CAN I USE MOSAIC TILES ON A SHOWER FLOOR?
'Yes, mosaic tiles are an excellent choice for bathrooms,' says Becky Russell, CEO at Dublin-based Kingston Lafferty Design. 'There are many that are slip rated and the smaller size of the tile makes them perfect for tiling into the falls of the shower without break lines.'
ARE MOSAIC TILES A SLIP RISK?
On the whole, porcelain and marble tiles are safe to use on the floor, though glass isn’t the best material choice as you run the risk of sharp edges. Glass also presents a slip hazard when used in the bathroom.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO INSTALL MOSAIC TILES?
To make sure your installation looks beautiful, there are several things you’ll need to get right when the tiles are first laid. 'Ensure the tiles are laid as flat as possible, without any trip hazards or annoying lips to stub toes on,' says Leo Wood, interior designer and company director at London-based Kinder Design. 'Check which type of mosaic flooring you’re using, too. Some are more suitable than others for use on the floor.' When it comes to ceramic vs porcelain tiles, for example, the former is more durable for floors. If you’re using mosaic floor tiles in the bathroom, water drainage is also a key consideration. Units should be laid at the right angle to ensure water splashes and excess water can drain away effectively.
DOES IT MATTER WHERE IN THE HOUSE THEY'RE BEING USED?
While the bathroom is likely the first place you’d think about installing a mosaic-tiled floor, that doesn’t mean they can’t be used elsewhere in the house. According to Yoko Kloeden, creative director at London-based Yoko Kloeden Design, the hard-wearing, slip-resistant nature of this floor type makes it ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms and entryways. 'One of the main things is to ensure your tiler has the skill to lay the design you need to have laid,' she advises.
IS MOSAIC FLOORING A TREND RIGHT NOW?
According to Delia Kenza, director at Delia Kenza Interiors based out of Brooklyn, the answer to this question is a resounding, ‘yes’. 'People are using more mosaics because they’re interested in creating homes with more texture and depth,' she says.