Clash of the titans: glass or ceramic mosaic tiles?
(4 min read) If you are looking to treat your home with a timeless piece of mosaic artwork, you are probably becoming slowly and painfully aware that choosing is not such an easy task you thought it would be. One of the most confusing things, whether you are a novice or a veteran mosaic buff, is the versatility of the materials that are available in the market. Well, I’m happy to tell you that your suffering has come to an end. (sorry, I was a drama major)
In this post, we will dismantle and analyze two of the most sought-after mosaic artwork materials in order to determine which one is better and which one you should ultimately go for. Let the fight between glass and ceramic tiles begin!
Glass tiles
Aaaand in the left corner of our autumnal, tastefully decorated ring we have a long-lasting champ, that’s been up against such titans as the Marble Mayweather and Stone de la Hoya. Its longevity and utterly sleek design had made it an unbeatable opponent. Ladies and gentlemen — GLASS MOSAIC TILES!
Alright, alright, alright, (in my best Matthew McConaughey voice) now that my awesomely creative intro is over, let me tell you some universal truths about glass mosaic tiles. You probably know that they can reflect light in the most amazing ways, thus making any space appear larger than it is. Shadow play will make any wall, floor, or piece of furniture look more exotic and unique. Not a single material on the market will look as chic as a glass tile and that’s just a simple truth. Did you know that glass tiles are created by heating sand and other tiny chemicals and then rapidly cooling them? See, even the way glass mosaic tiles are made has the word “cool” in it. You simply can’t go wrong with glass mosaic tiles.
Ceramic tiles
Aaaand in the far-right corner of our fiery-colored, chicly ornamented boxer ring we have an 8ft tall sturdy muscular frame of a prominent giant. He’s been fighting and winning since the 4th century BC when he beat the Roman champion in the celebrated origin-match in the Holy Lands. Ladies and gentlemen — CERAMIC MOSAIC TILES.
Just like glass tiles, ceramic mosaic tiles come in a large variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and finishes. Whether you want to go retro, elegant, or fancy, ceramic tiles will give you what you need. Unlike glass, ceramic tiles are crystalline in nature and are traditionally made of clay. I say “traditionally”, because these days term “ceramic” is becoming more and more associated with a broader category of materials including cement and glass itself. Needless to say, that causes somewhat of a problem because you can never be certain what is your ceramic tile actually made of. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that ceramic mosaic tiles are cheaper than glass ones.
In conclusion, both glass and ceramic mosaic tiles are awesome… Because they are used to for MOSAIC making, and here ate Mosaics Lab we know that there is nothing awesome-er (uh-huh) than a glorious mosaic artwork. However, one is slightly better than the other. See, unlike ceramic tiles, glass mosaic tiles have zero water absorption, which makes them easier to clean and maintain. Glass is also completely eco-friendly because it is completely organic and sometimes even made of recycled materials. Compared to this, the only advantage the ceramic tiles have over glass ones is that they are slightly cheaper. When it comes to appearance, preference is always a matter of your individual taste. In my own humble opinion, glass looks better and more eye-catching because it is luminous and radiant.
So, (*insert drum roll) the winner of this 2021 match and the undefeated champion of mosaic making materials arrrrre — GLASS TILES. Seriously though, as long as you are going for a mosaic, you can’t go wrong, but glass tiles are just slightly better. *wink wink
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47 Comments
So beautiful! The sunflower piece is my personal favorite, it would really help to brighten up a space.
Ooh, it would be tough to decide, but I think I like the idea of the glass tiles being reflective and changing a bit in the light.
You always find such great mosaics. I love the fall forest
How do you choose between glass or ceramic mosaic tiles?! Both options are so beautiful!
These are absolutely stunning works of art!
very beautiful and very attractive pieces that would totally add a lot to any interior!
This was such an interesting read – and has certainly made more sense of this for me as I’m finding it hard to work out how to model our bathroom. Also the mosaics you have pictured are absolutely stunning!
I really like the way the glass tiles look! Very pretty!
I really liked the glass tiles. They look really so beautiful
I have to say, I just really love the look of ceramic tiles. So beautiful.
The floral mosaics is my favorite from the collection above. What a cool way to design and present the view of the world outside!
The sunflowers and the peacock are breathtaking! So stunning!
I like the glass ones best – but never realized some where glass and some where ceramic.
I want that huge sunflower one! That is an amazing piece!
Ceramic mosaic tiles are what I see most often about and in more European decor, but both look super impactful x
Tough battle between ceramic and glass but I would have to go with glass on this one. There is something so elegant and sleek about glass mosaics!
Wow, those ceramic tiles are so beautiful. I love mosaic artwork. I do have plenty of mosaic displays at home.
I absolutely love both glass and ceramic, but I’d have to say that I like glass better. It’s something about it that makes it a bit more vibrant to me.
Both material looks and showcases different strengths, I personally love the look of glass tend to go for ceramic for the home.
These are all stunning but I think I prefer the ceramic tiles and the texture of them x
I just finished a mosaic class so I have a real appreciation for the art and detail that goes into these works. I love them, they are striking.
I love the sunflowers. My mom would love the bird.
These pieces are fabulously amazing! I can’t imagine how much time and effort they exert to create these masterpieces. Great focal point in a modern home.
All of those artworks are looking absolutely beautiful and I love that glass mosaic by Sara Steenson.
These are cool mosaic tiles! I’d go either glass or ceramic.
So many beautiful autumn themed mosaics! I love the glass…so stunning!
The fall forest is definitely my favorite mosaic – love the colors in it
I love the Van Gogh inspired one. I’d definitely love to have that. It’s definitely something that I’d love to have.
Your flair for the dramatic got me hooked. I started reading this thinking I would choose ceramic over glass mosaic tiles but you got me at “eco-friendly”. Would love to have one in my home. <3
Both the glass and ceramic tiles are beautiful. I’m not sure which ones I prefer more.
Oh wow these are absolutely stunning! I can’t decide which is my favourite.
I don’t think I could make a decision I find both glass and ceramic mosaics to be stunning!
These are very beautiful glass tiles.
I love mosaic, I have a few collections at home. I love tiles mosaic. They look very beautiful and classy. Glass mosaic is also cool.
I love the way both look but would lean more towards the ceramic as apersonal preference!
Stunning pieces of mosaic artwork, I think ceramic mosaics are my favourites x
I am for sure a fan of the glass mosaics although they are both beautiful looks. I some instances I like the ceramic mosaics more. It is a tough choice as they are all works of art!
Oh my goodness! Everything is so beautiful! I am pretty sure this will add more beauty to your living room once you have it.
I love the way light hits the glass and it’s so perfect for decorating in a house like mine where the ceilings are pretty low. You shared some amazing pieces, too! Those last two are just stunning.
These are absolutely STUNNING. I’m a big fan of both.
I wish I could say learning about the difference between glass and ceramic mosaic would make choosing any easier – but once I looked closely, I realized I kept favoring some from both. Ultimately, it comes down to the actual image for me, I guess.
I prefer glass tiles too. The lights on them plays big roll.
Oh wow I wouldn’t be able to decide as I think they both product beautiful results – I would love either option in my home
Laura x
I think both of the tile options are great. There are so many different design options to choose from.
I love your intros! LOL. Very interesting mosaic tiles are one material I haven’t worked with in my crafting adventures so very good information to have.
Such stunning colours here! I’d love to have these in my own home.
i think i like the glass mosaic more! mas solid ang colors! but both of it are so beautiful!