During the Roman Empire, the walls and floors of baths, homes and temples were decorated with glass mosaic tiles. During the Byzantine and Paleo-Christian eras, silver and gold pieces, marble and colored glass showed off biblical settings, seascapes, landscapes, portraits of emperors and mythical scenes. Mosaics are still alluring today, if you take into account their use in homes.
Stone mosaic with glass-like décor is very well-suited for bathroom floors, since it's not slippery even though it's smooth. The tiles may be travertine, marble or slate, or porcelain or ceramic tiles that can mimic the look of stone.
Glass mosaic is, as a rule, more pricey than regular tile, so it is sometimes seen just on borders or as decoration. Sometimes a designer will place one glass mosaic tile in the middle of the room, or right at the entrance, to catch the eye.
Glass and mosaic tiles, in addition to ceramic and stone tiles, are very much at home on shower and bathroom walls. The reflection from their surfaces makes a dark room seem lighter, and makes small areas look bigger. When they are wet, they shimmer and shine to add an underwater appeal to the room.
One type of glass mosaic tile that is commonly seen is vitreous glass. This shows up in many colors, and can be used in many types of designs. The tiles are of a uniform shape that allows for the creation of very smooth surfaces.
Another form of glass mosaic tiles is Smalti. Also known as Byzantine glass, these are small tiles of Italian design that measure only 12-20 mm across. The traditional means of manufacture are still used today, involving melting and then cooling metal oxides, potassium, calcium oxide and sand. This compound is then cut into pieces. These usually offer a diverse palette of color, a luminescent glow and a charm that is quaint, offered by its surface air bubbles and uneven facets. Smalti can be used in bathrooms and on shower walls, as long as you use a protective sealer.
Like glass, metal mosaic tiles have a futuristic, shiny appeal. They can be found not only in silver and gray, but also in other various colors like copper, white gold and yellow gold. Since the material isn't porous, it resists mold and bacteria, and is very suited to use in the bathroom.
Nowadays, technical innovations have enabled the use of mosaic without some of the hassles involved in installation and maintenance. Dot-mounted mosaic tiles allow for the most contact between cement and tile, and can easily be connected. For people who dislike the grout lines in mosaic designs, you can now purchase wall panels with a mosaic effect, for a low-maintenance and cost-effective alternative to the smaller tiles.
Using mosaic tiles on your bathroom countertop makes it a focal point in the room. A backsplash and countertop graced with mosaic tile looks elegant, with a translucent sink. Similarly, an earthy colored mosaic countertop with a white sink brings home country charm. Glass mosaic tiles make a design statement wherever they are used.