Mosaic Bathroom Tile
Many homeowners choose to install tile in the kitchen and the bathroom. Tile is durable, easy to clean and attractive. It can also be creative!
Creating a tile mosaic for your bathroom wall can be great fun and the right combination of tile and design can turn your bathroom into a work of art.
Designing a Mosaic
When designing a mosaic, the first thing to consider is the space itself. If it's a small space, you may want to use smaller, natural stone tiles. Natural stone is a good choice because it's extremely strong, resists water and its colours don't tend to overwhelm. Stone options include marble, limestone or travertine, and granite, the most popular of natural stones. Stone adds an elegant note to any room and can be purchased in a wide variety of colours and patterns. Visit a stone company's showroom to experience first-hand the range of stone tile available.
- Glass. Glass is easy to clean and comes in every colour imaginable. It can be cut into unusual shapes and it's light and fun to work with.
- Metal. Copper, stainless steel and aluminum are the three most common metals used for tile. Metal is malleable and can be punched or embossed with designs. It can also be brushed or polished with a shiny finish.
- Ceramic. Ceramic tiles are clay that has been baked in a kiln and then glazed. These tiles come in various sizes and shapes, with dozens of colours to choose from. Mexican tiles with vivid designs on them are a type of unbaked clay tile, similar to ceramic.
- Porcelain. These are made of pressed porcelain dust, making them stronger than ceramic, but similar in appearance. They also come in a wide range of colours.
Next, think about the area you want the mosaic to cover. Do you want a dramatic, full-wall design or should the mosaic be limited to one area, like the space above the sink or stove, for example?
Do you want a lot of colour or will you stick to a few main colours? Do you prefer abstract, semi-abstract or a pictorial representation of an object or animal? Do you want to incorporate found objects, such as pebbles or seashells into the design?
Once you've made these decisions, get sheets of ¼” graph paper and tape them together to represent the area you're working with. Use markers that match the colours you'll be using and colour in the squares as though they were tiles.
Installing Your Mosaic
After you're completely satisfied with your design, it is time to buy the tiles. Lay them out on the kitchen floor or countertop for a day or two and watch how the light plays over them at various times of the day. If you're happy with the design, it's time to install them!
Follow the directions carefully for your preferred type of tile and use the graph paper as a map for installing them. At the end of the day, you will have fashioned a unique piece of art and a whole new look for your room.
Unleash your inner artist – create your own bathroom tile mosaic!