Mosaic tiles for a bathroom are an opportunity to make a room not only comfortable, but also stylish, beautifully decorated. Suitable for cladding rooms of various shapes and sizes. The mosaic is easy to lay on your own, without experience and skill. The material does not require special care, in general it is unpretentious and durable.
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On the market, it is presented in different colors and quality shades; any ornaments and decor can be folded from it. A comparison of the types of mosaics and the advantages of each of them are shown in the table below.
| Selection criterion | Suggested options and their advantages | |||
| Form | Square (most common elements, traditional version) | Rectangular (traditional design) | Round (allows you to create smooth lines and beautiful transitions) | Multifaceted (the ability to stack unusual compositions) |
| Manufacturing material | Ceramics (ease of care, variety of shades, low price) | Natural stone (a symbol of luxury, a rich palette of natural shades) | Glass (creates a 3D effect, does not require special maintenance) | Natural wood (rich palette of shades, durable material) |
| By type of base | Mesh (the mosaic is easy to cut, the elements are arranged in a certain order, suitable for mounting on any surface) | Paper (ease of installation, quick and accurate laying of tiles, elements are easily fixed) | No base (used to create beautiful panels, styling requires certain skills) | |
| Bathroom design combinations | Solid color (suitable for spacious bathrooms, tiles have the same shape and size, use it to add a bright color accent) | Background (use white or a color close to it as a background, bright shades as an addition) | Gradient (a smooth transition from one shade to another, allows you to visually expand the room and raise the ceiling) | Mix (it is better to use contrasting shades) |
Glass
Glass mosaic tiles will be an excellent option for decorating a bathroom, allowing you to create a 3D effect in the room and literally bring it to life.
The main advantages of glass tiles are their availability, relatively low price and ease of maintenance.
It is enough to wipe glass tiles with a damp cloth and detergent.
For bathroom decoration, choose glossy or matte tiles.
The main advantages of glass tiles:
- Presentable appearance.
- A large number of textures and shades.
- The probability of bacterial growth on the surface is zero.
- Resistant to temperatures.
- Anti-slip properties.
- Suitable not only for wall cladding, but also for flooring.
Ceramic
Ceramic mosaic tiles for the bathroom are inexpensive, it is easy for them to clad walls, even without the proper experience.
Ceramic tiles are water-repellent, you can choose almost any color and pattern, but they are not suitable for finishing the floor - the material is very slippery.
Metal
The base is brass, stainless steel. The main advantages of such a mosaic are strength, resistance to temperature and mechanical damage. Suitable for wall and floor cladding, however, it can look very rough, so it should be used only in a certain design of the bathroom interior with mosaic tiles, skillfully combining with furniture and ceilings.
Stone and pebble
It is made from different types of stone, from pebbles to marble and granite. Stone mosaic adds austerity and richness to the interior, makes it presentable. At the same time, the stone has good performance characteristics: it is durable, resistant to all kinds of influences, including temperature.
To make the stone look attractive, it is subjected to special processing, polished, some areas are made "softer". Stone does not like chemistry, it is not recommended to wipe it with detergents.
Use regular soapy water. Such a tile is suitable for cladding rooms with high humidity, it will be ideal for a kitchen or bathroom.
It is quite expensive, but at the same time, the option adds a natural shine of natural stone to the interior.
Materials (edit)
Mosaic tiles in the bathroom can be made from a variety of materials. When choosing it, you need to focus on the following parameters:
- The chosen style of the bathroom.
- Price.
- Quality.
- Variety of color solutions.
Each of these points needs to be given separate attention. Tiles can be decorated with vibrant colors and look just fine, but their performance and durability will be minimal. In order not to make repairs every year, you need to choose the right tile once.
Mirrored
Mirror tiles for bathroom cladding can be installed not only on the walls, but also on the floor and ceiling.
The main advantages of mirror mosaic tiles:
- Environmentally friendly and safe material, no harm to human health.
- It is made of ceramics, porcelain stoneware, which makes it durable, hard to break.
- Resistant to temperatures and chemicals, does not require special maintenance.
- Durability and practicality.
- Visual expansion of the room (suitable for small bathrooms).
Gold
Allows you to create a truly rich and luxurious bathroom.
Why Choose Gold Mosaic Tile for Bathroom:
- Yellow is a symbol of warmth and comfort. It allows you to create a comfortable environment, allows you to relax, which is simply necessary in the bathroom.
- Behind the scenes to declare your financial situation.
- Create a unique design.
- Visually expand or narrow the room by correctly setting accents.
- Cheers up.
Golden mosaics should be handled with extreme care so as not to overdo it and not make the bathroom too pretentious. If the rest of the rooms in the house are decorated very simply, it is better to refuse gold in the bathroom.
Wooden
Wooden looks presentable due to the natural shine of natural wood. The rich color palette allows you to choose the right shade: from light nutty to rich chocolate, beech. Allows you to add a touch of uniqueness and originality to the interior.
Plastic
An affordable option for those looking to save money. However, plastic looks cheap, the material has low technical properties. Plastic tiles are easy to scratch, break, and there is a risk that it will come off over time (attached with regular glue). An excellent analogue of plastic is PVC panels, decorated with a mosaic.
Advantages of a mosaic coating
Mosaic tiles are very popular. First of all, it creates a unique design, fold tiles with interesting patterns. The technical characteristics of the mosaic are in no way inferior to ordinary tiles, they are easy to install, even without proper experience.
The main advantages of mosaic tiles:
- Allows you to create a glossy and matte surface, give the room shine and sophistication.
- Ease of maintenance.
- The matte finish is non-slip.
- Wide range of colors.
- High performance characteristics.
- It will help to bring to life any design idea.
Mosaics can be combined with regular tiles to create accents. You can make an interesting panel with your own hands.
Bathroom finishes
There can be many options for finishing a bathroom. The choice of color and ornament primarily depends on the shape of the bathroom, its size and the height of the ceilings.
The task of the mosaic is to complement the interior, not to spoil it.
You can enlarge or narrow the room by choosing the right materials, colors, textures.
Mosaic in a small bathroom
If the bathroom area is too small, you need to try to increase it. This effect can be achieved by laying the tiles using different techniques. What you need to remember in order to expand a small bathroom and make it as comfortable as possible:
- It is best to arrange one of the walls (free of decorative elements) from the floor to the ceiling itself. Light shades should be used, the matte surface should be discarded.
- Option of facing the entire wall with light tiles. You will have to give up dark shades and give preference to white, light elements, prints.
- Use diamond-shaped, rectangular, hexagonal elements, narrow vertical inserts as an ornament.
- Darker shades are best used at the bottom of the composition, gradually lightening it up. Tiles near the ceiling should be as light as possible.
- Decorate the bath itself with light tiles to match the floor.
Colors that are suitable for decorating a bathroom with a small area: white, sand, blue, coffee, pearl gray.
Spacious bathroom design
A spacious bathroom is not always a good thing, because the feeling of coziness and home warmth can disappear from it.
The color scheme of the mosaic tiles should slightly narrow the room and make the environment comfortable.
Decorate the opposite walls in the same way, the same applies to adjacent walls. It is better to refuse a monochromatic cladding, because in this case the bathroom will look as dull as possible, despite the bright shades and interesting design.
Liven up your interiors with monochrome or contrasting mosaics that blend with your surroundings.
Using a mosaic, divide the spacious bathroom into functional areas: shower, sink, toilet. For decoration, a glossy finish is suitable. It is better to leave dark shades for facing details.
Use cases
Use an ornament or a mosaic panel to add a bright color accent to the bathroom, which will visually expand the room.
Sink working area
The traditional option is to decorate only the work area near the sink with mosaics. This design will help to solve several problems at the same time:
- Facilitate the maintenance of the working area of the sink. Water, soap and other substances that can be difficult to remove from other materials often get on this wall. Soap foam is easily erased from the mosaic; streaks and stains do not remain on the surface.
- Nice bathroom decoration.
Decorate the area near the mirror or the wall opposite it with a separate mosaic. Mirroring will visually increase the number of colors and help make the bathroom really bright and interesting.
Vertical surfaces
Focus on a vertical surface - for example, a free wall or a wall opposite a window. The patterns should not be too bright and catchy, because the bathroom should provide comfort and tranquility. The wall behind the bathroom or shower room should not be decorated with mosaics, since it will hardly be visible.
Particular attention should be paid to the color scheme. The most reasonable option is to cover the wall opposite the bathroom, so that you can enjoy beautiful patterns while basking in warm water.
Floor
Decorating the bathroom floor with mosaics is an unconventional and interesting solution. Carpets and rugs are a thing of the past; they have not been relevant for the bathroom for many years, since they poorly absorb moisture and quickly get dirty.
By using mosaic tiles on the floor, you can create a kind of carpet and decorate the surface with colorful patterns. It will be pleasant to step on such a floor not only in shoes, but also barefoot. The mosaic is designed like the entire surface, using calm colors, or a separate area: for example, an area near a bathroom or a sink in the manner of a rubber mat.
Cladding of individual elements
- Decorate the wall above the bathroom in such a way as to create the illusion of a real mountain waterfall: add the illusion of water drops, a beautiful bird, treetops, animals.
- In an apartment with a shower, make an imitation of water coming directly from the shower. Thus, you can arrange a beautiful waterfall.
- The most common option for a bathroom is imitation of raindrops on the wall. They begin to shine from moisture and give the room the necessary comfort.
To add some zest to the interior, lay out the bathroom itself with mosaics (if it is white or light).
Rooms with complex geometry
The bathroom does not always have standard sizes and the shape of a square, rectangle, which are easy to arrange in any style. In private homes and cottages, bathrooms are often located in a non-standard attic space. Facing asymmetrical walls is much more difficult.
Mosaic is ideal for rooms with complex geometry. When decorating the walls, you do not have to cut off extra pieces of tiles, the overrun of tiles will be minimal.
Even concave, convex and rounded walls can be decorated with mosaics, making them presentable and simply beautiful.
Mosaic carpet
Replace the traditional carpet with a mosaic carpet. It is best to lay out the mosaic in the center of the room or near the bath, shower.
Here you can not limit yourself in the choice of colors, not only pastel, but also bright shades are suitable. This design will look effective and stylish.
Shower room
Mosaic can be used to decorate not only the floor near the shower room, but also the shower tray itself. In this case, it will also become strong and durable due to a special cement mortar. Resistant to moisture and lasts a long time.
This method will help to protect the shower process if you choose a mosaic with an anti-slip effect.
Dressing table
Use a mosaic tile to decorate the vanity top. Decorate a beautiful panel without neglecting shades and colors. Unfortunately, making such a tabletop on your own is not so easy, but with a strong desire, everything can work out without problems.
It is better to lay out mosaics of different shapes and sizes.
Color solutions
Color plays a big role in choosing a mosaic for bathroom walls. It should not be too harsh, conspicuous or draw attention to itself. The bathroom is a comfort zone, the main task of which is to allow a person to relax and feel calm.
An excellent option for the bathroom will be simple colors that are as close to natural as possible: gray, brown, blue. The classic version is a white mosaic, suitable if the rest of the walls are decorated with bright tiles or natural stone or wood.
If only one wall or a separate section of it will be decorated with a mosaic, choose a multi-colored pattern.
The main thing is not to overdo it and not make the room too pretentious. It is not recommended to use more than three shades in one drawing.
Several rules for decorating walls with mosaic tiles:
- For a bright drawing, you need to use a pastel background. Decorate individual elements with contrasting shades.
- When choosing colors, it is worth remembering their combination with each other and with the entire interior. Use one color as the main color, the other two - as an addition, there should be fewer such elements.
Pink
Pink is one of those shades that are perfect for a bathroom. Color is able to give a good mood in the morning, remove accumulated emotions at the end of a hard day. Visually expands the room and gives it an illusion of volume. Combines with black and gold.
Blue and light blue
"Watery" shades are ideal for the bathroom. Blue and light blue fit well into the design of a bathroom of any size and shape. In total, there are more than a hundred shades of blue and light blue. Combined with white, gray, red.
Green
A color that can give peace and tranquility, harmony. Use a pale shade of green as well as bright, saturated colors. Combines with brown and metallic, steel shades.
Violet
Purple is a dark shade, so you need to use it with care so as not to overdo it and not make the room too dark. Delicate violet, eggplant, purple will look good in the bathroom. Combines with contrasting colors - yellow, orange, white, black.
Black
A stylish solution that should be chosen with care. It is not recommended to use black mosaic as the main color; there is a risk of visually reducing the room and making it uncomfortable.
But as an additional or contrasting color, black will look original. Combines with white, gray, deep blue mosaics, as well as red, yellow and purple.
Yellow
Yellow, like gold, gives the room liveliness, makes it "rich" and positive. The yellow mosaic looks very unusual and sets a good mood for the whole day.
So that the bathroom does not become too pretentious, it is allowed to arrange up to 70% of the area in yellow.
Use blue, green, red, purple, black as the second color.
Brown
Brown color of any shade is suitable for the bathroom, made under natural stone, wood. Sand shades look good, use them to create a whole panel near the sink or shower. Combines with lavender, azure, pink.
Red
Red allows for a bright accent of color. Suitable for decorating one work area, for example, near a bath, sink or mirror. Place the red mosaic on the bathroom itself, the shower tray.
Do not combine red with black, it is better to replace it with sand, white, brown.
White
White mosaic is a timeless classic for the bathroom. It can be used in two ways:
- White is the main color against which additional shades will look brighter. White will visually increase the bathroom space, make it comfortable and cozy.
- The second option is to use white as a complement against a bright background. This design will look very stylish and unusual.
The main advantage of white mosaic, in addition to its stylish and presentable look, is that stains from water and soap foam are not visible on it. Suitable for minimalism style.
Grey
Use from the most subtle to deep gray shade. Combine with beige, yellow, black, gray. The neutral color adds calmness. Use as a base color or as a complement.
Styling features
Before laying, the tiles should be inspected for damage. For this purpose, all blocks are best laid out on the floor or any other hard surface. They need to be measured and compared with each other so that the size is the same - this is necessary to create an even pattern.
Glue is immediately applied to the tiles. At this time, a special marking is made on the wall and a screed is laid. Then the glue is applied to the wall as well. A too thick layer should be discarded - the glue will not have time to dry and after a while the tile will simply slide to the floor.
Cut the mosaic tile with special metal tongs or a construction knife. After a few days, rub each seam without risking moving the tile.
Training
First, prepare the wall. It should be as even as possible so that the tile does not go in "waves". The old coating will have to be removed, it sits well only on wood, drywall.
Required tools:
- Spatula for applying glue.
- A utility knife to cut the film.
- Metal tongs or a construction knife to cut tiles.
Markup
The markup is necessary so that the tiles lay in even rows. Marking is done with a thick lead pencil or a string with a weight that attaches to the ceiling and provides a perfectly straight line.
Tile layout options:
- Basic... The tiles are laid one by one, on the same level. The distance between the elements is minimal.
- Chess board... The layout is carried out according to the basic principle, however, elements of contrasting colors are used, alternating with each other.
- Linear... The pattern is formed in even rows, the tiles lay down one after another.
- "Running"... The seams are offset relative to the mosaic segment. Suitable for round mosaics and panels.
- Modular... There is deliberate negligence, tiles of different sizes are placed on a special drawing.
Grout
Go to grouting no earlier than a day after laying the tiles, otherwise the risk of moving it from its place is very high. For grouting, you will need a spatula, a rubber sponge.
Remove the protective film (if present). With a spatula, start grouting first horizontally, then vertically. Remove residues with a sponge.
Installation of stretch marks
It is not so difficult to make a wall cladding with mosaic tiles yourself. After the wall is leveled and primed, proceed to the installation of the screeds. Consider a few things:
- The wall for a light mosaic should be painted white so that bright shades do not stand out from the overall composition.
- Whiten the wall with milk of lime to further disinfect the surface. Check the evenness of the walls with a level.
- It is better to finish the walls with plain tiles and set aside a separate section for the mosaic. The background must be in the same style.
First, the background mosaic tile is laid on the wall, you can cut the tile into small pieces using a construction knife. Glue up to 10 mm thick is applied to the wall (the thicker the material, the more glue you need to apply). Press the tile tightly against the wall according to the marked stencil. Tap the surface with a spatula to ensure better grip.
Cover the front with foil or paper to prevent air from entering the seams. Apply grout every other day.
It is better to start installation from the most prominent place, gradually moving to less noticeable places. The largest pieces should be located in the middle, it is better to transfer possible trimming to the edges.
Photo gallery with design options
Below are photos with mosaic bathroom cladding design options. When choosing a tile, consider the size of the bathroom, its shape and height.
Mosaic tiles are a great option for decorating a bathroom. Allows you to create complex drawings and decorate a room with a non-standard shape. Doesn't require any special skills or experience. Able to make any room cozy and harmonious.
To create an exquisite interior in the bathroom, you need not only to choose high-quality plumbing, but also to carefully choose the material that will be used to decorate the walls, floor, and other surfaces. Professional designers, lately, are increasingly giving preference to decorative mosaics.
Mosaic can radically change the interior of the bathroom, giving it a more attractive and rich look.
A competent combination of mosaics and ordinary tiles in the bathroom allows you to give the room a presentable and aesthetic appearance. Many people who make repairs on their own also choose this particular method of decorating bathrooms. Below we will analyze the main nuances that everyone who decides to choose a mosaic as a material for finishing in a bathroom needs to know.
Features of the interior of bathrooms with mosaics
By itself, ceramic mosaic does not differ much from classic tiles, other than size. However, the design created with the use of small mosaic elements is much more impressive. This is due to the fact that many small details connected by a single concept create the feeling of a handcrafted interior. Also, an important role is played by the ability to decorate rounded elements with mosaics. These decors are particularly sophisticated and effective.
Mosaic tiles are equally well suited both for small bathrooms in Khrushchev buildings and for spacious bathrooms in country houses
A certain flexibility of the material allows mosaic tiling of rather complex shapes, for example, countertops for sinks
Or even the sinks themselves, if the stylistic direction of the interior requires it
Mosaic laying services, like the material itself, are significantly more expensive than conventional tiles. This finish looks more respectable and is an indicator of the high level of wealth of the owners of the premises.
The mosaic in the interior of the bathroom should be combined in color and style with the rest of the decor. You should not finish it on absolutely all surfaces. The combined use of mosaics and other materials will look more stylish.
What to look for when choosing a mosaic
Depending on what surface is planned to be faced, you need to choose the right type and texture of the mosaic. Of course, the most common material for making mosaic tiles is ceramics. However, there are other options that are gaining more and more popularity when decorating bathrooms. Below we will take a closer look at all types, and their characteristics, but at the stage of selecting a mosaic for floor decoration, do not choose a slippery material. This is a very important point, the observance of which will protect you and your loved ones.
Ceramic or stone mosaics are best for flooring.
When choosing the size of the mosaic elements, consider whether there will be curved lines in the interior, because if you buy too large tiles, then the facing of the rounded surfaces will not work.
If in your room design all mosaic surfaces are even, then you can purchase a large tile, with mosaic details glued to it in advance. Thus, you can significantly save on the purchase of materials and work.
How to decorate a bathroom with mosaics: choosing colors and decor
As with the use of classic finishing materials, mosaic in the bathroom also requires taking into account the rules for combining colors. The most popular option is when there is one background color in the design, and the additional two colors serve the function of placing the necessary accents.
A simple mosaic pattern composed of tiles of different shades
The safest option is to use a white mosaic as a background. Firstly, light colors are classics for decorating bathrooms, and secondly, bright and contrasting accent tiles look much more effective against a light background.
Solid white honeycomb mosaic is a suitable solution for a small bathroom in a modern style
In any case, it is desirable to use pastel shades as a background, in combination with which it is much easier to highlight additional colors. For example, a red mosaic on a white background will look very impressive.
Contrasting combinations are usually used to highlight individual items or for zoning the bathroom space.
You should carefully choose the color scheme of the room. If you want to understand how the future mosaic bathtub will look like - photos of finished interiors are required to study!
Shape and size of elements
Mosaic classification is carried out according to many parameters, such as the material of manufacture, the size of the elements, and their shape. The most common forms of mosaic tiles are:
- equilateral squares;
- rectangular;
- diamond-shaped;
- multifaceted;
- round.
The easiest way to create compositions is from square parts, so this mosaic is the most popular.
Recently, it is very common to use irregularly shaped mosaics, this solution is especially popular if you want to create a unique handmade design. The downside is the high price of such work, because the competent arrangement of different sized parts can only be performed by high-class professionals, and their services are not cheap.
To create a bright and original composition, you need a multifaceted mosaic consisting of pieces of tiles of different sizes and shapes.
Decorative mosaic elements in the bathroom
Aerobatics when decorating rooms with mosaics is the decoration of surfaces and the creation of various patterns and designs on them. Here the border between finishing work and art begins to be lost, they merge into one whole, and the result is not just a bathroom, but a real masterpiece. Of course, the execution of such ideas requires a high level of skill of tilers and a well-articulated artistic idea or design project. Below we will consider the most interesting examples of decorative mosaic elements in the interior.
For the facing of these shelves, a stone mosaic with a textured surface was chosen.
Mosaic panel
This is the creation of complex patterns and compositions from small mosaic tiles. When working on such images, small elements are used, so they can be laid out both on a flat or on a curved surface.
Ready-made mosaic compositions are available for sale, sometimes even laid out on a grid. The plots of such paintings are very diverse.
If you wish, you can create a drawing yourself using mosaic pieces of different colors.
A mosaic panel is an original way to emphasize the individuality of the owner of the room. Such a solution for finishing the bathroom will be a confirmation of the owner's high social status. The mosaic panel can turn a simple shower into a real aesthetic and emotional pleasure for the residents of the house.
Drawings, ornaments, accents
A somewhat simpler, but no less effective way to lay out a mosaic is the technique using patterns, ornaments and combinations of tiles of various colors. There are several types of such design:
- plain;
- gradient;
- mix.
One-color method is the use of the same color, shape and size when facing mosaics. As a rule, this technique is used when creating a minimalist interior. If you add a bright element of contrasting color to the composition, then such an accent will be characteristic already of the Art Nouveau style.
A wall tiled with a dark solid color mosaic provides an excellent backdrop for white objects.
Background - This method is performed using a mosaic of different (sometimes the same) sizes. The main condition for creating a background is the absence of a clear pattern when laying out the tiles. Thus, a textured surface is created that looks impressive even without accents and patterns. This type of cladding can be either one-color or using several colors.
These walls were tiled with mosaic tiles in two sizes and three shades.
Gradient is a variant of mosaic tile installation, in which the color, along the masonry, smoothly passes from one to another. As a rule, it is used when it is necessary to visually expand the room.
The wall looks beautiful, on which one shade smoothly passes into another
Mix - a combination in one composition of mosaics of different shades, laid out either in random order or with the formation of patterns. This method uses tiles of the same size.
The simplest mix is geometric patterns laid out from tiles of the same size, but in different colors.
These techniques are purely advisory in nature and do not seek to limit or regulate the methods of working with mosaic tiles. You can easily mix these styles to your liking, or create a unique way to install your mosaic.
Types of mosaics and their main characteristics
The most common material for the production of mosaics is ceramics. However, there are many more varieties of mosaic tiles that are becoming more and more popular. Below we will consider their main types and analyze the technical features of each of them.
- Ceramic mosaic. Classic mosaic tiles in high demand. It is quite versatile, durable, resistant to temperature and humidity, and also has a low cost. The technical characteristics of ceramic mosaics are similar to those of regular full-size tiles. The advantages of this type include a wide selection of all kinds of textures that can even imitate natural materials such as stone and wood.
Ceramic mosaic is prized for its ability to create beautiful artistic decor at a relatively low cost.
- Glass mosaic. A somewhat cheaper option compared to ceramics. Visually, it can give a more voluminous drawing. Mainly used for wall cladding.
Glass mosaic comes in a variety of effects, like gold
- Smalt mosaic. Compared to ceramics, it has higher strength characteristics. The coating is very abrasion resistant. Used in rooms with high traffic.
The richest range of colors of smalt mosaic allows you to create real masterpieces from it
- Stone mosaic. Natural stone as a surface cladding is able to create a unique interior in the room. Depending on the type of stone chosen, the performance properties may vary, as well as the cost. The most popular rocks are marble, granite, slate, jasper.
Stone mosaics can be smooth or rough, square or in the form of fragments. And the possible combinations of colors and shades simply cannot be enumerated.
- Plastic. The most budgetary option is an imitation of a mosaic using plastic panels. Of course, this option is much less resistant to mechanical damage and looks less impressive, but the price is several times lower than the original mosaic.
Sheets of plastic mosaic can be bent, sawn, cut out geometric shapes, it is easy to make holes in it
Advantages of combining mosaic with tiles
A sense of proportion is important in everything, and if it is absent, then even the most expensive finishing material will look vulgar and inappropriate. It is very easy to overdo it with mosaics in the interior. Combining mosaic tiles with regular, full-size tiles will help you create a laconic design using mosaic tiles. Correctly selected color combinations will help to correctly place accents and highlight the exact places in the room that need to be marked.
When choosing a mosaic for a tile, it is important to take into account its size and shape.
If you want to understand how a bathroom with mosaics and tiles should look like, photos from already created interiors are required to study!
The creation of contrasting compositions involves the use of a bright mosaic that stands out against the background of a plain tile.
Even small inclusions of mosaics change the interior of the bathroom for the better.
If you are planning a bathroom renovation, then a modern way of facing surfaces using mosaics is a great option for creating a unique interior. We hope that our article will help you decide on the choice and style of your future bathroom.
Video: mosaic in the interior of the bathroom
When repairs are to be made in the bathroom, the owner of the apartment thinks about what can be used to decorate the walls in the bathroom except for tiles, as well as how to cover the floor. Usually, the wall and floor surfaces in the bathroom are covered with ceramic tiles, but apartment owners increasingly want non-standard design solutions. This article will talk about what materials are available for decorating a bathroom, as well as what options for decorating the walls in the bathroom are.
Types of wall decoration
How to replace the tiles? An important characteristic for choosing a cladding material for a bathroom is the product's resistance to moisture. In addition to tiles, you can sheathe the wall with the following types of coatings:
- paint (oil, water-based, acrylic);
- panels made of plastic materials;
- linoleum;
- mosaic tiles;
- plasterboard sheets;
- wood panels;
- MDF panels;
- glass;
- plaster;
- porcelain stoneware materials;
- self-adhesive film;
- oilcloth.
All types of finishing materials differ in terms of performance, service life, price, quality and other indicators. All of this is a great alternative to bathroom tiles.
Dye
How to paint the walls in the bathroom? Painting walls with paint is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to decorate (wall decoration options) in the bathroom as well.
For some, paint is associated with despondency and boredom, since earlier it was with oil materials that the walls in Khrushchevs were decorated. But the technologies for the development of colorful products are improving, water-based and acrylic paints have appeared, which are waterproof and durable.
The disadvantage of paint is that it can crack over time from old age, or from contact with hard and sharp objects.
If the person who decided to change the cladding in the bathroom has artistic talent, then you can paint the walls using various drawings.
Applying paint to walls requires a lengthy preparatory stage. First you need to create a soil base, then putty the surface, only after that you can start painting the walls. It is important to make the wall as flat and smooth as possible during the filling process, otherwise the paint will quickly crack, and all the irregularities and roughness will be visible on the wall.
The materials for the base must be of very high quality: repair specialists recommend purchasing polymer-based putty mixtures, as they evenly fill the holes in the walls and level the surface.
Designers have developed several new types of paints that have become popular among apartment owners. The most fashionable trends in bathroom interiors are wall decoration with glossy paint (which will perfectly fit into a small room, increase the space, as well as a matte finish (recommended for large rooms).
To decorate the tiles in the bathroom is not only with paint. You can use PVC panels, plasterboard for decoration, moisture resistant laminate.
Modern types of paints are not toxic, there is no need to ventilate the room for several days after their application, it is enough to provide the room with ventilation during wall covering.
Plastic panels
What can replace the tiles in the bathroom? Cladding wall coverings with plastic panels is also a relatively inexpensive way to decorate a room. It is very quick and easy to install such materials on the walls.
The main advantage of plastic is that it not only can withstand moisture, but also does not undergo temperature changes that often occur in the bathroom.
If the room has uneven walls that cannot be made smooth even with plaster, or there is no time to level the wall surface, then laying plastic panels on the wall will help hide the unevenness.
The ceiling in the room can also be processed with this material.
The main disadvantage of plastic panels is that in the event of a fire hazard, this material will instantly begin to melt. In addition, plastic is a very fragile structure that can easily be damaged even during repairs, as well as during the operation of the coating.
Plastic can be cut with a regular hacksaw or saw, but do not forget that you need to protect your eyes with special glasses from shavings. This material can be applied to the wall with glue or nails. It is important to remember when hammering in a nail that it is easy to leave a hammer dent on plastic sheets.
Oilcloth
If a very quick repair is required, then you can install the walls using a special coating - oilcloth. Oilcloth is a fabric that is impregnated during the production process with a compound that ensures complete waterproofness of the product.
Repair with such a coating is not long-term and can only serve as a temporary decoration. Oilcloth fabric is fragile, it quickly becomes covered with holes, and there are places of peeling from the wall covering.
Even simple PVA glue can be used to attach the oilcloth to the wall. If the oilcloth is made on a paper basis, then you can attach it to the wall using a special glue for vinyl wallpaper for decoration.
Repair masters advise using acrylic-based plaster for the preparatory coating of the surface. This is necessary in order to increase the adhesion of the oilcloth to the wall.
One of the newer bathroom cladding options is the use of self-adhesive foil. The choice of color palette and design style is wide: there are glossy and matte types, there are self-adhesive films with and without drawings.
The most fashionable trend in interior design is the pasting of walls with a mirror film.
The advantages of this type of wall covering:
- low cost;
- quick installation of the wall surface;
- easy care;
- wide color palette;
- practicality.
Such material is short-lived, but there are still types of films that can last up to ten years.
The main disadvantage of self-adhesive film is the formation of mold and fungal bacteria directly under it.
It is necessary to apply this material on even walls, which means that you will have to spend money on the purchase of a primer coating and putty materials. If the film is not applied to a bare wall, then alignment is not required, just stick it directly onto the old material.
Before applying the film to the wall, the surface must be degreased by the wall covering.
Mosaic
Mosaic wall covering is especially relevant in small rooms with low ceilings. Small particles visually increase the height of the room, and such masonry looks very impressive.
Mosaic can be used as an additional element for bathroom decoration, for example, by combining it with paint or plastic panels. It is possible to make mosaic patterns during cladding.
Laying this material is not easy at all, since the materials are very small, and cladding the wall covering with this product requires skills and talents in the artistic direction.
It is quite possible to make a wall decoration using a mosaic with your own hands, but it is better to turn to professionals so that the desired effect is achieved.
Linoleum
If the wall covering is made with linoleum, then you need to remove the old material in advance and prepare the wall with a primer and putty mixture. After careful processing and leveling of the surface, you can start gluing linoleum.
When the material is evenly and densely applied to the wall covering, there is a high probability that mold and fungal bacteria will not appear between the wall and the linoleum.
In addition, linoleum can safely serve for about ten years, despite the effects of water and temperature changes.
For bathrooms, special linoleum is produced, which is durable, moisture resistant, flexible. There are many colors of the material, which are designed not only in the form of monochromatic coatings, but also products with drawings.
Lining
There are several types of lining: wooden, plastic, lining made of MDF panels.
A common type is plastic lining, which is moisture resistant, inexpensive and relatively durable.
When choosing a lining for decorating a wall surface in a bathroom, it is recommended to purchase products from MDF sheets. This is the best and most practical material among all other types of lining.
The main advantages of lining made of MDF panels:
- simplicity of facing work;
- aesthetic appearance of the room;
- ease of care;
- high degree of sound insulation;
- resistance to light exposure;
- resistance to temperature changes.
There are several tricks for visually reducing or enlarging a room using a product such as wall paneling.
If the bathroom is small in size, then you can increase the wall covering in this room by stacking the panels vertically. As a result, the ceiling in the room will become visually high. And for a large room, on the contrary, horizontal laying is relevant.
A very fashionable trend in the design of bathrooms is an eco-style for which you can use a wooden lining. Specialty wood is sold in home improvement stores for treating wall surfaces in bathrooms. The wooden material does not rot due to the fact that the wood is strongly dried during the production process, and then impregnated with a special solution that ensures the moisture resistance of the product.
Despite the fact that wooden panels are treated against moisture, it is recommended to additionally cover them with wax or a special varnish that protects the surface of the product from water exposure.
The advantage of the lining is that insulation can be laid between it and the wall. This solution is relevant for private houses where the bathroom is located in the attached part.
Usually drywall sheets are used to make a base for other types of wall coverings in the bathroom. Therefore, it is not recommended to use drywall sheets in their pure form - experts have not yet developed design options for this coating.
Other flooring materials are usually applied to drywall - ceramic tiles, MDF panels, paint, etc.
Despite the fact that gypsum boards are moisture resistant, it is not recommended to expose this material to direct exposure to water.
Installing drywall panels is not too difficult and inexpensive.
Most often, a supporting frame is used to install drywall panels. You can make a frame from wooden or metal bars.
The sheets are attached to the base using self-tapping screws, glue or liquid nails. After laying the plasterboard sheets on the wall covering and leveling them, the joints and seams must be sealed with an airtight material.
The use of glass blocks in the decoration of bathrooms is again becoming a fashionable trend in design. Glass blocks can not only decorate the wall in the bathroom, but also create a partition for the shower.
It is quite easy to care for such products, and they themselves are not very dirty. Glass block structures combine well with ceramic tiles, which will help refresh the room if you do not want to completely remove the tiles from the walls in the room.
Another advantage of glass blocks is the high light transmission of these products, which makes the bathroom much lighter and more comfortable.
The disadvantage of glass blocks is that they can be scratched very easily, and this will be strongly visible on the surface of the wall.
It is very easy to do the decoration of a bathroom with your own hands using glass blocks using cement-based glue or special modular systems that are sold in many hardware stores.
It is a very expensive, but at the same time, high quality and durable type of bathroom wall covering. The advantage of this material is that it is resistant to moisture and temperature extremes, as well as resistant to wear.
Porcelain stoneware will never fade or conduct electricity. It is a very durable material with a high degree of hygiene. On the surface of porcelain stoneware, the occurrence of fungal bacteria and mold is practically excluded.
Porcelain stoneware products are stronger than tiles due to the fact that the structure of this product is less porous. Under the porcelain stoneware design, you can hide the wiring, as well as water and sewer communications.
The disadvantage of this material, in comparison with ceramic tiles, is that so far the colors of porcelain stoneware products are presented on the construction market in limited quantities.
The installation of porcelain stoneware is not very different from the process of installing ceramic tiles, so you can do this work yourself. To do this, you need to purchase tile glue or liquid nails, which more firmly hold such heavy structures as porcelain stoneware.
A non-standard solution for decorating walls in a bathroom is to apply decorative plaster to the wall covering.
This type of room installation product has a number of advantages:
- High level of moisture permeability.
When buying at a hardware store, you need to clarify that the product is purchased to decorate the walls in the bathroom. In this case, the seller will provide all materials that are moisture resistant.
- Vapor permeability of the material.
This characteristic helps to maintain the indoor climate by absorbing vapors at high humidity. When the room is dry, the plaster will give back moisture.
- Easy maintenance.
Despite the fragile appearance of the wall covering, it is very easy to maintain. Due to the high degree of moisture resistance, the decorative surface does not deteriorate over time.
Despite all the advantages of this type of product for decorating walls in the bathroom, it is recommended not to place textured plaster in areas that are exposed to direct contact with water. This is due to the fact that the cavities in the textured surface fill up over time, but the water does not flow back. This does not create the best look for the bathroom.
If the owner of the apartment really wants the plaster to be in the place where it is strongly influenced by water, then he can increase the water-repellent properties of the plaster by applying a special varnish or wax. You can purchase these materials at hardware stores.
It is rare to find a bathroom decoration with a material such as stone. The cost of artificial stone is several times higher than the price of other materials for decorating a room.
In terms of performance, this type of product is considered practically the best, because it is durable and resistant to direct contact with water. It is not for nothing that this material has been used since antiquity in Europe for decorating bathtubs.
Despite the seeming difficulty in decorating a room with this material, laying the stone is actually very simple. The process of installing stone in the wall covering is similar to the process of decorating the walls of ceramic tiles.
The main advantage of this material is that it can serve as a bathroom decor for decades.
The material can withstand not only the effects of moisture, but also strong impacts, which tiles, paint and other types of materials for decorating the wall covering in the bathroom are not capable of.
The main disadvantage of covering walls in a bathroom with stone is that for this you need to be a very wealthy person, because the cost of artificial stone is several times higher than the price of covering a room with even expensive ceramic tiles.
Acquisition of natural stone is even more expensive than artificial turf.
Thus, there are many options for decorating wall coverings in the bathroom. The choice of material for wall decoration in this room depends on how long the owner of the apartment plans to install these products on the walls, as well as on the cost of materials.
The most durable and durable material for decorating walls in a bathroom is stone. Stone walls can serve for a long time and are not affected by water, shock and other factors that can harm other types of floors. Of course, the high cost of covering the walls in the bathroom with this material is not available to everyone, since there are a large number of budgetary alternatives on the construction market.
A good and high-quality bathroom renovation will save you at least 10 years from thoughts about paint, redevelopment, etc. And if you also choose the right material, then this period can be extended for several years. But, it is very important not just to buy the material and establish how it will turn out, but you need to make the repair look incredible. The construction company for the repair of bathrooms "MasterSanuzlov" will help you with this. Our specialists are quite successful in making repairs, introducing into their work all the novelties of the construction market. You just have to call and we will come right away with a lot of ideas that you will definitely like.
Recently, we have been advising many to make a bathroom decoration with mosaics. It looks luxurious, and besides this, such a repair will serve you for more than a dozen years. A bathroom is a room where there is constant moisture and not every building material is suitable. And if the bathroom is also combined with a toilet, then it requires constant dry cleaning. Many surfaces simply cannot withstand the influence of these substances and become unusable. This means that the material for such a room must be resistant to chemicals, but, at the same time, easy to clean. It is for all these criteria that the mosaic fits.
It has quite a few advantages. Among them: strength, resistance to fading, moisture resistant. The most interesting thing is that the variety of colors and styles allows you to create different patterns. This is one of the differences between mosaics and ceramic tiles. After all, everyone knows that mosaics have been a material for art since ancient times. And the fact that it is a durable material is proved by those frescoes that have come down to our times completely unharmed.
An important fact is that it can be attached to any surface: concrete, plaster, wood, and even metal.
If your bathroom has an unusual layout, there may be a lot of curves or some special surfaces. Then our specialists will be able to further emphasize the peculiarity of this room. And for this they need a mosaic. This will help create a harmonious look that will surprise everyone.
But, it is not necessary to cover the whole room with mosaic tiles. Only a few elements can be distinguished. If you separate the toilet area with a sink with a counter made of this tile, this will visually increase the height of the ceilings. Separate fragments can revive the interior, give a certain lightness.
With the help of this material, you can give originality to the bathroom. Having tiled plinths, ledges and other all kinds of structures, you will end up with a bathroom that no one else has.
It is necessary to select the decor by color. So that the mosaic is in harmony with the ceramic tiles on the floor, or the technique that will be present there. A great solution would be a combination of mosaics and tiles. It is the ideal solution for combining a bathroom with a shower.
The company for the repair of bathrooms "MasterSanuzlov" will fulfill their task with dignity. We promise you will be satisfied with the work done.
Modern steel and acrylic bathtubs - light, beautiful, graceful - have not succeeded in ousting their ancestors from the market, which are products made of heavy cast iron. Without focusing on the operational characteristics and positive qualities of cast-iron bathtubs, thanks to which this happens, let's think about how to update an old, lost its original appearance with mosaic tiles with our own hands.
Facing a cast-iron bathroom with mosaics is too expensive, since the material itself is very expensive, and a lot of time is spent on such work. It is easier and cheaper to simply buy and install a new bathtub.
Such a decision is justified only if the hot tub cannot be dismantled without damage to the wall and floor cladding, especially if it is expensive and can last for more than one year. Therefore, instead of a real mosaic, they usually use a mosaic tile, which is a matrix of small elements - chips - glued onto paper or a mesh backing.
There are several types of this material - stone, ceramic, concrete, glass and even metal mosaic tiles, but only ceramic and glass are suitable for facing the bath.
Ceramic mosaic
It is made from the same clay mixture and using the same technology as ordinary ceramic tiles. The composition contains additives that give the material strength, texture, color and shine.
After molding and firing, small square (less often of a different shape) elements are glued with the back side to the fiberglass mesh, which remains embedded in glue during installation. Thanks to the mesh, which is easy to cut with a knife or scissors, but resists tearing well, the mosaic elements are reliably fixed relative to each other, and the tile becomes flexible and can take any shape.
The appearance of the cladding at the end of the work will not differ from the finishing with a real mosaic (see Decorating with mosaics of different production methods), but the installation process itself will be less laborious, and the price is much lower.
Note. The matrix can consist of elements of the same color or include mixed shades, arranged in random order or with a smooth transition from dark to light. The surface can be smooth or embossed, matte or glossy.
The main advantages of ceramic mosaic:
- Ecological cleanliness of raw materials, safety for health;
- High moisture resistance and water resistance, which is very important, since the cladding will be affected not only by high humidity, but by water directly;
- Practicality, undemanding care. The surface does not absorb dirt and is easily cleaned using detergents, including abrasive ones;
- Strength. Due to the high density of the material, which is achieved during high-temperature firing, it can withstand serious mechanical stress;
- Wear resistance, preservation of the original appearance of the surface and structure of the material;
- Durability. Facing the bathtub with mosaics, subject to the installation technology and operating rules, will serve you for 20 years or more;
- Resistant to high and low temperatures without loss of strength and appearance.
The advantages of ceramics include fire resistance, but it is unlikely that it is important in the bathroom.
Glass mosaic
The manufacturing technology resembles the previous one - liquid molten raw materials are also mixed with colored pigments and additives that give the material certain strength and other properties, after which it is fired. Finished tiles can also have a matte or glossy surface, different colors.
Advice. The basis of glass mosaic tiles is often thick paper glued to the front surface. It doesn't matter if the mosaic tiling of the bathroom involves finishing only flat surfaces - walls, floors, rectangular shower trays, screens. For the restoration of the bath itself, it is better to take tiles on a mesh basis.
Glass mosaic has almost all the advantages of ceramic. It is also resistant to water, does not react to low and high temperatures, is easy to clean, does not absorb dirt and does not lose its aesthetic properties for a long time.
But its strength is lower - when heavy objects fall on the surface, it is easily damaged. Another disadvantage is the risk of injury during installation and operation.
Trimming tiles to fit difficult curved areas creates sharp edges that are easy to cut.
Advice. To avoid this, cut the tiles not with a tile cutter, but with a grinder with a diamond disc. It will sand and smooth sharp edges.
How to tile a bathtub
Regardless of whether you are cladding the bathtub from the inside or outside, the installation principle and the materials and tools used are the same.
What is needed
From the tools you should prepare:
- Tile cutter, special nippers for mosaics or a small grinder with a diamond disc;
- Scissors or a utility knife for cutting the backing;
- Measuring tool - tape measure, ruler, marking pencil;
- Spatula for applying glue, including flexible rubber for processing curved areas and grouting.
As for the glue, standard tile or liquid nails can be used for outdoor decoration. But the inside of the bathtub mosaic is made on a special glue for pools, which has high adhesion.
You will also need a joint grout. It must be of high quality, waterproof, since its destruction under the influence of moisture can cause the appearance of fungi and the destruction of the entire surface.
Mounting
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the surface: thoroughly wash it with chlorine-containing agents that destroy microbes, degrease and dry it.
Installation instructions:
- Start with facing flat surfaces - sides and bottom of the bathtub;
- Apply glue with a notched trowel with a notch height of about 4 mm to the area to be trimmed, level it so that the thickness of the glue is the same everywhere;
- Apply the tile and press it evenly to the base, smoothing it out with your hands or with a wide rubber spatula;
- Try to keep the glue from protruding from the seams, immediately remove its excess with a wet sponge so that there is room for grouting in the seams;
- When all straight sections are finished, move to the rounded corners, starting from the middle of the cladding and moving towards the edges;
- This is a very painstaking work that requires careful measurements and adjustments, cutting tiles not only along the grid, but also on the chips. To prevent the glue from drying out, apply it only to those areas that you are finishing at the moment;
Advice. Don't throw away the cut pieces, they can come in handy for filling the smallest and narrowest areas.
- When finished, allow the adhesive to dry and build strength according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then you can grout the joints by rubbing it into the surface with a rubber spatula in a direction diagonal to the sides of the chips;
- The last step is to clean the surface with a wet sponge to remove grout residues.
Outside, the bathtub is tiled in the same way. Some craftsmen argue that it is easier to do this by arranging the tiles diagonally - this makes it easier to veneer rounded areas, there are fewer clippings.
Conclusion
It's so easy to give a second life to an old cast-iron bathtub, which has lost its former chic over the years, but has not lost its excellent performance properties. After watching the video in this article, you will better understand the editing technology and be able to cope with it yourself.