How to use decorative mirror tiles in interior design?

How to use decorative mirror tiles in interior design and create a stylish, fresh and elegant look? We selected some photos and ideas that may inspire you to add an elegant feature to your home. In general, mirrors can change the appearance of any room in a dramatic way and add light, volume, and depth to it. These original tiles can be easily blended with different decorative styles and combined with other finishing materials like wood, stone, ceramic tiles, leather, fabric upholstery, etc. This type of decor looks spectacular in living rooms, bathroom, kitchen, hallway and the variety of options on the market allows different approaches to easily transform the space.

What is mirror tile and how are these made? A mirror tile is a mirror cut into pieces of a certain shape, the edges of the fragments of which are processed and are called facet. Facet creates a game of glare, looks more attractive. The treatment gives the tile an aesthetic look and increases safety in operation. The mirror tile can be with a traditional silver shade or bronze. Modern mirror tiles can have very different shapes, not limited to standard rectangles. You can find large or mosaic squares, rhombuses (diamond shape), triangles, crescents, etc. Decorative interior tiles for finishing works with a reflective surface are usually made either from glass or from durable plastic, such as polystyrene but reflective surface can be applied to virtually any material. Further to that, the metal can be processed in such a way that it will have a mirror effect without additional coating. This extraordinary finishing material comes in a huge variety of manufacturing options and can be divided into several main types:

• Mirror tiles with smooth surface without any relief – once laid, the joints are practically invisible, which makes it possible to create a solid mirror surface in any shape.
• Faceted mirror tiles are characterized with a small bevel and are widely popular for the easy installation. In addition, faceted tile provides a possibility of creating a complex surface which reveals the full potential of the interior. These decorative tiles look expensive and elegant and the light refracted on the edges creates a lot of glare which gives them a luxurious flair.

• Tinted tiles with a metal effect, such as gold, silver, copper, chrome or polished bronze imitate a metal surface. Sometimes the surface may have a slight patina or other “traces of time” which makes them incredibly beautiful. Tinted mirror tile can have any shade – from smoky gray or beige to rich pink or black.
• Ornamented mirror tiles have a pattern obtained by sandblasting or using a laser. These patterns can be chosen to add individuality and character to your interior design.
• Mirror tiles with textured surface also vary and can have unusual relief, three-dimensional images or drawings which will enhance the style of your home and surely become a focal point.

Installation of decorative mirror tiles will depend on the material but in most cases a special glue is applied. DIY lovers can find options with self-adhesive layer.

Tips and tricks for using decorative mirror tiles in interior design

When using decorative mirror tiles in interior design one should follow some rules so that the result looks stylish and harmonious. When used improperly, the overall look may appear tasteless and kitschy.

It is better to focus the composition on one of the walls or the ceiling, a column or wall. The reflecting elements can occupy the entire area or individual sections.

Mirror tile on the wall can help you visually expand the space and creating an optical illusion that the room is much bigger, which is especially important for small or too narrow rooms. In addition, you can correct the proportions of the room and make it taller and wider. Usually this effect is created by laying the tiles diagonally or using diamond shaped tiles.

With the help of mirror tiles on the ceiling, you can make the room higher. However, it is better to restrict yourself to the perimeter or the center of the ceiling, adding contour lighting. The goal is to avoid the effect of “inverted space” when entering the room. It is not advisable to install mirror tiles on the ceiling in large rooms as this may create an effect of emptiness and coldness.

When installed opposite a window the reflective surface will let in more light. In poorly lit rooms lamps in front of a mirror wall will double the amount of light.

Do not install such tiles on opposite walls otherwise you will have an optical effect of “endless corridors”.

When planning a mirror tile wall you should take into account that the number of reflected objects should be minimal. If there are many items reflected, instead of visually expanding the space and making it look lighter, you will create a visual clutter.

Before installing the tiles, lay the entire mirror tiles on a flat horizontal surface to how they will look. Keep in mind that like all tiles, these also have tolerances in the dimensions so you may need to move them and select a place for each tile so that they fit tightly to each other.

Carefully consider where, how and in what quantity the reflecting surface will be located and do it with taste and measure. One of the most common mistakes when using mirror tiles is overdoing. It is best if you combine them with other materials like wood, ceramics, cork, metal, stone. For example, you can have a spectacular wall decoration on part of the wall with honeycomb tiles or decorate a part of the wall with a chessboard pattern.

You should not place mirror tiles under direct sunlight. High temperature and heating will affect their appearance and with time the reflective surface may fade.

Care and maintenance of mirror tile surfaces is simple. Wipe them with a cloth moistened with vinegar or glass cleaners periodically, about twice a month.

In what room can you use decorative mirror tiles?

Due to the high reflective ability this type of finish visually enlarges the space of the room, making it lighter. Experts recommend using this tile in small rooms, where there is little natural light and in rooms with low ceilings. Decorative mirror tiles are used in both commercial and living areas. You can see beautiful decors and original original designs in nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, shops, fitness clubs, offices, shopping centers, etc. In residential areas they can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, entry halls, living rooms and bedrooms and are installed on ceilings, walls, columns, niches and doors.

One of the main advantages of mirror tiles is their practicality and durability. If you have a large mirror and you break it, it becomes unusable and you have to throw it away. Tiles can be replaced without damaging the composition. Another advantage is that tiles are versatile. You can play with shapes and use square or triangular shapes to add visual interest to your interior.

Mirror tile in the living room interior will help you correctly zone the space and become an ideal part of the décor. Installing reflective tile on the ceiling or separate sections with tile inserts will add height and volume. Facing one of the walls will emphasize the sophistication of the room, expand the space and add depth. Such a wall is the perfect way to double the visual appeal of beautiful vases with flowers, original pieces of furniture, indoor plants, sparkle of candles, the light of lamps, wall sconces, etc. Mirror elements can be located inside the bookshelves or built-ins as well.

Mirror tiles in bedroom design should be arranged in such a way so that they do not reflect the bed. It is best to use them to decorate the wall behind the headboard and avoid installing them on the ceiling or the wall opposite the bed. Other suitable places are areas near the window, the door, as well as the wall niches, the area next to the wardrobe, and the vanity table. Depending on the design style, you can choose either smooth, faceted, tinted or ornamented tiles. It is best if you place a large mirror on the spot where you plan to install the decorative reflective tiles. In this way you will be certain that this type of decor is suitable for your bedroom and does not make you feel uncomfortable.

Mirror tiles in kitchen interior look stunning. They look exceptionally well when installed next to the surfaces of dark saturated colors. As we already mentioned, these tiles are perfectly combined with other surfaces like ceramics, natural and artificial stone, glass, metal, etc. You can use reflective tiles as a backsplash or to cover the back of shelves and glass door cabinets. In open plan areas you can add a great decorative element to the dining area. An interesting effect is created if you make two or three vertical stripes or large rectangles of mirror tile on one of the dining room walls imitating windows.

Decorative mirror tile in the bathroom is the best way to give a modern and elegant look to the interior. In many homes bathrooms are small and reflective surfaces are a must. A mirror in this room is a necessity, anyway, and with the help of tiles you can add an interesting detail. Lay out reflective surface tile on one of the walls, above the bath or wash basin, as an accent in the shower area and use ceramic tiles on the rest of the walls. There are numerous ways to create intriguing patterns. You can place separate tiles randomly on the wall. You could lay square tile of large or medium size diagonally across the surface of the wall. Vertical mirror stripes from floor to ceiling and stripes with different heights are also an original option.

Corridor, hallway and walk-through areas decorating ideas with mirror tiles can transform the home entrance completely. These are, probably, the best areas to use them as they are usually poorly lit. Reflective surfaces with proper illumination will add coziness and make the space more comfortable. In the hallway, mirror tiles can be combined with decorative plaster, wood, stone, porcelain, etc. Mirror mosaic tile or diamond shaped tiles with a facet will be very interesting in the corridor. Those who prefer interiors following the rules of Feng Shui must note that you should not have a reflective surface opposite the entrance as this affects energy flows. It is better to place the mirror tile décor on the wall to the left or right of the entrance. This technique will visually expand a narrow corridor and can be used to replace a standard mirror. Keep in mind that when the hallway or corridor are long and narrow, you should not place reflective tile on the distant wall ad this will make them look even longer and narrower which is quite uncomfortable.

Mirror floors are rarely used in interior designs. If you insist on having a mirror tile floor, then you need to know that it is very important to check the reflections. Make sure that whatever is reflected does not spoil the overall impression and style of the design. Avoid using other reflective materials when you have a reflective floor surface. Do not confuse mirror tile flooring with wood flooring topped with reflective varnish!

Look at the photos in the gallery and see how to use decorative mirror tiles in many creative and different ways!