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Glass or marble mosaic tiles, a seemingly unanswerable question

(3 min read) Today’s interior design industry is so vast and colorful that it has become truly difficult to quickly and properly choose the option that will fit your mosaic décor requirements. From porcelain to donuts (yes, you read that correctly), from a variety of metals to dried petals, there is undoubtedly a huge array of mosaic materials to choose from.

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Creating a mosaic with glass mosaic tiles.

However, from those shy beginnings before medieval art through the explosion of the Renaissance, all the way to this ever so weird (mildly put) period of modern art we’re in, two mosaic art materials remained on top of their game — marble and glass mosaic tiles. are still the most popular option.

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Making of a marble mosaic mural. Work in progress mosaic by Mosaics Lab.

For those of you who are about to embark on a journey of picking just the mosaic artwork to fit your space, as well as those who were just wondering which option is better, we will try to analyze all of the pros and cons of both marble and glass mosaic tiles. If you are an avid reader of this blog, you know we rarely ever leave things vague, so you can expect a conclusion at the end. *wink wink

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Beautiful and eternal. Mosaic artwork by Yulia Hanansen of Mosaic Sphere Studio.


Aesthetics

When it comes to their appearance both marble and glass mosaic tiles are popular for a good reason, as both have a sort of an extraordinary, almost ethereal look to them. But, of course, there’s a catch… See, marble is a natural stone that is often already patterned, so it tends to look stylish on its own. However, once you create artwork with marble tiles, it will always look chic, but also sturdy and unyielding, so if that’s the look you’re aiming for then go for it. Glass, on the other hand, will allow you to play more because it will dance with the light. Your mosaic can even appear different as the day progresses and light changes.

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Gustav Klimt’s work was recreated with glass mosaic tiles. Mosaic Mural by Mosaics Lab.


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Beautiful scenery artwork handcrafted with marble mosaic tiles. Mosaic Artwork by Mosaics Lab.


Durability

One of the main misconceptions when it comes to marble vs glass mosaic tile is that most people think that marble is better because it is suitable for both indoors and outdoors, while glass is only fit to be indoors. This especially annoys me because people tend to serve it as a fact when it is actually a silly myth that was busted a long time ago. Scientific results show that glass tiles have a lower density and water absorption compared to both marble and granite, which makes them more durable and weather resistant.

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Abstract marble mosaic art is strong. Mural by Happy Wall.


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But abstract glass mosaic art is stronger. Mosaic Mural Design by Mosaics Lab.


Scratch resistance

The beauty and the overall appeal of your mosaic artwork are highly dependent on the scratch resistance of the mosaic tiles used. Here we come to another misconception. People also often think that tiles are not scratch resistant and that one scratch can create a full-blown crack. This one was also dismantled by science, because it is proven that glass is in fact stronger in both flexural and compressive tests, making it tougher to damage than marble.

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Marble mosaic tiles up close. Handmade Mosaic Carpet by Mosaics Lab.


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Glass mosaic tiles up close.


Stain resistance

Stain resistance is as important as scratch resistance. If there is even a tiniest permanent stain on your mosaic artwork then it devalues and diminishes it can drastically diminish its beauty and appeal. In this particular aspect, both marble and glass mosaic tiles are the same. Both are fully stain-resistant and easy to maintain.

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Marble mosaic art won’t stain. Mosaic Design by Mosaics Lab.

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Glass mosaic art won’t stain either. Mosaic Artwork by Mosaics Lab.


Affordability

Glass mosaic tiles come in a variety of prices, so there is something for every budget. Marble on the other hand is simply expensive. With the economy today and everything else that happened in these past three years, you will be doing your wallet a favor by opting for glass mosaic tile.

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Awesome glass mosaic artwork created by Joshua Winer.


Now that our brief competitive study is done, you’ve probably realized that glass mosaic tiles take the cake (and eat it too). What’s the point of beating around the bush, trying to appeal to everyone’s taste? Glass tiles are better in a variety of aspects, but if you like marble more — who are we to judge you? It is your space and you will decide what you’ll use to embellish and decorate it with… but glass mosaic tiles are still better. *wink wink.

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Glass or marble mosaic tiles, a seemingly unanswerable question.

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Glass or marble mosaic tiles, a seemingly unanswerable question.

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Glass or marble mosaic tiles, a seemingly unanswerable question.

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Glass or marble mosaic tiles, a seemingly unanswerable question.

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M. Belosh

M. Belosh

Passionate art enthusiast; avid reader (you can find me on Goodreads under the same name); movie connoisseur; intolerable before my morning coffee.

41 Comments

  1. Stephanie
    July 29, 2022 at 11:53 am

    It definitely sounds like glass is the way to go. I like that is shinier most of the time, too.

  2. Beth
    July 29, 2022 at 12:09 pm

    I think they’re both absolutely beautiful. I love the look of mosaic work.

    • dorry lyn
      August 3, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      they’re all beautiful, but i can only afford the one with lesser price

  3. Angela Ricardo Bethea
    July 30, 2022 at 4:57 am

    That’s a good question if you are interested in getting a mosaic artwork done. I guess aside from the pros and cons for each of them, there’s preference too. I personally like a glass marble tile.

  4. Lavanda MIchelle
    July 30, 2022 at 6:16 am

    These are absolutely stunning and shows great talent. I really enjoy seeing these and I would love them all.

  5. Jasmine Hewitt
    July 30, 2022 at 12:38 pm

    I guess it really comes down to preference and budget, like most home renovation projects. I’m a little torn myself on which I’d want

  6. Lyosha
    July 30, 2022 at 1:49 pm

    definitely hard to decide. In fact your post made me even more confused, because you pointed the weak and strong points of each options, making it even more impossible for me choose.

  7. Tammy
    July 30, 2022 at 2:08 pm

    I think both are beautiful but it depends on where you plan on placing them. I think the glass mosaics are so lovely esp when they reflect the light!

  8. Amber Solis
    July 30, 2022 at 8:19 pm

    One thing I really picked up from this article was that it was scratch resistant. Had no idea. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures as well.

  9. Maureen
    July 31, 2022 at 11:24 am

    It seems like it would be a matter of preference. I personally would opt for glass mosaic tiles as it is a bit more affordable than marble. I also appreciate that it is stronger. But more importantly, I like that glass mosaic tiles allow for the different looks depending on where the light hits it. That has to be an amazing thing to see!

    Maureen

  10. Tina Basu
    July 31, 2022 at 12:32 pm

    Mosaics have such a beautiful old world charm. I love that fish mosaic.

  11. Michael
    July 31, 2022 at 8:48 pm

    whatever it is, they look really nice. I mean art is subjective but there are just masterpieces that will surely be appreciated by many

  12. Samantha Donnelly
    August 1, 2022 at 10:31 am

    They both have their place and both look great. I think I would go for glass maybe in the garden or bathrooms.

  13. Lavanda Michelle
    August 1, 2022 at 11:10 am

    They are both very beautiful at the end of the day. It’s great how mosaics have many different forms and lots of varieties. Thanks for sharing!

  14. kushigalu
    August 1, 2022 at 11:58 am

    It was a good read. Did not know much on the tiles and it differences.

  15. Anji
    August 1, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    Such beautiful pieces ??. I’ve always liked glass mosaic tiles! We have that in our home too ?.

  16. Michael
    August 1, 2022 at 4:58 pm

    I love puzzles when I was a kid and maybe this one belongs to that category somehow.. I still love it. kind ofo satisfying to see some in this kind of art

  17. brianne
    August 2, 2022 at 2:08 am

    I love both and yeah their durability makes it hard to choose one in between but for now, I’m opting for glass mosaic tile just because it’s cheaper.

  18. Melanie E
    August 2, 2022 at 10:40 am

    It’s amazing how much detail goes into these. They must take a number of days to complete. Glass and marble work well.

  19. Tammy
    August 2, 2022 at 11:34 am

    I think glass mosaics are so beautiful especially when they reflect the light. Lots to consider for those looking to find the perfect mosaic piece. Thank you for sharing!

  20. Rhian Westbury
    August 2, 2022 at 12:17 pm

    I think both glass and marble mosaics are beautiful in their own right. But I love the idea of the colouring of a glass mosaic changing depending on the sun and light etc x

  21. Sarah Stockley
    August 2, 2022 at 12:19 pm

    I really love the glass mosaic tiles, they look so shimmery and I love the colours and how they shine.

  22. Renata Feyen
    August 2, 2022 at 5:50 pm

    I love the one with the boat – I don’t get how you can make them from donuts

  23. Amy Liu Dong
    August 2, 2022 at 8:56 pm

    These are amazingly beautiful, and they definitely add beauty to your home!

  24. Becky
    August 3, 2022 at 8:49 am

    Wow, the mosaics are incredible pieces of artwork. They make such a beautiful statement in the home as well!

  25. Z. R.
    August 3, 2022 at 9:07 am

    Two wonderful options and it is hard to pick one. I would choose marble for flooring and glass for the wall decor I think

  26. rachel
    August 3, 2022 at 9:59 am

    Both have such a unique outcome. GORGEOUS pieces, for sure.

  27. Luna S
    August 3, 2022 at 10:35 am

    I think both are beautiful options, but I feel like glass is a little shinier and I like how it shimmers.

  28. Haily
    August 3, 2022 at 11:16 am

    These are breathtakingly beautiful. You can really see the artistry.

  29. Haily
    August 3, 2022 at 11:27 am

    These are breathtakingly beautiful. You can really see the artistry that goes into making these.

  30. Marysa
    August 3, 2022 at 12:34 pm

    These pieces of art are all so beautiful! I can see how different materials would be best suited for differing pieces of art.

  31. Clarice
    August 3, 2022 at 3:54 pm

    I agree with you that we must also consider durability when choosing. Thank you for sharing about the marble vs glass mosaics. I also thought that marble is better. Learned something new today.

  32. Celine
    August 3, 2022 at 8:43 pm

    I like either mosaic. All depends on the theme and place and options. Really adore the images in the post. So gorgeous!

  33. Khushboo
    August 3, 2022 at 9:06 pm

    I like both the options. I don’t mind having both at my place. Such pretty designs

  34. Rosey
    August 4, 2022 at 9:46 pm

    Marble is expensive. I hadn’t thought about it for mosaics, but I can see how that would be the case.

  35. Laura
    August 5, 2022 at 12:17 am

    I love the look of the glass tiles. But marble can also look really good.

  36. jupiter hadley
    August 5, 2022 at 3:04 am

    I find glass moasics to be the most beautiful, they just seem to glimmer more and have more depth to them! I really enjoy the amount of colors from marble though.

  37. Claudia
    August 5, 2022 at 7:59 am

    The beauty of both is undeniably irresistible. I like both and I think it’s okay to want both.

  38. Sonia Seivwright
    August 6, 2022 at 7:43 am

    I love mosaics no matter what. However, if I were to choose, it would be marble titles.

  39. Jupiter Hadley
    August 8, 2022 at 6:23 am

    I really love the look of glass myself, the way the light reflects off of it is really beautiful.

  40. Ryan
    August 24, 2022 at 7:49 am

    I personally have a preference for glass but both have their place and look absolutely beautiful, This was a really informative piece.