Not so long ago a new product appeared on the market of finishing materials - mirror tile. Reflective surfaces are very popular in interiors. First, they give the setting a touch of sophistication. Secondly, with the help of mirrors, it is easy to add unnecessary illusory meters to cramped spaces, emphasize the accent area, “duplicate” a stylish design element or diffuse artificial light, transforming a dark room. In addition, no bedroom, boudoir, dressing room, bathroom and hallway can not do without reflective surfaces. They are simply necessary. The main advantage of tile, when compared with mirrors, is its versatility. This coating can decorate not only vertical, but also horizontal surfaces, including the floor. Mirror tile in the interior is used in various stylistic directions: from luxurious classics to modern hi-tech. This decor looks appropriate and beautiful in any setting. Let's talk about the technical characteristics of the material, the intricacies of its production, types and methods of use in various rooms.
Features and advantages of mirror tiles in the interior
Mirror tile has a lot of 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.
- Unpretentious care.
- Easy installation.
- Durability and strength.
- Lack of sensitivity to changes in humidity and temperature.
- Environmental Safety. The tile is completely harmless to humans, like solid wood or ordinary glass.
However, the most important advantage of a mirror tile is its aesthetic appeal. The only negative is that the surface may darken slightly over time, losing some 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 squares. Slightly less common are rhombuses, triangles, honeycombs or rectangles (bricks). Separately, it is worth noting mosaic tiles. It is a set of small pieces (usually of different sizes), half of which have a matte surface, and the rest - the usual reflective. Depending on the processing of the edges of the fragments, they are classified into three types:
- With fatsety. 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 to be voluminous.
- With frosted edges.
- With polished edge.
In the latter case, tightly fitting fragments to each other form a solid web, 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 tile is like silver, bronze or gold. Sometimes craftsmen add artificial corrosion marks to the surface on purpose to make the material look even more like the original.
- Tinted The material is given a faint tint.
- Ornamented. The surfaces of the fragments are decorated with drawings applied by a sandblaster.
- Textured. Perhaps the most extraordinary type of decorative tiles, which is decorated with embossed pattern.
As for the sizes, the standard square fragment has a height and width of 9.5 cm. The largest tiles are produced with dimensions of 30x30 cm.
Production and technical specifications
The production technology of a mirror tile differs from ceramic. In the second case, a mixture of clay and additional components is pressed and fired at high temperatures. Mirror tiles produced from liquid glass, which is added silencers. These are special compounds that give the surface a reflective effect. Then the mirror layer is cut into pieces of the desired size and carefully polished. The minimum thickness of each tile is 4 mm. The quality of the grinding depends on the quality of grinding. If the edges of the tiles are not processed properly, the material becomes traumatic for the person, as it is easy for them to cut. The reflective ability of the material reaches 90%. This feature allows you to literally fill the darkest corners of the room with light.
There is another type of mirror tile - polystyrene. It is produced on a completely different technology. The surface of the material is covered with plastic. Fragments are easily cut at home, but have low environmental safety. Because of this, the material is not as in demand as glass tiles produced by the killing method.
Interior decoration
Integrating mirrors in the interior of the room, it is important to observe 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 perceived by man. 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 away from light sources. The location of the tile on the ceiling and wall is allowed if it has an excellent texture, color or pattern. The situation is different with the floor. If the flooring is made of mirrored tiles, then additionally to use reflective surfaces in the interior is not recommended. 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.
Interior hallway
If a spacious hall begins in private houses behind the entrance door, city apartments cannot boast of such luxury. Close hallways involve the placement of a minimum set of furniture. Tiles usually decorate the area on which the mirror should be located. When the corridor has an elongated shape, its side borders are moved apart with the help of a reflective decor on one of the long walls. In this case, additional use of mirrors or glossy surfaces of furniture is not recommended. Otherwise, the balance will be upset. A similar technique is used with wardrobes, the facades of which are fully decorated with mirrors.
Living room design
In the living room, wall tiles are decorated with mirror tiles above the sofa, behind the TV or near the fireplace. If a fashionable diamond shape of the fragments is used, then it can be continued in a similar pattern on the wallpaper, the flooring of the floor or the "carriage" waist of the furniture. Reflective tiles are perfectly combined with stucco and relief wood panels of the palace style. If the living room has room for a library, then you should stop the choice on creative shelves for books with shelves-rhombus. Mirror tiles on the ceiling usually occupy only a small area above the coffee table. On the sides of the decorated surface fix the light sources, which will favorably emphasize the refinement of the decoration and provide the desired level of lighting. If the wall is tiled with a wall behind a sofa, then it combines well with the addition of indoor plants. Such a solution is often used in a modern loft, where brickwork is considered an integral part of the decoration. Paintings, photos, clocks and other wall decorations will replace textured fragments or patterned surfaces.
Kitchen decoration
For the design of the kitchen is usually used mosaic mirror tiles. She trim the apron - part of the wall above the work area. It can also be laid out with mirror bricks or popular diamonds. This surface is combined with a table top decorated in black marble or granite. If the kitchen has the shape of a strongly elongated rectangle, its configuration can be easily corrected with the help of reflective material. They are decorated with one of the long walls to create a perspective and visually push the boundaries of the room. Mirror tile perfectly combines both with the white surfaces of the kitchen set, and with expensive solid wood furniture. The “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 the accent wall at the head of the bed. It is mounted either over the bed itself, or on either side of it above the twin bedside tables. The canvas can have a strict geometric shape, or it can replace an ordinary mirror with “torn” edges. If the tiles decorate the area above the bed, then in the center have a discreet picture. Such a decision does not spoil the interior. The tile on the sides is usually combined with a simple but refined decor in the center: a bas-relief, a group of paintings or photos, a stylish lamp. For bedroom decoration more often use diamond-shaped tile with fatsety. This option is combined with the classic style, high-tech, art nouveau, minimalism and provence.
In the children's room
Mirror tile in the nursery is not used as often. Young children are more attracted to bright colors, so the use of reflective surfaces is more relevant for teenage bedrooms. In this case, the case is approached creatively: out of small fragments, the outlines of a “city” or a recognizable panorama on the entire wall are put together. On the one hand, the decor will look "grown-up", and on the other hand, it is not without a touch of fabulousness. It is not recommended to decorate the work area in the nursery with the material, as this will become a distracting factor.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, tiles replace the traditional mirror above the sink. Stylish, but not very practical will look solid wall, lined with bronze or gold reflective bricks behind the bath or shower. It will have to be regularly cleaned from water stains. In combination with gray and blue or blue in the decor, large-sized tiles are used to decorate the wall over the sink bowl and small mosaic fragments covering the surface of the pedestal.
The combination of ceramic and mirror bricks, which are arranged in a chaotic manner on the walls, is ideal for modern bathroom interiors. It is desirable to choose a tile light. Light "marble" stains on its surface are allowed. Another original solution will be a combination of gray matte surfaces with mirror tiles, staggered under the ceiling, in the corners and above the floor.
Features self-assembly
The material is quite realistic to do it yourself. First you need to choose the right glue. Conventional cement for a mirror tile is not suitable, as it destroys the amalgam. In building stores special formulations are sold (usually on the basis of resins), which provide good adhesion between the surface and the fragments, without harm to the latter. Now you can start preparing the wall. From it remove the remnants of wallpaper or paint. From the previous coverage should not remain a trace. Minor defects correct with plaster. Gypsum cardboard will help to cope with serious irregularities. This nuance is very important, as the hillocks and dents will surely show themselves on the seams between the tiles, which will give the decor a sloppy look. To ensure a better hitch the surface before mounting the mirrors is recommended to be primed. If the work is carried out not in the most favorable conditions (high humidity), then it is better to process the wall with antifungal compounds. After the primer is completely dry, you can start marking. With the help of a tape measure and a pencil on the wall, mark the lines of the arrangement of the tiles to make it easier to work. Start from the bottom corner. Rows lay out consistently. The adjustment is made 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 tiles are carefully washed. If the fragments need to be cut, then use a simple glass cutter.
In the bathroom and in the kitchen, where temperature fluctuations are regular, a “technical” gap of 2 mm is left between the fragments. This reserve is necessary in case the surface of the base expands under the action of heat.
Care Tips
Mirror tile is very unpretentious in the care. To restore the surface shine, it is enough to systematically wipe it with a linen cloth dipped in water with blue or in special glass cleaners. If the decor is located in the bathroom near the sink or shower, then the procedure will have to perform more often, as the dried water leaves ugly whitish spots on reflective materials. To transform the faded mirror, it is wiped with a cloth, pre-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 innovations, rewarding them with the label "fashionable." Not spared this fate and mirror tiles. Some designers manage to integrate it so neatly and carefully into the interior that the material looks appropriate even in a classic or retro style. The only tangible lack of a mirror tile 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.
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