While stained glass has been around for over 1000, mosaics have existed even longer. Much longer. The first known mosaics date to the 3rd millennium BCE in Ancient Mesopotamia. They have been found in Ancient Greece and Rome as well as in early and medieval Christian churches around the Mediterranean. Not only that, but they have been used in early mosques in the Middle East during the early days of Islam as well as in medieval synagogues. And they have decked floors, walls, and ceilings. While stained glass only uses colored glass to create pictures, mosaics can use anything from stone, glass, ceramic, or other materials. But these are usually carved into very small pieces and different colors known as tesserae (a term you might’ve heard regarding welfare supplements in the Hunger Games which families receive in exchange for their kids entering their name into the Reaping multiple times). And while the default use of mosaics was mostly floor decoration, they can also be used on walls and ceilings. Hell, they can even be on 3-dimensional objects, too. But I’m sure this isn’t a craft for patient minds or hands. Yet, it’s not uncommon for people to do mosaics with photographs as well. However, in this post photo mosaics aren’t really the focus here. So for your reading pleasure, I give you a look into the world of mosaic art.
- We’ll start with a bouquet of roses.

Well, a ceramic image of roses to be exact. Seems like all these pieces are cut in just the right way.
2. Looks like someone is surrounded by butterflies.

However, I wonder how her hair is up like that. Or whether the butterflies are getting in her hair.
3. Guess this garden shovel isn’t for digging.

Sure it’s only for a decorative purpose. But it surely looks grand even if you can’t use it.
4. Whoever said that mosaics were only for floors, walls, and ceilings?

Guess mosaic art can be successfully applied to lawn fixtures. However, I’m sure the mosaic bird baths won’t retain their colorful splendor for long.
5. This mosaic bluebird only sends love.

I think there’s an artist who does mosaics like this. But at any rate, the bird is pretty.
6. A white shelf can contain a pink floral pattern on its walls.

Wonder how long it took to get this mosaic done. Still, goes well with the shelf.
7. By applying shiny tiles on old bottles, who knows how they’ll turn out.

These look like bottles you’d see in some bazaar in Aladdin. Didn’t know you could make bottles look this good before.
8. Broken china plates can always be reused to decorate a chair.

However, this doesn’t mean I’d want to sit on it. Because I’d be afraid of messing something like that up.
9. A floral table always goes well in any living room.

Doesn’t hurt if such mosaic uses bright colors either. However, you might want to place coasters on it before you set your drink.
10. If you don’t like stringing beads, make a picture from them.

This sure looks pretty. Love the bright colors. Not sure what it’s supposed to look like.
11. Never seen a tree against a sky of glass.

Well, it’s actually a tiled tree against a mirror background. But it seems to go well with the style.
12. Looks like some of these flowers are larger than others.

This one uses some of those glass stones and flower pieces. All in all, makes a great tile display.
13. Nothing makes your patio great like a floral tiled table.

Not sure if I’d want a mosaic table exposed outdoors. But I really love the colors on this one, especially the purple.
14. Out of the stonework, purple flowers bloom.

Yes, the flowers might seem like they’re real or pressed. But they’re not. They’re made from ceramic tile.
15. Even sacred art can be depicted in tiny stone pieces.

This one is of the Madonna and Child. However, while there are a lot of early Christian mosaics, a lot of them also have pieces missing.
16. Nothing’s more amazing than seeing a bright red flower on the floor.

Sure it’s not the whole artwork. But that red flower surely looks brilliant in glass tile.
17. Sometimes there’s nothing more quaint than a lovely town sunset.

This almost resembles a painting with the artistic detail. But it’s only a painting of tile. And a very good painting at that.
18. How about a purple pansy on your patio table?

Well, here’s a large pansy of mosaic tile. All in its spring glory, in fact. Love it.
19. With tile, you can decorate almost anything with no limits.

This one has a mosaic, wall and stairs. You might notice how they use shells, in this as well. Stunning.
20. You’ve seen flowers through a window. How about flowers in a window?

This one uses glass pieces inside an old window frame. And I’m sure you’ll be in awe of these glass flowers.
21. You’ve heard of a heart of glass. How about a heart of ceramic?

It’s all made in a bunch of tiny pieces, too. Also has a golden touch to it.
22. While all hearts beat alike, they don’t always look the same.

You can say the same about these hearts in this window. Each one is made up of different pieces.
23. How about a view of inside looking out.

This one seems to depict someone inside looking out into a seaside town. You can almost think it’s a painting.
24. Sometimes mosaic work can make wonderful door decor.

Both sides seem to have different themes to it. Yet both seem to be so artistically well done.
25. Sometimes an owl may appear more fearsome close up.

Yes, this is an owl mosaic close up. Yet, those bright yellow eyes seem so intimidating.
26. This mosaic frame gives a real homey touch.

Yes, mosaic picture frames do exist. However, I especially like the little cups on this one. So clever.
27. The mirror reflects only on a small pool where the water’s supposed to be.

Mirror frames can also have mosaics on them. Hut this one has only a small one.
28. Perhaps you’ve never seen anything as magnificent as a mosaic tiger.

Well, I’ve never seen such an ornate tiger like that before. And in multiple colored stripes, too.
29. Here we come across a green haired girl with a golden streak.

Well, she has her hair multiple colors. But mainly green. The gold strand stands out though.
30. How about some poppies among a scene of black?

Of course, you don’t want to come across a cultivated poppy field in Afghanistan. Because you should know what those poppies are for.
31. Have you ever came across a funky colored chair like this?

Yes, it’s another mosaic chair. But this is in a very different style than the last one. And it has a few hearts to it.
32. A circle surface should take a circular design.

Of course, a lot of mosaics use geometric designs like the stained glass windows. But I like this one especially due to the purple center.
33. It’s not every day you come across a blue tiled shell.

This one is covered in ceramic tiles and beads. At any rate, it must be either a large shell or one that has very small pieces.
34. This bottle seems rather reflective.

Mostly because it’s covered in mirrors. But I wouldn’t mind having that in my house.
35. Never seen a peacock column like that before.

I really like this one since the mosaic has so many tiles with very bright colors. Also how it reflects off the light.
36. Sometimes it helps that you go with a table that matches the carpet.

And this one seems to go with the decor quite nicely. Kind of seems more like an antique than it actually is. But has a certain something to it.
37. Nothing seems more breathtaking to some than an ocean sunset.

As with stained glass, you see a lot of ocean mosaics on Pinterest. This one is one of the better ones.
38. This bottle surely has a rather festive disposition.

Well, this one surely has a lot of loud colors to it. But the shapes sure seem stunning.
39. These blue parrots surely know what love means.

Of course, parrots might mate for life. Yet, you have to like the brilliant blue shades on this, too.
40. Remember to keep your ceramic birds all in rows.

These are very lovely. Like how they’re all the same size. But each of them has a different color to them.
41. On this bottle, a shadow shows a ray of sunshine.

Now this bottle mosaic has to be made from stained glass. Yet, uses a sunset color scheme.
42. These blue flowers sure look pretty encased in stone.

Well, these certainly look stunning. The blue flowers almost look either real or painted on.
43. Nothing looks lovely in stone like a bare tree in the night.

Or during a sunset, anyway. Like how the tree is encased in the clay lines among the tiles.
44. Well, this mosaic seems familiar to me for some reason.

Had a poster that looked just like this in college. However, it wasn’t in the best shape when I tried taking it down from my dorm room though.
45. The sun shines brightly in this window.

Well, this sun was made with a window frame, anyway. Still, not sure about the background.
46. The fox and the bird seem to get along well.

Never mind that the fox would probably eat the bird in real life. Yeah, interspecies relationships seem quite rosy.
47. Now this gives a whole new meaning to the word, “flower pot.”

After all, it’s a pot decorated with flowers. Hopefully someone plants flowers in it.
48. Here is a mother owl keeping her owlet under her wings.

You get the impression that there are a lot of mosaics depicting birds. And this one won’t be the last. But it’s cute.
49. Looks like this bird is on a lonely perch.

This bird almost looks like one you’d see from your window. But it’s in ceramic tile.
50. Guess these boots were made for planting.

Yet, they also have lovely mosaic decoration on them. Also like the flowers in them. Yes, these are boot planters.
51. There are a few things as magical as a white tiger in tile.

At least this one doesn’t have pink stripes like the one in stained glass. Almost looks like a photograph.
52. In this pane, it’s a flower per window.

Well, not quite. But you have to admire how pretty these flowers are as well as the craftsmanship.
53. This art nouveau mosaic is surely a beauty.

Not sure if it’s from the 19th century or made to look like it. At any rate, it’s stunning.
54. This blue green cross has a lot of metal on the surface.

Yes, this a cross mosaic. And yes, it says, “Believe” on it. But it’s still quite lovely.
55. Even when you look closer, it’s hard to tell what’s going on in this window.

Yeah, it’s kind of hard for me to tell what’s going on in here. Then again, it might be an abstract piece.
56. For some, there’s nothing like seeing an orca jumping out of the ocean.

And in the setting sun, no doubt. Yes, that’s simply a mosaic that’s wondrous to look at.
57. Not sure if this planter outshines its plant.

Sure you might find a lot of mosaic outdoor decor for some reason. Maybe because people prefer a tiled patio look. I’m just guessing here.
58. You’d almost think these flowers came from your garden.

Well, some of them seem to come from the gardens in my house. Save for maybe the blue ones.
59. Not sure what to say about a heart on a rock.

Well, I tend to find a lot of these on Pinterest. However, this one seems to stand out since the rock appears quite large. Like door stop large.
60. There’s nothing like a heron in the deep blue—uh, lake.

Well, there are probably some herons that live near saltwater. But the herons in my area are usually freshwater birds.
61. These bright flowers show brilliantly in white.

Well, they may have the same daisy shape. But each is in a different color. Like the blue one.
62. This barn owl surely looks majestic in the night.

This almost looks like the real thing from a far angle. Nevertheless, I think it’s a hoot.
63. Who knows how many flowers are on this circle.

I guess this might be for a table. But at any rate, the flowers surely look stunning.
64. A tiled rose can almost seem so fantastic to be real.

This rose surely looks fairly 3-dimensional. However, in art, it’s hard to tell whether something is at a certain point.
65. A mosaic like this must’ve been inspired by old Paris.

And it almost seems like you’re seeing a photo of the city itself. Well, at least the Eiffel Tower.
66. Guess she’s what is known as a real flower girl.

Yes, this is a mosaic on a nude statue. But in the world of art, nudity isn’t bound to offend anyone.
67. Looks like this cat has been up to no good.

Well, it seems to have a frightened expression. Yet, it seems quite lifelike.
68. Now that’s a very colorful butterfly.

This one has quite a few designs on its wings. Not to mention, it’s meant to be put on display in a lawn.
69. This mosaic seems rather fishy.

Well, it depicts 3 fishes on it. So saying it’s fishy shouldn’t be very far fetched.
70. Never seen a blue tree before save in Dr. Seuss.

Almost seems like an embroidery sampler. However, it’s probably made from glass and tile as I can see.
71. Now this is the kind of sculpture that reflects in the sunlight.

Not sure what this is supposed to be. But I like it. I especially like the fact it’s purple.
72. In some ways, this mirror needs a rainbow frame.

Well, it’s not exactly rainbow but close. However, I think it’s more suited for a bedroom than a bathroom. Just a thought.
73. Bet you’ve never seen a lawn flamingo like this.

Yes, this is the a mosaic version of the tacky lawn decoration we know and love. Bet this was made in Florida.
74. Guess this birdbath has an ocean theme.

Well, as far as I’m concerned. Still, despite what you see in the garden store, birdbaths are disgusting.
75. Each of these turtles has a unique shell.

Yes, these are lawn turtles with mosaic shells. And yes, each is a unique work of art in its own way.
76. This peacock surely has a lovely feather train.

I guess peacocks are popular to depict in mosaics as well. Nevertheless, looks like a fine bird.
77. This blue elephant has a very ornate face.

Well, it’s in an Indian art style. But let’s say that despite their depictions as gentle giants, elephants aren’t animals you should mess with.
78. Guess this seems like a stroll in an quaint little village.

I think this might be copied from a painting. But I’m not sure. Yet, it looks kind of familiar.
79. Well, that’s a highly decorated armchair.

However, I don’t think it’s comfortable to sit in. But I’ll put it in my mosaics post since it’s rather unique.
80. This mosaic really gives a great view of the ocean.

There are a lot of beach scene mosaics on Pinterest. But I think this is probably the best one.
81. Of course, a mosaic mirror must have reflecting pieces.

Well, at least on the frame. Nevertheless, this is a very lovely design.
82. This stunning ceramic red fox appears to be from a painting.

And what a stunning red fox it is. I think I might’ve saw one while on my walks years ago. But not sure when.
83. Of course, you probably don’t have a bathroom counter as colorful as this one.

Then again, ceramic tiles tend to be in most bathrooms. Yet, this mosaic counter is probably not cheap in the least.
84. This mirror seems to reflect images all over the place.

Well, this is rather interesting. And it seems so finely made with very little color. Just mirror tiles.
85. This rainbow watering can pours like a charm.

Interesting how it always seems to be stuck like that. Then again, it’s a mosaic sculpture so it’s kind of intentional.
86. Well, that’s just a picture of a small old barn.

Well, a mosaic picture. However, it surely seems lifelike or from a painting. Not sure if that’s dead grass or wheat. Probably the latter.
87. A koi pond birdbath isn’t what you see every day.

Even more so if it contains rocks as an artistic touch. By the way, koi aren’t small fish at all.
88. I’m sure nobody can resist this rainbow flower.

Well, it’s a rainbow flower design. Each petal is a different color. Lovely.
89. This mosaic takes a view from the street.

Surely it’s a street scene mosaic. But it also seems like a painting to me, too. Wonder if it’s based off anything.
90. Ever wish you could have window flowers like these?

These are very lovely flowers. And you can have them all year round.
91. This bathroom seems to take an undersea ocean theme.

Now I know it’s not uncommon for bathrooms to have ocean themed decor. But this takes it to a new level, especially in mosaics.
92. The moon and the stars are on the stairs.

Like how the mosaic on here accentuates the moon and the colors. So stunning.
93. Those who’ve lived prior to 2001 should know what this mosaic depicts.

Yes, this is a mosaic of the NYC World Trade Center Towers in the sunset. Of course, a lot of us know what happened to them.
94. I’m afraid this design is no flash in the pan.

Because if it was, the tiles wouldn’t be sticking. And I’m sure it’s not something you’d want to cook with.
95. The sun shines bright in this ocean view.

And in a sunset scene, too. Like how the sun is reflecting on the water. So lovely.
96. Now that’s the most colorful kiln I’ve ever seen.

This one has a lot of swirly colors. Wonder what pottery and ceramics get baked there.
97. Of course, you might want to get a view underwater.

This one seems like you’re right in the coral reef. However, fish might want to be careful around those dolphins.
98. May this mosaic make you think of peace.

Well, This peace sign surely stands out. Like how it’s emanated like the sun.
99. This clock is finely tiled for any fireplace mantle.

Normally I wouldn’t say maroon and teal go together. But I think both colors give a distinctive feel on this clock.
100. Just saw a trail of butterflies in this window.

Sure it’s a stained glass mosaic. But I said the two tend to go together. Also, you have to admire the butterflies on this.