Mosaic is a beautiful and unique material with a long history. Since ancient times, the most status and important rooms have been decorated with it. Today, to simplify installation, it is produced on special meshes measuring approximately 30x30 cm. Thanks to its flexibility, any shape can be lined with this material. Mosaics on mesh can be made of glass, porcelain stoneware, stone and other materials. It can be a single color, a mixture or a pattern. Modern mosaic variety cannot fail to impress!
- Glass mosaic
- Stone mosaic
- Mosaic made of ceramics and porcelain stoneware
- Where is mosaic on a grid used?
- Materials for creating a decorative surface
- Types of matrices of mosaic compositions
- Caring for mosaics Working with natural stone modules
- Preparing the base
- Laying mosaics on a grid
The advantages of this type of tile
If you look at the photos of various bathroom design options, you can note that in almost 60% of cases the owners prefer this particular type of tile.
Mosaic can easily withstand high humidity without losing strength and reliability even over time. It is used not only for finishing walls, ceilings or floors. With its help you can decorate the smallest decorative elements, it looks quite appropriate and attractive.
The huge color range is complemented by the different materials from which the tiles are made, only expanding the already large selection of products.
Preparatory work
After the final determination of the dimensions of the mosaic tiles and the selection of an adhesive that corresponds to the parameters of the finishing material, preparatory work should begin. They consist of the following manipulations:
- When laying mosaics, it is recommended to check the evenness of the surface, since any differences can negatively affect the appearance of the final finishing result. To do this you need to use a building level. If the differences are insignificant, then leveling can be done with tile adhesive; otherwise, it is recommended to use plaster to pre-level the walls or sheets of drywall.
- The surface must be thoroughly cleaned of debris, dust, previous finishing material and other contaminants. Oil stains, if there are any on the surface, require special cleaning. It is also important to eliminate raised bulges.
- The final stage of preparation is the application of primers. They are necessary for strong adhesion of the glue and the surface of the wall or floor. Using a roller or wide brush, apply two coats of primer and allow each coat to dry completely before applying subsequent coats.
It is important that the walls are smooth and even, otherwise the mosaic canvas will follow all the curves and irregularities.
Types of mosaic tiles
There is a tile on which an abstract pattern is applied, but it very vaguely resembles a mosaic tile.
More expensive ceramic mosaic tiles are made with small indentations, which gives the impression that a mosaic has been laid, but in this case it is necessary to choose the color of the grout so that it matches the tone of the grooves on the tile.
If this is not done, then the contours of the tile, filled with grout of a different color, will stand out against the general background.
The most expensive tiles have deep slots, which are subsequently filled with grout. In this case, the covering must be laid in such a way that all seams and slots are the same size.
Tools
Before making a tabletop, it is necessary to carry out high-quality preparation and collection of tools. In many ways, the choice of tool is influenced by the base material for the mosaic.
So, for work you will definitely need:
- Antiseptic.
- Primer.
- Adhesive composition.
- Mosaic.
- Grout for seams.
Considering the peculiarities of using a mosaic table, it is necessary to choose the right adhesive composition. It must be plastic. Many experts recommend using white glue.
Especially if the lining is transparent. If the tiles are opaque, then regular tile adhesive is acceptable. A transparent adhesive has also been developed for glass tiles
Select grout to match the finish or white mixtures. Sometimes clear epoxy or sodium based grout is purchased. This type of grout looks especially beautiful with added shine.
As for the tool, you need to prepare the following:
Solution for a small room
The selection of mosaics for a small bathroom is carried out taking into account the need to visually expand the walls. This technique can be carried out in several ways:
- Finishing with glossy mosaic in light colors on the entire wall (from floor to ceiling). It is desirable that it be as free as possible from furniture and decorative elements. The required effect is achieved due to the mirror effect and reflection of light rays from each pixel of the tile.
- For minimal decor, you can use mosaics of the same color, but of different shapes. For example, if the main plane is faced with a square one, the ornament is made with a rectangular, hexagonal, or round insert.
- Adding color is acceptable at the bottom of the wall. It should become lighter towards the top.
An example of using mosaics in the interior of a small bathroomSource vip-1gl.ru
A successful example of mosaic in a bathroom interiorSource www.zastavki.com Pixel mosaic made of smalt
Healthy! For a bathroom with a small area, shades of white, sand, blue, coffee, and pearl gray are suitable.
Choice for a spacious bathroom
When decorating a large bathroom with mosaics, it should be taken into account that in this situation, space can lead to the loss of the feeling of comfort and homeliness. Therefore, the technique of visual narrowing is used here in order to make the environment more “domesticated”.
Do not use plain wall cladding. This will lead to the fact that you will get a dull interior, which even bright decorative elements cannot correct. It is best if only opposite walls are finished the same way.
Another option is to divide the room into functional areas: shower, sink, toilet. The main emphasis is on light colors, dark ones are used as cladding, to give an accent.
Example of smalt mosaic
Metal mosaic in the bathroom interior
An example of laying mosaics in a large bathroom
Glass mosaic in the interior of a spacious bathroom
Advice! Monochrome or contrasting mosaic compositions, harmoniously combined with the overall style, will beneficially enliven the entire interior.
General properties
An excellent decoration option would be a mosaic for the kitchen apron. The mosaic canvas consists of individual bright fragments, which is a significant advantage over ordinary tiles.
Various materials are used in production, from mother-of-pearl to natural stone. Therefore, mosaics are easy to match to any style of kitchen - from country to high-tech.
All kinds of shades, interspersed in abundance in the mosaic, allow you to combine together all the colors present in the kitchen. At the same time, it produces a hard and fire-resistant fabric, as a result the kitchen apron area is completely protected. There are no abrasions or minor scratches on it.
Mosaic design options in the bathroom with photo examples
Before you start choosing a finishing material, it makes sense to look at the features of different cladding in the photo.
Single color and background mosaic
Single-color products are purchased for modern styles such as minimalism. The standard colors there will seem motley and out of place.
It turns out cozy
You can choose single-color parts in the form of hexagons
A single-color mosaic becomes the background; the color can be any
Beautiful noble finish
You can successfully make an accent with a one-color mosaic in the form of a stripe or pattern. This will play a certain role in the perception of the proportions of the room.
Mosaic gradient and mix
A gradient is a smooth flow of shade from dark to light, from bright to pale, from one color to another. This is an original approach to decorating a bathroom. The effect of stretching the room is obtained.
Color has its effect
You can successfully decorate a shower stall
The color of the banner can be any
Different colors are selected for the mix, but they are placed randomly on the matrix
Mosaic panel
The panel will be a bright and effective accent in the room, but its creation can only be accomplished with a high level of skill as a tiler. The parts are not located on the matrix, but are laid out manually.
Bathroom design with mosaic and full-size tiles
Combining finishing options is not only possible, but also necessary. Mosaic and full tile combinations are amazing. Since the sizes of the slabs are different, you can create something original and unique.
Select colors close to the palette. The photo shows a combination of mosaics and tiles in the bathroom
Beautiful mosaic edging
Options for using mosaic tiles in bathroom design
Modern mosaic is a universal finishing material. With its help, accents are placed, walls, floors and even plumbing are decorated.
Finishing
For the main decoration, simpler tiles of the same color or made in non-contrasting colors are usually used. These can be large scales or small squares up to 2-3 cm in size.
There are no restrictions on use: walls, accent areas in the shower or above the bathtub, and surfaces near the sink are finished in this way. Monochrome chips go well with larger tiles in the same shades - you can create a play of textures.
Instagram @brookeaitkendesign
Instagram @interiors.mi
Instagram @jessica_ayromloo Instagram @interiorsinsideout
Instagram @adamhunter
Instagram @alex_ladanova
Instagram @melanielissackinteriors Instagram @ama_italia_q8
If you like panel options, then in addition to them, select ordinary ceramic tiles in one of the tones used in the design. In the photo, the design of such a bathroom with mosaics looks very stylish. The most relevant today are floristic, animalistic themes, geometry and abstraction. Pay attention to the range of execution. The design should not be too bright and catchy; it is better to let the tones be a little muted. Although, of course, a lot depends on the design.
Instagram @kudryavtseva_design
Instagram @orro_mosaic_khv Instagram @studioardo
Addition
In this case, mosaic is used to decorate small areas and zones. This can only be a bathtub screen, an area inside the shower. Individual solutions in the design of shelves, plumbing fixtures and furniture—the same cabinets under the sink—look interesting.
Sometimes several products of different colors are used in the design: brighter tiles are used to decorate accent areas, and neutral ones, for example, white or beige, are used to decorate the rest of the space.
Instagram @ted_and_ollie
Instagram @blushinteriorco Instagram @nataliasalla.arq Instagram @marpp_inst Instagram @hudsonvalleylighting
Elms Interior Design
Instagram @eilerdesignandconstruction
Instagram @design.trikota
Chelsea Lauren Interiors
Accents
This type of bathroom design with tiles and mosaics is rare. Still, in most cases, designers prefer a more active finish. However, as small accents, you can use panels with chip patterns around the perimeter of the room, small paintings, or decorating cabinets, showers and shelves with monochrome products.
Smaller chips are usually used to place accents; they are combined with large tiles and porcelain stoneware.
Instagram @studio_interno.ru Instagram @victoriamultan_official
Instagram @rodionova_oksana_designer Instagram @chadderandco
Instagram @chadderandco Instagram @chadderandco
Adhesive solution, applying it to the wall
If in the process of creating a mosaic you use not only broken tiles, but also pieces of glass, experts recommend attaching all the elements of the design with transparent glue.
A special adhesive mixture is suitable for attaching mosaics; it is used when working with ceramic tiles. The most popular of them is white; it helps maintain the clarity of the design and emphasizes its beauty and uniqueness.
The adhesive solution is applied with a special spatula
To prepare the solution, you must use the manufacturer's instructions. Compliance with this will allow you to make good glue that will reliably attach all mosaic elements to the work surface. In the process of applying the mixture, you will need to use a spatula; this tool will help make an even and smooth layer of the mixture.
Advice. To prevent the solution from drying out, and to ensure that the pieces of broken tiles stick firmly and reliably to the wall, the mosaic must be applied in small sections.
Mosaic tile laying technology
Now let's look at how to tidy walls, floors and other surfaces with mosaic tiles.
A little about glue
Decorating walls with mosaics cannot be called cheap, but you really want to save on something, so there are experimenters who use cement-sand mortar instead of glue.
Let's not talk about professionals - each of them may have their own experience, but for a person who decides to do the repairs with his own hands, such “savings” can lead to additional waste.
The solution sets quickly and has practically no plasticity, therefore, trying to move the mosaic, you can damage the mesh, after which the material will become unusable.
How to prepare mosaic glue correctly in this video
When gluing opaque cladding material, you can use ordinary gray tile adhesive. To beautifully glue mosaic tiles with transparent (or translucent) elements, you need to use polymer or white cement-based adhesive.
We produce grout
Mosaic grout
Grouting should begin a day after installation. For this work, a rubber spatula is used. Before grouting, inspect all seams. Remove any protruding adhesive residue and debris from them. The grouting itself is done with strokes in different directions. The last pass must be perpendicular to the previous one.
Wash off the white grout
After applying the grout, excess must be removed. If you use waterproof material, then this is done immediately. The water-soluble grout is allowed to sit for 10-15 minutes, then it is removed with a damp cloth. Remaining plaque can be removed at the end of the day using a soft rag. At this point all work is completed.
Rules and subtleties of cladding, expert advice
There are a lot of moments that are familiar only to experienced craftsmen. Among the main useful tips for novice tilers are the following.
- If the bathroom is small, you should not experiment with a variety of color schemes. In this case, two or three light colors that are mutually harmonious with each other would be most appropriate. If you want a contrasting design, you should limit yourself to only two elements that will strictly merge into a single concept.
- For small plumbing units, you should pay attention to small-sized mosaics. This move will help visually increase the space in the room;
- When facing ornaments of different shades of the same color scheme (as is the case with a marine theme), it is recommended to start with dark tones that will be at the bottom of the wall, gradually lightening the pattern towards the top.
- When laying mosaics yourself, it is recommended to use the canvas exclusively with a paper or mesh backing. Loose mosaics can present insurmountable difficulties to a master without proper experience in this field.
- For gluing floors and walls, you need to choose different consistencies of the adhesive mixture. For the floor it should be elastic, and for the walls it should be more viscous (otherwise the glue will slide down).
- The glue must be applied in portions, since applying it to large areas will cause it to dry out quickly.
- Due to excessive humidity in the bathroom, fungus and mold can form at the seams between the mosaics. To prevent this trend, it is necessary to carry out scheduled (approximately once every six months) treatment of the seams with special chemicals. The tiles themselves must be washed at least once a week (twice a week in the case of a combined plumbing unit).
Keep your bathroom color palette consistent
Make a smooth transition of the mosaic from one color to another
In conclusion, it can be noted that tiling a bathroom with mosaic tiles is one of the best design solutions. Thanks to its properties, this material is practical and durable, and a huge range of colors and patterns will allow you to choose any design for large and small rooms.
Advantages and disadvantages of decorative interior decorations
Tile mosaic has many advantages over other decorative decorations. Thanks to them, original ceramic patterns have been popular for a long period. The main advantages of broken tile mosaics:
- long service life;
- practicality;
Decorating countertops in the bathroom with mosaics
- efficiency;
- the ability to create a variety of original paintings and ornaments (it all depends on the imagination and talent of the master);
- harmonious combination with the interior.
In addition to the advantages, there are also disadvantages. Among them are:
- the need to comply with the technological process (otherwise the mosaic may lose its presentable appearance);
- large time costs, since the work is very painstaking.
Features of the base for attaching mosaics
Since the tiles are chosen for a rather damp room, it is important not to make a mistake with the materials. The base can be of three types: paper, mesh and tiles without a base.
The mesh base is placed on the back of the tile, which will be adjacent to the wall. But the paper base is located on the front side of the mosaic - after laying the tiles you will need to remove all the paper covering.
Both the first and second methods speed up the finishing process - the tiles are laid in blocks. If you use tiles without a base, the finishing process is not only lengthened. To do this, you should definitely find a specialist who knows and can work with such details.
Most often, tiles without a base are used for decorative elements in small areas to create a spectacular panel.
Preparing the work surface for applying a decorative tile pattern
It is necessary to pay as much attention as possible to the preparation of the walls, since the strength and durability of the mosaic will depend on the correctness of such work.
Surface preparation is very important
The master needs:
- Remove wallpaper or old tiles from the selected area where the mosaic will be located (the wall must be clean).
- Use putty to seal all holes, cracks and crevices.
- Draw a drawing of the future decorative decoration according to the existing sketch.
Advice. To ensure that the applied drawing matches the prepared sketch, you can use a scale grid or a projector.
How to care for the surface
How nice it is when the work is done, and having put things in order, you can enjoy what you have created with your own hands and the comfort you have created.
However, in order for the pleasure not to be short-lived, you need to provide the proper conditions, as well as care for the laid coating, following simple rules:
Most often, mosaic coating is used in damp rooms, so with regard to ventilation, the question cannot arise: “to be or not to be.”
Good ventilation is needed, otherwise the grout will develop fungus or black mold, which is very harmful to humans, and getting rid of this scourge is much more difficult than “inviting” it into your home. A less important, but not pleasant fact is that mold spoils not only the grout, but also the tiles - they become dull.
Mosaic seams are treated with anti-mold agents not only after installation of the coating, but also every autumn, before the start of the heating season.
All about cleaning products and caring for tiles in the bathroom and kitchen in this video
Care of the coating is carried out using products recommended by the manufacturer. The use of cleaning products containing abrasives is not permitted. By following these recommendations, you will keep the appearance of the coating in perfect condition for a long time.
Mosaic patterns do not leave anyone indifferent to their mesmerizing appearance. The beauty of such a panel lies in the small, often sparkling elements, which altogether create a very attractive overall picture. I want to look at it again and again. Representing an excellent alternative to the usual tiles, mosaics are able to add individuality to each individual room, conveying the unsurpassed taste of its owner.
The mosaic panel is universal for any room in terms of functionality. The need in the kitchen or bathroom is explained by resistance to moisture and dirt, and in the bedroom or living room, by the individuality of the design concept and exquisite luxury.
Now you can bring something alive and soulful into the interior not only with the help of painting and wall paintings; small tiles can also easily cope with this task.
Where is mosaic applicable?!
The scope of application of mosaic tiles has absolutely no restrictions. It is suitable for domestic and industrial use; another question is whether it will be justified for economic and aesthetic reasons.
As for the design of mosaic tiles, numerous proposals allow you to use it both for decorating a bathroom or the interior of a luxurious room in a private house, and for decorating an office. It harmoniously combines with almost all other construction and finishing materials.
It can be used as the main masonry, to highlight niches or columns, and also to decorate panels, for example, at the head of a bed.
