Mosaic Tiles

Want to give your kitchen or bathroom a stylish makeover with minimal fuss? Mosaic tiles offer bold design possibilities, great durability and splash-proof practicality. Thanks to mesh‑backed sheets, you get the look of hundreds of tiny tiles with none of the faff. Here's how to choose them, style them and fit them.

What are mosaic tiles?

Mosaic tiles are sheets made of lots of small tiles pre‑mounted on a mesh backing. You apply the whole sheet to your wall or floor in one go. They're usually ceramic, glass, stone or porcelain, which means they handle steam, splashes and everyday wear well. Plus, they're easy to wipe clean. If you want texture and detail without stress, mosaics are a great choice.

What designs and colours are available?

Pretty much everything. You'll find:

• Kit kat tiles for modern lines
• Hexagonal tiles for honeycomb texture on splashbacks or shower walls
• Herringbone mosaic sheets that look seriously skilled with zero tricky layout
• Mini metro or octagon sheets for a retro twist

In terms of colours, you can go classic with glossy whites, deep blacks and chic greys, or add a pop of color with vibrant turquoise, pink, red and moss green. There are speckled and shaded finishes available too.

Can I use mosaic tiles as a kitchen splashback?

Yes, mosaics excel behind kitchen sinks and oven hobs. They bring instant texture and character. Gloss or ceramic options are easy to wipe clean. The mesh format makes tricky shapes behind kitchen taps easier to tile. Plus, smaller tiles tend to hide uneven walls better than large format tiles.

Fit the sheets vertically behind your sink or hob to make ceilings feel higher; loads of customers do this and the result is sharp.

Are mosaic tiles suitable for showers and wet rooms?

Some are. Check whether the individual mosaic is suitable for a shower wall or floor before ordering. In a wet room, check the floor tile's slip resistance too. The surface behind the tiles needs proper waterproofing, as tile and grout alone do not waterproof a shower.

Are mosaic tile sheets easy to fit?

The mesh backing holds the small tiles in a pattern, so you can position several at once. You'll still need to take care when fitting them. Check that the gaps between sheets match the gaps between the individual tiles, so you can't see where one sheet ends and the next begins. If a piece sits out of line, you may be able to adjust it before the adhesive sets.

Allow extra time for cuts around edges, taps and other fittings, and for grouting the many small joints. Laying a few sheets out first will help you see how the pattern joins together. For tips on grouting and help working out how much grout you'll need, see our guide on how to grout tiles.