This round table and chair set features a mandala pattern created with Glass Petals, Glass Diamonds, Mini Glass Gems, also called Optic Drops, Glass Stix and Millefiori.
Give Your Table New Life with Mosaic
Want to give a worn table a new lease of life or transform a simple tabletop into a unique feature? With the right base, mosaic materials, adhesive and grout, you can create a mosaic table that reflects your own style. Follow the steps below from planning the design to the finished grouted surface.
1. Choose a Sturdy Table
Mosaic can hide signs of wear and transform an old table into an eye-catching feature. Choose a stable table with a flat, solid surface, and remember that mosaic materials and grout add extra weight.
For outdoor use, a sturdy metal table is often a good base. Wooden tables are generally better suited to indoor use or a sheltered area because wood can move as humidity and temperature change, placing stress on the mosaic surface.
2. Prepare the Surface
The surface should be clean, dry and free from grease, dust and loose material before you begin gluing.
On painted or varnished wood, lightly sanding the surface can improve adhesion. Remove all sanding dust afterwards. Metal surfaces should also be clean and dry before the mosaic is attached.
3. Plan the Pattern and Choose Your Mosaic Tiles
Sketch your pattern before you begin. You can also arrange some of the mosaic pieces loosely on the tabletop first to check the colours, shapes and proportions.
Combining mosaic pieces of different thicknesses can create a lively, dimensional surface. If you want the tabletop to be as even as possible, choose materials with a similar thickness and avoid strongly convex pieces in areas where glasses, cups or other objects need to stand securely.
Recommended materials can be found in the Mosaic Table Materials category. Product pages include information about approximate coverage, and you can also use the Mosaic Calculator to estimate how much mosaic material you may need.
It is a good idea to order enough material for the whole project at the same time, as colour shades can vary slightly between production batches.
4. Attach the Mosaic
Draw guide lines on the tabletop if they help you follow your design. Work on small areas at a time and press the mosaic pieces securely into the adhesive.
For wooden tables used indoors, a suitable mosaic or craft adhesive can work well. For tables intended for outdoor use, the base and adhesive must be suitable for the intended application and changing weather conditions.
Olba Mosaic Adhesive and 3D-Kit Silicone Adhesive are practical choices for many mosaic projects. Browse the full selection under Mosaic Adhesives.
5. Grout the Mosaic
Once the adhesive has dried and cured according to the product instructions, the mosaic can be grouted.
- Wear suitable respiratory protection when handling dry grout powder and protective gloves while grouting.
- Mix the grout according to the instructions on the packaging.
- Spread the grout carefully between the mosaic pieces with a grout float or rubber spatula.
- Work from several directions to make sure the joints are completely filled.
- Allow the grout to set according to the product instructions, then clean the surface with a damp grout sponge or cloth.
- Finish by polishing the surface with a dry, lint-free cloth once it has dried sufficiently.
A dark grout, such as black or dark grey, can be a practical choice for a tabletop because dirt and signs of use are often less noticeable.
Do not pour leftover grout down the drain. Allow unused grout to dry and dispose of it according to local waste disposal instructions.
With these steps, you can create a distinctive mosaic table using colours and materials that suit your style. Find more recommended products in the Mosaic Table Materials category.
Mosaic Table Inspiration
This round side table is covered with Mini Classic 10 mm glass mosaic tiles. Some pieces have been cut smaller with mosaic nippers to fit the pattern.
This colourful tabletop combines 10 mm ceramic mosaic tiles and 10 × 10 cm ceramic tiles. The edge is finished with Pâte de Verre 25 mm.
The blue table is made with glazed ceramic tiles and broken ceramic pieces. The black-and-white set combines 20 × 20 mm glass mosaic tiles with cut glazed tiles. The grey and orange table features an antique-inspired pattern made with Ice Glass 15 mm Opaque.
Mosaic Tables Outdoors and Winter Storage
A mosaic table can be used outdoors when the table base, mosaic materials, adhesive or other fixing material, and grout are suitable for exterior use and the intended application.
We recommend moving the mosaic table to a dry, sheltered place before freezing weather if the construction or materials are not designed for winter storage outdoors. A storage room, garage or other covered and dry area helps reduce exposure to moisture, frost and large temperature changes.
Wooden tables require particular protection from moisture because wood can swell, shrink or warp, which may place stress on the bonded and grouted mosaic surface.
Watch the Video and Get Inspired
See how different mosaic materials are combined to create a colourful and decorative furniture set. Find inspiration for your own mosaic table, patterns, colour combinations and ways to arrange different materials together.
