Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Ideas For A Glass Tile Back Splash In A Bathroom







Glass tiles are an elegant and colorful addition to a bathroom back splash.


Many homeowners approach bathroom design as a matter of function over form. A glass tile back splash behind the bathroom sink or vanity is a simple and inexpensive way to add a distinctive design element that elevates the style of a bathroom. Glass tiles are versatile options to suit any design style from edgy contemporary to classical Victorian.


Contemporary Designs


Contemporary bathrooms utilize monochromatic color palettes and sleek metallic accents to create a clean, streamlined space. If your bathroom is done in a white, black or gray palette, consider a glass tile back splash to add a dramatic burst of bright color. For a more distinct effect, choose small rectangular tiles in jewel tones. A ruby-colored tile is an elegant and bold choice, while a sapphire blue tile creates a cool, calming space reminiscent of a high-end spa.


Recycled glass tiles are especially suitable for contemporary designs; not only are these back splashes sleek and modern, but they also utilize an environmentally friendly material. If you are interested in an even more unexpected design element, swap out traditional rectangular glass tiles for circular tiles. Choose various sizes of circular glass tiles and fill the border spaces with a bright white grout.


Traditional Designs


Though traditional bathrooms often feature ceramic or hand-painted tile details, glass tile back splashes add a modern twist on a classic design to update traditional bathrooms. Opaque glass tiles in neutral colors like yellow, tan and brown complement the dark-stained woods of traditional style bathrooms. Opt for Roman glass tiles which are typically mixed with paint or metals to create highly opaque tiles in a neutral color palette with slight color variations within tiles. The warm undertones of ruddy-colored glass tiles complement sand-colored ceramic tile floors or burgundy fabrics. If you want a slightly more distinctive pattern, choose diamond-shaped tiles and lay them in a harlequin pattern for added visual interest.


Tile Mosaics


One of the most dramatic options for a glass tile back splash is a glass tile mosaic. A mosaic is an image composed of several small, colored tiles arranged to create a pattern or picture. If your back splash area is small, create your own custom tile back splash by laying out your design on a counter before transferring it to the wall.


Larger back splashes leave more room for errors in placement and design consistency. Purchase a pre-made glass tile back splash that is already laid out and mounted on a wire mesh backing that adheres directly to the wall. Create patterns like stripes or zig-zags with various colored tiles or create a simple image like a sun or star with several tiles.

Tags: back splash, glass tile, glass tiles, tile back, back splashes, glass tile back