If you're taking on a DIY home remodel on your own, or just looking to get started picking from hundreds of tile choices, you need all the self help you can get! Unlike a basic upgrade like new paint colors or throw pillows, choosing a new tile can be a more involved project. There are a number of factors to consider such as material, design, location and installation. For these reasons, you'll want to be smart about this investment in your home. To help prepare you, our design expert has answered these 7 common questions to ask before picking a tile! 

For more information, please visit Ralart Mosaic.

Here's the end goal - finding the perfect tile for beautiful installs like this elegant bathroom with our White Deco Fan Glass Mosaic Tile

We'll dive into Areas of Use, where it's safe to use specific tiles, the different types of tile materials that are best for each project, and what to consider for color, finish, and more!

1. What tile material is right for my project?

The type of material you choose depends on where you're installing your new tiles: shower, kitchen, vanity backsplash, ect. Here's the lowdown on the common types of materials for each project and how to pick one.

Ceramic

Ceramic tiles can have a gorgeous shine with color glaze like our La Riviera Blue Reef ceramic subway tiles!

Ceramic tile is a classic for a reason! It's a budget-friendly tile that still provides a major impact. Although it's not as resilient or water-resistant as porcelain, ceramic is still a versatile option that's a great look for the price and low-maintenance. Think of it as the tile outlet shop version of your #designergoals. 

Ceramic tile is made of clay, kiln-fired and glazed for color and shine. It offers a gorgeous glossy shine in a variety of colors! From a crackle finish or a zellige handcrafted look, there are so many gorgeous ways to add detail with ceramic! It's a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom walls with a classic ceramic subway tile look.

Porcelain 

Add a modern look with the metallic rinse finish on our Ionic Steel 12" x 24" Porcelain Tile, or find the perfect porcelain finish with a wood look, natural stone design, or other finish! 

As the most reliable and practical option, porcelain tile is like your classic black blazer ' it's a high-quality safe bet for almost any design.  It's made from a refined clay that's fired at high temperatures, making it hard, durable and non-porous.

Since it won't absorb water or bacteria, porcelain holds up well in areas that see a lot of liquid such as the bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash or shower. This perk means easier cleaning work for you and less fuss. Otherwise, porcelain tile can also work pretty much anywhere else, including living room floor, entrance way and accent walls.

An amazing feature of porcelain is that it can resemble a variety of natural textures. Whether you want to mimic a wood grain pattern or even a gritty surface like rock, porcelain tile can create the illusion of other cool materials. Neat right? 

Glass

Matte, glossy, colorful, or light - you can't go wrong with the gorgeous look of glass tile, like our Obsidian Black Herringbone Glass Tile for a modern black and white bathroom!

Glass tile is a gorgeous option for a designer look! It comes in everything from decorative mosaic patterns, timeless subway tiles, and large field tiles. Since it's non-porous, glass will resist liquids and prevent bacteria from growing in the cracks. Matte or polished, it's easy to wipe down glass backsplash tiles or shower walls.

In terms of appearance, glass offers a charming reflective surface that bounces light to brighten up the room. This quality is popular among people who love a glam look! Another bonus is that the hues in glass are extra saturated so the vibrant colors will last a long time.

It's also a material that can be endlessly recycled, offering a sustainable material for your home as an added bonus! 

Marble

From large-format marble slab style wall coverings, classic marble subway tiles, or intricate marble mosaic designs - the style options with this luxury home material are endless!

Let's delve into luxury interior design! The durability and classic beauty of marble tile makes it a timeless investment for your home. 

You can use marble tile almost anywhere to elevate the look of a room. Just keep in mind, however, that beauty must be maintained.. It's quite porous and needs to be sealed to prevent liquids, dirt and germs from affecting the finish. You must also be diligent about cleaning marble regularly because it collects more impurities than porcelain or ceramic.

You can install marble tile just about anywhere - from a marble subway tile kitchen backsplash, luxurious walk-in shower, elegant traditional home flooring design, or as a high-traffic floor or wall covering in a business!

Always check the Area of Use on the specific tile you're looking at online to make sure it's approved for the type of installation you want! If you're not sure, search by Project to find kitchen backsplash tiles, high and low traffic floor tile options, tiles for showers, and more!

 

2. Which designs will work with my space?

Whether you pick plain or decorative tile designs should depend on the surrounding decor in the room. 

If the tile is more detailed and elaborate, the nearby furnishings should be understated, letting the tile act as the main focal point. Or it should work the other way around: a plain tile offers a neutral backdrop for neighbouring elements that are more intricate, such as a statement rug or funky wallpaper. 

This Luxor Bianco Carrarra and Thassos Micro Mosaic tile brings impact with a simple wall application - the design is a work of art all in itself, while the soothing gray and white colors can work with any other hues in your color scheme!

We'll show how to use a neutral tile in this country-glam kitchen reno. The white glazed ceramic subway tile adds a luxurious sheen and texture, yet is neutral enough to blend with other eye-catching details like crystal pendant lights, bright florals and wood textures.

Our advice for deciding between a decorative tile or a less focus-pulling design? 

 

3. Where should I use tile in my house?

Tile is one of the most versatile options for a floor or wall covering in your home! Unlike painted walls, you don't have to worry about cooking splatters damaging your kitchen walls, and unlike hardwood floors, you don't have to worry about water damage, scratches, or refinishing. 

The most common areas to tile in your home:

Add stunning pattern to a neutral farmhouse kitchen with our marble mosaic backsplash tile!

• Backsplash wall tile

  - whether in your kitchen or bathroom, tiles are a natural wall covering for a backsplash tile. Their non-porous surface can be easily wiped clean, avoiding concerns about staining paint or damaging wallpaper. They can withstand cooking splatters, water splashes, and add a gorgeously decorative element! From flower patterns to shiplap, you can recreate any of your favorite bathroom design elements with water-resistant tile for a look that will last.

• Showers 

  are another area that need a non-permeable material and tile is the best option! 

The impact floor tiles can have on your interior is huge - how about this Mediterranean home with our Blue and White etched marble star and cross tiles?

• Flooring designs

  - bathroom and shower floors come to mind as the most commonly tiled areas, thanks to the wide range of slip-resistant designs for spaces expected to get wet. They're also a great pick for kitchen floors since they can be easily swept clean and a damp cloth is all you need to take care of spills. Thanks to their durable surface and the decorative designs in mosaic tile or wood look porcelain , they offer a gorgeous and low maintenance flooring option throughout the entire house!

Dreaming of the perfect laundry room design? This blue and white backsplash has all the charm of wallpaper with a water-resistant and stunning marble mosaic wall!

• Laundry room walls - we love the recent trend of turning laundry rooms, utility spaces, and mudrooms into welcoming areas! Adding a beautiful yet functional tiled wall is a great choice for a place prone to messes and even mud!

• Fireplace surrounds

  - thanks to their heat-resistant nature, tiles are a  great choice to create a focal point in your living room with a fireplace facing! They can be used to blend in with your decor, like a coastal farmhouse adorned with shiplap, or you can choose creative mosaic patterns, shining finishes, or vibrant colors to create a stunning accent piece.

4. Which tile size works for my space?

Tile size is important for two reasons: aesthetic and safety. 

Starting with aesthetics: the matter of tile size is important because it can influence the overall style and feel of the room. 

Here's an example of how small tiles bring depth to a small vanity area. This glass mosaic backsplash features mini hexagons of White Emerald Weaved Hexagon Glass Mosaic Tile. Petite tile pieces like these introduce more grout lines, producing extra texture and complexity '  a feature that feels more decorative.

They're great for a mosaic backsplash insert to add character and charm to your kitchen wall over the stove, or anywhere you'd like to add decorative elements!

Practically speaking, smaller tiles and mosaic patterns introduce a vital home safety element - slip-resistance. The more grout lines, the more grip - which is why smaller tiles are considered the best option for floors that are prone to get wet, like entryways, laundry rooms, and especially shower floors. 

Next, let's consider bigger patterns and slabs of tile. Looks wise, they tend to have a more classic and crisp appeal.

This upbeat dining room in an urban home, for instance, is designed with these large porcelain floor tiles. These porcelain floor tiles offer a tasteful design without overcomplicating the space. Visually, they work well in bigger spaces to compliment the expanse of the walls.

From a functional standpoint, large tiles can also create the illusion of more space. So if you've got a small kitchen or bathroom, you might consider steering away from complicated patterns for a smoother look with fewer grout lines.

 

4. 

What tile color palette should I work with?

Tile colors belong to three main categories: neutrals, monochrome, and colors. The right color should create a feeling of harmony within the space.

These Mallorca square ceramic tiles add a glossy black wall covering thanks to their gorgeous glazed finish.

Let's start with the rule of darks and lights or monochrome designs. Dark colored tile bring drama to a large space, while light colored tile have an expanding and brightening effect for small rooms. Whether you want a dark and dramatic flooring to add a moody feel, or love the look of light and bright walls, these always work well together and can be paired with just about any other color. 

Add depth to an all-white kitchen with the mix of finishes in this White Ceramic And Pearl Glass Hexagon Mosaic Tile backsplash!

Next up, we've got neutrals: these are shades and tones like taupe, grey, black or ivory. They match with almost everything! They're a great base palette if you're looking for a large flooring area or a stretch of wall.

You can never go wrong with neutrals, like the warm earth tones of our etched marble subway tiles.

You might also consider a tile with blue colors like teal, purple and indigo. These colors match with other cool tones or shades, and other neutrals. Despite its cool tone, blue remains one of the most popular interior colors - it's considering welcoming and soothing, which makes it a classic for paint colors, tiles, and other interior decor!

This charming kitchen combines white countertops, natural wood cabinets, and Sky Blue Penny Round Glass Tile for the perfect welcoming home!

Lastly, we've got warm colors. They're more intense and saturated than cool colors such as yellow, or orange and red. They match with neutrals or other warm colors. 

Add a warm pop with a red glass mosaic tile backsplash for a modern kitchen!

Having trouble deciding? That's where samples come in! Play with tile samples, paint swatches, fabric books, and other details to create a space that feels fabulously finished!

5.

What kind of tile finishes should I consider?

Just like lipstick, every tile offers its own level of shine. Whether you prefer matte, gloss or semi-gloss will depend on the overall vibe you're trying to achieve.

A Matte Ceramic Subway Tile will feel more calm and understated than Mother of Pearl Mosaic Tile which has an iridescent, shimmery finish. On the extreme side of shine, you might consider something like the Silver Diamond Mosaic Tile. It's made of glass which offers a polished luster, while the silver hues bring a vivid metallic quality for a powerful punch to your kitchen backsplash. 

Add shimmer and iridescent shine with Mother of Pearl shell tiles!

The type of finish you choose isn't always about looks; it can have a functional purpose too! One advantage of matte tiles is that they hide smudges and water marks better than glossy tiles. On the other hand, since glossy tiles are more reflective, they bounce light around the room to give the impression of a brighter space.

Matte marble - like our honed Carrara Herringbone mosaic tiles - adds a gorgeous finish to any interior!

Matte or honed floor tiles are also a great option to increase slip-resistance, as they provide better grip than a polished tile. 

6. 

Should I invest in an expensive or budget-friendly tile?

The choice between a premium or budget-friendly tile should depend on your lifestyle and design goals. Certain areas of your home might be more 'deserving' of special upgrades, while for others, a budget-friendly option will suffice. 

For example, if you're a passionate cook who dreams of a more inspiring kitchen space, then it's worth splurging on a gorgeous marble backsplash.

Whether you use a high quality marble mosaic like our black and white glass and Calacatta waterjet as an accent tile or a large-scale installation, you're sure to love it!

Or if you spend a lot of time in your family room, you can consider investing in a higher quality tile for your accent wall or fireplace. Yet, be rest-assured that luxury doesn't always have to be high-end Italian marble. You can opt for porcelain, which is still a durable and elegant alternative at an attractive price point.

Fireplace featuring the Kasai Notte Kintsugi Porcelain tile, a design inspired by Japanese Art.

 

7. 

Why should I buy tiles online?

The last - and possibly the most important - question! There are a lot of advantages to shopping for tiles online, but we understand why you might have some questions. We've answered this question in a bit more depth before, but let's dive into some of the bigger points:

• You're more likely to save on tiles: Tile Club offers a

  5% discount to all members of our free newsletter

  so you not only get the best possible price for your beautiful tiles, but you get a nice little savings on them as well.

• We have one of the largest stocks of tile that's ready to ship! Not only will you find a tile you love in our collection, but we have one of the biggest inventories available! 

• You can

  order samples

  to see the tile in advance. No need to rely on what's in a showroom or on your screen when you can see - and feel - the tiles in our samples shipped directly to your home.

• Free shipping anywhere in the Lower 48 United States! That's right - you're not bound by local availability! We

  ship throughout the US and Canada

  and ground shipping in the Lower 48 States is free for qualifying orders. Boxes of Ceramics and Porcelain have a minimum order amount to qualify for free shipping.

Browse some of our favorites to find your perfect style by use, material, finish, color, and budget! Of course, you can't go wrong with our favorite Herringbone Pearl and White Marble tile!

Hopefully we've had a chance to answer most of your questions, but if there's something that's still on your mind - feel free to contact our team for a quick and friendly response!

Things You Must Know About Mosaic Tile Backsplash

In the world of interior design, mosaic tile reigns supreme as an enchanting material for use in living spaces. Whether the goal is bringing different room elements together or creating an area that will be a showpiece, mosaic tile delivers. If you are new to mosaic-style tile, don't worry because we will explain what it is and why it may be great for kitchen remodeling.

What Is A Mosaic Tile?

Mosaics have a long history in the world of creative design. The mosaic tile was originally formed from tiny hand-cut pieces of either glass, stone, or ceramic. The small pieces were then set in a binding material called mortar and assembled to create patterns and images of people.  In ancient times, Egyptians used mosaic tiles to decorate numerous objects. From simple cups and vases to intricate artistic depictions of ceremonies and rituals.

Mosaic tiles eventually spread throughout Asia and Europe being used to create some of the most notable landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, Italy.

Types Of Mosaic Tiles

Mosaic tile comes in an assortment of colors and patterns which makes them a highly usable adornment in decor and design. Additionally, mosaic tile is made from several different materials ' each with its own characteristics.

Natural stone mosaic tiles are the oldest type of mosaic material dating back to Egypt. Available in a plethora of colors natural stone mosaics add an earthiness to living spaces. In the kitchen, marble mosaic backsplash can be paired with wood, marble, and steel accents to create a one-of-a-kind vision.

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Thassos, Silver Sky

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Glass mosaic tile has been around for a long time. Ancient Romans relished using glass mosaics for their opulent appearance. Glass mosaic tile has seemingly endless color and pattern options, which makes it a very versatile choice for kitchen backsplash. Similar to metal mosaics, glass mosaics are also moisture and stain-resistant ' lasting for years when properly installed.

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Porcelain mosaic tile and ceramic mosaic tile are modern-day must-haves for many homeowners. Both clay-based materials will give your kitchen a unique personal touch with high water and stain resistance.

Porcelain and ceramic mosaics can help you achieve any design look you desire from retro to futuristic and everything in between. Both materials are commonly used in kitchen renovation projects to add culture and radiance. In addition to backsplash ceramic and porcelain mosaic tiles are great for kitchen countertops.

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What Are The Benefits Of A Mosaic Tile Backsplash?

The kitchen backsplash is such a great place to experiment with patterns and color. You can use a backsplash to tie several colors in the space together or to simply brighten the room. You can use mosaic kitchen tiles backsplash that covers entire walls or scale it down to cover just a few small but impactful areas like over the sink or oven.

 

Beautification

Let's face it. Mosaic tile is simply stunning to look at. Used for centuries to beautify everything from pyramids to cathedrals, mosaics are eye-catching additions to interior and exterior spaces alike. Mosaic tile backsplash gives kitchens dramatic makeovers that revive their beauty and appeal.

Incorporate elements using gold mosaic tile, blue mosaic tile, green mosaic tile, or any other shade to bring out the best elements in the room.

Durability

If you are like most home cooks you spend a considerable amount of time in your kitchen preparing meals. Regardless of how much you use your kitchen, your mosaic backsplash will hold up beautifully over time.

As previously stated, one of the best benefits of mosaic backsplash tile is its durability. They are waterproof which means they are built for heavy wear.

Design Flexibility

Mosaic tiles of all materials are super flexible in terms of design. They have been used for centuries to create detailed images and can take on numerous shapes and sizes. Take a look at the penny round tile example below:

 

Furthermore, mosaic tile backsplash can be added to your kitchen gradually. If you are initially unsure about a large design, you can start with a small area and then add more to the design later on if you wish.

Sustainability

By and large mosaic tile is eco-friendly. For centuries mosaics have been formed from materials such as stone, glass, pebbles, and even shell fragments to create works of art. Recycled glass mosaics for example are inherently sustainable making them an optimum choice for eco-friendly design projects. In Stone Tile Depot, our mosaics are recycled and eco-friendly.

Easy Maintenance

Mosaic tiles of all kinds only require regular routine cleaning to maintain their beauty. To clean mosaic kitchen backsplash tiles simply mix warm water and a mild cleanser and gently wipe down the tile with a piece of cloth or a non-abrasive sponge. Once the tiles are clean, take a different cloth and wipe the surface of the backsplash to dry.

Versatility

While all types of mosaic tile boast versatility, glass mosaic tile is the commonly used type for ultra-intricate design ideas. Glass mosaic tile and metal Mosaic tile can recreate life-like designs featuring things like flower petals, animals, and other natural elements. If you are looking to add intense color to your kitchen Moroccan mosaic tiles are perfect for dramatic color pairings. Use black mosaic backsplash to create depth. The white mosaic backsplash helps a small kitchen feel and look more spacious

A bold blue mosaic backsplash can add a much-needed pop of color to elevate the color of cabinetry or lighting fixtures. Kitchen backsplash colors can be mixed and matched to create the perfect backdrop for other kitchen features. Mosaic tile can be mixed in other ways ' get creative and choose a design with backsplash shapes of several sizes.

How to choose the perfect mosaic tile for your kitchen backsplash?

Think of your kitchen backsplash as a representation of your personality. You have to determine exactly what you want your space to say about you, and your current tastes. Are you keen on luxury? Or, are you more down-to-earth and eclectic? Either way, figuring out your style will be key to helping you choose which colors, patterns, and materials are right for your mosaic kitchen backsplash.

Ultimately, you should aim for a design that will spark joy in you each time you enter your kitchen. If your mosaic backsplash tile will be the kitchen's focal point, then you want to take the following details into consideration.

Consider Budget-Friendly Backsplash

The budget always matters. You have to select a material that will work for your space without drastically exceeding the funds you have available. If your budget is modest you should steer away from designs or patterns that are too trendy.

To avoid going too on-trend, lean toward a classic tile in a neutral color. White ceramic kitchen tile is one timeless choice that never goes out of style. Not only is white ceramic backsplash versatile, but ceramic is also more budget-savvy. When you're on a small budget you may find that you have to compromise a bit. Your backsplash color or backsplash size may have to change, but you will get a stunning and satisfying result.

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Choose Backsplash In A Durable Material

Get all the information you need regarding wear and tear before you decide on a material for your mosaic backsplash. Ask lots of questions to learn which type of mosaic tile has the durability suitable for your kitchen. It is imperative to learn which backsplash can hold up to high heat, and frequent and prolonged cooking sessions.

Durability also lets you determine which material will maintain its appearance the longest under the conditions of your kitchen. Learning all you can about ease of cleaning, and maintenance will help you decide which material checks off the right boxes.

Mix Materials Of Complementary Colors

If you are changing your countertops along with your backsplash, make sure the colors and textures are complementary. If you opt to keep your current counters use them to guide you in choosing your backsplash color and backsplash style.

Stone countertops for example can be a great base for dictating backsplash colors. For instance, you could enhance the visual impact of white-veined gray marble countertops by mixing mother-of-pearl mosaic tiles in various styles for your kitchen backsplash.

Determine Your Level Of Desired Visual Impact

It's also helpful for you to decide what type of statement you want to make with your mosaic backsplash. However, if you are finding it hard to pin down what color or type of tile you want to install you can tape the samples to your kitchen walls and let them sink in for a while. Take note of how they appear throughout the day as the number of natural light shifts. Use the samples to help you get a good idea of what does and doesn't work in the space and make a decision based on what you see.

Tools and Resources For Choosing Mosaic Tiles

Some of the best places to find creative mosaic backsplash ideas for the kitchen are just a few clicks away. Here are some of the best tools and resources for finding inspiration for your kitchen's mosaic backsplash.

Home Decor Magazines

Home decor magazines are stuffed with creative ideas that can be used in kitchen design. They are also great for finding out the latest interior design trends. You can order hard-copy catalogs from company websites, or find them in-store.

Online Interior Design Companies

Many of the companies that have hard-copy magazines also have online resources and websites where you can get more detailed information on modern design elements.

Stone Tile Depot offers mosaic kitchen backsplash options in ceramic, porcelain, glass, metal, and natural stone materials. Take a look at our inspiration gallery to see what kitchen designs are possible and get motivated to makeover your kitchen.

We Have High-Quality Mosaic Tile

You cannot go wrong with the mosaic tile kitchen backsplash. At Stone Tile Depot you will find beautifully crafted mosaics for unbeatable prices. We take great pride in making sure homeowners find high-quality mosaic kitchen backsplash tiles in all materials

 

 

Are you interested in learning more about Pool Mosaic Tiles? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!