Mosaic tiles are ‘the next big thing’ in the world of tiles that are being used in modern-day bathrooms for surface decoration.
Mosaics are available as glass mosaics, unglazed porcelain, and stainless steel tiles that can give you a range of different looks.
Mosaic tiles are available in every size, shape, color and texture and you can even obtain specially molded pieces that fit into crevices and crannies without having to break the tiles.
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You can literally tile your whole bathroom from floor to walls with a single color palette or break the monotony by staggering complementary pieces or creating full-sized murals; even bathroom furniture or fixed seating can be completely covered to give a uniform look.
Metal sheeting is also a way to cover your wall space. Sheet metal like aluminum and steel are being used in place of traditional tiles, they can be cut into smaller pieces but can also be used whole with a matt brushed finish and softened with natural materials like stone tiles or even wood. They are also pressed with designs to make raised patterns that give a decorative look and increases friction.
Metal sheets are also being used in commercial areas for being hygienic, easy to maintain and water resistant. Smaller metallic tiles are available as borders and make a striking parlance.
Glass tiles with iridescent effects or even hand painted tiles add a sense of depth and luminosity to any area and can be used the same way as ordinary ceramic tiles. They can be fused to create interesting patterns and also used in combination with different levels of opacity and embedded with different objects.
Resin tiles are also similar in nature and are available with a wide range of options and are far more economical than mosaics that can be a tad bit on the expensive side.
Untumbled pieces of crystal rock are also being suspended in polymer resins which allow light to pass through their facets to give a prismatic look.
Cladding with plastic panels is fast turning into a rage. Plastic is not only waterproof and maintenance free, there is no problem of grout. The panels can be easily installed over your existing tiles and free from condensation. This is the easiest option of them all to do up your bathroom even without any professional help.
Tips for choosing your bathroom shower tiles:
Make sure you choose tiles that can be easily cleaned and does not pit and show finger prints easily. Also water resistance and bacteria resistance are must haves.
Instead of just square tiles, look for tiles closer to the Golden Mean Ratio, i.e. 2:3 to build symmetry. Rectangular tiles look better when they are arranged vertically and have a border of the same tiles running around the room horizontally just close to the eye level.
If you are fond of creating a different pattern for your shower area use the Penrose Titling Method that gives a unique look and works well with different sizes of tiles in contrasting colors put together. If you must use square tiles, arrange them in a harlequin/diamond pattern instead.
Choose neutrals or light pastels in your bathroom and set apart the shower area with textured tiles for creating a focus. You can also play with the shapes as circular tiles are now being marketed as the latest trend and can help create a funky, retro look in your bathroom –very 70’s.
There are constantly new additions and the only thing that can limit you is a vivid imagination.
by Mani Arquer
