Find out more about the varied world of mosaics in our slide share offering you an introduction into the world of mosaics.

1. Introduction to the
World of Mosaics
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2. What is a mosaic?
A mosaic pattern is a picture or recurring pattern made up of individual
pieces. They tend to make use of small but visible spaces between each
piece, creating a semi-broken image.
What are they made from?
Traditionally made from bits of glass,
stones and shells, mosaics can now
be made from any material as long as
the overall aesthetics matches the
traditional style.
They are often seen as breathtaking
floors in villas although mosaics can
also be seen as focal features on
walls.

3. History of the mosaic
The earliest mosaics are dated around 3,000 BC and were found in the ancient
land of Mesopotamia, located in the region of modern day Iraq, Kuwait and
Syria. Typically, early examples of mosaic often depicted religious imagery or
were used to decorate the walls and ceilings of buildings of worship.
Greek and Roman
There is evidence of bronze pebble
mosaics from around 400 years BC,
some of which have been discovered in
Albania as late as the year 1916. Often
depicting mythological tales, wealth
and hunting scenes, they were typically
the centre piece of a large design with
bold elaborate framing.

4. Christian
Christian basilicas from around 400AD were known to be adorned with
wall and ceiling mosaics. Many have unfortunately crumbled and
deteriorated over the years, however there are still 4th century mosaics of
Santa Constanza and Santa Pudenziana which remain intact.
Jewish
Synagogues from around 600AD have been found decorated with floor
mosaics, with one such synagogue near Galilee displaying an interesting
cross between Jewish and Pagan beliefs.
Middle Eastern and Western Asian
Evidence of mosaics in this region have been found dating as early as
300AD. Older mosaics often depict religious events, dancers or musicians,
whereas more contemporary Muslim mosaics follow complex and intricate
patterns known as Girih.

5. What can you do with mosaics?
Have a look at the range of tiles available to you and contemplate how you
can funk up your home:
Modern Mosaics Big and bold mosaics tend to be the
contemporary mosaic of choice. Typically
these patterns are strong and stylish,
bringing an ancient art form into the
modern era.
Mono-Colour Mosaics
Tiles of the same colour separated by the
classic mosaic broken style can create a
fantastic focal feature for any bathroom or
kitchen.

6. Even Patterns These patterns can create a satisfying finish
to any tiles of any design, helping to frame a
block painted wall or brighten up an
otherwise boring set of tiles.
Uneven Patterns
Where the even pattern helps to satisfyingly frame a wall or set of tiles, the
uneven pattern can add an abstract edge. Colour can be interspersed with
earthier or plain tiles as well as incorporating more jagged edges or
unevenly shaped and spaced components

7. Which tile is best for you?
The overall look of your chosen mosaic will depend greatly on what type of
tile you decide to opt for:
Natural Tiles
The soft, neutral tones of these
natural tiles can be used to
complement the down-to-earth
home. Beiges, browns, whites
and creams can be used to
allude towards different
temperatures and a range of
richness with a wholesome feel
that other tiles may struggle to
provide.

8. Bold Tiles Perfect for the contemporary feel to
complement the more modern
decor. They can be loud, they can be
confident, but these exciting tiles
will brighten up even the most dull
of rooms.
Glass Tiles
Bringing something of a dainty and
subtle aesthetic, glass tiles can stir
up interest in any room. Anything
from cool matt tiles to glimmering
gem stones can be incorporated to
brighten and uplift your wall feature
and pull focus.

9. Where to put your mosaic...
Mosaics look great anywhere, but that’s the cop out answer, right?
Bathrooms and kitchens seem to experience the most benefit from these
cool features. As well as their potential for being water-proofed, one of
the reasons for this may be down to the fact that they complement tiles
perfectly as a border.
Mosaics can also add a contrast to the already existing tile design or wall
colour, providing a perfect border to make your feature pop.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Everywhere else!
Be abstract, be art decor, be bold, be subtle, be you!

10. Reflect Your Personality!
Add a different dimension to your wall or floor
design with a carefully chosen mosaic.
Have a peek through our mosaics and add some pizzazz to your pad!
This mosaic master class has been brought to you by:
www.tilemart.co.uk