Glass was used in mosaics as early as 2500 BC, but didn’t become glass tiles until the third century BC because of the heat temperate required to melt the glass. Anyway, glass tile went through a long developing stage until today’s standard. You can visit the links below to discover more of the history and see wonderful photos that different empires developed and where they used the tiles. It is quite interesting. Metal oxides were added for color, poured into flat slabs and then broken into pieces. They were used in European churches and ornamental objects. Artist still use glass tiles on table tops, vases, pictures and other ornamental items today. If you visit thejoyofshards.co.uk they have some wonderful pictures of mosaics over the centuries.

     Well glass tile has raised its head in many a design idea again. One of the first was the subways in the 20th century. Hence the subway glass tile 2x1 in dimension. The 2x1 can be in any division of inches.  Glass tiles are still used in many commercial applications and artistic designs. It adds to the beauty of hotel lobbies, restaurants, office buildings and swimming pools.

     You can bring a touch of this beauty, style and uniqueness into your home and even do it yourself. It is now commonly used in kitchens, spas and bathrooms, fireplace area, deck area, swimming pools and any area where you want to put an expression of yourself (dining room wall). Our glass tiles are mounted on mesh netting for ease in alignment and installation. See our installation page for ideas.

Visit the following web sites for some history!!

http://www.thejoyofshards.co.uk/history/index.shtml

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_tiles

http://www.nycsubway.org/