Choosing the best mosaic wall and floor tiles for bathrooms

Creating a beautiful and functional bathroom involves many decisions, including choosing the right tiles. Mosaic tiles refer to small, coloured pieces made of a specific material (such as porcelain or glass) assembled to create intricate patterns. This creative design is popular in a bathroom, as it can help enhance natural light, particularly in a small space, while looking incredible and unique.

In this guide, we will explore what to look for in mosaic bathroom tiles, including their materials, colours, and shapes.

What are the different colour options for mosaic bathroom tiles?

The right colour scheme can make or break a bathroom; the wide variety of options and combinations create many design opportunities to suit your requirements. In bathrooms, mosaic tiles are perfect for creating pops of colour, for example, behind a freestanding bath or splashback.

Browse the most popular colours below and our top picks for bathroom mosaic tiles:

White and black

For decades, white and/or black tiles have been a staple in bathroom designs. Particularly white marble, these shades are often used for their timeless and classic appearances, utilised in different ways to great effect.

White tiles can make a small bathroom appear larger and more open, reflecting light and creating a clean, fresh atmosphere, perfect for a small room or a bathroom underneath the stairs. Black tiles, on the other hand, add sophistication and a modern edge. Whether used on their own as block colours, or combined in a unique or chequerboard pattern, there is no question about popularity and creativity.

If you want white mosaics for your bathroom, browse our Ottimo range. This marble stone collection is available in singular tiles and detailed mosaic shapes. With triangle, herringbone, and kaleidoscope shapes available, this white tile range works for both modern and traditional settings.

For a chequerboard effect, the Chiesa Black mosaics add a rustic feel to a bathroom floor. Made of porcelain, this black and white tile replicates the look of ancient stone while providing functionality and stylish qualities.

Metallic and iridescent

For those looking to add a bit of glamour and luxury to their bathroom, metallic and iridescent mosaic tiles are an excellent choice. These tiles reflect light uniquely, creating a shimmering effect that can make the bathroom feel more opulent. Metallic mosaic tiles come in various finishes, including gold, silver, and copper, which can add warmth and richness. Also, iridescent tiles, with their changing colours, bring a dynamic and eye-catching quality to the space.

Creams and neutrals

Creams and neutral tones create a calming, serene environment and spa-like feel in bathrooms. These colours can make the bathroom feel airier, using intricate mosaic patterns to create a relaxing space.

Neutral mosaic tiles blend well with various design elements and are a safe choice for a timeless and understated look. They also provide a versatile foundation if you wish to add pops of colour through accessories or textiles.

What mosaic shape should you choose for bathrooms?

The shape of your mosaic tiles can significantly influence the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Mosaic bathroom tiles come in a range of distinct shapes, some of which are extremely popular and common compared to other more unique layouts. Here are just a few of the different tile shapes of mosaic tiles available at Fired Earth:

• Triangles: offer a modern twist on traditional designs, with their angular form adding a sense of movement and direction in the bathroom.
• Herringbone: a classic and common layout in mosaic tiles. This pattern involves arranging rectangular tiles in a zigzag pattern, adding texture and depth to a bathroom – working extremely well on bathrooms as a splashback.
• Hexagonal: popular for their geometric appeal and versatility. These mosaics create a honeycomb layout which can create a seamless and cohesive look on bathroom floors and walls.
• Scallop: also known as fish scale tiles, their curved lines create a soft, flowing effect that can make your bathroom feel more inviting and luxurious. Ideal for a shower wall.

Choosing mosaic tiles for bathroom walls

Regarding bathroom walls, mosaic tiles offer endless possibilities for creative expression.

Browse through our entire range of mosaic wall tiles here.

Accent walls

An accent wall is an excellent way to introduce mosaic tiles into your bathroom. By covering one wall with a distinctive pattern or colour, you can create a focal point that enhances the room’s overall design. Consider an accent wall behind a freestanding bath, vanity mirror, or shower wall.

For a shower wall, choosing mosaic tiles that will withstand excessive amounts of water is important. Look for the material’s porosity level and its susceptibility to water damage.

Choosing mosaic tiles for bathroom floors

Mosaic tiles, depending on the material and design, may be unsuitable for flooring due to their delicate nature. To ensure a tile is suitable for a specific space you should always check the suitability details.

Browse through our entire range of mosaic floor tiles here.

Wet room floor

Mosaic tiles provide excellent traction and water resistance for wet room floors. Their small size and numerous grout lines help prevent slipping, making them a safe choice for wet areas.

Additionally, mosaic tiles can create seamless transitions between different zones in the bathroom, enhancing the room’s flow and functionality.

What to consider when buying bathroom mosaic tiles

The intended use of the mosaic tiles will ultimately influence your choice. For high-traffic areas like floors, durability and slip resistance are crucial, whereas, for bathroom walls, you may prioritise aesthetic appeal in your mosaic tile pick. Consider how the tiles will interact with other elements in the bathroom, such as fixtures and fittings, and ensure they will withstand large amounts of water.

In addition, consider the following to ensure you select the best mosaic tiles for your bathroom:

Choosing the right material or mosaic tiles

Mosaics refer to the intricate patterns and layouts of the tiles, singularly and when used together. Therefore, these types of bathroom tiles come in various materials and styles:

• Porcelain: durable and water-resistant, making them ideal for wet areas.
• Stone: offers a natural and timeless beauty, but requires sealing to prevent staining.
• Marble: provides a luxurious and elegant look, but can be more prone to scratching and staining.
• Glass: easy to clean and can add a modern touch, though they may be more slippery when wet.

When comparing the materials, porcelain is the most functional and beneficial in a bathroom. Porcelain mosaic tiles offer both stylish qualities, as well as durability, and ease of maintenance.

Using a design service

At Fired Earth, we understand how challenging it can be choosing bathroom tiles, especially when there is a variety of colours and materials available. To help visualise and plan your bathroom layout, we provide a bespoke design service to offer valuable insights into the best patterns, colours and materials for your bathroom. This is particularly helpful for mosaic tiles in intricate and delicate patterns that may be hard to envision and know how many will be needed.

Book your design appointment with Fired Earth’s experts here, or contact us for more information.

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