Mosaic tile bathrooms. Bathroom mosaic - features of choice and self-assembly
The oldest mosaic finds date back to the 5th century BC. Thousands of years have passed, and this type of decoration is still popular today. Mosaics are used to decorate bathrooms, kitchens and other spaces and are used to create unique patterns on walls and floors. Arriving at the store, you can find such a huge assortment of mosaic tiles that your head will spin. How to choose a mosaic tile for the kitchen and bathroom, and not get confused at the same time? What types of mosaics are on the market, can you do the installation yourself? We will deal with all the questions.
# 1. The shape and size of the mosaic elements
The individual elements from which the mosaic panel is folded are small in size, so it is easy to use them. make curved surfaces and lay out whole pictures... The mosaic element can be sized from 1 * 1 cm to 5 * 5 cm, although the classic size is considered to be 2 * 2 cm. Usually small items collected in matrices 30 * 30 cm and connected with paper or plastic mesh, which greatly simplifies the work with the material.
Mosaic can have not only square shape, but this is the most popular format for its performance. Also meet rectangular, round, oval, diamond-shaped and other elements.
As for the shades, their assortment is more than wide. If you take into account that the mosaic is made of various materials, then you can choose any color and texture. It remains only to turn on the imagination and come up with which part of the wall or floor to decorate with a mosaic, and what pattern can be laid out with its help.
# 2. Advantages and disadvantages
Mosaic tiles have a number of merits:
- excellent appearance... With the help of a mosaic panel, you can decorate any room, and the designers agree that such a decoration even visually expands the space;
- resistance to moisture and temperature extremes;
- resistance to impact different kinds detergents;
- resistance to sunlight, safety original color over the years.
The only negative is the high price... If you want to get the effect of a mosaic panel, but at the same time not go broke on repairs, you can take ceramic mosaic tiles: there are very good products on the market that disguise themselves well as a real mosaic. 
No. 3. Where to use mosaic?
Excellent performance allows mosaics to be used in the bathroom and in the kitchen, rooms where high humidity often prevails.
Application options for mosaic elements in the bathroom weight:
- lay out with a mosaic and at the location or;
- you can save money and use the mosaic together with the usual one. As a result, it turns out interesting decor at minimal cost;
- on one of the walls, you can lay out a whole picture or mosaic ornament. It can be some kind of landscape, geometric abstraction, or just a multi-colored panel;
- built-in shelves can be laid out with mosaics and supplemented with lighting;
- it can also be tiled with mosaics, but its color must be selected in accordance with the color of the floor and walls. By the way, the most daring lay out mosaics and the inner surface of the bathroom;
- you can decorate the area around or.
On the kitchen from the mosaic is usually laid out. It can be either finishing in monochrome colors or a beautiful pattern that will set the mood in the kitchen. However, the working area is not the only place where you can use a similar cladding. You can also decorate a wall with a mosaic about. Great option- lay out a mosaic or dining table. 
The mosaic panel can be used in other rooms as well. V hallway, for example, it can lay out a zone near or, in living room- select an area with or TV. You can decorate with mosaics, and other architectural elements, as well as decorate. In the bedroom, you can arrange the headboard in a similar way. 
If you choose the right drawing, you can achieve a visual increase in space. Landscapes with perspective (by analogy with), abstract curves and light shades work well in this regard. The vertical drawing is visual.
No. 4. Types of mosaics by material of manufacture
Ceramic mosaic
Ceramic mosaic is the most popular and most versatile option. This is actually the same ceramic tiles we are used to, only more small size, therefore, all the operational features of such a mosaic will be identical to the tile. The surface of the material can be glazed(the simplest option), rough, interspersed with other colors, stains, small cracks(craquelure), etc. 
To the main advantages ceramic mosaics include:
- a chic variety of colors and textures, so making any design idea a reality is not a problem;
- resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, detergents, wear and tear, ease of care;
- high strength, fire resistance and durability.
Ceramic mosaics go well with tiles and can be used with them to highlight specific areas. The shape of individual elements can be any, but square tiles are predominantly found. 
Glass mosaic
Glass mosaics are not far behind in popularity. She appeared earlier than other species and is considered one of the oldest finishing methods... Once only the most influential and wealthy people could afford such decor. Today, although such a finish is not considered the cheapest, it is still much more affordable.
Glass mosaic is identical in composition ordinary glass, but many times stronger than it. The material is made on the basis of quartz sand, feldspar and metal oxides, which are responsible for the color. All components are alloyed at 1400 ° C and above, and then stamped at high temperatures Oh. Strength is achieved by firing molten glass, and also due to the small size of the elements. 
Main advantages:
For the installation of transparent and translucent mosaics, it is better to take only white glue. The material can be used in bathrooms and kitchens, for decorating pools, fountains, fireplaces, as well as for decorating walls, floors and ceilings in living quarters. 
Smalt mosaic
Smalt mosaic is obtained by pressing and sintering colored glass particles with the addition of dyes. The result is a densely colored opaque material with unique properties:
The main disadvantage is the high price. Since the smalt production technology is more complicated than that of ordinary glass mosaics, the total cost is higher.
By the way, it is the smalt mosaic that is used by professional mosaics to create decorative panel... A whole sheet of smalt is divided into elements of the required shape and size with a smaltool. This process is traumatic, therefore it should be performed only by professionals. 
Stone mosaic
Stone mosaics are obtained from different rocks, usually jasper, slate, tuff, marble, granite, malachite, lapis lazuli, tuff, amethyst and others are used. Natural material is processed and, as a result, mosaic elements of various shapes are obtained. Tiles can grind, polish, artificially age... The natural shades of the stone are unique, and therefore the finish is unique. 
Stone mosaic repeats all properties natural material: she resistant to moisture, fire and temperature extremes, strong and durable. The material can be used for cladding floors and walls, fireplaces, as well as for furnishing, decorating countertops, to accentuate various decorative elements (mirrors,).
A mosaic made of marble, but it is also very expensive. Shows itself well pebble mosaic, while pebbles can be collected completely free of charge on the banks of the river and revetted with it individual elements in the bathroom or in the kitchen. 
Metal mosaic
Let's note right away, this is an option for an amateur. Metal mosaic appeared relatively recently, it is made mainly from steel and brass... The metal elements are attached to a rubber or rubber base, which retains the necessary flexibility. The shape of the elements can be absolutely any: from triangles and hexagons to irregular geometric shapes... The surface can be polished or matte, have notches. A similar finish is used in high-tech and loft. 
Material requires special care, since it is afraid of certain chemicals and will not tolerate the effects of abrasive particles, therefore it is not recommended to use metal mosaic for an apron in the kitchen. However, some manufacturers produce special collections of mosaics from stainless steel for use in bathrooms.
Special chic - precious metal mosaic... When it comes to gold, a thin 585 foil is placed between two layers of transparent glass. Naturally, such a finish is very expensive and is considered exclusive. 
Wood mosaic
Another novelty modern market finishing materials... Mosaic elements are made of wood valuable breeds, they can have any shape, and decorative effect achieved through a combination of tiles of different shades and textures. Such material, like all wood, is afraid of moisture, fire, pests and requires specific care. 
No. 5. Types of mosaics by type of base
On sale is a mosaic of the following main types:
No. 6. What else to consider when choosing a mosaic?
When choosing mosaics for bathrooms, kitchens and other rooms, also pay attention to the following factors:
Only depending on the operating conditions, it is necessary to take moisture-resistant / frost-resistant / fungicidal glue. For laying transparent glass mosaics, it is better to use white glue - this way the aesthetics will be higher. A comb-spatula is taken with teeth 3-4 mm high;
No. 8. Mosaic tiles, or pseudo-mosaics
Mosaic with a lot of advantages has only one disadvantage - high price. If the cost of the material is the only problem that stops you, then you can cheat and buy mosaic tiles. With the right choice, outwardly, it will not differ in any way from a real mosaic, but there are also limitations - you can use a pseudo-mosaic only on flat surfaces.
Mosaic tiles are ordinary ceramic tiles that have a pattern applied to them. For plausibility, grouting joints are simulated, on the execution of which the final result depends. All psvedomosaic can be conditionally divided into three types, depending on the imitation of the seams:
Mosaic is a versatile decor that fits perfectly into any interior style and any room, and the widest range of solutions allows you to choose an option for any budget.
Mosaic tiles are one of the best bathroom claddings available. With its help, you can focus on a certain section of the wall, make original panels, create an interesting ornament. Mosaic tiles can be used to decorate walls or floors.
Mosaic tiles are the most suitable material for bathroom decoration; it fits all the requirements of this room.
What is a mosaic?
A mosaic is an ornament created from several small pieces of ceramic, glass or stone. In most cases, the pieces have rectangular shape.
The main difference between mosaics and tiles is their small size.
Mosaics for decorating surfaces have been used for a very long time. It was used in ancient Greece and Rome to create drawings on the walls of temples.
Mosaics are great for decorating rooms with high humidity levels, primarily for bathrooms.
Views
Mosaics are made from materials that have a hard texture. Thermally processed clay is most often used, but you can also find wooden panels created from mosaics.
There are several types of mosaic tiles. One of the most popular is ceramic mosaic... These mosaic pieces are well adapted to moisture and are easy to lay.
Ceramic mosaic on the market different colors... From a large assortment, you can choose the one suitable for a particular interior. For the production of such a mosaic, ceramics with a porous structure are used.
You can often find a stone mosaic covering. It is made of granite, marble, and sometimes jasper. Due to the hardness of these materials, high strength and durability of the material is achieved.
The stone mosaic has good performance characteristics, excellent wear resistance.
Glass mosaics are produced from glass that is subjected to a special treatment, due to which high strength is achieved. To make the surface matte, coloring components are added to the glass. Small glass tiles look very nice in bathroom design.
Of particular interest is the smalt mosaic. Smalt is a type of glass that has an unusual property: it is glowing. Smalt mosaics look different, they can change color depending on the light. Because of this feature, smalt mosaic coating is used to create bright drawings and abstractions.
Metal mosaics are rarely used. Typically, this mosaic complements the main tile pattern. Metal mosaics are steel plates with a small thickness, which are based on rubber.
Advantages of mosaic coating
Mosaic has many benefits. Translated from Italian "mosaic" means "a composition of small details."
Small size is the main advantage of this cladding material.... This makes it possible to use mosaics to decorate hard-to-reach surfaces, for example, those with a rounded shape. This feature It has great importance for bathroom decor - a room with a small area, in which there are many bizarre shapes.
Another advantage is variety of forms... Mosaic tiles can have different shape, and this is very important for the design of the premises. Thanks to the polygonal pieces, the craftsmen create interesting compositions. The tiles familiar to everyone do not have such capabilities.
Mosaic is eco-friendly material, almost all components in its composition are of natural origin. Mosaic tiles are safe for health.
One of the main reasons for the great popularity of mosaic tiles is their durability. This material is easy to use. The main quality of the mosaic coating is high resistance to moisture.
Ceramic mosaic tiles in the bathroom do not absorb liquid at all, the water absorption coefficient is zero. Due to this, the coatings created from mosaic do not deteriorate for a very long time and do not need special care. They are easy to clean from dirt.
The mosaic has good resistance to mechanical damage and sudden temperature changes, does not fade, does not darken over time. The mosaic can be combined with ordinary tiles.
In the interior of the bathroom, mosaic tiles are perfect for placing accents, perform a decorative function and give the interior a special originality.
Patterns and images
The main feature of mosaic tiles is that with its help you can create unusual ornaments in various color options... Many drawings created from mosaics several centuries ago have survived to this day. This is the best testament to the durability of such a finish.
In the bathroom interior, you can create interesting design and lay out the ornament you like using multi-colored mosaic elements. This lesson is not quick, painstaking, it will require effort and some skills: a professional will cope with this task best of all.
On sale there are ready-made mosaic blocks with an already applied pattern, it remains only to decorate the surfaces with them.
In the interiors of bathrooms, you can often find a colorful floral mosaic ornament. With such a pattern on the walls, the room is transformed; such a design causes genuine admiration. Such decor is individual, as the design attracts attention with its uniqueness and reflects the preferences of the home owners.
Floral patterns in bathroom decoration are among the most popular. Floral ornaments have smooth lines, natural energy emanates from such decor. An atmosphere of freshness and lightness reigns in the room, a person feels his closeness to the natural world. Sometimes, even a small ornament of flowers is enough to transform a bathroom.
With mosaics, you can create not only floral, but also oriental ornaments. Against the background of oriental mosaic ornaments, a backlit mirror looks luxurious.
Mosaic in bathroom decoration can be combined with small pebbles... Small stones, when used in conjunction with mosaics, are very effective wall decorations.
A great option is to make a mosaic pattern on marine theme... This image works best for a bathroom. The underwater world (exotic fish, algae) always looks advantageous on the bathroom walls. Blue mosaic on light surfaces is classic design for a corner of cleanliness.
Using small pieces, you can create any image on surfaces. You can use both multi-colored pieces for a unique design, and blocks with ready-made drawings. Placing such blocks is similar to putting together a puzzle.
You can choose a mosaic pattern based on your personal preferences, fashion trends and the style in which the interior is decorated.
Bathroom finishes
There are many options for decorating a bathroom with mosaics.An old cast iron bathroom can be decorated with mosaics and, thus, renewed and transformed.
In the bathroom, which is distinguished by its large dimensions, decorating the floor and wall surfaces with mosaic patterns looks spectacular.
A good option is to decorate the bottom of the wall with mosaics, for example, next to the washbasin.
In the shower stall, decorate the floor with mosaics, and make a volumetric mosaic frame around the mirror.
An interesting but discreet pattern made from pieces of small tiles will make the wall decor exclusive, while the inhabitants of the house will feel peaceful in the room, since such an atmosphere instills calm, and this is especially important for bathroom design.
Using small mosaic tiles, you can focus on one of the walls. Thanks to this design technique, the design will turn out to be original and not too expensive.
The mosaic allows you to protect the work area from moisture and give the decor a zest and originality. It can be used to decorate both large areas and small areas of surfaces.
Mosaic makes it possible to highlight a certain element of the decor. With these decorative pieces of ceramic, even a small bathroom can be divided into zones.
A large mirror installed on the opposite side of the entrance to the bathroom will also help to zon the room: due to this, you will be able to visually expand the boundaries of the room. Decorate a section of the wall on one side of the mirror with a mosaic that has a rich blue tint, and decorate the other side with a light blue mosaic.
Mosaic inserts can be made not only near the mirror, but also next to other decorative elements, for example, a shelf. Niches can be decorated with mosaics: this will bring harmony to the room.
The cladding with mosaic pieces of the surface of the walls around the bathroom looks very aesthetically pleasing. A mosaic frame for a panel is also a good solution.
You can lay out beautiful panels with mosaics. Such decoration of the wall surface attracts attention, moreover, a section of the wall with such a design can become the main design element.
The mosaic is perfect not only for decorating walls, but also for decorating the floor.
You can lay out paths or make a rug in small tiles. Mosaics are often used to decorate the floor next to the bathroom, and besides, such a floor design is much safer than tiles.
Important! The material has a special texture that differs from ordinary tiles, and the probability of slipping on such a surface is much less than on a tile.
If the bathroom is finished in light colors, then you can lay out individual areas with bright mosaics with a shiny surface. It is easy to do and the result is amazing: it will create a special atmosphere in the bathroom.
Mosaic tiles are also irreplaceable when decorating multi-level floors. It is more convenient to decorate stair steps with small tiles than tiles with standard sizes.
For decoration, you can use both monochromatic mosaic tiles, and with a pattern. As a rule, designers combine several shades and, due to this, create spectacular compositions.
Examples of design: find out how best to equip a small-sized bathroom, especially a combined one - are described in detail design techniques visual expansion of the cramped space.
You will find a detailed overview of cabinets with and without illuminated bathroom mirrors.
You can see photos of bathrooms with a corner bath in the article at:
Tile laying methods
There are quite a few options for laying mosaics. Most often, the mosaic is laid like a grid - this is the simplest option. This method allows the use of a mosaic of any shape, but preferably one-color.
The corner method consists in laying a diamond-shaped mosaic. There is a mosaic of this shape on sale, but you can lay diagonally and mini-tiles that have a rectangular shape, while shifting the seams or placing them parallel to one another. The seams must match diagonally.
It is recommended to use two contrasting colors, since such a finish looks dynamic, allows you to level uneven surfaces, and due to this method of installation, you can visually expand the room. This design is non-trivial, but it looks very nice.
Another styling option is a checkerboard pattern. For this, tiles of two contrasting shades are used, while the seams are not displaced. It is best to use a mosaic of black and white... This method is suitable for creating 3d drawings, placing accents using mosaics and smoothing wall defects.
Advice. The striped pattern will also look interesting when horizontal and vertical stripes alternate. But keep in mind that such a pattern causes a visual curvature of the surface, which is not very pleasing to the eye.
In small rooms, you can do linear styling. In this case, different shades and textures are selected.
Lines can be cut off, crossed, shifted to the side. This allows you to visually increase the space. This method can be used in modern or high-tech interiors, eclectic design.
The mosaic can be laid in the shape of a herringbone: in this case, a plain tile is used.
Laying is also carried out "in a runaway" or with a shift to the side.
The mosaic can also be laid on top of regular tiles. This technique is called "multi-layer finishing".
Decorating a bathroom with mosaics is a practical solution: such decor looks very attractive and besides, the mosaic is durable.
Mosaic tiles are an excellent cladding material that allows you to create beautiful bathroom interiors.
Photo gallery with design options
The decoration of the bathroom with mosaic tiles gives it the look of an old bath, this is how the rooms for taking bath procedures in ancient greece... True, in those days there were no ready-made mosaic tiles, the patterns were made with separate natural stones by hand, it was a difficult and long task. All mosaic tiles that exist today are classified according to several criteria.
Tile material and brief characteristics
| Manufacturing material | Brief characteristics |
|---|---|
| The most common option, universal application... Possesses sufficient strength, impervious to moisture. At the cost of the cheapest tile. Depending on the thickness of the mosaic, it can be installed on the walls or the floor of the bathroom. | |
| A more expensive version of the tile, imitates ceramics. Has a lot color solutions... Advantages - the color does not change throughout the entire period of operation, when direct sunlight hits the surface, the surfaces "play". | |
| Mineral dyes are added to the composition, mainly used for flooring. It is rarely used for walls due to difficult maintenance. Over time, microcracks form on surfaces, in which various microorganisms multiply. It is very difficult to remove them from there. | |
| The artistic appearance of ceramics, original and beautiful, but the cost does not correspond to the properties. Made from waste ceramic production, the price increase is unreasonable from an objective point of view. |
Depending on the method of fixing individual mosaic tiles to the canvas, there can be two types.
- The individual plates are fixed on paper. The paper is glued from the front. This is an outdated technology for making mosaic tiles. The laying technology is complicated for several reasons. First, it is more difficult to keep track of the joint gaps. single sheets... Secondly, the paper needs to be wetted and removed, and this is an additional waste of time and effort.
- The plates are fixed to the reinforcing mesh from the back. Such tiles are easier to work with, the front surface is visible during installation, it is easier to correct mistakes, the pattern and the distance between the seams are immediately visible. After finishing the installation, it is much easier and faster to grind the seams.
Any ceramic tile can be used for bathrooms, the choice depends on financial capabilities and preferences. The only wish is not to use tiles with uneven front surfaces, they are very difficult to clean. And in the bathroom, surfaces need to be washed often; a lot of dirt and residues from dried water accumulate on them.
It is much more difficult to work with it than with the usual one. Why? For ordinary tiles, a surface with a height difference of up to 4 mm is suitable, experienced tilers level the base without problems tile adhesive... During laying, they do not use a notched trowel, but with an ordinary one, they put a lot of glue in the corners and in the center of the tile. Then, by light tapping and constantly checking the position with a level, the height is leveled one level at a time. These are, of course, violations of the generally accepted theoretical technology, but in practice professionals often use such a simplified method. The quality of tile laying almost does not suffer, and the speed of work is significantly increased. We do not recommend using this method for beginners, they have too high risks of making mistakes due to inexperience.
The base for the mosaic tiles must be perfectly flat, differences in height are prohibited. The small size of individual mosaics will never align them; elevations or depressions will remain visible on the wall.
In addition, various types of glue can be used for ordinary tiles, this factor has almost no effect on the adhesion density. If it comes out, then the excess is easily removed from the seams, the final color of the grout does not change. It is also not necessary to make a primer, the tile has a large area and there is always a site with sufficient adhesion. With a mosaic, such actions are unacceptable. The glue should only be white; it is almost impossible to remove excess gray from the gaps.
Another problem is that mosaic tiles can only be laid with a comb. It ensures that each tile is glued. If you do not adhere to this, they will fall out (for a mosaic glued to paper) or wobble (for a mosaic glued to a reinforcing mesh).
mosaic tiles for bathroom
Preparation of the base for mosaic tiles
We have already mentioned that the tiles lay on a perfectly flat surface. Often the walls are leveled with plasterboard - quickly, evenly and cheaply. We strongly discourage the use of drywall for leveling the bathroom walls. Its main drawback is its low physical strength. Under medium loads, for example, while washing, you lean against the wall, it will bend. As a result, the tiles will fall off. Drywall is used by construction companies, thus they significantly increase the speed of work and, accordingly, their profits. As always, the customer pays for everything.
If you are finishing the bathroom with your own hands, then do not be too lazy to plaster the walls with cement-sand mortar. Step by step instructions on laying ceramic tiles, we will give just for this option.
Step 1. Check the condition of the wall. In most cases, after ordinary plaster, it will have to be leveled. Check with a flat long rod or level, apply it in different places and at different angles. Look at the gaps. It is much easier to spot irregularities with a light bulb. Place it on the floor, the light rays will indicate the unevenness.
How to make the surface suitable for laying mosaic tiles?
- Prepare putty mortar and primer. Choose quality material, do not seek to save money.
- Thoroughly coat the surface with a primer. The fact is that a thin putty will fall off in case of insufficient adhesion. Primer twice in cross directions. Use a deep penetrating primer to provide additional moisture protection.
Deep penetrating primer CERESIT CT 17
Dilute the primer in the proportions indicated on the can. If there are concerns about its quality, then reduce the amount of water by about 15%. But in no case is it recommended to increase the percentage of water, even minor violations of the material preparation technology significantly reduce its efficiency.
Diluted, the primer mixture adheres better and sets faster. Nonetheless, deeply penetrating one manifests itself better just in undiluted form.
It is better to prime with a brush rather than a roller. A brush can thoroughly rub the liquid into the surface, the roller will only wet it. In addition, all hard-to-reach places, which can not be done with a roller.
- While the primer is drying, prepare the plaster. First, water is poured into the container, and then the dry mixture is poured in portions. For stirring it is better to use a mixer, if it is not there, then you will have to stir it by hand. Let the solution stand for about five minutes, after this time, stir it again.
- You need to plaster with a large flat trowel, rub the solution into the plaster with maximum effort. Go to each place several times. Ignore it, if you have trowel marks, experience will appear over time and the surfaces will be smooth.
In extreme cases, after drying, the marks can be removed with a sanding paper. It is better to fix it on a flat board or trowel, sand in a circular motion, do not press hard.
If there is no abrasive skin, and the traces are small, then they can be leveled with a metal ironing iron.
Press it firmly at an angle to the wall surface and run it several times over the surface for different directions... In most cases, this alignment is sufficient.
- Remove dust from the surface, preferably using a vacuum cleaner.
Step 2. Measure the area of the walls, purchase the appropriate amount of glue and tiles.
The stock for tiles can be made small, 5% is enough. The fact is that it is easy to cut into required sizes at the seams, waste is minimal. These ordinary tiles can chip or uneven edges and increase waste.
Step 3. Apply the primer very carefully twice. Don't overlook this operation, we have already mentioned that mosaic tiles do not tolerate deviations from technology.
Step 4. Consider the placement of the tiles. If you plan to make a decorative mosaic border, then decide on its height and cladding material.
Step 5. On the wall, draw the lines for laying the curb and tiles. If you have little experience, then draw lines every three rows of tiles, this will make it possible to constantly monitor its position. The fact is that the sheets of glued mosaic are large, and the larger the size of a unit of material, the more difficult it is to eliminate defects when the gap between them is violated.
Step 6. Prepare the glue. The technology is indicated on the packaging, follow the manufacturer's advice. Are there any concerns about its quality? Add a little primer to the dilution water, about 10–20% of the total. You will have the primer from previous operations.
Important. The consistency of the glue requires very careful attention. For ordinary tiles, this is not so important, it lays down from the bottom up, a cross is inserted into each seam to maintain the gap. The same crosspiece does not allow individual tiles to slowly sink down over time. It is useless to apply for a mosaic cross, they will not keep it from lowering. This means that the adhesive must be thick, but not so thick as to impair the coefficient of adhesion to the wall and tiles.
Step 7. Start from the bottom row and far corner. The glue should be applied twice. First with a flat spatula, and then with a comb. The height of the ridges is within 3-5 mm, select the appropriate trowel and give it the proper slope. The better the glue is rubbed in, the more securely each individual tile will hold. This is especially true for tiles on paper. Reinforced mesh increases the reliability of fastening, it is deeply immersed in the glue.
Practical advice. We have already said that it will be necessary to maintain the distance between the tiles by eye, it is very difficult for inexperienced builders. To make the inevitable flaws unobtrusive, stack it in a checkerboard pattern. Cut one whole sheet with a construction knife into two parts, start the first row from half, and the next from a full sheet.
Step 8. Lay the first sheet carefully and horizontally. If you need to trim a little, then slowly move it with the palms of both hands. With significant or incorrectly directed efforts, the mosaic tile will fold in an accordion. To ensure a snug fit of all tiles, use a trowel, the larger the better. Every 3-4 sheets, check their position in different directions long rail or level. if you have laser level- perfect. Its lines are not covered with glue, you can work faster. Do not allow gaps, it is very difficult to fix them later.
It is important to know that it is not recommended to completely remove the glued sheet; you can only correct the position on the wall. The removed sheet is difficult to prepare for reuse, especially if it is on paper backing, the paper may get wet and tear during removal.
Video - Laying the mosaic
Practical advice. Pay close attention to the piping exit points. It is better to put more glue here, rather than less. The leftovers will be removed, no problem.
Continue working in the same way over the entire surface of the bathroom wall.
Step 9. If your sheets of mosaic tiles were paper, then it should be removed. You need to start removing it only after the glue has completely hardened, the time is indicated on its packaging, in most cases it is 24 hours. Dampen the paper with a damp sponge; there should be enough water. Do not leave dry areas so that it can be easily removed, the entire area should be well wet. The paper should be removed all at once, in otherwise leftovers will be difficult to remove. The soaking time is about 2-3 minutes, there are missing spots - do not tear off the paper, but repeat the soaking one more time. If done correctly, the ceramic tile will easily come loose from the top paper.
For tiles on a reinforcing mesh, this operation is not necessary, which greatly simplifies the work process.
Step 10. Grouting.
As you might guess, mosaic tiles have a lot of seams. Practice shows that grouting takes no less time than laying. Moreover, it is rarely possible to do everything efficiently the first time, you have to repeat the operation. Use bactericidal plastic materials for grouting. They are not cheap, but then redoing the wall cladding will cost even more. If the surface of all the tiles is flat, then it is easier to work. Using a large rubber spatula, rub the mass into the seams, use considerable force, do not allow gaps.
Wipe surfaces
The surface is dry - check the quality of the work. All gaps found must be re-filled with mass and then cleaned.
Some apartment owners, in order to improve the appearance of the bathroom, cover certain sections of the walls in the bathroom with decorative mosaic tiles with rough edges or tiles of uneven height. There is a lot of fuss with them, you will have to rub and then clean each tile separately. How long this will take is impossible to foresee.
How to Tile Curved Surfaces
The algorithm for working on such surfaces has its own characteristics. When the tile is pressed against curved planes, then in the center ceramic tiles glue is completely absent, and its thickness increases at the edges. Due to this redistribution of glue, the center of the tiles does not hold at all, and dries for a long time on the sides. To minimize the negative effect, it is recommended to glue over such surfaces with mosaic tiles with minimum dimensions of elements.
Technology for laying mosaic tiles on the bathroom floor
For these purposes, you need to buy thick tiles. The algorithm of actions differs in several points.
- The floor must be waterproofed. Use various impregnations for these purposes, they have excellent adhesion to both concrete base and with tile adhesive. In addition, they have good waterproof properties.
- The tile adhesive must be of good quality. Small sizes significantly increase the likelihood of undermining individual pieces of the mosaic with various household appliances. The biggest danger is an old washing machine. While drying the laundry, it has a strong vibration, it can "ride" on the floor. At this time, the legs cling to the protruding edges of the tile and tear it off the floor.
- Grouting is performed only quality materials and very carefully. The presence of voids is completely prohibited. There are times when such air pockets are invisible at the top. To eliminate problem areas, rub the grout with great effort and several times in one place.
- Keep in mind that the floor with mosaic tiles does not have slopes for draining water; making them is useless. A small angle will have no effect, and you cannot increase the slope. In this regard, the need to carefully carry out all construction measures to seal the floor increases significantly.
Answers to frequently asked questions
Can mosaic tiles be cut?
No. The only option is you are a professional and have a dedicated diamond cutter. And then, in that case, a tile with dimensions of individual elements of at least 2 × 2 cm and made on a reinforcing mesh will be cut. It won't work on paper. The fact is that the diamond wheel of a professional cutter is water-cooled, the paper gets wet, the mosaic sheet will fall apart into separate pieces.
What if the gap in the corner of the room is wider than the width of the tile?
The optimal solution is to accurately calculate the position of the plates and slightly increase the gap between them. But you can do this in this way if the increase in the gap does not exceed 2 mm, otherwise the appearance of the wall will deteriorate. To eliminate such problems, it is better to purchase special plastic embedded corners. They are installed in the same way as under ordinary tiles. By using corner pieces a gap of up to five millimeters is eliminated.
How to make a round hole neatly?
When laying the mosaic tiles with a joinery knife, cut a square hole for the pipe diameter. Next, detach the mosaic tiles from the cut out piece, you will need four pieces. Delete sharp corners squares can be done in two ways.
- First. Hold one corner of the tile with pliers, and gradually break off the other in small pieces with sharp nippers.
- Second. Take a plate with pliers and grind the desired angle with a grinder with a diamond disc.
Important. Diamond discs are of two types: for cutting concrete and tiles. They have significant differences and cannot be used for other purposes. The concrete disc has long radial slots for removal a large number dust from thick concrete. These slots create vibration that will cause the tile to crack. Discs for tiling have no slots, they have shallow short grooves along the side planes.
Is it possible to restore initial appearance mosaic tiles?
This can only be done if you have a supply of plates. It is impossible to pick up exactly the same mosaic in a store after a long time. Each batch of goods has its own differences, this is due to the peculiarities of the technological process.
If you follow all the recommendations, treat the work responsibly and carefully, then the quality of the cladding with your own hands will not differ much from the work of professionals. Take your time, be careful with each operation. Start tiling from the most inconspicuous corner of the bathroom. Even if small errors are made at first, no one will notice them. And during this time, you can gain a little practical experience in performing such complex facing works, there will be no more marriage.
Mosaic, perhaps, can be called the most ancient type of decoration - it is more than five thousand years old. She comes into fashion from time to time, like everything well forgotten old.
Nowadays, this type of interior decoration is used only in kitchens and bathrooms. This is due to the fact that the materials from which the mosaic is made are not afraid of moisture.
And there is no need to even talk about the decorative advantages and the variety of surfaces obtained. In this article we will tell you how to decorate a bathroom with mosaic, what types of this finishing material exist, and what is its essence.
Mosaic is the design style of a surface, using small fragments to create a pattern or image. Various materials serve as the basis for creating mosaics: ceramics, glass, stone, mica.
By the way, there is wood mosaic, only it is used in other rooms.
And we will consider options suitable for a bathroom:
- In ancient times, mosaics were laid out one small piece at a time, there were no other technologies. Such work takes a lot of time, and a modern approach to any work process is characterized by the motto: "Time is money."
- Manufacturers of finishing materials have long figured out how to speed up and facilitate the technology of mosaic decoration. The individual elements are stacked on a paper or mesh backing and sold as tiles.
The price of this option is not much cheaper than loose mosaic.
- The assortment of typesetting mosaics is quite wide: it can be monochromatic, multi-colored, translucent, with various inclusions, with a ready-made pattern. Such tiles can be sold as a kit that makes up a single image - an aquarium, a starfish or, for example, a dolphin.
- Finishing a bathroom with small mosaics gives you much more opportunities to create an original interior.
Lovers individual design do not want to see typical pictures on the walls. And the cost of this work does not scare everyone. - It makes no sense to completely lay out the entire room from loose mosaic. It is more often used to decorate the outer surface of a bathtub, countertops, mirror frames, panels on the floor or wall.
- The shapes of the already assembled mosaic are often square and rectangular, sometimes in the form of a polyhedron. Ceramic options are numerous: they are very popular and inexpensive.
Other types of mosaics
Glass
Glass mosaic tiles have a translucent structure, more delicate shades... Its surface is perfectly smooth and shiny, very durable - it is very difficult to break it.
To achieve aesthetic value, mother-of-pearl and gilding can be added to glass elements.
The finish looks like in the photo above is expensive, and it costs the same. But there is a buyer for any product.
Smalt
There is also an even more expensive option - this is a smalt mosaic. This material is made from glass, to which metal oxides are added and pressed under the influence of high temperatures.
Smalt looks like metal and glass at the same time - shiny, bright and opaque.
Colorful paintings and the panel is created from just such a mosaic. In terms of its aesthetic properties, it is simply unique.
Mirrored
As a finishing option, mirror mosaics are sometimes used. Most often this is done to decorate some interior elements, or in combination with other types of mosaics to create a specific pattern.
A continuous covering of the surface with a mirror mosaic will only look appropriate on the ceiling.
To visually expand the space, in a small bathroom, one wall can be made from such a coating. This will give the feeling of spaciousness.
Metal
You can also make a mosaic from pieces of metal. Today it is very fashionable and quite original.
The surface of the metal mosaic can be matte, or polished to a mirror finish.
It is made from stainless steel and aluminum, and anything can imitate a mosaic made of these metals - even gold.
There are also mosaic hybrids, which are a “hamburger” made of thin foil sandwiched between two pieces of glass. This is the most expensive type of mosaic.
Stone
It is impossible not to mention natural stone, which has been used for mosaic decoration since ancient times. There is a mosaic of a wide variety of types of stone - both ordinary pebbles and expensive options: marble, onyx, jasper and even malachite.
Naturally, the cost of such a mosaic directly depends on the value of the material used. natural stone, most often limited to only some elements of the interior.
This can be a frame around a mirror, a section of a wall near a bath, a panel on the floor or wall.
Pebble panel on the floor
As for the pebbles, it serves not only as an excellent decor. A panel of sea stones is laid out on the bathroom floor so that the stones remain convex, and not buried in the surface.
Thus, the feet can be massaged, and this greatly stimulates blood circulation.
Laying mosaic tiles
Of course, in order to compose a panel with a complex ornament from loose mosaic, you will have to turn to specialists. If you need to decorate the bathroom with mosaic tiles, you can easily do it yourself, and our small instruction will help you with this.
So:
- In order to get quality decorative coating, all surfaces must be pre-leveled. Not everyone can do this on their own using a plaster solution. The easiest way would be to sheathe the walls with cement-bonded particle boards (DSP).
- It is environmentally friendly construction material, which has a fairly high bending strength. CBPB is made from a mixture of wood chips, chips and cement, without using any substances harmful to humans.
The mixture is pressed and subjected to industrial drying, as a result of which it hardens and acquires strength.
- Plates are easy to cut and mount on wooden crate... How to do it correctly, you can watch the video.
Cement particle boards are much cheaper than waterproof drywall, they are not afraid of moisture or mold, and are the ideal base for any finish.
What do you need
Before you get started, you need to be sure that you have everything you need. In addition to the mosaic itself, you need to immediately buy a primer (concrete contact), dry glue and grout for joints.
All this is usually sold in the same place where they sell ceramic tiles.
- For tiling, you will also need some tools: notched and rubber spatulas, a mallet, a construction mixer for mixing glue. If you need to split the mosaic chip into pieces, you will have to use wire cutters.
- Apply a primer to the prepared wall surface with a brush or roller. This is necessary in order to improve the adhesion of the adhesive solution with base surface.
If you don't do this, after a while your mosaic will just start to fall off. - The primer must dry completely, only after that you can start gluing the tiles. If it is monochromatic, without a pattern, it is much easier to install it - just glue it in even rows.
- The tile, which should make up the ornament, or any image, must be laid according to the preliminary marking. To do this, you need to lay it out on the floor in the order in which it should compose the image; measure it as accurately as possible and transfer the measurement to the wall.
- Finished with preparatory work, dilute the glue in the container. To the dry composition, you need to gradually add water in the ratio indicated on the package, stirring the solution with a construction mixer.
- Apply the finished product with a notched trowel. adhesive composition on a small section of the wall, and a little on the tile itself. Press it to the surface and make sure that the mosaic sheets lie flat, do not slip.
All subsequent work will depend on how the first row is laid. - Now you need the help of a rubber mallet (mallet). Lightly tapping on the tile with a mallet, press the tile into the solution, and remove the excess that has come out with a rubber spatula.
- Having finished the row, the glue must be allowed to grab - twenty minutes will be enough. Then you need to remove the protective paper layer by moistening it with a wet sponge.
If you notice that any seam has parted, fix the tile until the glue is completely dry.
- Grouting can be started no earlier than two days later. The dry grout mixture is diluted according to the same principle as the glue.
Rubber spatula the composition is distributed along the seams, removing excess grout, about an hour after its application. After another fifteen minutes, the mosaic surface is polished with a dry cloth. - Having finished decorating the flat sections of the walls, you can start finishing the slopes, countertops, and the outer surface of the bath. Fortunately, the mosaic tiles are easily divided into the desired fragments.
Decorating a bathroom with mosaics is a rather painstaking job. The main thing is not to rush, precisely keeping the time required for the glue to set.
If you did everything right, the result will reward you for your patience and effort: the bathroom will delight you with a beautiful and original interior for many years.
Tsugunov Anton Valerievich
Reading time: 9 minutes
Bathroom interior decoration is a difficult task, because in the conditions high humidity air, abundant vaporization and sharp drops temperatures for surface cladding require durable waterproof materials. Mosaics in the bathroom will help ensure the reliability and durability of wall and floor coverings and create an elegant interior.
Mosaic in the bathroom: nuances
The mosaic looks great both as the main facing material, and in combination with other coatings - large and medium-sized tiles, vinyl wallpaper painted surfaces, structural plaster... Suitable for decorating tiny rooms in Khrushchev houses and spacious rooms, it is able to transform the most standard bathroom in a typical panel house. Examples of bathroom interior design with mosaics can be seen in the photo.
An important advantage of mosaic tiles is the possibility of facing surfaces of a convex or concave shape: the outer side of the bathtub and sink, or a figured wall niche.
When choosing a mosaic for a bathroom, take into account:
- the material from which the tiles are made;
- the shape of the elements;
- Colour.
Mosaic types
Mosaic tile options by material of manufacture:
- Ceramic is a practical material, one of the most affordable of all types of mosaics. Presented in a wide range of colors and shades, it can be used to decorate wall panels, paintings, frescoes.
- Plastic mosaic made from polymers - a budget option- strong enough and suitable for wall and floor cladding in rooms with high air humidity. The tile is used for full and partial wall cladding, perfectly adheres to the floor. A decorative rug lined with plastic elements in front of the bathroom is less traumatic than slippery tiles.
- Glass, for the production of which siliceous sand is used with the addition of various impurities.
- Tile from onyx - a layered translucent mineral of red-brown, brown, honey, white tones with veins of different colors. Natural onyx mosaic tiles are very expensive, but you can choose a more affordable imitation. Also popular are small tiles imitating obsidian (volcanic glass), amber, lapis lazuli, jade, jasper.
- Mosaic of travertine, calcareous tuff brownish, white, light yellow, brownish, cream shades with golden splashes.
- Smalt tiles made from colored glass pieces.
- Mirror, in the production of which small mirror fragments are used. Decorating with gold or silver gives the tiles a special appeal.
- Metal, made of soft plastic, on top of which is attached a thin metal plate. Mosaic in brass, bronze, embossed steel, suitable for decorative cladding surfaces in spacious rooms in areas with a minimum moisture concentration.
- Artificial stone tiles imitating granite, marble, tuff, suitable for flooring.
Shape of elements
The shape of the product is of great importance for the decoration of the interior. The tile can be:
- rectangular;
- square;
- diamond-shaped;
- hex;
- round;
- irregular shape (stones, beveled rectangle, uneven oval).
Mosaic in a small bathroom
- the use of rectangular, diamond-shaped, hexagonal elements in decoration;
- narrow vertical mosaic inserts on the background;
- shower tray lined with mosaics;
- the play of color combinations in monochrome - the lower surfaces are laid out with darker elements, the upper fragments of the walls are decorated with lighter tiles;
- vertical patterns, flowers, paintings;
- using a contrasting palette;
- a bathtub, tiled from the outside with square or rectangular tiles, in harmony with the range of the floor covering.
Important! In a small bathroom, do not experiment with a variety of colors. Two or three light colors are enough. Combinations of blue, beige, light green, lilac, cream shades with white, coffee with milk or pearl gray with blue look advantageous. For contrasting finishes, you can choose no more than two colors of the elements and strictly adhere to a single concept.
Spacious bathroom design
The interior design options for a large bathroom are almost endless.
- A wall lined with a single-color mosaic from floor to ceiling looks great, when decorating adjacent and opposite sides with a large rectangular or square tiles contrasting color. Malachite is combined with beige and brown, raspberry - with azure, golden - with black.
- Plain mosaic tiles that completely cover the walls and floor look pretty dull, no matter how bright they are. Monochrome or contrasting mosaic compositions enliven the interior and add an element of variety.
- Useful decor details will be large-scale figured compositions lined with bright mosaics, tiled partitions and large patterns on the floor.
- The color and texture of the mosaic tiles play a significant role in dividing the area into zones. A light glossy finish is best used for functional areas- shower, bath, mirror, heated towel rail, toilet. Dark matte accentuates attention on accessories, furniture, decorative elements.
Decorative items in the bathroom interior
Create decoration bathroom using a mosaic, the following tips will help you:
- A spectacular interior decoration - a mosaic panel, a picture or a full-wall fresco. The opposite and adjacent sides should be decorated with small separate elements of the main image.
