15 Mosaic Tile Ideas for Any Room in the House

The art of mosaic tiling is thousands of years old. Today, modern mosaic tiles are produced in a range of materials from ceramic to porcelain to glass. Whether used in a single color or in patterns that vary from simple to highly intricate, mosaic tiles can be used everywhere from floors to backsplashes to shower walls to outdoor areas. These smaller-scale tiles of generally 2 inches or less come pre-glued and perfectly spaced on mesh sheets that help cut some of the time and work out of installing individual tiles by hand.

“Mosaic tiles can bring so much interest to any design and up the intensity of a space, whether used as a backsplash or on the floors,” says Maureen Stevens, an interior designer who splits her time between Austin, TX and New Orleans, LA. “They can also bring a lot of texture through lively patterns that are otherwise unachievable with non-mosaic tiles.”

While mosaic tiles are relatively straightforward to work with and do not require much in the way of cutting, keep in mind that installing mosaic tile sheets nevertheless requires care, including making sure that grout is sealed and the tiles are laid out correctly. 

“Mosaic tile requires good craftsmanship,” says Austin-based interior designer Erin Williamson. “If the tiles aren't straight on the sheet, grout will highlight any imperfections. Another thing to consider is grout color, since there is so much of it. Some mosaics look best with a grout that blends with the tile, while other mosaics really need contrasting grout to highlight the shape.”

Check out these 15 examples of mosaic tiles in a range of styles and used in different rooms to help inspire you to incorporate them in your own space.