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Here you will learn about mosaic tiles for kitchen aprons, its general properties, and color palette. And also about possible combinations and materials for manufacturing.
Glass aprons
Glass mosaics are traditional and have a centuries-old history. Finds of glass mosaics are known in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Mesopotamia.
Glass plays with bright colors in natural and electric light. The smooth surface is simply wiped with a cloth. The color spectrum is wide and allows you to create various designs and ornaments.
Glass can be simple, smalt, with the addition of minerals, or mother-of-pearl.
- The homogeneous looks like smooth, even fragments, polished by sea waves.
- Smalt is fired glass with the addition of metal oxides, which give different shades to the material. The endurance of materials with metal additives increases significantly.
- The minerals aragonite and calcium carbonate create a dense material that is stronger than simple glass.
- Mother-of-pearl can be natural river or sea mother-of-pearl, coated with aventurine of different colors. The peculiarity of mother-of-pearl is its iridescence and versatility of shades from different viewing angles.
Application area
Let's consider several areas in the kitchen where ceramic mosaic tiles can be used as a finishing material.
Apron
The most popular option for using mosaics on the kitchen wall. It perfectly protects the wall surface in the work area from splashes, etc. It also protects against moisture and the formation of fungus and mold that can follow dampness.
Please note that a mosaic apron must be made in a certain style, have a design or pattern that is in harmony in color with the main shade of the kitchen.
However, it is also quite possible that the apron is made in completely different colors. For example, the main shade of the room is beige, and the apron is made of bright orange. Thus, it will contrast with the interior, bringing uniqueness to it.
Dining group decoration
Mosaic tiles for the kitchen on the apron look beautiful and original, but not only the work surface needs protection.
- It is advisable to also protect the walls near which the dining table is located from various types of influences and the appearance of defects on the surface.
- For this purpose, using mosaics, you can treat the surface, while simultaneously making a small decorative corner for the interior.
- Please note that if the apron has already been laid from tiles, the design of the dining group should be carried out in a similar style so that the interior has a compatibility of all elements.
Floor decoration
Mosaic tiles for the kitchen can be used not only to decorate small-sized surfaces, but also as a full-fledged floor covering.
To use the material for this purpose, the floor must first be leveled and prepared for laying tiles. The procedure is actually exactly the same if it were planned to lay out full-fledged tiles.
The main difficulty lies in correctly laying out and forming the pattern. It is not recommended to do this yourself; it is better to call a specialist who will save not only time, but also money that will have to be spent on additional material if you do not succeed in laying the tiles yourself the first time.
Ceramic elements
Ceramic tiles imitating a mosaic pattern are one of the most common and practical options for wall decoration in the kitchen. The surface of ceramic tiles can be matte, glossy, smooth, or rough.
Ceramics are durable and can withstand changes in temperature and humidity. She is not demanding in care. Easily wiped with a damp cloth.
General properties
The working wall in the kitchen is called an apron. This area is exposed to water and grease, so it is recommended to lay the apron with a mosaic, this is a regular small tile.
Usually it is sold not as individual elements, but as “matrices” - an assembled pattern of small components, size:
you can post it
- 24x24 cm;
- 28x28 cm;
- 30×30 cm;
- 31.5x31.5 cm;
- 32x32 cm.
For 1 sq. m you need about 9 pieces. It is attached to the mesh, easily glued, and cannot tear.
The mesh performs the properties of reinforcement. You can attach a finished picture to a paper base; the paper is glued to the front part and then removed before rubbing.
This old-fashioned way to decorate a room will highlight the classic style of the kitchen.
The elements that make up the pattern are called “tesserae”. The chip can be from 1x1 cm to 5x5 cm, and sometimes up to 10x10 cm. To create a kitchen apron, professional builders often use briquettes 2cmx2cm - 5cmx5 cm.
The most convenient shape is a square. Such tiles are practical in installation and calculation of components.
Square is the most convenient and practical shape
It is possible to decorate a room with a mosaic canvas:
- flowers;
- abstract patterns;
- night city;
- waterfall;
- panels of vegetables and fruits;
- geometric shapes.
The fragments from which the chips are made look expressive in the interior; they can be easily matched to different designs, from “country” to “techno”.
Colorful mosaic panel of vegetables and fruits
Stone mosaic
Stone mosaic is an expensive type of decoration. Especially when using marble, travertine, topaz. However, plain stone veneer or individual stones are affordable. The stones have a porous texture, so they require a special coating that prevents the destruction of the material.
The stones are glued entirely onto the base, creating plates with a unique pattern. Natural stones are usually cut into identical fragments and glued onto a flat surface, filling the voids with grout.
Porcelain stoneware options
Porcelain stoneware is a modern material that is inferior to natural coatings in color saturation and glossiness. However, it clearly surpasses other natural decors in terms of durability and technological capabilities.
A huge number of designs, colors, and configurations of individual elements are produced. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles, but cheaper than mosaics made from natural stones.
Combination of patterns and shape
A mosaic apron is often designed in bed colors or in opposite, spectacular shades.
The form varies:
- square;
- circle;
- rhombus;
- trapezoid;
- oval.
Advice The shade and shape should emphasize the overall style.
An apron reminiscent of a honeycomb, a warm accent in your interior
Combination
There are several patterns for combining patterns to make the wall look colorful and beautiful:
- “monocolor” – decorated in parts identical in shape and color;
- mix - glass mosaic or tiles are used, but the chips are combined in different shades of the same color;
- gradient or stretch - a layout similar to a rectangle, tesserae are laid out in a transition from a saturated shade to a less bright one;
- ready-made mixture - a ready-made matrix with a pattern is glued to the surface.
Chaotic mix of mosaic chips of different colors
Metal as a coating for mosaics
Metal mosaic is less common than other options. With the modern interest of designers in kitchens with metal finishes, metal splashbacks have also appeared. The mosaic on them is either glued together from pieces, or simply a pattern imitating a mosaic pattern. The front surface is covered with a steel brass or bronze thin sheet.
Metallic shine and shimmer are especially interesting in loft and techno styles. And the golden color is good even for a classic interior.
How to avoid mistakes? Recommendations for style and design
- The size of the mosaic, like any pattern, can visually change the dimensions of the kitchen - large elements will reduce the space, and small ones will increase it.
- If your kitchen is small, then do not use elements with a diamond pattern, such a pattern will reduce the size of the room.
- The combination of several colors on a matte or glossy surface looks very impressive; this is a classic way of decorating a room, which is most widely used. Installation is simple, no need to waste time on selecting elements or creating any patterns.
- Gold and silver colors create a taste of sophistication, wealth, and independence in the room. There is no drawing on them, only a single game with notes of each of the elements is noted. These types of fittings are used in interior design.
- The difficulty of laying tiles with a pattern lies in the correct selection of elements in order to obtain the correct pattern as a result. This finish is distinguished by high levels of aesthetics and enlivens the kitchen space.
- It is impossible not to mention the mirror options. They act not only as decor, but also create many visual effects: expanding space, changing boundaries, emphasizing. Glass mosaics will give the style a creative mood, mystery, dreaminess, and will clearly highlight the artistic nature of the designer.
A second, beautiful life for broken shards of dishes, sets and tiles
Options that are popular are glass mosaic and ceramics . With the help of these textures you can decorate the surface perfectly and not expensively. If desired, it is possible to create exclusive expensive paintings. A quite affordable kitchen apron can be made from pieces of metal. Other combinations of components have a high price.
The mosaic easily fits over uneven surfaces and hides them perfectly.
The more vibrant and sophisticated the color palette, the higher its price. Monocolors, mixes of light, gray, beige, brown, white shades without any decorative additives are an inexpensive combination. If bright, flashy colors predominate, with shimmering effects, such combinations are expensive.
Custom apron decor for the kitchen is a great way to express your individuality.
Mosaic is a decorative element that is currently experiencing a rebirth, and it’s not bad at all! Varieties of matrices have taken their rightful place in the kitchen interior. The variety of colors, textures, shapes, and materials used surprises the taste of even experienced designers.
Mirror mosaics
Mirror mosaic mesh can be classified as a separate type. Silver or bronze colors shimmer when light hits and expand the kitchen space.
It is not advisable to wipe a mirror, like glass, with abrasive materials and chemicals. Otherwise, the surface of the mosaic will darken and lose its attractiveness.
Important. When purchasing mosaic tiles individually or by quadrature, you must correctly calculate the quantity required for gluing. Each manufacturer has its own matrix sizes: from 120x120mm, and 300x300mm and 315x315mm. Rectangular tiles also vary in size.
Size and consumption
The most common form of mosaic blank is square . Usually its side is 30 or 32 centimeters. There are also larger options: for example, with a side of one meter. Most often, some kind of drawing is already depicted there. Of course, such a panel will be expensive. In addition, the workpiece (matrix) can be round, rectangular or any other irregular shape.
Inside the matrix there are pieces of tiles - they are called chips or honeycombs . A standard chip is a square with a side of 2 or 5 centimeters. But there are also extreme versions of chips: for example, with a side of 1 or 10 centimeters.
How to determine consumption?
Even a renovation novice can cope with such a simple task. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Measure the length and width of the proposed apron.
- Decide on a mosaic and find out its dimensions.
- Calculate how many whole matrices will fit along the length and height of the apron.
- Calculate how many centimeters remain free and how many matrices are required for this.
Let's say the selected matrix is a square with a side of 30 centimeters. The apron size is 60 cm in height and 130 in length. The height is exactly two rows of mosaic (60/30=2). The length is 4 complete matrices (130/30=4.33). These 4 matrices will cover only 120 centimeters, which means there are still 10 left. It is important to multiply these 10 centimeters by the number nearby. As a result, there are 20 free centimeters, for which one workpiece is enough. And we multiply the resulting 4 by two rows - 8 matrices.
Thus, for an apron 130 by 60 cm, you will need 9 mosaic blanks measuring 30 by 30.
But it is advisable to always take tiles with a margin of 10–15% , since sometimes defects occur and there are errors in calculations. Or in a few years the mosaic will be damaged and will have to be replaced - in this case, a pre-purchased “spare” will save you. If there are doubts about the accuracy of the calculations, consultants in the store can always double-check the data received.
Types of mosaics according to the method of application to the wall
Self-adhesive films in the form of a mosaic pattern are sold in sheets. Any unprepared person can apply it to the wall. The surface must be smooth.
The paper base is applied to the front part of the mosaic elements. After gluing the blocks to the wall, the paper is removed.
- Mosaic fragments applied to a matrix mesh of polyurethane foam are considered especially durable.
- The mesh serves as a frame, and with it the process of gluing to the wall becomes easier and more reliable.
Mosaic does not have to be monochromatic. There are Byzantine, Florentine, and other types of mosaics, in which plain fragments are combined with patterned inserts. They convey national flavor and look amazingly stylish.
Color solutions for tiles
By correctly using mosaics of different colors, you can get unusual visual effects in the kitchen. In particular, soften corner transitions using colored stretching. Mosaic ornaments are divided into the following types:
- Plain patterns with a glossy, embossed or matte surface;
- mixed colors of different palettes, or consisting of the same monochrome range;
- gradient pattern, characterized by a transition of rich color in the center and weakening towards the edges;
- ready-made or handmade panels.
Wall application
The wall for mosaic matrices must first be leveled, cleaned, and prepared for applying glue. A flat, smooth wall will guarantee a tight fit of the mosaic to the wall, without differences or protrusions.
- Carefully mark all areas of the wall to which the coating will be applied. Visually check if the number of tiles matches.
- Do not apply glue to the entire wall at once. Gluing should be done in separate sections.
- Press the matrix firmly against the wall for several minutes to ensure strong adhesion.
- Let the glue dry and rub the seams.
Mosaic grout is either cement-based or epoxy resin. The advantage of resin is that it can be white. It can be used for light-colored coatings.
It doesn't darken over time. This grout is more expensive than cement, but benefits in appearance and durability.
Who is for aesthetics and practicality?
Aesthetics:
- The panel will give the work area expressiveness, originality, and zest.
- Mosaic decor sometimes becomes the main accent in design.
- Perfectly complements a single color palette.
- Fantasy, imagination, creativity will make up the picture.
Abstract panel - original, a highlight in the decor
Practicality:
- Easy to install even on uneven walls.
- Does not fade over time and does not lose its elegant appearance.
The perfect harmony of the entire room is felt in a single color tone
Advantages:
- Uniqueness. It is possible to create pictures from fragments that cannot be repeated.
- Range. Choice of colors, shapes, textures to suit every taste.
- Covering any surface – even uneven ones.
- Resistant to moisture, dirt, grease, ultraviolet radiation, and temperature changes.
- Ease of maintenance. The tiles wash wonderfully.
Tip There are ready-made sets available for sale that form a variety of images that are in harmony with the design of the room.
You can use a mosaic to lay out an exclusive picture based on your own individual project
Color
The right color for a kitchen apron can decorate any interior. If the decoration and furniture are in bright, saturated colors, then it is advisable to choose a plain texture for the mosaic apron. Pearlescent and soft shades can be safely chosen for a kitchen with a calm interior and decorated with bright accents.
Mosaics in the form of panels, with ornaments, mirrored or in bright bold colors are suitable in design for kitchens with calm soft colors in the decoration of the room and in the furniture.
It is desirable that the colors of the apron match the color of the facade, countertop or floor covering. Or it is permissible to make the wall covering contrasting.
Collections of mosaic tiles are varied in materials, prices and colors. They may vary in size. You need to choose a mosaic based on the kitchen design, color scheme, as well as the budget and taste of its owner.
Advantages and disadvantages of mosaic
Mosaics are the most original and expressive way to decorate a kitchen. This apron brings originality and individuality to the design. No other material for making the area between the work table and cabinets can create such a bright and unusual atmosphere in the kitchen. When choosing this particular material for finishing, you need to know all its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of a mosaic apron:
- Resistance to external factors. Mosaic is resistant to household chemicals, moisture, and acids.
- Rich color range. When making a mosaic backsplash, you do not need to follow the directions of the design or print. You can lay it out as you wish, combining any number of colors and decorative elements.
- Attractiveness. Such a design solution cannot go unnoticed by guests.
- Easy to use and maintain. Mosaic tiles are made from durable material coated with glaze. Dirt and grease are easily washed off.
- Practicality. If some elements are damaged, they can be easily replaced with others.
Important! To clean the mosaic panel, you can use any cleaning products.
Even abrasive substances will not damage its surface. Disadvantages of a mosaic apron:
- Price. The price of the material for making a mosaic apron is slightly higher than other types of tiles. We are talking not only about the high cost of the material itself, but also about the cost of work. Laying out an apron yourself is difficult. Professional help and special tools are required. Small mosaic is considered the most difficult material to install.
- Lots of seams. You need to grout a large number of seams carefully and use high-quality grout so that it does not darken over time. Caring for seams, since their number exceeds a hundred, is a rather labor-intensive task.
Advice! If you decide to hire workers to lay out a mosaic apron, then contact large companies. Finding a specialist with extensive experience in this profile is quite difficult.
