Linear Mosaic Tiles

Linear mosaic tiles suit kitchen splashbacks, bathroom feature walls, and shower recesses where you want texture without the fuss of laying individual pieces. The strip shape draws the eye along a wall, so they work well for visually widening a narrow space.

Most linear mosaics are designed for walls, so check the product specification before laying them underfoot. Glass and thin ceramic strips can crack under foot traffic, whereas porcelain and natural stone versions rated for floors will state a suitable PEI or slip rating. If in doubt, keep them on walls and pair with a hardwearing floor tile.

Score and cut the mesh backing between tile strips using a sharp utility knife. Because linear mosaics run in one direction, you can separate rows cleanly to turn corners or step around sockets without disrupting the pattern. For individual strips that need shortening lengthways, a wet tile saw gives the cleanest result; tile nippers work well for small adjustments on glass or stone. When planning your layout, dry-fit the sheets first so that full, uncut strips fall along the most prominent sightlines with any cut pieces tucked to the outer edges or hidden behind fittings.

A grout that matches the tile keeps the look seamless and lets the linear pattern read as one surface, while a contrasting grout emphasises each strip and adds definition. Darker grout hides staining better in busy kitchens; lighter grout keeps a bathroom feeling open. For splashbacks and showers, pick a grout with mould resistance or add a sealer.

It depends on the material. Glass and glazed ceramic linear mosaics don't need sealing, though the grout still benefits from a protective sealer in wet areas. Natural stone and unglazed finishes are porous and should be sealed before grouting and again afterwards to guard against staining and water damage.

Measure the height and width of your area in metres and multiply for the square metre total, then add 10% for cuts and wastage. Each product listing shows the coverage per sheet, so divide your total area by that figure to get the sheet count. Ordering a little extra from the same batch means you have spares for future repairs. Each product has a handy tile calculator to help you order the correct amount of tiles.

Orders placed before midday will typically be delivered the next working day.

No, everyday cleaning is straightforward with a damp cloth and mild detergent. The main upkeep is the grout lines, which are more numerous on mosaics than on large-format tiles, so a soft brush helps lift grime from the joints. Avoid harsh abrasives on glass and sealed stone, as they can dull the surface over time.