Mosaic Tile Designs That’ll Thrill You to Bits

Dating back to 5,000 years ago, mosaic tiles are one of the world’s oldest art forms. Few other creations in human history have enjoyed that kind of aesthetic longevity. And mosaic tile continues to be an integral part of our homes, parks and public spaces.

Aside from its inherent durability, mosaic tile is extremely versatile. Just about anything is possible with mosaics, in terms of patterns, sizes and color combinations. If you’re considering this timeless art form for your home, you’ll want to understand the different types of mosaic and how they’re made and installed.

Mosaics can be made from a number of materials, called tessera. Common materials include ceramic tile, glass tile, natural stone tile, stones themselves, semiprecious stones, beads, mirror, shells and china.

Direct Method

Mosaics are created in one of two basic ways. The direct method involves sticking the tile (or other material) onto a base that’s been covered with a layer of cement-based tile adhesive. If you’re familiar with the work of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, you know he was the king of this type of mosaic.

In the photo here, broken shards of pottery installed behind a patio grill bring whimsy to what could easily have been a commonplace material. This artist kept the pottery pieces large to hint at their original form, such as a teacup or plate rim.


Because the direct method often involves using multiple materials pressed in by hand, these mosaics are usually used on wall surfaces, because of inconsistent heights or because the materials themselves aren’t suitable for foot traffic. However, this outdoor seating made of ceramic tile has a smooth, undulating surface. Mosaic tile is a superb material for outside locations that are sandy or need to be washed frequently. Unlike fabric cushions or wood seating, tile will not fade, rot, shrink or age.

The challenge with the direct method is the installation time. The entire mosaic needs to be either completed in one shot or done in phases where the cement-based adhesive has been applied. Fun and imprecise, this kind of mosaic can be a great DIY project.


Indirect Method

The indirect method is a very different approach that allows the mosaic to be fully created prior to installation. This technique was developed as a way to create large-scale mosaics offsite to then be transported and laid into position.

Cynthia Fisher of Big Bang Mosaics says she first creates a pencil sketch on paper. She then hand assembles the mosaic by placing the pieces temporarily onto contact paper, then completes the mosaic, grout and all, on a cement backer-board panel and ships it to the client. Alternatively, Fisher also ships the mosaic on the contact paper to the client, so a tile installer can affix and grout the tile in the client’s home. Fisher’s cake mosaic using glass tiles, seen here, is mouthwatering!


Fisher says it takes between two and three weeks to create a typical stove backsplash and six to eight weeks for a full kitchen backsplash. Pricing for Big Bang Mosaics’ artful mosaics ranges from $150 to $300 per square foot, depending on the level of complexity.


Wavering between artwork and building material, this serene stone mosaic is installed within a frame above the tub as well as on the floor.


Computer Generated

Ancient art form meets modern-day technology in mosaics that are created using AutoCAD drawings provided by the client. The mosaics, which utilize the indirect method of installation, are often large scale and intended to have a precise fit within a frame or on an entire wall. Hamza Hassan of MEC says the company’s mosaics come in standard 12- by 12-inch mesh-backed sheets with an installation guide and a reference diagram. The cost ranges from $35 to $120 per square foot for glass and metallic mosaics.


This dreamy Bisazza mosaic was also computer generated and shipped paper mounted for quick installation.


This custom mosaic by Ann Sacks features fanciful clouds; they swirl around this bathroom’s vanity and mirror without being obscured by the fixtures.


Premade

A mesh-mounted premade mosaic design doesn’t require AutoCAD drawings or the longer lead time required for a bespoke handmade mosaic. This mesh-mounted polished natural stone by Artistic Tile adds pattern and texture to a kitchen backsplash and stove hood.


The Bubble Collection tiles by Mercury Mosaics are made by hand punching them into circles and rings. Once they’re glazed and fired, they’re placed on a mesh backing, ready to float on some lucky person’s wall.

Your turn: Show us your mosaics!

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