Mosaic Tiles vs. Subway Tiles: Which Is Better For Your Bathroom?

Have you noticed that your bathroom backsplash – or lack thereof – is looking like it needs a refresh? At some point, tiles no longer serve their purpose, becoming outdated or in need of replacement; either way, this is an exciting time to let your imagination run wild. It’s a time to reimagine the design and ambiance of your bathroom.

And it starts with deciding the tile backsplash shape.

Read on to find out all about tile bathroom backsplash options to help you decide between mosaic and subway tiles. 

Bathroom Backsplashes 101

Bathroom backsplashes serve a dual purpose: protecting your walls from moisture and enhancing your bathroom’s design style. So choosing the right tile shape is just one way to complement your design style. For instance, if you want your bathroom to teleport you to the tropics so you can escape the snowy Canadian winters, your design may lean toward mosaics. In contrast, if you prefer a tranquil oasis, neutral subway tiles are an excellent choice.

Mosaics

• What is it: In a nutshell, mosaics are small pieces of tile material that are woven together to form a pattern. 
• Ambiance: Mosaics are known for creating visual interest, but complex designs can also make your bathroom feel luxurious. Lighter mosaic designs reflect light, making your space feel larger, while darker mosaics add depth and create a moody atmosphere.
• Mosaic types: Mosaic tiles come in all tile materials, from glass, natural stone, ceramic, or porcelain. Natural stone, like marble mosaics, fuses creativity with elegance, while glass is glamorous and brightens the space. For a muted mosaic, use neutral colours; for a colourful mosaic, it’s a great way to add personality and pizazz to your bathroom backsplash.
• Benefits: Mosaic has many incredible benefits, such as:
  • Water resistance: Mosaic, like all tile materials, is moisture-resistant.
  • Durable: A key feature of mosaic is its long-lasting nature.
  • Easy to clean: Mosaic only requires regular wiping down of the tiles and grout to prevent stains and mould.
  • Versatile: What homeowners appreciate most about mosaic is its versatility, as it comes in a variety of colours, shapes, and designs that appeal to any design preference.
  • Adds value to your home: Lastly, installing a mosaic backsplash increases your home’s resale value.

Subway Tiles

• What is it: Subway tile is a rectangular tile with everlasting appeal among homeowners. It is also a common tile choice for floors and backsplashes because of its versatility. 
• Ambiance: Subway tiles are often associated with making your bathroom feel more welcoming and warm. Lighter shades of subway tile also open up the space, while varying shades or designs elevate your bathroom’s look.
• Subway tile types: Subway tiles are available in a variety of materials, including natural stone, ceramic, porcelain, and glass. What makes subway tiles so popular is that you can have your tile installer lay them vertically or horizontally for a traditional look, or get creative and arrange them into a pattern, like herringbone or chevron. Or if you want to stick with a traditional vertical or horizontal application, you can add interest by peppering in coloured tiles. Lastly, you can also mix and match materials or alter subway tile sizes for visual interest.
• Benefits: What’s not to love about subway tile? Here are some of the reasons subway tile is an excellent choice for your backsplash:
• Durable: Just like mosaic, it’s durable and long-lasting.
• Water-resistant: What makes tile a popular choice for bathroom backsplashes is its resistance to water.
• Easy to clean: Subway tiles have less grout than mosaic tiles, making them even easier to clean. They also require regular wiping down to prevent mould and stains.
• Versatile: Subway tiles come in many colours and sizes and can be laid by tile installers in designs to create visual interest, making them a great option for any homeowner, no matter their style.
• Affordable: Another perk to subway tile, namely ceramic or porcelain, is that it’s an affordable choice.

Should You Choose Subway Tiles or Mosaic Tiles For Your Backsplash?

There’s no easy way to answer which tile is best for your bathroom backsplash, as it’s a personal choice; however, we have a few suggestions to help you decide.

• Design preference: Ultimately, subway tiles are contemporary, clean, and a safe choice, while mosaic tiles have more personality and are artistic, so they pair well with homeowners who enjoy modern styles.
• Maintenance: The main difference between these tiles is that subway tiles have fewer grout lines, thus are easier to clean and maintain than mosaic tiles.
• Affordability: Lastly, subway tiles are more affordable to buy and install. Thus, if you have a tight budget, consider subway tiles.

Mosaic Or Subway Tiles: Which Will You Choose?

Picking the best tile for your bathroom backsplash is a personal choice. However, there are a few things you can consider to help you decide which is best: if there are budgetary constraints, subway tiles are better; or if you want to create visual interest, mosaic tiles always invoke wonder.

If you’re still not sure which tile is best for your bathroom, give us, the Brothers Flooring, a free consultation! We would be happy to help answer your questions on tiles, from which is best for your bathroom backsplash to what it’s like working with a tile installer. No matter your concern, we are here to help give your project of sense of direction.