walls and floor. Next, it is necessary to prime the surface. This will strengthen the grip of the tile.
At the next stage, the appropriate tools and materials are prepared. Special attention should be paid to the choice of glue. For most varieties of such cladding, a gray composition is used. In turn, white glue is used when installing glass mosaics.
For laying tiles, you should use a solution that is suitable for this type of surface
Useful information! Be sure to take into account the individual characteristics of the room. The adhesive for mosaic tiles can be moisture-resistant (recommended), frost-resistant, as well as fungicidal. The latter is resistant to fungi and mold.
From the tools you will need to purchase a special toothed spatula (3×3 mm), a tape measure, a construction level. And it is also necessary to prepare a marker for marking and a rag, which will be required when grouting the seams.
Having studied the main stages of the mosaic laying technology, if you have the necessary tools, you can do it yourself
Drawing the necessary drawing on the wall or floor will avoid mistakes when laying such cladding. Especially experts advise using such a trick in cases when a complex option for installing mosaics in the bathroom is chosen. Photos of various stages of this process can also help with self-styling. Therefore, it is recommended to study them.
Then the installation of mosaic tiles is carried out directly. First, you need to apply glue to a small area of the wall or floor. At the next stage, individual elements are laid. Each tile must be pressed into the glue and controlled so that it does not get on the front surface. It is important to remember that during the installation you need to monitor the evenness of the row. To do this, you will need a building level.
The tile seams are rubbed with a special mixture of colored grout and latex additive
After installing the mosaic, you need to wait about two days. During this time, the glue will have time to dry. Then it remains only to remove the base (paper) from the front surface and perform grouting of the seams.
Mosaic tile is a stylish and modern version of the cladding. The construction market offers many varieties of such material, each of which has its own characteristics. Mosaic laying can be done independently, but it is advisable to use the services of a specialist. This will avoid mistakes that lead to damage to the material.
