Houses are made out of the dreams of people. So, one must ensure that they put the maximum effort into its construction. The primary focus should be on decorations and designing the interior of the house.
Among various things inside, one of the most important is flooring. Though earlier people used to prefer creams and whites for flooring, now modern people love to try unique ideas. This is why mosaic flooring is a prevalent style used nowadays.
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Mosaic flooring: What is it?
Mosaic flooring is the art of arranging square bits of marble, stone, or crystal, which are coarsely cut into a flat adhesive surface to create a visually appealing design. This type of flooring is found throughout the globe, from the Arabian peninsula to ancient Italy. They are a lovely form of art and worthy enough for people to replace the regular type of flooring.
Mosaic flooring: Types of mosaic tiles
People can choose different types of mosaic tiles when deciding on flooring for their new house. So we have classified those types below:
1) Stone mosaics
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The best thing about stone mosaics is that it carries a certain amount of grace. When you notice excellent mosaic flower patterns and geometric designs, you should know that most of them are stone mosaics. The hypnotic allure of tiny stone mosaics will make you appreciate your house each day.
Earlier Roman and Greek floors with tiny bits of inlaid stone were a dream to experience. Those were timeless, beautiful works of art. And now, new technologies have taken modern-day mosaics to the next level.
See also: Mosaic flooring vs Terrazzo: All you need to know
2) Glass mosaics
These Mosaics look exquisite, but their only problem is the high risk of getting destroyed. This is because they are made of small pieces of glass in some cases. They come in transparent, opaque, and mirrored tile pieces. They also have a glowing effect when they bounce light.
Mirrored glass mosaics have a shiny effect that instantly vitalises a space and makes it feel special. If there is a source of light like sunlight or any artificial light that strikes the tile pieces, it looks like those tiles are dancing with the light. This is because of the light effects and shadows created by the glass tiles. The Azul tile is an example of the same.
3) Etched stones
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Etched stone tiles are carved into the desired design. These are mostly done in large tiles. All the artworks are made very efficiently and more smoothly engraved than the grouted lines of tiny, tiled pieces. It creates a sculptured effect, making it look more luxurious. These designs can be intricate in two or more ways.
Sometimes they are deeply etched, for example, in Bordo Antico tiles. And there are also variations of finely etched pieces, just as in the case of Lalman’s design. This design also included intricate lines and curves that are perfect for a floral pattern. They mainly lie on the expensive side, but choosing these tiles for your dear home is worth it.
4) Stone tile
It is sometimes even essential to play with the size and shape of the tiles. And in this case, the tiles are larger rather than tiny bits. They are sometimes octagonal and geometric shapes. Moreover, the larger tiles cover large areas and thus take less time and create a dramatic effect.
The only disadvantage about these tiles is that you can not even try to do this on your own. It’s because the tiles may fall apart because of the difference in thickness of different materials. Some examples of such types of tiles in use are textural effects on the wall by creating larger pieces juxtaposed against each other on a wall, like in ledger stone.
5) Hand-painted stone
This is one of the best types of stones. It allows you to copy any design or style so you can have pictures across your house, making it more beautiful. Hence, it will make you feel closer to your home.
One can use it for kitchen backsplashes or as modern, contemporary, ornamental works of art. For example, you can add hand-painted children in your children’s room or plants in the living room.
6) Water jet mosaics
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Water jet is a type of technology that is used for making some of these above types of mosaics. But moreover, they can create dimensional textures and effects that appear sculpted.
It can be put together like puzzles, just as in stone mosaics, but with greater precision and a “seamless” look, making it more professional for modern-day businesses. Many intricate and sophisticated designs are available nowadays, depending on the technology used.
With the help of any designer consultant, you can easily choose the right mosaic type for you and your house.
Know about: POP light design
Mosaic flooring: Some lesser common types of mosaics
1) Glazed ceramic tiles
These tiles are found in any DIY shop and are ideal for broken tile-style mosaic making. They also vary in size and thickness. This is why you have to ensure that you know about the right measurements and buy the right things as the constructor tells you. The only disadvantage is that they are not frostproof and so are not suitable for outdoors.
2) Unglazed ceramic tiles
Unglazed tiles don’t create sharp shards when nipping, and you have ¼ the large tiles for a more hand-crafted feel to the design. Also, you have to try not to buy sheets of tiles on backing sheets or mesh, as they are a pain to get off. The advantages include this type of tiles being economical and also the fact that they can be used outdoors.
3) Millefiori
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These are small handmade beads of glass. They also have colourful floral and geometric type patterns and so add lovely patterns and details to mosaics. Millefiori are supplied in unseeable-sized beads, which are sorted into multiple patterns or blends of the same colour. But they are expensive, so it is not possible for everyone to use them.
4) Vitreous glass
Vitreous glass has a smooth top side and a rough bottom. The rough side with ridges is key to holding adhesive. However, it’s important to ensure they are laid correctly. You can buy smaller tiles or cut the larger ones into ¼ to give a more hand-made feel. They can give off fine sharp splinters, so one needs to take care while nipping tiles. Moreover, they are not so good for floors as they might crack, but they are frost and waterproof, thus well suited for outdoors.
5) Italian smalti
Italian smalti is a mosaic made from enamelled glass and comes in a variety of strong, intense colours. It is the traditional material of Byzantine and Venetian mosaics. And these mosaics give beautiful results. The only problem is that it is expensive.
FAQs
Is mosaic outdated?
While thinking of a good way to decorate your house is common, mosaics are timeless. They are known for new and contemporary settings. The history of mosaics makes it a rich decorative design heritage.
What are the disadvantages of mosaics?
The two main disadvantages of mosaic tiles are that glass mosaics are particularly difficult to install, unlike ceramic or natural stone tiles. Moreover, they have very high prices making it a little difficult for people to choose them over other options.
