The Glass Mosaic Tile Advantage
The glossy and polished finishes of glass mosaic tiles have made them very popular among homeowners. They exude a kind of brilliance that brightens any room they are installed in and they do so without additional cost. They simply reflect light coming from other sources whether it is the sun or a lamp. With the myriad of colors and color combinations that you can create with them you have virtually unlimited decorating options.
By definition, glass mosaic tiles come in small pieces, often in 2″ x 2″s or 2″ x 4″s, but they can come in different shapes. This, along with the hundreds of colors to choose from, allows you to make your own personal statement in the tiling and decoration of your home.
Glass mosaic tiles come in different types. Basically, these can be classified into vitreous, crystal, metallic, and iridescent. The most durable of these are the vitreous tiles. They do not scratch and therefore can be used to tile floors. Crystal tiles, on the other hand, are susceptible to scratches. They are used for vertical applications. Metallic tiles are also durable and they have the added advantage of having an attractive metallic vein running within them. Iridescent tiles are the most lustrous of the glass mosaic tiles and they emit a rainbow-colored reflection when illuminated. Like the crystals, however, they are not suitable for floor use.
All of these types, because of their non-porous surface, are impervious to water and therefore will not cause mildew. And because of their density and impenetrability, dirt and grime are easily removed. Thus, they will not stain nor smear. Fading is also not a problem, except for iridescent tiles which may actually fade but only after a very long time.
The tiles can be used in any room of the house, although they are used most often in kitchens, bathrooms, patio, and around the spa or hot tub.