Mirror tile: features of choice

Mirrors are actively used in the decoration of rooms. They make it visually more spacious, bright, make notes of luxury, charm.

Observing the popularity of mirror elements, tile manufacturers began producing mirror samples. They can be laid on the floor, mounted on walls or mounted to the ceiling. Using tiles with mirror effects instantly transforms the interior, making it unique, memorable.

Special features

The desired size and shape of the mirror tiles are cut from large canvases, which distinguishes them from ceramic counterparts (they are pressed and fired).

They are based on molten glass masscombined with silencers, gaseous crystalline compounds.The latter provide the characteristic brilliance of the finished product. After cutting the edge of the building materials are polished. This ensures their smoothness and safety.

Various patterns and drawings are applied by sandblasting. The contour of the drawing is first applied to the material, and a sand jet is directed over it under high pressure. The grains of sand are knocked out on the glass of shcherbinki, which are then folded into a pattern. That is how tiles with a mirror surface and a matte pattern appear.

In the interior, tiles are also used on which the image is applied using thermal printing techniques or using paint. However, this technology can not boast of durability.

Types and characteristics

Depending on the location of the tile, its types are distinguished:

Ceiling mounted

Perfectly copes with the task of raising the ceiling, to achieve design exclusivity.

In turn, there are these types:

  • Polystyrene (or plastic) is a plastic base with a special coloring composition with metal microparticles applied on it. The advantage of this option is ease of installation and low cost, but this tile distorts the imagethat may look unattractive.
  • Mirror glass is nothing but glass cut into tiles. Of course, it is more expensive and is characterized by complex installation. To get an aesthetically attractive result and “add” extra space to the room, care should be taken of the perfect flatness of the ceiling, the accuracy of the ratio of the “pieces” of the mirror.

Wall mounted

Its use also externally increases the area of ​​the room and serves for zoning.

Outdoor

Here we are talking, as a rule, ceramic or clinker tiles with a mirror effect. It is important to understand that the tile for laying on the floor must be designed for this, otherwise it will not withstand the increased load.

There is also a self-adhesive tile with a mirror effect. It consists of a mirror surface (outer) and an adhesive base (inner layer). The latter is covered with a protective film, which is removed immediately before installation.

The thickness of the elements is 0.4-0.6 cm, they themselves are well fixed on the base and do not require additional gluing. Installation of the material is quite simple, although it requires a certain skill.A positive result is possible only if the surface is flat and clean.

You can not ignore the tile with facet, which is a material that has beveled edges.

If we talk about the decorative design of mirror tiles, then it is worth considering the following varieties:

  • Tinted, that is darkened;
  • Smooth and smooth (when laying on the surface, the joints are almost indistinguishable, the reflection is not distorted, not crushed);
  • Material with pattern and ornament;
  • Panel mosaic;
  • Tiles that mimic silver, chrome or gold surfaces.

Material may vary in moisture resistance. For a bathroom, a kitchen, a swimming pool, tiles with high moisture resistance indices are required than analogues for a hall and a bedroom.

Advantages and disadvantages

The popularity of the mirror material due to its advantages:

  • The reflectivity of the tile is about 90%, so with proper placement of light sources with the help of "mirrors" it is possible to visually expand the room;
  • The building material is resistant to mechanical shocks, moisture and chemical reagents,which greatly expands its scope;
  • Due to the variety of tile varieties, you can create unique interior solutions;
  • Many types of tiles have elasticity, flexibility, and therefore are suitable for the decoration of curvilinear elements (columns, arches);
  • "Mirror" material is characterized by a long, up to 20 years, period of operation;
  • Fire safety;
  • Low moisture absorption, which allows to use the material in rooms with high humidity without the risk of formation of mold on the surface, the appearance of corrosion;
  • Environmentally friendly, especially when it comes to a mirror glass. In the manufacture of tile manufacturers refuse to apply impurities of copper and lead as a protective layer (governed by GOST 17716-91), which is commonly observed in the production of household mirrors.

However, there is a material and cons. For example, over time the mirror may become dim, turn black. We must not forget about the need for regular care of the material - special alcohol-containing compounds will help prevent the appearance of stains on the surface after cleaning.

Despite the mechanical resistance of the tile, it is more fragile than its counterparts, and if the mirror is damaged, there is a high risk of injury.

Finally, mirror tile has a higher cost compared to the ceramic counterpart.

Forms

The standard tile is rectangular. Although there are also square variants, but if we talk about limited collections or individual orders, here the material can have any shape.

Today on sale you can often find a panel. As a rule, it consists of large mirror tiles of square or round shape, around which smaller rhombuses and triangles with a mirror effect are located.

A variety of mosaic tiles can be considered mirrors - honeycombs. Due to the peculiarities of the organization, this tile diffuses light well, as a result of which the room is filled with air, freedom. An interesting effect can be achieved if matte and glossy cells, similar shades are used in the “comb”.

Dimensions

The standard dimensions of the ceiling tiles are 59.5x59.5 cm, some models are equipped with holes for spotlights.

The sizes of wall tiles are more diverse.The most popular are 29.5x29.5 cm squares and 120x240 cm rectangles as more convenient for installation. In other words, the width of the tile can be 10-30 cm, the standard thickness is 4-5 mm.

Tiles with facets slightly (1.5 mm) smaller than a similar tile without a bevel. This is due to the fact that to obtain a facet material is cut and polished at an angle. The width of the chamfer in this case ranges from 3-40 mm.

When buying, you should also pay attention to the compliance of tiles with state standards, as well as the absence of copper and lead in the composition of the mirror layer, as well as the ability of mirrors to reflect at least 92% of light.

Color variations

The standard is a colorless mirror tile, which is characterized by versatility. It looks good in any interior. There is also a mirror tile, which has a particular shade (among the popular - pastel shades). As a rule, such tiles are purchased in the same color scheme as the interior color scheme.

Exquisitely and solemnly looks black tile, as well as a material that mimics natural marble or bronze surfaces. Its surface can be glossy or matte.

In most classic interiors, silver, gold or bronze matte tiles look good. However, it should be remembered that they need to be dosed, and combined with other natural materials (expensive textiles, wooden furniture).

Manufacturers Overview

Most manufacturers producing clinker and ceramic tiles also make mirror variations. If you do not know which version of the last stop, just read the reviews about the largest manufacturers of tiles.

Kerama marazzi - the largest domestic brand that has earned the trust of consumers. This is due to the high quality of products, compliance with its GOST. A distinctive feature of the manufacturer is the following brands in the interior fashion. So, the hot "hits" of the collection today are matte bronze, silver and graphite tiles. The disadvantage of products can be called a high cost (on average, 1000 rubles / sq. M).

The leading domestic "tiler" is also Shakhty faience factory (Vladimir region). The products are manufactured under the Shakhtynskaya tile brand and are considered to be the embodiment of European quality, elegance and attractive prices.The manufacturer’s product range includes classic square, rectangular, and triangular patterns, as well as counterparts in mirror and silver designs.

Another brand whose tile can always be found in such major stores as Leroy Merlin, Ikea - Euro-Ceramics LLC. Production is carried out using advanced Italian equipment, which guarantees durability and impeccable quality. Euro-Ceramics boasts a wide range, in which there are also mirror finishing materials.

Fans of shine and silver tint can purchase tiles from Nefrit Ceramics LLC. It is this design tile in abundance presented by the manufacturer. In addition, a large number of small-format tiles and mosaics are produced.

The largest supplier of mirror tiles is glass factory in Belgorod. Manufactured products are branded as "DST" ("House of Glass Technologies"). The manufacturer’s product range includes tiles with a multitude of polishing variations (“euro pencil”, straight-faced falsetto), matte surfaces (i.e., sandblasting and processing and performing patterns in this technique), photo printing.In addition to standard tiles, here you can find mosaics, imitation of stained glass, self-adhesive films with a reflective surface. Among the fashionable novelties are the Sota collections, silver, bronze and graphite tiles and their matte counterparts.

Connoisseurs of refined solutions "DST" proposes to pay attention to the mosaic "Classic" or "Classic +". The latter is characterized by a combination within one panel of 2 close in shade textures (for example, silver and graphite). If when choosing a tile you are guided by its shape, evaluate the Rombo or Quadro collection. The advantage of mirror mosaic is not only the originality of its appearance, but also the possibility of laying on uneven grounds.

Placement tips

The tile is widely used in the bathroom and in the kitchen, which is associated with its moisture resistance and ease of cleaning. As a rule, the premises are trimmed with tiles, which can be supplemented with mirror. If you lay the last diagonally, an illusion of deep space is created. If the room is also small in height, then the mirror material will help to “raise” the ceiling and expand the area.

"Mirror" in the hallway is not recommended to be placed on opposite sides against each other. It will be much more effective if you place tiles on one wall at the beginning of the corridor, and on the other at the end. In this case, you get a soft diffused lighting, additional volume, space. As for the form, for the hallway in most cases you should choose a square-shaped material.

You can add light and comfort to a small bedroom by trimming the wall opposite the window with a mirror material. It is important that direct sunlight does not fall on the tile, for which the mirror area is located slightly above the window level.

It is important not to overdo it with the area of ​​the mirror area, it is not necessary to decorate the whole wall in this way. Otherwise, instead of a graceful and cozy room, you will get a cold and formal.

Mirror decor is also able to make a more intimate and homely atmosphere of large rooms. To do this, shiny tiles are placed in combination with other materials, avoiding the installation of a single mirror design.

Tiles in the form of rhombuses and rectangles are best suited for the visual expansion of rooms, but they will not look advantageously placed in the center of the composition.For the “heart” of a mirror composition, it is better to choose a square, circle or oval, and frame it with rectangular or triangular tiles.

Products with a mirror effect are suitable for most interior styles. For example, tile with a pattern or pattern looks good in the kitchen in the style of Provence. Surfaces of strict laconic forms, as well as tinted versions are suitable for high-tech, loft and avant-garde styles. A deliberately aged tile fits perfectly into most rooms in the classic version.

You can visually lift a low ceiling with the help of ceiling elements. They can be located throughout the ceiling area and be supplied with lighting systems or mounted in the center of the ceiling and supplemented with multi-level structures. Another simple way to “lift” the ceiling is to attach mirror materials along the bottom of the walls in the room.

When combining a mirror tile, it is important to remember that elements of different texture should have the same size. For the effect of a large room, you should choose tiles without darkening and framing.

In most cases, materials with mirror surfaces are recommended to be laid a little higher.middle of the wall, it will avoid the reflection of a large number of objects, people.

Spectacular examples

As already mentioned, most often the mirror tile serves to visually increase the area of ​​the room. To do this, it should be positioned so that the mirrors reflect the light from the window.

If we are dealing with an elongated room, for example, corridors, hallways, it is not recommended to lay out the distant wall with reflective building materials. From this room will become even more elongated and uncomfortable.

But in small rooms and bedrooms you can arrange the whole wall tiles with the effect of a mirror. True, it is better to have it behind or above the sofas and armchairs, the head of the bed. To create coziness and a sense of intimacy, use the ability of mirrors to double objects. For example, in the reflection zone it is possible to place indoor plants, stretch pillows or textiles, install a chair. The resulting corner will immediately be filled with homely warmth and a special atmosphere.

For kitchens, it is wiser to choose mosaics or tiles of small sizes. This is due to the fact that large elements at the slightest pollution will look sloppy.

The mirror surface organically looks in a toilet and a bathroom.It has the same effect in combination with other types of coatings, and in the case when all surfaces are lined with mirrors. The only disadvantage of such decor is that the surface mists up under the action of steam and hot water.

If a small room can not boast of high ceilings, mirror tile will come to the rescue. Such a reception is good in the living room or bedroom. It is enough to arrange the material of the central part of the ceiling and correctly adjust the lighting. Also take care that the part of the room that is reflected in the mirror does not look sloppy.

It is better to refuse tile mirror on the ceiling of large rooms. This design will be too empty and cold.

How to glue mirror tiles on the ceiling, see the following video.

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Information provided for reference purposes. For construction issues, always consult a specialist.

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