Interior Design
Glass Tiles Decorating Ideas
Glass tiles are back and their unique colour and texture add a touch of class and elegance to any décor. For those unfamiliar with the glass tile trend, it can be described as a more stylish, luxurious decorating option as compared to ceramic tiles. One of the greatest characteristics in glass tile is the uniqueness – it is available in a wide range of colors, textures, shapes, blends and designs.
Glass tiles are commonly used in the kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms and in the last few years their popularity continues to grow. Besides those popular installations, however, consider glass bathroom tile for wall murals, pool decks, and pools as well.
There are several methods of glass tile production; each creates a different distinct effect. There are four main varieties of glass tiles: smalti, fused, sintered and cast.
- Smalti tiles are made of glass paste colored by adding metal oxides, then fired at high temperatures and cut into small pieces for use in mosaics.
- Fused tiles are made by cutting glass into the size and shape you want the tile then heating it in a furnace.
- Sintered tiles are made with a die that is filled with glass powder and heated until it melts together.
- Cast tiles are made by melting pieces of glass together in a mold.
In addition to the different manufacturing techniques of glass tiles, the product also comes in many styles.
- Clear glass tiles – The most basic type of glass wall tile is completely clear and smooth. The clear, non-color allows it to fit in with any kitchen or bathroom color scheme while creating a look of elegance. One drawback when using smooth, clear glass tile is that the adhesive backing will also show. Therefore, care should be taken to choose attractive tile backing. Seeing how the tile looks up close such as in a showroom is a good idea before buying transparent glass wall tile.
- Crystal glass tiles are made of pure impervious glass. With the use of unique technology, the glass is cut, grinded off and an exact serigraphy expresses depth and individual look of the tiles.
- Recycled glass tiles are made from post-consumer (what you recycle from household use) or post-industrial (what manufacturers recycle) glass. The glass may come from light bulbs, bottles and other containers, and the amount of recycled glass added to each mixture can result in a great deal of variation of color. They are becoming extremely popular because they are eco-friendly and use a substance that used to end up in landfills.
- Color backed glass tiles are made of clear glass that has an acrylic paint applied to the back. This paint gives the glass its color when viewed from the front. Color backed glass is often less expensive than color through, and it doesn’t show as many mortar imperfections when installed.
Decorating your kitchen or bathroom with glass tiles can make a world of difference and the possibilities are about as endless as your imagination.
If you are looking to give a facelift to your home but don’t feel comfortable to DIY find experts who specialize in glass tile installation. Consulting with a professional, may make your life easier! If you think this is a viable option for you and your home, do some research before choosing the right tiling contractor. Be sure to ask for references. It’s a good idea to get a couple of quotes and do some comparison-shopping before making the final decision.
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