Mosaic tile art is a timeless way to increase your home’s value and beauty. It’s also a low-maintenance option for areas with a lot of wear and tear.
With their waterproof nature, mosaic tiles are resistant to stains and moisture. That makes them ideal for walls in kitchens and bathrooms.
Versatility
With various design options to suit almost any style, high quality glass mosaic tiles can bring any room a bold and sophisticated look. Translucent mosaics amplify light and brighten the feel of a space, and opaque options marry well with stone, ceramic, and wood to achieve unique combinations. Countless color, shape, and surface texture options let homeowners create a standout effect without busting their budgets.
Unlike porous terracotta tiles, which can stain from mildew and detergents, glass mosaics resist water and are resistant to mold and bacteria. They’re perfect for shower walls, backsplashes, and other wet environments. Glass mosaics aren’t susceptible to fading from sunlight exposure, so they’ll remain dazzling even after years of use.
Glass mosaics are typically sold in sheets that measure about 12 inches square. These sheets make it easy to install them. After the thin set is troweled, lay out the mosaics and rock them up and down to help them settle into place. Install an anti-fracture membrane before applying the thin-set for a more polished installation. Mosaic glass tile is natural for bathroom floors, showers, and backsplashes. It’s also a popular choice for outdoor walls and pool accents, as it’s impervious to water and can hold up against exposure to harsh sunlight and extreme temperature changes.
In kitchens, mixed mosaics of stone and glass can add warmth to a large island and create visual unity behind the oven wall. Alternatively, you can use solid-color glass tiles to emphasize a focal point. Mosaic glass tile is versatile enough for any application, so feel free to get creative! Just be sure to hire a professional for projects that require cutting and installing in wet areas or those with complex designs.
Eco-Friendly
Glass mosaic tiles are eco-friendly because they use roughly half the energy needed to produce ceramic tiles. This is especially true of recycled glass mosaic tiles made from repurposed materials like broken car windshields and beverage bottles.
Because of its non-porous surface, glass is also resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria that plague other types of tile surfaces. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for bathroom backsplashes, shower walls, and floors.
However, glass tiles can be susceptible to scratches and are best suited for low-traffic areas. They may need to be replaced if scratched, but this is only a minor inconvenience for such a beautiful and durable material. If you’re going with glass, select a grout color contrasting the tiles to minimize visibility.
Durable
Glass tile is impervious to water and doesn’t absorb moisture, so it’s resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. It also reflects light, making a space feel bigger. It is available in a wide range of aesthetically pleasing colors, including subtle neutrals and bold brights. Glass mosaic tiles are also available in special effects like “hammered” metallics and matte sea glass, as well as textural treatments that mimic variegated stone or woven fabric.
Backsplashes and shower walls clad in glass mosaics are durable, easy to clean, and add value to your home. But, installing these intricately colored tiles requires a high level of skill. Depending on your design, you’ll need to carefully place each mosaic tile to maintain the proper spacing or choose a grout color slightly different than the tile.
A recycled glass herringbone mosaic in wood color, for instance, can create a warm centerpiece around a fireplace. And installing a backsplash of glass tiles in your kitchen will reflect light and boost your resale value.
Easy to Clean
Glass mosaic tile adds a shimmering radiance to any kitchen backsplash or bathroom shower wall. Glossy gold hexagon mosaic tiles brighten a small powder room with a rich luster, while matte black herringbone or basketweave tiles contrast neutral bathroom fixtures.
Non-porous glass tile is resistant to staining, bacteria, and mildew, making it a popular choice for bathroom walls, backsplashes, and tub surrounds. They are also easier to clean than traditional tiles.
Regular ceramic tiles are more likely to show streaks, watermarks, and fingerprints, but glass mosaic tile offers a smooth surface that is easy to wipe down with a cloth or sponge for stubborn stains. Vinegar or baking soda works well.
Mosaic tiles are a great choice for shower floors but require more grout than a standard tile to create a durable, slip-resistant surface. If you are going green, consider recycled glass mosaics that use reclaimed waste glass to help the environment without sacrificing design possibilities. Glass tiles with a textured finish, like a frosted herringbone or basketweave pattern, offer added gripping texture. It can be a safer alternative to slippery floor materials like natural stone or ceramics.
