what is mosaic tile and is it right for you?

mosaic tile defined

definitions for mosaic tile can differ, but generally speaking, the term refers to small tiles no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches that are arranged together to form a larger pattern. often, they are mounted to a mesh backing for easy installation. the beauty of mosaic tile is it can be used to create all kinds of designs, depending on the look you are going for.

material makeup

mosaic tile comes in a wide variety of materials, from glass and metal to ceramic, porcelain, and stone. the latter are especially popular — think white porcelain penny rounds, hexagonal calacatta viola marble tiles, and our lapidary rough cut mosaics in stunning travertine.

ceramic and porcelain mosaic tiles are often glazed to create a uniform look, while natural stone mosaic tiles tend to bring a more natural or classic style.

shapes and sizes

as we’ve mentioned, mosaic tiles are typically no larger than 2 inches by 2 inches. and while you may be picturing circle or square shaped tiles, there really are no limits here. our marble mosaic tiles, for example, come in rounds, hexagons, and small rectangles arranged in a herringbone pattern. for lovers of travertine, there are mosaics of irregular shapes and rough edges, along with fluted tiles that create an undulating pattern.

colors and patterns

you’ll find mosaic tiles in just about any color you can imagine, from classic white and black to jade green, earthy red, and purple-streaked marble. you need not stick to a cut-and-paste formula for your installation, either. one of the perks of mosaic tile is that you can use it to create intricate patterns, like a classic running bond, herringbone or chevron, or a geometric stacked layout.

tracing mosaic art through time

it should be noted that mosaic art and tile are nothing new. in fact, the oldest known mosaics, found at a temple building in abra, mesopotamia, date all the way back to the third millennium bc.

while these early examples of mosaics used pieces of colored stones, shells, and ivory, excavations to the southeast have revealed evidence of glazed tiles dating back to 1500 bc. however, tiles were not used to create mosaic patterns until the eight century bc when ancient greeks began to practice mosaic art.

mosaics continued to be a popular form of decoration in ancient rome, where public buildings and villas were adorned with scenes of mythology, nature, and daily life. the tradition then continued through the byzantine empire and islamic art, where mosaics focused on religious themes.

mosaic art declined in medieval europe and then saw a revival during the renaissance, thanks to artists like raphael and michelangelo. the practice continued to evolve in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the industrial revolution brought about advancements in tile production, making mosaic tiles more accessible.

melding tradition with modernity

moving from the 20th century to today, artists continue to experiment with mosaic tile, using it for architectural projects, public art installations, and (our favorite) interior design.

specialty glazes and finishes

specialty tile glazes and finishes allow for a wide range of visual effects in modern mosaics. think: textured surfaces, matte glazes, and metallic gold and platinum finishes. (we’re partial to honed stone ourselves.) more so than ever before, mosaic tile offers a world of possibilities.

embracing artisan excellence

while mass-produced mosaic tile can certainly be used to create beautiful patterns and looks, we love the perfect imperfection that handcrafted artisanal tile offers. to us, this type of tile embodies tradition, craftsmanship, and culture all at once, which is especially fitting considering the history of mosaic tile.

mosaic tile in modern design

if mosaic tile has your heart like it does ours, you’ll delight in knowing it can be used for many different applications, from small spaces to large, statement-making installations.

accent walls and focal points

mosaic tile may be small in size, but it can be big on impact. many people choose mosaic tile for accent walls in bathrooms, seating areas, entryways, and beyond. (picture porcelain penny rounds spanning an entire bathroom wall or fluted natural stone tile creating a statement-making living room wall.)

on a smaller scale, mosaic tile can also be used to draw the eye to a smaller focal point, such as a bar area or kitchen island.

tub and shower surrounds

bathrooms, and especially tub and shower surrounds, are some of the most popular areas for mosaic tile. this tile size is especially practical for compact areas, where the tile can flow around corners and fixtures for a smooth look. mosaic tiles also require fewer cuts in these areas, which can create an overall more seamless aesthetic.

if you want a tub or shower surround that’s easy to clean, you might favor glazed porcelain or ceramic tiles, which offer impressive water and stain resistance. penny rounds can do this while adding a modern sensibility in the process.

searching for something that’s rich and sculptural? you’ll likely be drawn to natural stone mosaic tiles, which offer a classic look while still managing to be relatively low maintenance. (just be sure the tiles are finished with a waterproofing, penetrating sealant regularly.)

mosaic floors and ceilings

mosaic tiles offer a unique advantage in floor installations, where the extra grouting offers greater traction and slip resistance. this makes mosaic tile an especially popular choice for wet areas like shower and bathroom floors. mudrooms, entryways, and living rooms also benefit here.

want to go bold? mosaic tile is a statement-making addition to ceilings as well. some choose to make ceiling tile a focal point in the room, while others tile the ceiling as an extension of other tiling in the room.

backsplashes

whether you’re adding tile to a small bathroom, a roomy laundry room, or an expansive kitchen, mosaic tile makes for a beautiful (and often unexpected) backsplash option. imagine white dolomite marble penny rounds paired with stunning cabinetry, 2-by-2-inch zellige in the bathroom, or seventies-inspired travertine lining the kitchen wall.

the same general guidelines regarding everyday maintenance apply here. go for glazed ceramic or porcelain tile if water and stain resistance are a priority. if you’re looking for something more luxe that’s also relatively low maintenance, you’ll appreciate natural stone mosaic tile.

fireplace surrounds

mosaic tile likely isn’t first tile option you consider when planning a fireplace surround, and that’s exactly why it can make for an excellent choice. we’ve seen 2-by-2-inch zellige, hexagon-shaped marble tile, and porcelain penny rounds all put to stunning use here.

as always, when choosing the right tile for your fireplace surround, check the tile’s technical specifications to ensure the tile is heat resistant and suitable for fireplace installations.

outdoor spaces

while not all mosaic tile is suited for outdoor applications, the right mosaic tile can make a major impact, be it on a front patio or in a backyard pool area. plus, as we mentioned earlier, mosaic tile used for flooring has the advantage of extra traction and slip resistance, thanks to more grout.

also worth noting: mosaic tile has become the standard for pool basins. while we invite our clients to use any size of tile that’s beautiful while also being resistant to pool chemicals, salt, and UV exposure, we agree that mosaic tiles can be the best option for pool basin installations. this is due to their ability to handle curves of any pool form.

when considering tile for an outdoor application such as patio flooring or a pool waterline, always be sure to check the tile’s technical specifications and material guidelines. tiles installed in areas that are subject to freezing and thawing should be freeze/thaw rated, not to mention water and uv resistant.