Mosaic as an Unconventional Option for Kitchen Tiles

IThe mosaic promises to become the most popular type of tile for the kitchen backsplash. It is one of the most unconventional solutions and, without a doubt, one of the most impressive. But it's not just about the visual effect created by the aggregation of tiny tiles. The kitchen workspace is by definition small and requires a visual expansion. Small-sized tiles are effective in expanding the space, but the mosaic performs this task excellently, making the kitchen appear significantly larger. Such is the power of illusions: the materials are the same, but the effect is extraordinary. The consumer who chooses the mosaic for interior design gains a double advantage: excellent decoration and a visual bonus in terms of space.

There are many collections of mosaics for kitchen backsplashes, which can make the choice a bit confusing. To avoid confusion, it is best to become familiar with the various types of mosaics.

Types of mosaic for the kitchen backsplash

Mosaics can be classified into three main categories:

• Material of which the tile is made.

• Structure.

• Format.

Material

One of the most popular types is ceramic mosaic. Essentially, these are common tiles made in a miniaturized format. These tiles inherit from traditional ceramics resistance to mechanical damage, moisture, high temperatures, and household chemicals. Ceramic is reliable, durable, and long-lasting, with surfaces that can be glossy, matte, or embossed. Ceramic mosaic can also imitate other materials such as wood, stone, and metal, making it a versatile and popular choice among small-format tiles.

The glass mosaic for the kitchen is another leading contender. It is no exaggeration to say that it is hard to find a rival in terms of decorative properties: glass has an extraordinary appearance. As children, everyone was fascinated by kaleidoscopes. With the right choice of collection and lighting, the kitchen backsplash can surpass that childlike charm.

Glass mosaic can be divided into three types: homogeneous, enamel, and multicomponent. To achieve an excellent effect, simple glass is sufficient, but often miniature blocks include added components such as glitter, creating an economically modest yet artistically rich solution.

Manufacturers have gone further, and now it is possible to purchase enamel kitchen tiles. This type of mosaic is made from a pressed mixture of colored glass with metallic oxides, fired at high temperature. The wide range of enamel shades is just one of its advantages. Enamel is known for its particular internal brightness, which, together with artificial lighting, makes this mosaic unique. Additionally, it is characterized by tonal differences between individual tiles, an indispensable ingredient for the charm of enamel.

Glass is great, but gemstones are even better. By adding minerals like aventurine, manufacturers achieve an imitative effect. The kitchen mosaic becomes surprisingly similar to gemstones, filling the space with a mysterious sparkle and stunning reflections.

Porcelain stoneware mosaic is another popular type of "small format." Although it is less decorative than ceramic and glass, it surpasses these materials in terms of functionality. As a kitchen backsplash tile, porcelain stoneware is not very relevant, since the walls do not undergo significant loads. However, if absolute reliability is required, this is the obvious choice.

Structure

Tiles can be fixed in three ways:

• On a paper support.

• On a polyurethane mesh.

• With the aid of polymer bridges.

The last method is the least reliable. It is preferable to use a solid base, whether it is made of paper or plastic.

Format

The nets on which the tiles are fixed have different sizes. They are usually 30x30 cm or similar. The elements also vary in size, ranging from 1 to 5 cm. Sometimes the tiles can be larger, but in this case, it is considered a mosaic only if the blocks have an unusual shape.

Usually, tiles have a square shape. However, there are increasingly more collections with non-standard shapes, ranging from rectangular to completely irregular. Among these, there are hexagonal and octagonal mosaics for the kitchen.

Kitchen backsplash tile design

The choice of how to cover the workspace is up to you, but today it is possible to purchase kitchen tiles in four main design categories.

Single-color mosaic

The monochromatic mosaic, which varies within a single shade, is the most common. It is easy to plan and install.

Decorative panels

Originally, mosaic was used to create decorative compositions with small elements. Today, there are many offers of decorative panels for the kitchen, which assemble easily and quickly.

Mosaic mix

On a single net, there can be tiles of different colors and, sometimes, even of different sizes. "A mix of horses and men..." – in the case of the mosaic, it is very elegant.

Gradient

You can use a single color, but "extend" its intensity across the entire kitchen backsplash. A gradual mix of shades is a very popular solution.

Finally, we recommend considering both the mosaic design and the material quality when purchasing kitchen tiles.