To create exquisite interior in the bathroom, you need not only to choose high-quality plumbing fixtures, but also to carefully choose the material with which the walls, floor, and other surfaces will be finished. Professional designers in Lately, increasingly give preference to decorative mosaics.

Mosaic can radically change the interior of a bathroom, giving it a more attractive and rich look.

A competent combination of mosaics and ordinary tiles in the bathroom allows you to give the room a presentable and aesthetic appearance. appearance. Many people who do their own renovations also choose this method of finishing their bathrooms. Below we will look at the main nuances that anyone who has decided to choose mosaic as a finishing material for their bathroom needs to know.

Features of the interior of bathrooms with mosaics

By itself, ceramic mosaic does not have any special differences from classic tiles, except for size. However, a design created using small mosaic elements is much more impressive. This is due to the fact that many small details connected by a single concept create the feeling of the interior self made. Also important is the ability to decorate rounded elements with mosaics. Such decors look especially elegant and impressive.

Mosaic tiles are equally suitable for small bathrooms in Khrushchev-era buildings and for spacious bathrooms in country houses

A certain flexibility of the material allows tiling with mosaics to be quite complex shapes, for example, countertops under sinks

Or even the sinks themselves, if the stylistic direction of the interior requires it

Mosaic laying services, like the material itself, are much more expensive than regular tiles. This decoration looks more respectable and is an indicator of the high level of wealth of the owners of the premises.

Mosaic in the bathroom interior should be combined in color and style with other decorative elements. You shouldn’t cover absolutely every surface with it. The combined use of mosaics and other materials will look more stylish.

What to look for when choosing a mosaic

Depending on what surface you plan to cover, you need to choose the right type and texture of the mosaic. Of course, the most common material for making mosaic tiles- this is ceramics. However, there are other options that are increasingly gaining popularity when decorating bathrooms. Below we will look in detail at all the types and their characteristics, but at the stage of selecting mosaics for finishing the floor, do not choose slippery material. This is a very important point, compliance with which will protect you and your loved ones.

As flooring Ceramic or stone mosaic tiles are best

When choosing the size of mosaic elements, consider whether there will be curved lines in the interior, because if you buy too large tile, then it will not be possible to cladding rounded surfaces.

If in your room design all surfaces for mosaics are smooth, then you can purchase large tiles with mosaic parts glued to them in advance. This way you can save a lot on the purchase of materials and work.

How to decorate a bathroom with mosaics: choosing colors and decor

How to use classic materials finishing, mosaic in the bathroom also requires taking into account the rules of color combinations. The most popular option is when the design has one background color, and two additional colors serve as the necessary accents.

A simple mosaic pattern made from tiles of different shades

Most a win-win- use of mosaics white as a background. Firstly, light colors are a classic for decorating bathrooms, and secondly, bright and contrasting accent tiles look much more impressive against a light background.

Plain white honeycomb mosaic – suitable solution For small bathroom in modern style

In any case, it is advisable to use it as a background pastel shades, in combination with which it is much easier to highlight additional colors. For example, a red mosaic on a white background will look very impressive.

Contrasting combinations are usually used to highlight individual items or to zone the bathroom space

You should carefully choose the color scheme of the room. If you want to understand what the future mosaic bathtub will look like - photo finished interiors are a must-learn!

Shape and size of elements

Classification of mosaics occurs according to many parameters, such as material of manufacture, size of elements, and their shape. The most common forms of mosaic tiles:

• equilateral squares;
• rectangular;
• diamond-shaped;
• multifaceted;
• round.

It is easiest to create compositions from square parts, which is why this type of mosaic is the most popular.

Recently, the use of mosaics has become very common. irregular shape, this solution is especially popular if you want to create unique design self made. The downside is the high price of such work, because competent arrangement of different-sized parts can only be done by high-class professionals, and their services are not cheap.

To create a bright and original composition you need a multifaceted mosaic consisting of pieces of tiles different sizes and shapes

Decorative mosaic elements in the bathroom

The highest aerobatics when decorating rooms with mosaics is the artistic design of surfaces and the creation of various patterns and designs on them. Here the boundary between finishing work and art begins to disappear, they merge into one whole, and the result is not just a bathroom, but a real masterpiece. Of course, to implement such ideas it is required high level the skill of the tilers and a clearly formulated artistic concept or design project. Below we will look at the most interesting examples decorative mosaic elements in the interior.

Stone mosaic with a textured surface was chosen to cover these shelves.

Mosaic panel

This is a creation complex drawings and compositions of small mosaic tiles. When working on such images, small-sized elements are used, so they can be laid out on both a flat and curved surface.

Ready-made mosaic compositions are available for sale, sometimes even laid out on a grid. The subjects of such paintings are very diverse.

If desired, you can create a design yourself using mosaic pieces of different colors.

A mosaic panel is original way emphasize the individuality of the owner of the premises. Such a solution for finishing a bathroom will confirm the high social status owner. Mosaic panel can turn a simple trip to the shower into a real aesthetic and emotional pleasure for the residents of the house.

Drawings, ornaments, accents

Somewhat simpler to implement, but no less in an effective way mosaic is a technique using patterns, ornaments and combinations of tiles various colors. There are several types of such design:

• plain;
• gradient;
• mix.

The one-color method is the use of one color, shape and size when tiling mosaics. As a rule, this technique is used when creating an interior in a minimalist style. If you add to the composition bright element contrasting color, then such an accent will be characteristic of the Art Nouveau style.

A wall lined with a dark-colored monochromatic mosaic serves as an excellent backdrop for white objects

Background - this method is performed using mosaics of different (sometimes the same) sizes. The main condition for creating a background is the absence of a clear pattern when laying out the tiles. This creates textured surface, which looks impressive even without accents and drawings. This cladding method can be either single-color or using several colors.

When covering these walls, mosaic tiles of two sizes and three shades were used

Gradient is an option for installing mosaic tiles, in which the color, as the laying progresses, smoothly transitions from one to another. As a rule, it is used when it is necessary to visually expand the room.

A wall on which one shade smoothly transitions into another looks beautiful

Mix is ​​a combination of mosaics of different shades in one composition, laid out either in random order or to form patterns. This method uses tiles of the same size.

The simplest mix is ​​geometric patterns laid out from tiles of the same size but different colors

These techniques are for guidance only and do not seek to limit or regulate the methods of working with mosaic tiles. You can easily mix these styles to your liking, or create a unique way of laying the mosaic.

Types of mosaics and their main characteristics

The most common material for mosaic production is ceramics. However, there are many more varieties of mosaic tiles that are becoming increasingly popular. Below we will look at their main types and analyze technical features each of them.

1. Ceramic mosaic. Classic mosaic tiles using in great demand. It is quite versatile, durable, resistant to temperature and humidity, and is not too expensive. Specifications ceramic mosaics are similar to regular full-size tiles. To the benefits of this type we can include a wide selection of all kinds of textures that can even imitate natural materials, such as stone and wood.

   

   Ceramic mosaic is valued for its ability to create beautiful artistic decor at a relatively low cost

2. Glass mosaic. A slightly cheaper option compared to ceramics. Visually it can give a more voluminous drawing. Mainly used for wall cladding.

   

   Glass mosaic comes with various effects, for example, gold

3. Smalt mosaic. Compared to ceramics, it has higher strength characteristics. The coating is very abrasion resistant. Used in high traffic areas.

   

   The richest range of colors of smalt mosaic allows you to create real masterpieces from it

4. Stone mosaic. Natural stone used as surface cladding can create a unique indoor interior. Depending on the type of stone chosen, performance properties may vary, as well as cost. The most popular stones are marble, granite, slate, and jasper.

   

   Stone mosaics can be smooth or rough, square or in the form of fragments. And the possible combinations of colors and shades simply cannot be listed.

5. Plastic. Most a budget option- This is an imitation of mosaic using plastic panels. Of course, this option is much less resistant to mechanical damage and looks less impressive, but the price is several times lower than the original mosaic.

   

   Sheets of plastic mosaic can be bent, sawed, cut geometric figures, it is easy to make holes in it

Advantages of combining mosaics with tiles

A sense of proportion is important in everything, and if it is absent, then even the most expensive finishing material will look vulgar and inappropriate. It is very easy to overdo it with mosaics in the interior. Help in creating laconic design Using mosaic tiles will help by combining them with regular, full-size tiles. Correctly selected color combinations will help you correctly place accents and highlight exactly those places in the room that need to be designated.

When selecting a mosaic for a tile, it is important to consider its size and shape.

If you want to understand what a bathroom with mosaics and tiles should look like, photos from already created interiors are a must-study!

Creating contrasting compositions involves the use of bright mosaics that stand out against the background of plain tiles

Even small inclusions of mosaic greatly change the interior of the bathroom for the better

If you are planning a bathroom renovation, then modern way covering surfaces using mosaics is an excellent option for creating a unique interior. We hope that our article will help you decide on the choice and style of your future bathroom.

Video: mosaic in the bathroom interior

In the process of arranging a bathroom interior, you always need to think not only about aesthetics and beautiful design, but also practically a cladding coating that will serve for many years. Many of those planning a bathroom renovation choose ceramic tiles as a facing material.

Such a choice is worthy of respect, but there is another completely worthy alternative, which is often underestimated for unknown reasons, is, naturally, mosaic in the bathroom.

Types and features of mosaics

Mosaics are made from various and even unusual materials, for example, ceramics, smalt, shells, cork, glass, stone, laminate, beads.

The main advantage of mosaic coating is the ability various designs interior, both in texture and color.

When in a bathroom, for example, there is some interior flaw, then mosaic can turn it into an advantage, graceful element, which will give the design individuality.

You should learn in detail about the features of the types of mosaics:

• Glass mosaic is similar in composition to rock crystal, but not ordinary glass, standing out against the background of other types of mosaics. The structure of this material has no pores, making it waterproof, so this type of mosaic is considered one of the best solutions for finishing a bathroom. Glass mosaic is resistant to acids and other chemicals found in detergents. However, if a glass tile is in contact with food-grade citric acid for 24 hours, its surface may be damaged. This material easily withstands high temperature changes (from -30 to +145), does not lose color over time, and also has a chic selection of colors, probably the best among other finishing materials, because from a large number of shades of tiles you can make many combinations of them . In addition, the cost of glass tiles is low.

Bathroom: ceramic mosaic - classic version finishing

But such surfaces need special care, because they cannot tolerate contact with detergents and other chemical irritants.

Metal mosaics are also equipped with a rubber backing, so they should not be used in places with high temperature changes. Otherwise, this mosaic looks quite decent.

In addition, there are other types of mosaics that are used less frequently, for example, plastic mosaics.

Speaking of mosaic colors, here you can find options for different taste, the times are over when only white mosaics, sometimes with a slight turquoise tint, were available.

Choosing mosaics for floor and floor cladding wall covering

The choice of the type of mosaic for flooring primarily depends on the traffic in the room. For an ordinary bathroom, a simple one is best suited. glass mosaic However, for a combined bathroom with a small area, then in such cases the load increases significantly, and you can think about using ceramic or porcelain mosaic.

Porcelain tile mosaics are not afraid of wear and tear and are often used for flooring in public institutions. In addition to wear resistance, mosaic flooring in bathrooms should have good water-resistant properties.

When choosing a mosaic color scheme for a floor, preference is often given to non-staining tones - medium light and dark.

In the process of decorating the walls in the bathroom, restrictions are aimed only at the water resistance characteristics of the material, but otherwise the owner can choose everything according to his taste.

What determines the cost of a mosaic?

The cost of two types of mosaics that are almost identical in appearance can differ significantly.

The first factor influencing the cost of such materials is the country of origin. Like many other products, mosaics from Chinese manufacturers will cost much less than analogues from Italian or German companies.

The reason for this is that cheap labor coupled with low quality materials make Chinese mosaic the queen of economy.

Bathroom tiling with mosaic

This is quite an “exciting” and simple activity for owners who have the necessary enthusiasm, habit and diligence to perform finishing work in the house on your own.

The cladding is done as follows:

A DIY mosaic in the bathroom will delight the owners for a long time, bringing pride and pleasure.

If you show your imagination, you can make a delightful mosaic picture.

When a bathroom is about to be renovated, the owner of the apartment thinks about what can be used to decorate the walls in the bathroom other than tiles, as well as what to cover the floor with. Usually wall and floor surface the bathrooms are covered with ceramic tiles, but apartment owners increasingly want non-standard design solutions. This article will talk about what materials are available for decorating a bathroom, as well as what options there are for decorating the walls in the bathroom.

Types of wall decoration

How to replace tiles? Important characteristic When choosing a facing material for a bathroom, the product’s resistance to moisture is important. In addition to tiles, you can cover the wall with the following types of coatings:

• paint (oil, water-based, acrylic);
• panels made of plastic materials;
• linoleum;
• mosaic tiles;
• gypsum board sheets;
• wood panels;
• MDF panels;
• glass;
• plaster;
• porcelain stoneware materials;
• self-adhesive film;
• oilcloth.

All types of finishing materials differ in performance characteristics, shelf life, price, quality and other indicators. All this is an excellent alternative to tiles in the bathroom.

Dye

How to paint the walls in the bathroom? Covering the walls with a colorful coating is a relatively inexpensive and simple way to decorate (wall finishing options) in the bathroom.

For some, paint is associated with despondency and boredom, since previously it was oil materials that were used to decorate the walls of Khrushchev-era buildings. But technologies for the development of colorful products are being improved, water-based and acrylic paints, which are waterproof and durable.

The disadvantage of paint is that it can crack over time due to age, or from contact with hard and sharp objects.

If the person who decided to change the lining in the bathroom has artistic talent, then you can paint the walls using various patterns.

Applying paint to walls requires a long period of time. preparatory stage. First you need to create a ground base, then putty the surface, only after that you can start painting the walls. During the filling process, it is important to make the wall as even and smooth as possible, otherwise the paint will quickly begin to crack, and all the unevenness and roughness will be visible on the wall.

The materials for the base must be of very high quality: repair specialists recommend purchasing putty mixtures at polymer based, as they evenly fill holes in the walls and level the surface.

Designers have developed several new types of paints that have become popular among apartment owners. The most fashionable trends in bathroom interiors are decorating walls with glossy paint (which will fit perfectly into a small room and increase the space), as well as a matte finish (recommended for large rooms).

Trim tiles in the bathroom not only with paint. You can use PVC panels, plasterboard for finishing, moisture-resistant laminate.

Modern types of paints are non-toxic; there is no need to ventilate the room for several days after application; it is enough to provide ventilation to the room while painting the walls.

Plastic panels

How can I replace tiles in the bathroom? Covering wall coverings with plastic panels is also a relatively inexpensive way to decorate a room. Installing such materials on walls can be very quick and easy.

The main advantage of plastic is that it can not only withstand moisture, but is also not subject to temperature changes that often occur in the bathroom.

If in the room uneven walls, which cannot be made smooth even with plaster, or there is no time to level the wall surface, then laying plastic panels on the wall will help hide the unevenness.

The ceiling in the room can also be treated with this material.

The main disadvantage of plastic panels is that in the event of a fire, this material will instantly begin to melt. In addition, plastic is a very fragile structure that can easily be damaged during repairs, as well as during the operation of the coating.

Plastic can be cut with a regular hacksaw or saw, but do not forget that you need to protect your eyes with special glasses from chips. This material can be applied to the wall using glue or nails. It is important when driving a nail to remember that plastic sheets can easily be left with a dent from a hammer.

Oilcloth

If you need very quick repair, then you can install the walls using a special coating - oilcloth. Oilcloth is a fabric that is impregnated during the production process with a composition that ensures complete waterproofness of the product.

Repair with such a coating is not long-term and can only serve as a temporary decoration. Oilcloth fabric is fragile, it quickly becomes covered with holes, and places appear to peel off from the wall covering.

To attach the oilcloth to the wall, you can even use simple PVA glue. If the oilcloth is made on a paper base, then you can attach it to the wall using a special glue for vinyl wallpaper for decoration.

Masters repair work It is recommended to use plaster for preparatory coating of the surface. acrylic base. This is necessary in order to increase the adhesion force of the oilcloth to the wall.

One of the new options for tiling a bathroom is the use of self-adhesive film. Choice color palette and the design style is wide: there are glossy and matte types, there are self-adhesive films with and without patterns.

The most fashionable trend in interior design is covering walls with mirror film.

Advantages of this type of wall covering:

• low cost;
• quick installation of a wall surface;
• easy care;
• wide color palette;
• practicality.

This material is short-lived, but there are still types of films that can last up to ten years.

The main disadvantage of self-adhesive film is the formation of mold and fungal bacteria directly under it.

This material must be applied to smooth walls, which means you will have to spend money on purchasing a primer and putty materials. If the film is not applied to bare wall, then alignment is not required, just stick it directly on old material.

Before applying the film to the wall, the surface must be degreased.

Mosaic

Mosaic laying of wall coverings is especially relevant in small rooms who have low ceilings. Small particles visually increase the height of the room, and such masonry looks very impressive.

Mosaic can be used as additional element to decorate the bathroom, for example, by combining it with a colorful coating or plastic panels. You can make mosaic designs during cladding.

Laying this material is not at all easy, since the materials are very small, and covering the wall covering with this product requires skill and talent in artistic direction.

It is quite possible to decorate a wall using mosaics with your own hands, but it is better to turn to professionals so that the desired effect is achieved.

Linoleum

If the wall covering is made using linoleum, then you need to remove the old material in advance and prepare the wall using a primer and putty mixture. After careful processing and leveling of the surface, you can begin gluing the linoleum.

When the material is evenly and tightly applied to the wall covering, there is a high probability that mold and fungal bacteria will not appear between the wall and the linoleum.

In addition, linoleum can easily serve for about ten years, despite exposure to water and temperature changes.

Special linoleum is produced for bathrooms, which is durable, moisture-resistant, and flexible. There are many colors of the material, which are designed not only in the form of plain coatings, but also in products with patterns.

Lining

There are several types of lining: wooden, plastic, lining made from MDF panels.

A common type is plastic lining, which is moisture resistant, inexpensive and relatively durable.

When choosing lining for decorating a wall surface in a bathroom, it is recommended to purchase products made from MDF sheets. This is the best and most practical material among all other types of linings.

The main advantages of lining made from MDF panels:

• simplicity of facing work;
• aesthetic appearance of the room;
• ease of care;
• high degree of sound insulation;
• resistance to light exposure;
• resistance to temperature changes.

There are several tricks for visually reducing or enlarging a room using a product such as lining.

If the bathroom is small in size, then you can increase the wall covering in this room by vertically laying the panels. As a result, the ceiling in the room will become visually high. And for large room On the contrary, horizontal laying is relevant.

A very fashionable trend in bathroom design is eco-style, for which you can use wooden lining. Construction stores sell special wood for processing wall surfaces in bathrooms. Wood material does not rot due to the fact that the wood is strongly dried during the production process and then impregnated with a special solution that ensures the moisture resistance of the product.

Although wooden panels treated from moisture, it is recommended to additionally cover them with wax or a special varnish that protects the surface of the product from water exposure.

The advantage of the lining is that insulation can be laid between it and the wall. This solution is relevant for private houses where the bathroom is located in the attached part.

Typically, plasterboard sheets are used to make the base for other types of wall coverings in the bathroom. Therefore, it is not recommended to use plasterboard sheets in their pure form - experts have not yet developed design options this coating.

Other covering materials are usually applied to drywall - ceramic tiles, MDF panels, paint, etc.

Despite the fact that plasterboard sheets have moisture-resistant properties, it is not recommended to expose this material to direct exposure to water.

Installing plasterboard panels is not too difficult and inexpensive.

Most often used for installing plasterboard panels load-bearing frame. You can make a frame from wooden or metal bars.

The sheets are attached to the base using self-tapping screws, glue or liquid nails. After installation plasterboard sheets on the wall covering and leveling them, you need to process hermetic material joints and seams.

The use of glass blocks in the decorative design of bathrooms is again becoming a fashionable trend in design. Glass blocks can not only decorate a bathroom wall, but also create a partition for a shower stall.

Caring for such products is quite simple, and they themselves do not get very dirty. Glass block structures combine well with ceramic tiles, which will help refresh the room if you don’t want to completely remove the tiles from the walls in the room.

Another advantage of glass blocks is the high light transmission of these products, which makes the bathroom much lighter and more comfortable.

The disadvantage of glass blocks is that they can be scratched very easily, and this will be very visible on the surface of the wall.

Decorating a bathroom with your own hands using glass blocks is very simple using glue on cement based or special modular systems, which are sold in many hardware stores.

This is a very expensive, but at the same time, high-quality and durable type of wall covering for the bathroom. The advantage of this material is that it is resistant to moisture and temperature changes, as well as wear-resistant.

Porcelain tiles will never fade or conduct current. This is a very durable material that is highly hygienic. The occurrence of fungal bacteria and mold on the surface of porcelain stoneware is virtually eliminated.

Porcelain stoneware products are stronger than tiles due to the fact that the structure of this product is less porous. Under the porcelain stoneware design, you can hide wiring, as well as water and sewer lines.

The disadvantage of this material, compared to ceramic tiles, is that so far the colors of porcelain stoneware products are presented on construction market in limited quantities.

Installing porcelain tiles is not much different from the process of installing ceramic tiles, so you can do this work yourself. To do this, you need to purchase tile adhesive or liquid nails, which more firmly hold heavy structures such as porcelain tiles.

A non-standard solution for decorating walls in a bathroom is to apply decorative plaster to the wall covering.

This type of room installation product has a number of advantages:

• High level of moisture permeability.

When purchasing at a hardware store, you need to clarify that the product is being purchased to decorate the walls in the bathroom. In this case, the seller will present all materials that are moisture resistant.

• Vapor permeability of the material.

This characteristic helps maintain the indoor climate by absorbing vapors at high air humidity. If the room is dry, the plaster will release moisture back.

• Easy care.

Despite the fragile appearance of the wall covering, it is very easy to care for. Due to its high degree of moisture resistance decorative surface does not collapse over time.

Despite all the advantages of this type of product for decorating bathroom walls, it is recommended not to place textured plaster in areas that are subject to direct contact with water. This is because the cavities in the textured surface fill over time, but the water does not flow back out. This does not create the best appearance for the bathroom.

If the owner of the apartment really wants the plaster to be in a place where it is strongly exposed to water, then he can increase the water-repellent properties of the plaster by applying a special varnish or wax. You can purchase these materials at construction stores.

It is rare to decorate a bathroom using a material such as stone. Price artificial stone many times more than the price of other materials for room decoration.

In terms of performance characteristics, this type of product is considered almost the best, because it is durable and resistant to direct contact with water. It is not for nothing that this material has been used in Europe to decorate bathtubs since ancient times.

Despite the apparent complexity of decorating a room using this material, laying stone is actually very simple. The process of installing stone into a wall covering is similar to the process of decorating walls with ceramic tiles.

The main advantage of this material is that it can serve as a bathroom decor for decades.

The material can withstand not only moisture, but also strong impacts, which tiles, paint and other types of materials are not capable of. decorative design wall covering in the bathroom.

The main disadvantage of covering bathroom walls with stone is that to do this you need to be a very wealthy person, because the cost of artificial stone is several times higher than the price of covering the room even with expensive ceramic tiles.

The acquisition natural stone even more expensive than artificial turf.

Thus, there are many options for decorative wall coverings in the bathroom. The choice of material for finishing the walls in this room depends on how long the apartment owner plans to install these products on the walls, as well as on the cost of the materials.

The strongest and most durable material for finishing bathroom walls is stone. Stone walls can serve for a long time and are not exposed to water, shock and other factors that can harm other types of floors. Of course, the high cost of covering walls in a bathroom with this material is not affordable for everyone, fortunately it is present on the construction market a large number of budget alternatives.

Modern steel and acrylic bathtubs- light, beautiful, elegant - they never managed to oust their ancestors, which are products made from heavy cast iron, from the market. Without focusing on operational characteristics And positive qualities cast-iron bathtubs, thanks to which this happens, let's think about how to update an old bathtub that has lost its original appearance with our own hands using mosaic tiles.

Cladding a cast iron bathtub with mosaic tiles is too much expensive pleasure, since the material itself is very expensive, and a lot of time is spent on such work. It's easier and cheaper to just buy and install new bath.
Such a decision is justified only if the font cannot be dismantled without damaging the cladding of the walls and floor, especially if it is expensive and can last for many more years. Therefore, instead of a real mosaic, they usually use mosaic tiles, which are a matrix of small elements – chips – glued to paper or a mesh substrate.
There are several types of this material - stone, ceramic, concrete, glass and even metal mosaic tiles, but only ceramic and glass are suitable for lining a bathtub.

Ceramic mosaic

It is made from the same clay mixture and using the same technology as regular ceramic tiles. Additives are added to the composition to give the material strength, texture, color and shine.
After molding and firing, small square (rarely other shaped) elements are glued reverse side on a fiberglass mesh, which remains embedded in glue during installation. Thanks to the mesh, which is easy to cut with a knife or scissors, but resists tearing well, the mosaic elements are securely fixed to each other, and the tiles become flexible and can take any shape.

The appearance of the cladding at the end of the work will not differ from finishing with real mosaics (see Finishing with mosaics that differ in the manufacturing method), but the installation process itself will be less labor-intensive, and the price is much lower.

Note. The matrix can consist of elements of the same color or include mixed shades, arranged in random order or with a smooth transition from dark to light. The surface can be smooth or textured, matte or glossy.

The main advantages of ceramic mosaic:

• Ecological purity of raw materials, safety for health;
• High moisture resistance and water resistance, which is very important, since the lining will not be easily affected high humidity air, and water directly;
• Practical, low maintenance. The surface does not absorb dirt and is easily cleaned using detergents, including abrasive ones;
• Strength. Thanks to high density material, which is achieved in the process of high-temperature firing, it can withstand severe mechanical loads;
• Wear resistance, safety original form surfaces and structure of the material;
• Durability. Covering a bathtub with mosaics, subject to installation technology and operating rules, will last you 20 years or more;
• Resistant to high and low temperatures without loss of strength and appearance.

The advantages of ceramics include fire resistance, but it is unlikely to be important in the bathroom.

Glass mosaic

The manufacturing technology is similar to the previous one - liquid molten raw materials are also mixed with colored pigments and additives that give the material certain strength and other properties, after which it is fired. Finished tiles can also have matte or glossy surface, various color solutions.

Advice. The basis of glass mosaic tiles is often thick paper glued to the front surface. This does not matter if tiling a bathroom with mosaics involves finishing only flat surfaces - walls, floors, rectangular shower trays, screens. To restore the bathtub itself, it is better to take tiles on a mesh base.

Glass mosaic has almost all the advantages of ceramic. It is also resistant to water, does not react to low and high temperatures, easy to clean, does not absorb dirt and does not lose its aesthetic properties for a long time.
But its strength is lower - when heavy objects fall on the surface, it is easily damaged. Another disadvantage is the risk of injury during installation and operation.
When cutting tiles to fit them on difficult curved sections sharp edges are formed that are easy to cut yourself on.

Advice. To avoid this, cut the tiles not with a tile cutter, but with a grinder with a diamond blade. It will sand and smooth the rough edges.

How to mosaic a bathtub

Regardless of whether you are tiling the bathtub from the inside or outside, the installation principle and the materials and tools used are similar.

What you will need

Tools you should prepare:

• Tile cutter, special mosaic cutters or small grinder with a diamond blade;
• Scissors or a utility knife for cutting the backing;
• Measuring tools – tape measure, ruler, marking pencil;
• Spatulas for applying glue, including flexible rubber ones for processing curved areas and grouting joints.

As for the glue, for exterior finishing You can use standard tile nails or liquid nails. But the inside of the bathtub is lined with mosaics using a special adhesive for swimming pools, which has high adhesion.
You will also need grout for the seams. It must be of high quality and waterproof, since its destruction under the influence of moisture can cause the appearance of fungi and destruction of the entire surface.

Installation

Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the surface: wash it thoroughly with chlorine-containing agents that destroy microbes, degrease and dry.
Installation instructions:

• Start by tiling smooth surfaces - the sides and bottom of the bathtub;
• Apply glue with a notched trowel with a tooth height of about 4 mm to the area to be finished, level it so that the thickness of the glue is the same everywhere;
• Place the tile and press it evenly to the base, smoothing it with your hands or a wide rubber spatula;

• Try to ensure that the glue does not protrude too much from the seams; immediately remove the excess with a wet sponge so that there is room in the seams for grouting;
• When all the straight sections are finished, move on to the rounded corners, starting the cladding from the middle and moving to the edges;
• This is very painstaking work, requiring careful measurements and adjustment, cutting tiles not only along the grid, but also into chips. To prevent the glue from drying out, apply it only to those areas that you are currently finishing;

Advice. Don't throw away the cut pieces; they can be useful for filling the smallest and narrowest areas.

• After finishing the cladding, allow the adhesive to dry and strengthen according to the manufacturer's instructions. After which you can grout the joints by rubbing it into the surface with a rubber spatula in the direction diagonal to the sides of the chips;

• The last step is to clean the surface with a wet sponge to remove grout residue.

The outside of the bathtub is lined in the same way. Some craftsmen claim that it is easier to do this by arranging the tiles diagonally - this makes it easier to tile the rounded areas and results in fewer scraps.

Conclusion

This is how you can simply give a second life to an old cast-iron bathtub, which over the years has lost its former chic, but has not lost its excellent performance properties. After watching the video in this article, you will better understand the installation technology and be able to handle it yourself.

If you want to change your living space frequently, renovations in the bathroom are usually put off for a long time. When everything is initially done correctly during a renovation, you won’t need to redo it soon unless you’re bored with the interior. Therefore, it is worth choosing quality materials. mosaic - this is perhaps the most The best decision, although not cheap.

Mosaic for bathroom

Mosaic is a unique finishing material. It transforms the surface of any shape:

• rounded protrusions or corners;
• sloping ceilings;
• small niches.

Any non-standard conditions in the bathroom will not become an obstacle to the implementation of the design concept.

The appearance of the mosaic is a decorative fragment assembled from individual elements of the same or different tones. It allows you to combine elements or emphasize something important.
Photos are enlarged, click!

Mosaics are made from several bases:

• Ceramics - this type has a similar base to ceramic tiles. The only difference is that the tiles have larger size and is sold individually with only one design per surface. Ceramic mosaic is small squares, circles and other elements connected in a certain pattern, which are glued to a rag or paper base. The size of the finished elements can be adjusted, reducing the links without much effort. Used for finishing walls, plumbing surfaces, and furniture. Can be used for flooring.
• Glass - this model is more accessible for renovation in the bathroom with mosaics. The base is multi-colored glass, forming a specific pattern. Externally similar to ceramic look, but for the bathroom is more ideal option regarding care and long-term use.
• Natural stone is the most expensive type. Based on natural stones, which have undergone special processing. If your budget allows, stone mosaic tiles will be an ideal bathroom floor covering. This material is resistant to abrasion and temperature changes that are typical for the room.

If you have any doubts about what type of material to choose, then it’s worth looking at what bathroom renovations with mosaics look like in the photo.

Installation finishing material similar to the work of gluing ceramic tiles. The only difference is that the glue is applied to the fabric base if the fragments are collected on the fabric. If the tiles are covered with base paper, then glue is applied to the bottom of the mosaic, and then the paper layer is removed.

The decor requires proper grouting for long-term use.

Rules for working with material

When choosing mosaics to decorate a bathroom, it is worth considering that self-installation It may not work for everyone. It is not always possible to build an even line the first time. It is better to trust specialists whose services cost from 1500 rubles/sq.m. m onto the prepared surface. The price for the master’s work depends on the complexity of the design and the type of mosaic used. The list of work required when renovating a bathroom also affects.

Important! Mosaics of any kind can only be installed perfectly flat surface. If you neglect this, the final appearance of the bathroom may be disappointing. Therefore, when renovating a bathroom, it’s worth paying attention to the rough finishing Special attention and trust the experts. This will save more than self-training surfaces to the finishing mosaic decor.

What to prepare before renovating a bathroom

Materials for leveling walls, floors and ceilings must be purchased from the right amount And good quality. Not necessarily from well-known brands, but with all certificates and for wet areas:

1. concrete-sand mixture for leveling - average price from 180 rubles / bag;
2. plaster for walls - from 200 rubles/pack;
3. putty - from 250 rubles/pack;
4. tile adhesive - from 180 RUR/pack.
5. grout for joints - from 300 rub./kg.

Prices are indicative. Final cost materials depends on the volume of packaging, composition, manufacturer.

When renovating a bathroom with mosaics, photos of finished interiors will help you choose original decor or wall decoration. Experienced craftsmen can lay out a drawing based on an individual sketch, but this can cost a pretty penny.

If you are doing a bathroom renovation for yourself and for a long time, then mosaic will be the right choice.

Let's look at the photo:

Video material:

The video shows different designs of bathrooms with mosaics, take a look.