Brick wall and mirror tiles. Mirror tiles in the bathroom: features, pros and cons, recommendations for choosing

The use of mirrors as interior decoration is not new for a long time. However, thanks modern technologies The mirror has become not just a decoration, but also an independent finishing material. To give the interior special expressiveness and solve many decorative problems, designers are increasingly using mirror tiles. And if earlier this type of decor prevailed in bathrooms, today it is widely used in all rooms, even in the bedroom. Look at today’s “Dream House” selection for decorating ideas with mirror tiles.

What is special about mirror tiles as a decorative material?

The main feature of mirror tiles over any other finishing material is its decorative value. The mirror surface allows you to visually expand the space and make the room brighter.

Many people believe that due to the fragility of the mirror, the tiles wear out quickly and do not have all the necessary properties. However, modern high-quality mirror tiles are manufactured strictly in accordance with GOST, and accordingly, their strength is in no way inferior to the strength of ceramic tiles. In addition, it has very good resistance to temperature changes, humidity and chemical attack. And, best of all, mirror tiles are much less likely to be scratched than any other material.

In addition to standard tiles with a mirror surface, beveled mirror tiles are especially popular. The peculiarity of this product is that during manufacturing, a chamfer is removed from the beveled side of the mirror, as a result of which the tile appears especially thin and elegant. Beveled tiles can be laid on the surface of walls or ceilings, either as a solid mirror sheet, or used in conjunction with other materials.

Tiles of this type have only one drawback - the complexity of installation. It is best if the installation of mirror tiles is carried out by professionals, because... First you need to cut it correctly and prepare the surface perfectly. During application, you need to ensure that the seams between the tiles are as narrow as possible, since with wide seams it is impossible to achieve a smooth and solid surface. In addition, after application, the tiles are left to dry for 3-4 days, after which the joints are grouted.

Mirror tiles photo

Mirror tiles in the interior

Using mirror tiles in the interior

Traditionally, tiles with a mirror surface are most often used in the interior of a bathroom or kitchen, but they look no less attractive in the interior of a bedroom or living room.

This finishing material allows you to realize any decorative delights. By decorating the walls of any room with mirror tiles, you will immediately expand its area and make the interior lighter and more elegant. However, a mirror is a rather specific material, and its use in the interior must obey strict rules. For example, if you want to maximize space, design mirror wall or a panel of mirror tiles opposite the window. In this case, the mirror surface should not be exposed to direct sunlight, so it is better to mount the mirror tiles slightly above the window level.

No matter how strange it may sound, in some cases the mirror surface does not expand the space, but, on the contrary, narrows it. A similar effect will occur if the tiles are not installed in one piece, but with crushed inserts, combining them with other materials. It will look very impressive if you use mirror tiles in a similar way in the interior of a large living room, but if the room is not spacious, it is better to use a solid mirror sheet to expand it.

Mirror wall tiles

If mirror tiles are incorrectly designed in the interior of living rooms, a “looking glass” effect may occur when one wall is displayed in another. This effect is not very comfortable psychologically, so it is recommended to design the tiles at different levels so that they do not appear in each other.

If you want to make the room taller, mirrored ceiling tiles will do the job best. In this case, a smooth mirror surface without seams will look especially advantageous. The spot design with mirror inserts in the center of the ceiling also gives height very well. In addition, for visual increase the height of the room, it is not at all necessary to decorate the ceiling with this material. A similar visual effect will occur if you use tiles to decorate only the lower part of the room.

Mirror ceiling tiles

Mirror tiles for the ceiling

Mirror ideas for the kitchen

Mirror tiles are ideal for decorating the kitchen interior, visually expanding it, making it lighter and more cheerful. You can decorate only one wall with tiles or lay it out in the form of a panel. It will look especially stylish in combination with furniture with a glossy or glass surface.

Mirror tiles in the kitchen photo

Mirror mosaic tiles

Mirror bath

Mirrored bathroom tiles should be selected taking into account the characteristics of this room. In a small and poorly lit bathroom, you can safely use it to decorate the entire surface of the walls and ceiling. If the tiles are used primarily for decorative purposes, you can experiment with patterns and combinations of tiles of different color shades. For example, a mirror surface combines very favorably with ceramic tiles in black, silver or white. However, when combining mirror and ceramic tiles, it is recommended to use products of the same size.

Mirror tiles for bathroom

Mirror tiles in the bathroom photo

Mirror tiles in the living room interior

When decorating any room with mirror tiles, keep in mind that all of its decorative value can only be revealed in combination with the right lighting. The beauty of an interior with mirror surfaces is especially beneficial when spotlights with soft and diffused light are emphasized.

Mirror tiles are an ideal tool for bringing to life the most unusual decorative ideas. If desired, it can be used not only to decorate walls or ceilings, but also to decorate furniture, ledges or openings. The main thing is that the mirror surface is harmoniously combined with the overall interior design.

Glare adds light and optically enlarges the space. Designers value mirror tiles for these features and often use them in decorating homes and offices. Different formats and configurations allow you to choose creative finishes, decorate walls and ceilings.
Currently there are:

  • Classic modules with matte edge.
  • Tinted with a colored sheen.
  • Samples with ornaments obtained using sandblasting.
  • Imitations of expensive and chrome-plated metals.
  • Collections with a relief surface.
Tiles with bevels and beveled polished ends appeared on the market not so long ago, but managed to become a sales leader. The edge processing technology gives it a special decorative effect. Ovals, squares and diamonds allow you to cladding walls in a non-trivial way and create different effects. The inclusion of crystalline mufflers gives the surface a unique shine.

How to decorate bathroom walls

In the functional area, reflective modules are used instead of mirrors. The thinner the edges are processed, the more elegant the finish looks. One wall is laid out with finely beveled squares; for the rest, ceramics or stone of the same size are used. In combination with matte tiles, a small room is transformed. A segment laid out diagonally above the sink or a strip next to the bowl is enough to make the room one and a half times larger.
Low walls will “raise” if you glue long bricks near the baseboards, a little shorter in the middle, and very small ones at the top. Transitions are masked using boundary lines decorated with identical modules.

Advice! Used in a small room or medium format samples. Large squares visually conceal spatial volumes.

Compared to classic analogues, mirror tiles:

  • more resistant to chips;
  • retains shine for a long time;
  • not picky about care.
For a flawless shine, simply spray glass cleaner and wipe with a cloth. The surface is inert to alkalis, aggressive detergents. However, if the installation technology is not followed, the edges may darken, so it is better to entrust the cladding to a specialist.

Options for decorating the living room with mirror tiles

A reflective panel is also appropriate in the interior of the living room. To enlarge the room, choose predominantly light colors for decoration. An accent wall with decorative squares should be opposite the window opening. When the rays are reflected, numerous glares fill the room with soft light. Top lining is preferred. Then you won’t have to curtain the windows in sunny weather and you can admire the reflection of interior objects. If you decorate the joints with plaster moldings, the room will look elegant.
  • You should not decorate opposite walls. In the “looking glass” psychological discomfort is formed. To give narrow room additional volume of tiles is laid at different levels.
  • Sometimes furniture gets lost in a spacious living room with high ceilings. To narrow it down, large-format modules are laid not as a sheet, but in separate segments.
  • Cabinets with open shelves are best placed near an accent wall. The light reflection will illuminate the trinkets and increase the number.

Advice! There is no need to place massive furniture near the accent wall - the dimensions double, and the room seems crowded.

Beveled squares will decorate columns and niches. With the refraction of rays they acquire illusory weightlessness.
The wall with faceted diamonds and diagonal engraving of the surface looks original. A vertical strip or horizontal panel is enough to change the interior beyond recognition.
A fashionable trend is ceilings with mirrored surfaces framed by gilded baguettes.
Modules are made from:

  • frosted glass;
  • colored or translucent glass;
  • polystyrene plates.
Applying a stencil design in bright colors or a monochrome design adds a touch of solemnity to the interior. With spot lighting, the effect is enhanced many times over. The living room will be even more transformed if part of the wall is covered with mosaic canvas.

Advice! A solid canvas on the ceiling creates the effect of an inverted room. It is better to decorate the central part.

The limited area of ​​the corridor can be increased with reflective trim, but this does not mean that the room should resemble a box or a tunnel to infinity.

For the passage room, medium-sized squares are chosen, which are used to decorate the opposite walls in different parts. You can get by with fragmentary decor and frame only the mirrors. Accessories in a shiny frame with side lights and a glass clock with a large dial add solemnity to the interior. It is important to think about the placement of devices. Ideally, devices should be reflected in the glass. The refraction of rays will create beautiful game shadows and highlights.
It is possible to simultaneously use modules on the wall and ceiling. It is important that the design be different. Samples with smooth and textured surfaces will create a multidimensional effect. They are laid out according to the classical pattern and diagonally. A fully lined ceiling and the lower part of the wall will also create the appearance of spaciousness.

Advice! The elementary way decorating a wall yourself means securing several mirrors with special clips purchased at a hardware store.

Floors made from such tiles are laid less frequently. The main thing is that the reflection of interior objects does not irritate. In this case, similar wall cladding is inappropriate.
The staircase is often located to the side and is not always well lit. Tiled steps create the illusory feeling of steps floating in the air. Turns on in the evening LED Strip Light. Side lights create a sense of depth.

"Through the Looking Glass" in the kitchen

A panel made of rhombuses or mosaics is appropriate in the interior of the kitchen and dining area. The tile changes the design and hides repair flaws. A decorated wall located perpendicular to the window adds light and diffuses the rays throughout the room. Decorate with mirror mosaics furniture facades and countertops. Using segmental laying, a large space can be divided into zones.

Sparkling highlights create a festive atmosphere. More often, functional areas stylized in baroque, empire, and hi-tech are tiled. The finish complements ceramic tiles well; framed by borders and moldings, the wall turns into an art object.
There is a place for the panel in the office and nursery. You can be skeptical about Feng Shui, but it is not recommended to decorate the bedroom mirrored ceilings. If you need to “pull apart” the walls, you can veneer the corners or the upper part at the headboard. Before you begin finishing, you should draw up a design project.

The appearance of decorative mirror tiles on the building materials market has greatly facilitated the implementation of the most daring and interesting design solutions. This type of coating is lightweight and is suitable for creating an original and functional cladding on any base.

Classification of mirror tiles

Depending on the material used in the production process, decorative elements are of the following types:

  • glass - made by melting a mass of glass with mufflers and gaseous crystalline compounds;
  • metal - the polishing method is used in production;
  • plastic - panels are made of polyvinyl chloride or polystyrene by gluing a reflective film or applying paint with tiny particles of steel.

Decorative tiles made on the basis of PVC or metal are an imitation of mirror cladding, are lightweight, low cost, and flexible, but the reflectivity of the coating is worse than that of glass products.

Glass tiles are classified:

  • by purpose: wall, floor, ceiling and universal;
  • in shape: square, rectangular, mosaic (individual chips or modules), in the form of stripes, rhombus, triangle, circle and semicircle, hexagon;
  • By color scheme: the front side of the cladding can be bronze, gold, silver, blue, pink, green. In addition, the tile can be plain or with an ornament or pattern applied to it using thermal printing or sandblasting;
  • surfaces vary according to the processing method: polished, glossy or matte;
  • according to the method of edge processing: with or without bevel.

Installation of mirror cladding is identical to the process of laying ceramic tiles, but there are products that do not require the use of adhesives. This tile has a thickness of 4-6 mm, consists of an outer (reflective) surface and an inner (adhesive) layer, covered with a protective film, which must be removed before work.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the products include:

  • moisture resistance, which allows the cladding to be used in rooms with high level humidity;
  • long service life, subject to compliance with installation technology and maintenance rules;
  • fire safety (glass and metal products are not subject to combustion) and environmental friendliness;
  • resistance to aggressive influences chemical substances, ease of care.

Flaws:

  • the material is subject to darkening, which can be prevented by organizing ventilation in the room or regularly ventilating the room;
  • The facing elements are fragile; chips may form on the edges during transportation and installation.

When cleaning a mirror surface, regardless of the material it is made of, the use of abrasive detergents is unacceptable.

How to glue mirror tiles?

The main condition for high-quality work is the evenness of the base.

Preparing the base

  • remove old wallpaper, tiles, glue residues, plaster. Inspect the base: if there are minor defects, level the surface with plaster. In case of large differences in heights, fix sheets of plasterboard on the walls, check the evenness of the surface with a level and plumb line;
  • apply primer mixture. When renovating a room or kitchen, use a moisture-resistant composition;
  • draw vertical marking lines: it is advisable to place a solid element near the ceiling;
  • Mark the horizontal line around the perimeter of the walls, taking into account the seams. Check the markings with a level;
  • if during installation it will be used glass tile, install the support rail under the start line of the first row and start working from this mark.

The dimensions of the products may vary, so before laying, lay the tiles on a horizontal surface according to the desired pattern.

Preparation of the adhesive mixture

An adhesive that contains additives in the form of acid oxides, not suitable for mirror cladding.

Glass products are fixed to the walls using a special tile adhesive intended for mounting mirrors, or other chemically neutral mixtures based on epoxy resins, silicone sealant, liquid nails:

  • Installation moment - a moisture-resistant composition containing synthetic resins, suitable for fastening mirror tiles indoors, has good adhesion and resistance to vertical shifts, and is elastic;
  • Titan Professional - adhesive based on synthetic rubber and resins, suitable for work on horizontal and vertical surfaces, moisture resistant;
  • When installing with liquid nails, make additional fixation before installing the tiles using double tape glued to the back side.

The use of cement-based compounds and universal sealants is unacceptable.

Laying tiles

  • start work from the farthest corner of the room (when covering the entire surface of the wall), laying out rows from the floor to the ceiling;
  • Apply a small layer of adhesive with a notched trowel onto the back surface of the cladding, wait a while (2-3 minutes) and carefully place the tile on the base, press lightly with your hand;
  • install the remaining products by inserting dividing crosses into the gaps between adjacent elements;
  • Having laid several rows, remove excess glue with a sponge or damp cloth;
  • cut the products with a diamond glass cutter with oil, be careful in the process: first draw a line on the surface, then run the tool along it, leaving a scratch mark, then cut the material with strong pressure;
  • one day after finishing the work, grout the joints with a rubber spatula: use the composition used for installation for this purpose, you can also use neutral silicone sealant (gray or transparent);
  • After 5-6 hours, wash the finished coating.

When installing in rooms with high humidity, it is necessary to leave a compensation gap between the tiles of at least 1.5-2 mm.

Using mirror tiles

Bathroom finishing

In most cases, bathrooms do not have windows, which requires the presence of light sources when present in the room. You can visually increase the dimensions and improve the illumination of the room by using mirror cladding in the interior.

Decorative products must be intended for use in conditions high humidity, otherwise the coating will fade or begin to blacken.

A bathroom ceiling lined with mirror tiles will visually increase the space. A coating that combines the design of its central part with glossy cladding and placement of tiles decorated with ornaments around the perimeter will look beautiful.

Reflective elements are suitable for finishing the protective screen of the bathtub, regardless of its opening mechanism.

If the dimensions of the room are large, you can additionally decorate pieces of furniture (cabinet doors and shower stalls) with tiles.

If desired, individual fragments of the cladding are decorated by applying designs with acrylic or stained glass paints.

Kitchen finishing

A reflective coating can not only visually change the size of a room, but also its shape, which is especially important for oblong kitchens. It is advisable that there is a window opposite the cladding - this will fill the room with light.

Beautiful design solution The wall will be decorated with a combined coating of mirror and ceramic tiles of the same format.

The manufacture of furniture facades is also possible using glass reflective surfaces.

A kitchen apron made of skinali (long panels in the shape of stripes, diamonds, squares) creates a decorative bridge between the wall surfaces; The same technique is suitable if you need to make a transition from one type of material (or color) to another.

Choose facing elements that have moisture-resistant properties.

Living room decoration

Small rooms are decorated with mirrored cabinet doors - this deprives the furniture of monumentality, heaviness and the room does not seem cluttered.

On a section of the wall, small elements are laid out in the form of an interesting pattern or medallion, additionally decorated with molding.

The surface above the sofa or armchairs, near the fireplace can also be decorated with mirrors.

A diamond-shaped wallpaper pattern or a similar parquet installation will go perfectly with a wall tiled with the same shape.

If there are arches, niches or columns in the living room, a small mirror mosaic will give them airiness and originality.

Public premises

Decorative cladding of this type also looks harmonious in offices, but its placement in public spaces should be fragmentary, for example, cladding the center of the ceiling and decorating a small panel on the wall.

The tiles are suitable for decorating ceilings and columns shopping centers, hotels and restaurants.

Passage areas

Mirror cladding of the entire surface of the wall and niches will expand the space of the corridor or hall.

You can “increase” the height of the room by placing decorative elements on the ceiling.

Decorating furniture with tiles is appropriate not only in the bathroom or kitchen; in the hallway it is also functional and beautiful.

You can diversify the boring interior of the passage area by placing mirror cladding on the wall with a pattern on the surface (or a picture)

Features of working with ceiling tiles

  • before laying on wooden surface be sure to treat the base with an antiseptic compound and primer;
  • it is easier and more convenient to fix the cladding onto a plasterboard frame: leveling the ceiling with putty will lead to higher costs of work and greater labor costs;
  • installation is carried out in two ways: with screws or gluing. When laying on drywall, adhesive must be applied around the perimeter and in the center of the tile. Fixation with screws requires complex work for drilling elements, which is associated with the risk of damage to the material.

Interior with mirror tiles

The ability to visually expand the dimensions is relevant for an elongated room: placing the tiles on a long wall will correct such disproportion.

You can achieve a simultaneous visual increase in width and height of a room by laying elements on one wall diagonally or in diamond shapes.

Covering the entire ceiling surface large room tiles create a feeling of emptiness and coldness; in such cases, it is advisable to lay only in the center or perimeter with the arrangement of spotlights.

The desire to make an apartment or house cozy and bright can easily be realized with the help of mirror tiles. Refrain from covering too large areas: reflective elements can be irritating to the psyche and cause anxiety, therefore, when trying to create an original design, be careful and do not overuse the number of reflective surfaces.

Examples in the interior

In almost any interior there is a place for a mirror in one form or another. The use of reflective surfaces is quite in demand because they open up great opportunities for the designer. Mirror tiles in the interior are the main technique for expanding a tight space or for adding additional lighting.

Also, it is impossible to imagine any dressing room, bathroom or hallway without a mirror, since in these rooms it is socially necessary.

Benefits of use

  • Long service life
  • Resistant to moisture and temperature changes
  • Resistant to mechanical and chemical influences
  • Easy to care for
  • Fire resistant
  • Environmental Safety
  • Has a pronounced decorative effect

Disadvantages of use

  • fragile
  • May darken or become cloudy over time
  • Requires frequent hygienic cleaning
  • High cost compared to alternative finishing materials


Production Features

Mirror tiles are produced using completely different technologies than the familiar ceramic tiles. Often, separate workshops are allocated for its production on the territory of large factories, not to mention the fact that many simply use ready-made mirrors for its processing.

Ceramics are made by firing and pressing a clay base, but making a reflective surface is not so easy. To do this, the tactic of suppressing gaseous crystalline substances added to the molten glass mass is used. The output is a mirror effect.

Large canvases must be cut into specific sizes based on sketches, and then the edges must be carefully processed. Mirror tiles with bevels are also produced at the factory; this is the same method of edge processing as grinding or polishing.

The average thickness of the finished product is about 4 mm, and the dimensions are correct square shape, with sides of 10-30 cm. All other sizes are justified by the design concept and can even be made according to personal data for a specific project.

The process of grinding edges can reduce dimensions by up to 2 mm, which is sometimes noticeable in the size of the finished product. Even tiles from one box and, accordingly, a batch can have a difference of several millimeters.

From the photo of mirror tiles we see that they do not always have a glossy and smooth surface. Matte pattern on gloss, it is usually done using the sandblasting technique.

The technology involves transferring a design from a pre-designed layout onto a workpiece using sand at very high temperatures. high blood pressure. You can often find products with color designs; this can be achieved using painting or photo printing.

An alternative in production is mirror tiles made of polystyrene. But the plastic coating is not so practical and safe for close contact with a person, although it costs several times less.

Manufacturing technology allows you to give the product any color. The scope of application of this alternative material is much lower, and so is production.

Specifications

When choosing, you should pay attention to some features that can significantly affect the practicality and service life. For example, high quality glass and its reflective ability are very important. If the packaging indicates that it is more than 90%, then you can safely use this type in rooms with insufficient lighting.


Like any other tile, mirror tile has certain moisture resistance parameters. You can familiarize yourself with them on the packaging of each individual batch. Mirror tiles for the wall in the living room or bedroom require less resistance to moisture than those for the bathroom.

The quality of the masonry is of great importance, more precisely the tightness and high characteristics of the tile adhesive used, but the initial parameters of the tile itself are certainly important.

Mirror surfaces always require increased care and more thorough and regular cleaning, because dust and stains are so clearly visible on them, especially when it comes to the bathroom.

In this regard, it is worth paying attention to susceptibility to chemical and mechanical damage. Some types of mirror tiles can become cloudy very quickly from contact with acid or alkali, which are found in almost all detergents.

What to pay attention to during installation?!

Any kind building material has its own characteristics during the installation process, mirror tiles are no exception. On the contrary, some technical parameters simply require knowledge of the masonry conditions.

The technology for laying tiles on any flat horizontal or vertical surface differs little from that generally accepted for ceramic products.

The process itself is complicated, since the latter have a rough back side, which has certain gaps for quick adhesion to the surface. The base must have an absolutely flat surface; reflectivity and play of light will easily reveal all surface errors.

As mentioned above, during processing the dimensions may be distorted; sometimes they differ by up to 3 mm. To make the masonry symmetrical, you first need to lay out all the tiles from the box on a horizontal surface to create a whole row in width. This will help evaluate the appearance and avoid distortion.

The same batch, and in the same packaging, may have different sizes. You should not cut off the edges yourself and try to adjust the height; this will lead to a loss of the appearance of the product and will make the tile completely unsuitable.

Products with pronounced deviations in size can be used to decorate corners and edges of surfaces. To adjust the mirror tiles along the edges and corners, a special glass cutter is used.


When laying mirror tiles, plastic crosses are also used, which help maintain the same spacing. In this case, than less distance between surfaces, the more harmonious and attractive the reflective surface looks.

It is worth using soft fabric materials in your work, this will avoid damage to the edges in the form of chips and scratches. A reflective coating applied to the back surface can be damaged by too aggressive an adhesive, especially if the tile is of poor quality and the adhesive is not at all intended for this purpose.

A damaged surface will greatly affect the appearance of the mirror from the outside, making it unsuitable for further installation and use. The tiles must be glued using silicone mixtures or liquid nails.

Mirror ceiling tiles require more serious installation. Reflective surfaces on the ceiling are especially in demand. They help visually raise the ceiling and give the room even more light and spaciousness.

Mirror tiles are very fragile, and their fragments can lead to very serious damage, so they should be secured with screws, the heads of which are subsequently hidden under special plugs.

Mirror tiles in the bathroom or kitchen are used much more often, since these rooms usually have very modest sizes. The use of mirror panels in bedrooms and living rooms is justified by its elegance and unique chic; tiles with bevels and matte patterns on the surface look especially attractive.

Modern laser cutting technologies make it possible to apply absolutely any inscription or pattern onto a glossy surface, and you don’t have to worry about the appearance of the surface, it’s completely safe method, causing neither chips nor cracks.

Absolutely any space will receive new opportunities in terms of design design, it’s enough to simply include mirror tiles in the interior.

Photo of mirror tiles

For many people, the bathroom is more than just a place where we shower. Often this is the only place in the apartment where we can retire and relax after a hard day. Therefore, I want this place to be beautiful and cozy. Ceramic tile found in almost every bathroom, regardless of the type and size of the room. Only the design, size and price differ. If you are not looking for standard, hackneyed solutions, consider diversifying the interior of your bathroom and decorating it with mirror tiles.

This coating is usually made from glass with a mirror layer applied. Also in modern stores you can find plastic options finishing tiles, but this material is considered less practical and least preferable for wet rooms.

Advantages and disadvantages of mirror tiles

This is the material has many advantages.

  • Unusual design. In bathroom design, mirror tiles are not as common as conventional ceramics, so this great way transform a boring interior.
  • Big choice. The consumer is offered a wide range of colors, a variety of shapes and sizes, which allows you to create an individual design.
  • Durability. Thanks to some technological manufacturing features, mirror tiles are a durable and wear-resistant material. Unlike classic mirror cloth, bathroom tiles can easily withstand large temperature changes and are not afraid of acids, alkalis and other chemicals.
  • Easy cleaning. The rules for caring for mirror tiles are no different from ordinary mirrors.
  • Suitable for small spaces. The mirror surface has the ability to visually expand the space, so this tile will look great even in a small bathroom.
  • Simple installation process.

The main disadvantages of mirror tiles include the following factors.

  • Fragility of the material. Glass, which forms the basis of the decor, is a very fragile and capricious material. Therefore, during transportation, it is necessary to carefully pack each tile, and use special tools when laying.
  • High price. This is explained by the fact that high technologies and expensive components are used in the production process of mirror tiles. All this ultimately affects the cost of production.
  • If there is insufficient ventilation, the canvas may lose its original shine and become dull over time. Therefore, in a bathroom with mirror tiles it is necessary to install a good hood, and this will entail additional costs.
  • Availability of certain installation skills. Despite the fact that the process of laying mirror tiles is practically no different from laying ordinary ceramics, it still requires some experience and extreme scrupulousness when working with this material.

Variety of shapes and design options

The peculiarity of mirror tiles is that there should not be too much of it. How smaller size tiles, the smaller the area covered by it should be. This is especially true for the most common tile shapes – square and rectangle. From them you can create complex geometric shapes such as triangles, trapezoids, and irregular polygons. They can be with a regular surface or with a facet, i.e. with beveled edges. The last option in the compositions looks especially beautiful and unusual.

The front side of the tile may also have some differences in design. Traditionally this is a smooth mirror surface. But some collections include tiles with a fancy coating - this could be some kind of design or inscription printed on the front side. The refracted surface looks very unusual, with the effect broken glass. Also in stores you can find decor of a round shape - a circle or an ellipse. However, most buyers still prefer a smooth mirror surface with a regular square or rectangular shape.

Laying such tiles is much easier, and they are found in stores much more often.

As for the choice of colors, manufacturers also offer all color palette rainbows - from dark red and deep blue to soft lilac or matte yellow. Such colors require a thorough design approach, since they are not suitable for every material.

The sizes of the tiles are also pleasing in their variety. Small mosaic-type tiles measuring 5*5 cm are usually used to lay out a specific plot or figure. Larger briquettes such as 10*10 cm or 15*15 can be used to decorate a fragment of one of the walls. There are also sizes of 20*20 cm, 30*30 and even 50*50 cm. Such tiles are suitable for covering the entire surface.

Laying options

The most traditional option for using mirror tiles in the bathroom is wall cladding, partially or entirely. You can also create a mirrored ceiling in the bathroom. With this design, the room will not only seem taller, but will also become brighter due to the rays reflected from the lamp in the ceiling.

Designers do not recommend mirroring all rooms. Firstly, it is tiring, and secondly, the mirror will impartially reflect not only all the advantages of your appearance, but also its shortcomings.

The best way Laying mirror tiles means combining them with ceramic tiles of the same size. Traditional mirror fabric looks most advantageous in combination with white or black.

If the mirror has some other color, then it is better to choose a pair either to match it, or to play in contrast.

The timeless checkerboard pattern of wall cladding is still relevant today, when mirrors alternate with ceramics. Both square and rectangular briquettes are equally suitable here. The herringbone layout option also looks good, when the tiles are laid out at right angles to each other. Any size from medium to larger is suitable for these options.

If you line the corners of the walls with mirror panels in height, this will increase the room both in height and in width.

Looks very elegant small mosaic with a facet, if you lay it around the perimeter of the main mirror in the bathroom. Rays of light will refract in the beveled edges and fill the entire room with rainbow tints. But you shouldn’t lay out large areas with small tiles, just as you shouldn’t lay the tiles end to end.

To learn how to make a panel of mirror tiles in the bathroom, watch the video below.

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