The history of the mosaic has more than five millennia, but it still periodically comes into fashion, and it will probably remain relevant, probably for centuries – this is for sure: it is tested by time. Today, the mosaic is perceived primarily as a material for decorating bathrooms, which, in general, is logical: on the one hand, the walls decorated with mosaics look beautiful, on the other – most materials for mosaics are not afraid of moisture, so its technical characteristics are great for this premises.
What materials for mosaics exist? In general, “mosaic” is rather the principle of surface design, in which small, plain or almost plain pieces are used to create an image or fill out space. The classic mosaic is created from mica, glass, stone, smalt, but there is a mosaic even from wood, when creating which pieces of different breeds are taken, and therefore different colors, however, it is this method for decorating the bathroom: wood is very moody material , only a few varieties can be used in wet rooms, and even more so in the form of small thin pieces. But only one of the variety of options, so consider the others – more common and excellent for the design of the bathroom.
The modern mosaic differs, firstly, by the installation method: today it is completely optional, following the ancient masters, to lay miniature pieces one at a single wall, because it takes a huge amount of time, which is valued in our entire accelerating century above. To accelerate the process, there are mosaic sheets already scored on a special substrate, which are attached to the wall. Such a mosaic can be on a paper sheet, then its “face” is hidden under paper, which is easily washed off after fixing the mosaic. In another, more common, version, mosaic pieces are fixed on a special grid, the front side up. It’s not necessary to wash off anything here – a mosaic grid is simply attached to where it is required. Among the advantages of this method, in addition to noticeable acceleration and simplification of the process – price: the already gained mosaic, ceteris paribus, will certainly be cheaper than there, which was collected one piece. The choice of options for such a mosaic is now very wide: there are the simplest monophonic ones when all the pieces are the same color. If the pieces themselves are not homogeneous, but with interspersed with darker or light shades, translucent (there are usually glass mosaics or mosaics from smalt), then even such a monochrome design will not look boring. But the mosaic can also be scored from different colors: sometimes it is close, as if turning into each other, for example blue and green, creating a feeling of a sea wave on the walls, sometimes completely diverse, contrasting, randomly dialed – such a mosaic looks a little motivation, but, due to the selection of colors, does not irritate the eye. Various images can also be scored on the grid, so you can decorate the bathroom with a picture.
The disadvantage of such a mosaic is, first of all, unoriginal – if you want to create something absolutely unique in your bathroom, then the already recruited mosaic is not suitable for obvious reasons. Well, in addition, the choice of mosaic elements, their shapes (usually elements of the already recruited mosaic are square or rectangular, less often – correct multifacers), sizes, materials from which they are created, images that can be created with their help, you will have to choose – you will have to choose From what is sold in stores. The choice of even the mosaic already gained is now huge, but in any case is not infinite.
Mosaic, consisting of individual pieces, is an excellent choice if the originality of the future interior is in the first place for you, and not its price – after all, drawing up the future drawing (usually this is done in specialized programs on the computer) and the process of laying mosaics itself They are not cheap on a piece. But the choice is sharply expanding – both motive and materials.
The materials used to create a mosaic in the bathroom can be very different, in principle, the wall can be laid out almost anything, the main thing is that the material is moisture -resistant and you like it.
One of the simplest materials is ceramics. Such a mosaic is like a mini -tile, and, just like the tile, if it is glazed, it is perfect for the bathroom – the icing protects the porous structure of ceramics, making it waterproof. Ceramic mosaic can be of a variety of colors, pieces can be not only evenly painted, but also with stains, interspersed of other colors. In addition, ceramics allows you to create a variety of textures, so such a mosaic does not have to be absolutely smooth. It is also pleasant that the material is durable, wear -resistant and it is difficult to scratch it, and you can wash it with any, even the most aggressive means, while such a mosaic will be relatively inexpensive. Ceramic mosaic is easily laid on tile glue.
Glass is another popular mosaic material. Do not be afraid of glass mosaics – in order to split it, you will have to try very hard, so the most minimal chance. The glass surface is completely smooth, even and seemingly transparent, each element of the mosaic reflects light and gently shines. Pieces can be plain, with interspersed inside – adventurine and mother -of -pearl are added to the glass mosaic, then it begins to sparkle and shimmer and looks very interesting. Mosaic pieces can be with a pattern: on each of the elements or, which allows you to create from them, as if from a puzzle, paintings and a panel. There are glass mosaics with an imitation of gold – such a mosaic will look expensive and sparkle, like a precious. Due to the smooth surface of such a mosaic, you will need to avoid the use of abrasive products when cleaning – glossy, the perfect surface can be scratched.
Smalt mosaic is an absolute classic. Smalt is a glass compressed under the influence of high temperature with the addition of oxides of various metals: this is how bright, opaque pieces are obtained, mysteriously gleaming and as if emitting light. Smalta is expensive material, but take a closer look at it: he is worth his money. Each piece of smalt is absolutely original and it is simply impossible to find such a de, because the materials are mixed in an arbitrary, unpredictable order and, even the same in color, pieces of smalt are always unique.
Mirror mosaic – another relative of glass. In fact, these are pieces of mirror, of course, made as strong as possible, so as not to be afraid to split them. The mirror mosaic is brighter than anyone else reflects the light and make the bathroom visually larger, in addition, with it, you can realize the dream of many people – a mirror ceiling in the bathroom. The mirror in the mosaic can be glossy or matte, can be tinted with various colors – the choice is wide. Remember that glass mosaic requires constant care, especially in the bathroom – on such a surface any dried droplet is visible.
You can make a mosaic made of natural stone – material, which in ancient times was used to create mosaic panels in temples and palaces. Mosaic stone pieces can be of different shapes and size, you can even make a mosaic of real sea pebbles. Stone mosaics are usually dim, plain, although you can choose different pieces of color. When choosing a stone mosaic for the bathroom, remember that many stones have a porous structure and to protect against moisture they need additional processing. Otherwise, the stone is unpretentious, it is a strong, not a flashing material that will look great on the walls and last for many years. Depending on the cost of the stone, the price of the mosaic itself will also vary.
Metal mosaic is a fashionable and original idea. In addition, the metal is unpretentious in care, it cannot break, but even a polished and smooth surface of metal pieces is more difficult to damage than glass, although in this case, it is better not to use abrasive cleaning products. Metal mosaics are usually monochrome and are a surface from pieces of plain metal – depending on the degree of polishing, it can be matte or almost mirror. Metal mosaics are made of stainless materials – usually it is aluminum and stainless steel, but they can imitate bronze, gold, copper, and titanium… Although, there is really a gold mosaic – in fact, a glass hybrid and platinum: between two pieces of glass, thin gold foil is placed; However, there is a choice – foil can be not only from classic yellow gold, but also from pink or white, or even from platinum. The price of such a mosaic will be very high, it is, of course, the subject of special luxury.
