Not so long ago, a new product appeared on the market of finishing materials - mirror tiles. Reflective surfaces are very popular in interiors. Firstly, they give the atmosphere a touch of sophistication. Secondly, with the help of mirrors it is easy to add extra illusory meters to tight spaces, emphasize the accent area, “duplicate” a stylish design element or diffuse artificial light, transforming a dark room. In addition, not a single bedroom, boudoir, dressing room, bathroom and hallway can do without reflective surfaces. They are simply necessary here. The main advantage of the tile, when compared with mirrors, is its versatility. Such a coating can decorate not only vertical, but also horizontal surfaces, including the floor. Mirror tiles in the interior are used in various stylistic directions: from luxurious classics to modern high-tech.This decor looks appropriate and beautiful in any environment. Let's talk about the technical characteristics of the material, the intricacies of its production, types and methods of application in various rooms.
Features and advantages of mirror tiles in the interior
Mirror tiles have many advantages that equate this material to a practical and durable tile:
Fire resistance.
Lack of sensitivity to acids and aggressive detergents. The only exceptions are abrasive compounds that can scratch any glass.
Unpretentiousness in leaving.
Easy installation.
Durability and durability.
Lack of sensitivity to changes in humidity and temperature.
Environmental Safety. Tiles are completely harmless to humans, like solid wood or ordinary glass.
However, the most important advantage of mirror tiles is its aesthetic appeal. The only negative is that the surface may darken slightly over time, losing part of the gloss.
Types and types of tiles
Construction stores offer a wide range of this material, which differs in various characteristics. First of all, buyers pay attention to the shape of the fragments. Traditionally, tiles come in the form of squares. Rhombuses, triangles, honeycombs or rectangles (bricks) are slightly less common. Separately, it is worth noting the mosaic tiles. It consists of many small pieces (often of different sizes), half of which have a matte surface, and the rest is a regular reflective one.Depending on the processing of the edges of the fragments, they are classified into three types:
With facet. The tile has a characteristic bevel at the edges, which gives the material a special decorative effect. Such a surface plays with faces in the rays of artificial lighting and seems voluminous.
With matte edges.
With polished edge.
In the latter case, the fragments tightly fitted to each other form a solid canvas on which it is difficult to see the seams. With the help of additional processing, manufacturers get the original material:
With imitation of a metal surface. Mirror tiles are like silver, bronze or gold. Sometimes masters deliberately add artificial traces of corrosion to the surface to make the material even more similar to the original.
Tinted. The material is given a slight shade.
Ornamented. Fragment surfaces are decorated with sandblasted drawings.
Textured. Perhaps the most extraordinary kind of decorative tile, which is decorated with a relief pattern.
As for the sizes, the standard square fragment has a height and a width of 9.5 cm. The largest tiles are produced with dimensions of 30x30 cm.
Production and Specifications
The technology for the production of mirror tiles is different from ceramic. In the second case, a mixture of clay and additional components is pressed and calcined at high temperatures. Mirror tiles are made from water glass, to which silencers are added. These are special compounds that give the surface a reflective effect. Then the mirror layer is cut into pieces of the right size and carefully sanded. The minimum thickness of each tile is 4 mm. The safety of the material largely depends on the quality of grinding. If the edges of the tiles are not processed properly, then the material becomes traumatic for humans, as it is easy to cut. The reflective ability of the material reaches 90%.This characteristic allows you to literally fill with light the darkest corners of the room.
There is another type of mirror tile - polystyrene. It is produced using a completely different technology. The surface of the material is covered with plastic. Fragments are easy to cut at home, but have low environmental safety. Because of this, the material is not as demanded as glass tiles produced by the method of jamming.
Interior decoration
When integrating mirrors into the interior of a room, it is important to maintain a sense of proportion. Too many reflective surfaces create a depressing effect. Two mirrors, located opposite each other, form an endless "corridor", which is also hard for people to perceive. In some cultures, this “tunnel” is even surrounded by a mystical halo. Designers recommend placing mirrors on different surfaces so that one is closer and the other farther from light sources. It is allowed to place the tiles on the ceiling and wall, if it has an excellent texture, shade or pattern. The situation is different with the floor. If the flooring is made of mirror tiles, then it is not recommended to use reflective surfaces in the interior. The material perfectly visually “raises” the low ceiling. This technique does not work well only in tiny rooms where an unpleasant illusion of a "well" is created.
Hallway interior
If a spacious hall begins in private houses behind the front door, then city apartments cannot boast such luxury. Cramped hallways involve the placement of a minimal set of furniture. Tiles usually decorate the area on which the mirror should be located. Koda corridor has an elongated shape, its lateral borders are moved apart with the help of reflective decor on one of the long walls. In this case, additional use of mirrors or glossy furniture surfaces is not recommended.Otherwise, the balance will be upset. A similar technique is used with sliding wardrobes, the facades of which are fully decorated with mirrors.
Living room design
The living room mirrored tiles decorate the wall area above the sofa, behind the TV or near the fireplace. If a fashionable diamond-shaped form of fragments is used, then it can be continued in a similar pattern on wallpaper, flooring or carriage hauling of furniture. Reflective tiles are perfectly combined with stucco and embossed wooden panels of the palace style. If the living room has a place for a library, then you should opt for creative book shelves with diamond shelves. Mirrored tiles on the ceiling usually occupy only a small area above the coffee table. Light sources are fixed on the sides of the decorated surface, which favorably emphasize the sophistication of the decoration and provide the desired level of lighting. If the wall behind the sofa is tiled, then it combines well with the addition of indoor plants. This solution is often used in a modern loft, where masonry is considered an integral part of the decoration. Pictures, photos, clocks and other wall decor will replace textured fragments or a surface with a picture.
Kitchen decoration
To design a kitchen, they usually use mosaic mirror tiles. She trimmed an apron - part of the wall above the work area. It can also be laid out with mirror bricks or popular rhombuses. This surface is combined with a worktop decorated in black marble or granite. If the kitchen has the shape of a very elongated rectangle, its configuration is easily corrected using reflective material. They decorate one of the long walls to create a perspective and visually push the boundaries of the room. Mirror tiles are perfectly combined with both the snow-white surfaces of the kitchen set, and with expensive solid wood furniture.A “cold” combination is a duet of reflective material and shades of gray. This solution is only suitable for a kitchen decorated in the style of minimalism or high-tech.
Bedroom Design Options
In the bedroom, mirror tiles are usually placed on an accent wall at the head of the bed. It is mounted either above the bed itself, or on its sides above paired bedside tables. The canvas can have a strict geometric shape or replace a regular mirror with "torn" edges. If the area above the bed is decorated with tiles, then a discreet picture is placed in the center. Such a decision does not spoil the interior. Tile on the sides is usually combined with a simple but elegant decor in the center: a bas-relief, a group of paintings or a photo, a stylish lamp. To decorate the bedroom, rhomboid tiles with fats are more often used. This option is combined with the classic style, high-tech, art nouveau, minimalism and provence.
In the nursery
Mirror tiles in a children's room are not used as often. Young children are more drawn to bright colors, so the use of reflective surfaces is more relevant for teenage bedrooms. In this case, they approach the matter creatively: outlines of the “city” or a recognizable panorama on the entire wall are made up of small fragments. On the one hand, the decor will look “grown-up”, and on the other hand, it is not without light fabulousness. It is not recommended to decorate the work area in the children's room with material, as this will become a distraction.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, the tiles replace the traditional mirror above the sink. A solid wall laid out of bronze or gold reflecting bricks behind a bathroom or shower will look stylish but not very practical. It will have to be regularly cleaned of water stains. In combination with gray and blue or blue, large fractions of tiles are used in the decor to decorate the wall above the sink bowl and small mosaic fragments,surface curbstones.
The combination of ceramic and mirror bricks, which are in a chaotic order on the walls, is ideal for modern bathroom interiors. Tile is desirable to choose light. Light marble stains on its surface are allowed. Another original solution will be a combination of matte gray surfaces with mirror tiles staggered under the ceiling, in corners and above the floor.
Features of self-assembly
It is quite possible to mount the material with your own hands. First you need to choose the right glue. Conventional cement for mirror tiles will not work, as it destroys the amalgam. In construction stores special formulations are sold (usually based on resins) that provide good adhesion between the surface and fragments, without harm to the latter. Now you can start preparing the wall. The remains of wallpaper or paint are removed from it. From the previous coating should not remain a trace. Minor defects are repaired with plaster. Drywalls can help with serious irregularities. This nuance is very important, since tubercles and dents will certainly show themselves at the seams between the tiles, which will give the decor a sloppy look. To ensure better adhesion, it is recommended that the surface be primed before mounting the mirrors. If the work is not carried out in the most favorable conditions (high humidity), then it is better to treat the wall with antifungal compounds as well. After the primer has completely dried, you can start marking. Using a tape measure and a pencil on the wall mark the lines of the tiles to make it easier to work. Start from the bottom corner. Rows are laid out sequentially. Correction is done immediately. Glue is generously applied to the back of each tile. After a couple of minutes, the fragment is applied to the wall and lightly pressed. After the glue dries, grout the joints. Then the tile is thoroughly washed.If fragments need to be cut, then a simple glass cutter is used.
In the bathroom and in the kitchen, where the temperature jumps are regular, a “technical” gap of 2 mm is left between the fragments. This stock is necessary in the event that under the influence of heat there will be an expansion of the surface of the base.
Care Tips
Mirror tiles are very unpretentious in care. To restore the surface shine, it is enough to systematically wipe it with a linen cloth soaked in water with blue or in special glass detergents. If the decor is located in the bathroom near the sink or shower, then the procedure will have to be performed more often, since dried water leaves ugly whitish spots on reflective materials. To transform a tarnished mirror, it is wiped with a cloth previously moistened with liquid ammonia or a mixture of warm water and table vinegar.
Conclusion
Manufacturers of finishing materials do not cease to amaze consumers, and designers are happy to pick up creative new products, awarding them with the label “fashionable”. This fate did not pass over the mirror tile. Some designers manage to integrate it so carefully and carefully into the interior that the material looks appropriate even in a classic or retro style. The only tangible drawback of mirror tiles can be considered only its price. So far this pleasure is not cheap. In budget interiors, it decorates only small, accent areas in order to save. In any case, the material adds to the atmosphere notes of aristocracy, luxury and light elegance.
Not so long ago, a new product appeared on the market of finishing materials - mirror tiles. Reflective surfaces are very popular in interiors. Firstly, they give the atmosphere a touch of sophistication. Secondly, with the help of mirrors it is easy to add extra illusory meters to tight spaces, emphasize the accent area, “duplicate” a stylish design element or diffuse artificial light, transforming a dark room. In addition, not a single bedroom, boudoir, dressing room, bathroom and hallway can do without reflective surfaces. They are simply necessary here. The main advantage of the tile, when compared with mirrors, is its versatility. Such a coating can decorate not only vertical, but also horizontal surfaces, including the floor. Mirror tiles in the interior are used in various stylistic directions: from luxurious classics to modern high-tech.This decor looks appropriate and beautiful in any environment. Let's talk about the technical characteristics of the material, the intricacies of its production, types and methods of application in various rooms.
Content
Features and advantages of mirror tiles in the interior
Mirror tiles have many advantages that equate this material to a practical and durable tile:
However, the most important advantage of mirror tiles is its aesthetic appeal. The only negative is that the surface may darken slightly over time, losing part of the gloss.
Types and types of tiles
Construction stores offer a wide range of this material, which differs in various characteristics. First of all, buyers pay attention to the shape of the fragments. Traditionally, tiles come in the form of squares. Rhombuses, triangles, honeycombs or rectangles (bricks) are slightly less common. Separately, it is worth noting the mosaic tiles. It consists of many small pieces (often of different sizes), half of which have a matte surface, and the rest is a regular reflective one.Depending on the processing of the edges of the fragments, they are classified into three types:
In the latter case, the fragments tightly fitted to each other form a solid canvas on which it is difficult to see the seams. With the help of additional processing, manufacturers get the original material:
As for the sizes, the standard square fragment has a height and a width of 9.5 cm. The largest tiles are produced with dimensions of 30x30 cm.
Production and Specifications
The technology for the production of mirror tiles is different from ceramic. In the second case, a mixture of clay and additional components is pressed and calcined at high temperatures. Mirror tiles are made from water glass, to which silencers are added. These are special compounds that give the surface a reflective effect. Then the mirror layer is cut into pieces of the right size and carefully sanded. The minimum thickness of each tile is 4 mm. The safety of the material largely depends on the quality of grinding. If the edges of the tiles are not processed properly, then the material becomes traumatic for humans, as it is easy to cut. The reflective ability of the material reaches 90%.This characteristic allows you to literally fill with light the darkest corners of the room.
Interior decoration
When integrating mirrors into the interior of a room, it is important to maintain a sense of proportion. Too many reflective surfaces create a depressing effect. Two mirrors, located opposite each other, form an endless "corridor", which is also hard for people to perceive. In some cultures, this “tunnel” is even surrounded by a mystical halo. Designers recommend placing mirrors on different surfaces so that one is closer and the other farther from light sources. It is allowed to place the tiles on the ceiling and wall, if it has an excellent texture, shade or pattern. The situation is different with the floor. If the flooring is made of mirror tiles, then it is not recommended to use reflective surfaces in the interior. The material perfectly visually “raises” the low ceiling. This technique does not work well only in tiny rooms where an unpleasant illusion of a "well" is created.
Hallway interior
If a spacious hall begins in private houses behind the front door, then city apartments cannot boast such luxury. Cramped hallways involve the placement of a minimal set of furniture. Tiles usually decorate the area on which the mirror should be located. Koda corridor has an elongated shape, its lateral borders are moved apart with the help of reflective decor on one of the long walls. In this case, additional use of mirrors or glossy furniture surfaces is not recommended.Otherwise, the balance will be upset. A similar technique is used with sliding wardrobes, the facades of which are fully decorated with mirrors.
Living room design
The living room mirrored tiles decorate the wall area above the sofa, behind the TV or near the fireplace. If a fashionable diamond-shaped form of fragments is used, then it can be continued in a similar pattern on wallpaper, flooring or carriage hauling of furniture. Reflective tiles are perfectly combined with stucco and embossed wooden panels of the palace style. If the living room has a place for a library, then you should opt for creative book shelves with diamond shelves. Mirrored tiles on the ceiling usually occupy only a small area above the coffee table. Light sources are fixed on the sides of the decorated surface, which favorably emphasize the sophistication of the decoration and provide the desired level of lighting. If the wall behind the sofa is tiled, then it combines well with the addition of indoor plants. This solution is often used in a modern loft, where masonry is considered an integral part of the decoration. Pictures, photos, clocks and other wall decor will replace textured fragments or a surface with a picture.
Kitchen decoration
To design a kitchen, they usually use mosaic mirror tiles. She trimmed an apron - part of the wall above the work area. It can also be laid out with mirror bricks or popular rhombuses. This surface is combined with a worktop decorated in black marble or granite. If the kitchen has the shape of a very elongated rectangle, its configuration is easily corrected using reflective material. They decorate one of the long walls to create a perspective and visually push the boundaries of the room. Mirror tiles are perfectly combined with both the snow-white surfaces of the kitchen set, and with expensive solid wood furniture.A “cold” combination is a duet of reflective material and shades of gray. This solution is only suitable for a kitchen decorated in the style of minimalism or high-tech.
Bedroom Design Options
In the bedroom, mirror tiles are usually placed on an accent wall at the head of the bed. It is mounted either above the bed itself, or on its sides above paired bedside tables. The canvas can have a strict geometric shape or replace a regular mirror with "torn" edges. If the area above the bed is decorated with tiles, then a discreet picture is placed in the center. Such a decision does not spoil the interior. Tile on the sides is usually combined with a simple but elegant decor in the center: a bas-relief, a group of paintings or a photo, a stylish lamp. To decorate the bedroom, rhomboid tiles with fats are more often used. This option is combined with the classic style, high-tech, art nouveau, minimalism and provence.
In the nursery
Mirror tiles in a children's room are not used as often. Young children are more drawn to bright colors, so the use of reflective surfaces is more relevant for teenage bedrooms. In this case, they approach the matter creatively: outlines of the “city” or a recognizable panorama on the entire wall are made up of small fragments. On the one hand, the decor will look “grown-up”, and on the other hand, it is not without light fabulousness. It is not recommended to decorate the work area in the children's room with material, as this will become a distraction.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, the tiles replace the traditional mirror above the sink. A solid wall laid out of bronze or gold reflecting bricks behind a bathroom or shower will look stylish but not very practical. It will have to be regularly cleaned of water stains. In combination with gray and blue or blue, large fractions of tiles are used in the decor to decorate the wall above the sink bowl and small mosaic fragments,surface curbstones.
The combination of ceramic and mirror bricks, which are in a chaotic order on the walls, is ideal for modern bathroom interiors. Tile is desirable to choose light. Light marble stains on its surface are allowed. Another original solution will be a combination of matte gray surfaces with mirror tiles staggered under the ceiling, in corners and above the floor.
Features of self-assembly
It is quite possible to mount the material with your own hands. First you need to choose the right glue. Conventional cement for mirror tiles will not work, as it destroys the amalgam. In construction stores special formulations are sold (usually based on resins) that provide good adhesion between the surface and fragments, without harm to the latter. Now you can start preparing the wall. The remains of wallpaper or paint are removed from it. From the previous coating should not remain a trace. Minor defects are repaired with plaster. Drywalls can help with serious irregularities. This nuance is very important, since tubercles and dents will certainly show themselves at the seams between the tiles, which will give the decor a sloppy look. To ensure better adhesion, it is recommended that the surface be primed before mounting the mirrors. If the work is not carried out in the most favorable conditions (high humidity), then it is better to treat the wall with antifungal compounds as well. After the primer has completely dried, you can start marking. Using a tape measure and a pencil on the wall mark the lines of the tiles to make it easier to work. Start from the bottom corner. Rows are laid out sequentially. Correction is done immediately. Glue is generously applied to the back of each tile. After a couple of minutes, the fragment is applied to the wall and lightly pressed. After the glue dries, grout the joints. Then the tile is thoroughly washed.If fragments need to be cut, then a simple glass cutter is used.
Care Tips
Mirror tiles are very unpretentious in care. To restore the surface shine, it is enough to systematically wipe it with a linen cloth soaked in water with blue or in special glass detergents. If the decor is located in the bathroom near the sink or shower, then the procedure will have to be performed more often, since dried water leaves ugly whitish spots on reflective materials. To transform a tarnished mirror, it is wiped with a cloth previously moistened with liquid ammonia or a mixture of warm water and table vinegar.
Conclusion
Manufacturers of finishing materials do not cease to amaze consumers, and designers are happy to pick up creative new products, awarding them with the label “fashionable”. This fate did not pass over the mirror tile. Some designers manage to integrate it so carefully and carefully into the interior that the material looks appropriate even in a classic or retro style. The only tangible drawback of mirror tiles can be considered only its price. So far this pleasure is not cheap. In budget interiors, it decorates only small, accent areas in order to save. In any case, the material adds to the atmosphere notes of aristocracy, luxury and light elegance.