The history of glass tiles, information and advice.

Sept. 6, 2011 - PRLog -- Glass tiles are now widely used and are a very versatile tile that can be used in many applications in bathrooms and kitchens. Glass tiles are commonly used for wall tiles, backsplash tiles and floor tiles, glass tiles installed on floors have to be a certain type of glass tile to work well as glass tiles and home owners need to select the correct glass floor tile. All good tile stores will be able to advise on the correct glass tile for floor areas. Home owners often mistakenly presume that glass tiles are fragile and they may well be during the installation process but once they are installed, they are good strong durable tiles that will add both vibrancy and design.

The history of glass tiles dates back to the 15th century when the trend for mosaic tiles began to gain in popularity. Glass mosaic tiles were then used in many important buildings including churches and cathedrals and were predominately used in window areas where the light streaming through the window would expose the colours in the glass tiles beautifully.
Some of the first glass tiles to be made and used were coloured and of the smalti variety, vibrant colours were used with reds and gold’s being the most prominent. Glass mosaic tiles were used to create elaborate designs often of religious figures.

The Victorian period saw the popularity of glass tiles emerge once again and the manufacturing of glass tiles was even better meaning there was more scope for manufacturing and developing glass tiles.  Over the years glass tiles have come in and out of fashion although glass mosaic tiles have always maintained a steady popularity.
Over the last 10 years or so Glass tiles have continued to gain in popularity mainly because of better designs and styles and because glass tiles can now be manufactured at a lower cost meaning they are more appealing to the home owner. Developments in styles and designs as well as the quality of glass tiles also mean they can be installed in more areas.
Glass tiles have a very low absorbency rate which ensures they do not absorb water easily which makes them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. They work excellently in shower areas, around baths and bathroom backsplash areas. Glass tiles have a unique ability to reflect the light making small rooms appear larger by reflection of light.

Handmade glass tiles are also available but may work out a little more expensive than the factory manufactured glass tiles. The handmade varieties will however provide more in the way of style and design for the home owner, giving them the opportunity to have unique individual designs of their own.

Glass tiles are also great and ideal for swimming pool areas and will not be damaged by the chemicals in the water. They will maintain their appearance well and work beautifully with the combination of water and light reflection.

Home owners should take the time to consider glass tiles, although not the cheapest option, they can be used in small areas in the home to reduce costs.

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Tile choice supply a wide variety of tile choice for the walls and floors, we also supply underfloor heating systems. http://www.tilechoice.co.uk