Glass Mosaic Tile
Glass mosaic tile throws light back into a room in a way stone and porcelain can't, which is why it shows up most on backsplashes and shower walls. This is every glass mosaic we carry: glossy, frosted, crackled and iridescent glass, recycled glass, and glass blended with marble, stone or metal, in penny round, hexagon, herringbone, picket, arabesque and 2x6 subway sheets. Most come mounted on mesh sheets, so measure the wall first and add for cuts.
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Glass mosaic tile is small pieces of glass mounted on a mesh sheet, usually around 12 inches square, so a whole sheet goes on the wall at once. Because glass is non-porous and catches light, it is the tile people reach for when they want a backsplash or shower wall that looks bright and wipes clean.
What Makes Glass Mosaic Tile Different
Stone and porcelain absorb light; glass reflects it. A glass mosaic wall changes as you move past it, which is why a small area of it can lift a whole kitchen or bathroom. The glass itself does not soak up water, grease or stains, so the face of the tile stays clean with a wipe. The grout between the pieces is a different story, and most of the care advice below is really about the grout.
Types of Glass Mosaic Tile
Glossy, Frosted and Crackled Glass
Glossy glass gives the strongest reflection and the cleanest colour. Frosted glass softens that shine into a satin glow, and crackled glass carries a fine fractured pattern inside the piece, which reads as texture even though the surface is smooth.
Iridescent Glass
Iridescent glass has a finish that shifts colour with the light, so the same sheet looks different at noon and under evening lighting. It works best where it can be seen from several angles, such as a backsplash or a bathroom feature wall.
Recycled Glass Mosaics
Recycled glass mosaics are made from reclaimed glass. They behave like any other glass tile once installed, with a slightly more organic look to the colour.
Glass and Stone or Metal Blends
Blended mosaics mix glass with marble, natural stone or metal on the same sheet. The glass brings shine and the stone or metal brings texture, which makes these a good bridge between a glass accent and a stone room. If you want stone without the glass, see our marble mosaic tile.
Shapes and Formats
| Shape | The look | Works well on |
|---|---|---|
| Penny round | Soft circles, a little retro | Backsplashes, bathroom walls |
| Hexagon | Honeycomb, geometric | Backsplashes, feature walls |
| Herringbone | Zig-zag with plenty of movement | Backsplashes, accent walls |
| Picket and arabesque | Elongated, decorative outlines | Feature walls, shower niches |
| 2x6 subway | Classic brick layout in glass | Kitchen backsplashes, shower walls |
| Linear and interlocking strips | Long horizontal lines, modern | Kitchen and bathroom walls |
Browse by shape across every material in penny round, hexagon and herringbone tile.
Where to Use Glass Mosaic Tile
Kitchen Backsplashes
The backsplash is where glass mosaic earns its place. Cooking splashes and grease sit on the glass rather than soaking in, and the reflective surface brightens a counter that would otherwise be in shadow under the cabinets. See all mosaic tiles for backsplash.
Shower and Bathroom Walls
Glass does not absorb water, so it is well suited to shower walls. Keep the grout sealed or use a stain-resistant grout, because that is where moisture and mildew settle. More options are in our shower wall tiles.
Accent Walls and Niches
A single wall, a shower niche or the panel behind a vanity is often enough. Glass mosaic is at its best as a feature against plainer tile.
A Note on Floors
Glossy glass becomes slippery when wet. If you are considering glass for a floor, check that the product is rated for floor use, and favour small pieces with more grout lines for grip.
Installing Glass Mosaic Tile
Use a white thinset made for glass tile. Glass is often translucent, so grey thinset and trowel ridges can show through the face. Comb the thinset, then flatten the ridges so the sheet beds evenly, and follow the setting-material maker's directions for trowel size. Cut glass with a wet saw fitted with a blade made for glass, or with wheeled glass nippers for single pieces. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to install mosaic tile.
Mosaic sheets are measured by area, so work out the square footage of the wall, then add extra for cuts and spares.
Free Design Consultation
Choosing the perfect tiles can be tricky. Speak with our experienced tile experts. We will guide you through selecting the best colors, patterns, and materials to match your style and needs.