Glass mosaic in interior design

Long since the person tried to decorate the housing. In the course were natural materials, improvised means. In the era of the Ancient East, there was a tradition to veneer buildings with mosaics. Specialists laid out whole pictures of tiny pieces, only wealthy people could afford such masterpieces. In the modern building materials market there is an impressive selection of mosaic elements. Among them, glass mosaic stands out favorably, which is not inferior to stone in terms of strength, and is unparalleled in brilliance and transparency.

Glass mosaic is a finishing material.made mostly of Venetian glass. To do this, fine white sand is processed into a liquid mass and poured into forms. Next, the glass is fired, after which the decoration of the parts using natural dyes takes place.

Modern glass processing technologies enhance all the advantages of this material, which include:

• durability;
• strength;
• wear resistance;
• water tightness;
• environmental friendliness;

• hygiene;
• light resistance;
• resistance to aggressive environmental influences;
• heat resistance;
• shine;
• flexibility of the matrix on which the elements are applied;
• unlimited design possibilities.

Steklomozaik released in various variations.

This kind of use in expensive interiors, since the creation of paintings from small parts is expensive.However, it is worth it: special programs can calculate the scheme of any image (up to photos). The result is the most realistic picture created from quality material.

Mosaic carpets (nets) are more in demand among consumers. They are more accessible, much more convenient to install: the elements-chips are fixed on a paper or polymer base, and then attached to the wall with a continuous sheet.

There are several options for similar finishes.

• Monochrome canvas (all chips of the same size and color).
• The gradient is a combination of shades of the same color (from dark to the lightest). The variant, where the lightest tone is under the ceiling, pulls the room upwards.
• Mix - a mixture of several colors or similar shades. Such options are often found on aprons in the kitchen, bathroom decor (along with ceramic tiles). To give a variety of interior enough combination of three shades.
• Panel (elements of glass mosaic create a full-fledged image, which is combined with a monotonous lining).

The next parameter by which a mosaic of glass is classified is a form.

• classic square;
• rectangular;
• drop-shaped;
• round;
• oval;
• multifaceted;
• under pebbles, stone;
• complex shape.

The above options can be flat and bulky. The mosaic can also be smooth and structural, imitating various patterns (for example, wood, stone, leather).

For decorative effects can be divided into two types.

• Uniform: can be glossy, shiny and matte, like bottle glass, ground by a wave.
• Smalt: from artificial material by making of stained glass with the addition of potassium salts.

Unlike ordinary glass, smalt has a high strength and a special internal glow. This mosaic is unique because all the cubes are different shades. The cost of this material is higher than the usual mosaic: the production technology includes a long cycle, therefore, the technical characteristics are higher.

By the type of additives glass mosaic is different.

• Aventurine gives the chips a fabulous twinkle. However, the cost of such a variety is high, since the production is labor-intensive, the percentage of material rejection during work is high (30%). The color of the ornamental aventurine is usually copper, it looks especially good on a dark tile.
• Nacre effect It creates an addition to the liquid glass mass of cadmium and selenium. The graceful modulations are beautiful, but this finish is not recommended for use for stairs and rooms with high traffic.
• Iridium - a rare expensive metal of silvery-white hue, which is valued as highly as platinum and gold. The effect created by iridium is similar to that obtained with mother-of-pearl inclusion. Iridium gives the entire range of rainbow overflows, mother-of-pearl - a certain (gold with pink, blue-green).

• Gold leaf put on the surface of glass tiles, increasing the status and cost of such a mosaic.
• Mirror surface is obtained by adding amalgam. According to its characteristics, it is close to glass. On the floor it is appropriate solely as a partial decorative element.

Glass Eco Mosaic in production, it is possible when the required amount of environmentally friendly pigment is added to liquid glass for the desired color. The opaque mosaic of the various color scale turns out. Such products are produced by the Spanish company Ezarri S. A. The manufacturer offers a large selection of collections, the range is updated regularly. Taking into account the peculiarities of glass friction, the Spaniards developed the Safe Steps (“Safe Steps”) and Antislip (anti-slip series) model lines. On the Ezarri website, you yourself can create your own unique version of glass mosaic.

Modern types of glass mosaic produced in various sizes: from 10x10 mm to 100x100 mm. Standard sizes for wall varieties are 4 mm in thickness. The dimensions of the faces are usually 2x2 cm. The floor mosaic is characterized by a smaller side size of 12x12 mm, but an increased thickness (8 mm). In addition to the usual square tile (2.5x2.5 cm, 3x3 cm, 4x4 cm), rectangular is often found, the dimensions of which vary from 25x12.5 mm to 40x80 mm.

Round mosaic is surely gaining popularity. Chips on one sheet can be of the same size (from 12 mm) and arbitrary. A larger glass mosaic is less common, since smaller details are required to create accurate images. Large are products with chips whose sides are 23, 48, 48x98, 100x100 mm. In the sale of mosaic decor comes in the form of tiles the size of 50x50 cm, which consist of small modules. In addition, there are elements deposited on the basis of a grid or paper (sheets 30x30 cm). In both cases, the details can be of the same shape and color, or have a different texture, shape and size.

Glass mosaic features a rich variety. The choice of colors is great due to the production technology of the material and the addition of various impurities (metal, minerals, salts, pigments). This finishing material is beautiful, it will be a worthy decor for any room. Glitter glass gives unlimited opportunities to create a unique game of natural lighting or artificial lighting.

In rooms where this type of finish is used, the following mosaic colors are the most popular:

• classic white (relevant everywhere, acts as the main color, framing for other elements);
• red (adds brightness to light colors, used in the kitchen, in the hallway);
• blue, turquoise, green (for pools and bathrooms);
• brown (ideal in tandem with semi-precious aventurine);
• beige (looks good by itself, in combination with brown).

Juicy orange glass mosaic is becoming increasingly popular. It is chosen for the decoration of kitchens, where such a positive shade brings an atmosphere of optimism, a sense of aroma of sweet oranges and tangerines. Bathroom or kitchen in black is the trend of recent years. Black glass tiles can be matte or glossy, flat and convex, transparent. Any option looks stylish with the right interior. Combinations of black mosaic with gold, silver, orange give the room a modern extravagant look.

A mosaic that looks like a brickwork wall is relevant. The color scale reflects brick shades, includes in transparent and opaque color elements, metallic luster.

A stunning play of light and a variety of optical effects in the interior creates a glass mosaic with impurities:

• mother of pearl;
• gold
• mirror;
• iridium.

Glass mosaic today is made by many famous factories, which are located abroad and in Russia. The recognized leaders in the production of finishing materials are Italy and Spain.

Their products are a tandem of the highest quality with amazing design solutions.

• Spanish factory Ezarri S. A. famous for its opaque glass eco-mosaics. The company has patented a special fastening chips on the grid using PVC bundles of polyvinyl chloride.
• Company Alttoglass produces interesting products with lots of shades.
• A monochrome, gradient and mix mosaic is produced by an Italian company. Vitrex.
• Practical Germans are not far behind in terms of performance: high-quality products of the company Baerwolf includes a diverse range of mosaic species.

There is a stereotype that things made in China are of low quality. The glass mosaic made in China is pleasing with its price, variety of colors and textures, durability, and its quality is not far removed from its European counterparts.

• Famous brand Jnj offers a wide range of finishing products.
• The lineup Ice jade represents products with the icy effect of nacre.
• Company Bonaparte (China) produces high-quality and amazingly diverse glass mosaic.

• Manufacturer LLC "MBA Print Mosaic" (Russia) manufactures more than 100 variants of various products, which are suitable for lining various surfaces, including facade ones.
• Popular domestic manufacturer Domus engaged in the production of steklomozaiki increased thickness and strength.
• Ecomoosaico - Russian representative of the famous Spanish factory Ezarri.
• Deserves attention and glass products from Artenswidely represented on the web "Leroy Merlin". Its high quality and reasonable price won the recognition of consumers.

The choice of the perfect mosaic is complicated, in what the designers and tilers agree. Everyone has different pretensions, needs and tastes. However, there are several general rules for choosing glass mosaic. It is necessary to choose the decorated area (whether it be edging tabletops, or panels 3x3 m). It is necessary to think about exactly where the glass elements will be located,whether an additional degree of surface protection, increased moisture resistance or durability is required, it will be floor material or wall mounted.

The design of a glass mosaic allows to realize any interior fantasy. It is recommended to think over textural solutions. The color scheme is selected based on the purpose of the room. For example, for pools we select fresh and cool blue-green-turquoise tones, for a bedroom quiet beige-brown colors are preferable, for a bathroom shades of blue are good.

Pay attention to the mosaic streamers: this is an easy way to decorate large areas with minimal costs. They represent a smooth gradient transition from a lighter tone to a dark shade (and vice versa). This technique helps to fill the room with breadth, so they can often be seen in the pools. The choice and type of surface is important. It is necessary to rely on the level of lighting in the room and remember that the winning nacre looks under the rays of the sun, and the glossy surface is well combined with artificial lighting.

• A scattering of mosaic highlights can be placed in any room at home: in the hallway, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living room, the choice of variations of the decor is endless.
• Golden mosaic is a sure sign of chic. Such products are often used individually, since the price is high. However, the stunning effect is worth it.
• Chinese mosaic contains a layer of gold 995 samples. The cost of this decor varies in the range of $ 2,000.
• Pearl mosaic decorate any room in which there is a window - a source of natural light. In an ordinary bathroom without windows there will not be such a play of light.

• Three-dimensional mosaic patterns look great in any room (from bathroom to pool in the spa). The artistic value of such paintings can be likened to the picturesque. Volumetric mosaic drawings look great in any room (from bathroom to pool in the spa).The artistic value of such paintings can be equated with the picturesque.

• The interior looks beautifully inlaid individual parts of furniture with small mosaics (table tops, mirror frames, jewelry boxes, cabinet doors).

• Volumetric decoration is used in expensive interiors, pretentious clubs, restaurants because of the unique appearance, high cost. Manufacturers offer various forms of products (circles, stars, grains), the combination of gloss with a matte surface looks impressive.

• Glass mosaic - a luxury that is available to everyone. Your interior will play in a new way, if you diversify it with an elegant pattern of pieces of glass.

How to lay the mosaic, see the next video.