Who says that furniture can't be art? Mosaics in interiors are the perfect example of this. Associated with the timeless beauty of architecture from the Roman Empire, these stunning patterns and pictures made of tiles have come to inhabit tables, floors, and walls. The most stylish people have always admired the look, evidenced by the presence of a tiled table in David Bowie's home.
An archival portrait from 1966 shows the English singer-songwriter posed in his London living room over a showpiece of a coffee table. It features square and oblong tiles arranged in various shapes for an unforgettable effect. Contrary to what you might expect given Bowie's later bold and theatrical stage style, the rest of the room is simple to accommodate the central statement furnishing.
Mosaic furnishings were a design staple in the mid-century period, but they didn't stay there. Though the photograph was taken almost 60 years ago, Bowie's mosaic table finds itself among the outdated '60s trends making a comeback in the coming year.
Better yet, the mosaic style is easy to replicate in any home. For a fun DIY, you could even create your own mosaic coasters using this kit from Amazon - it's a great low-cost option for those who want to test out the look without committing to a full coffee table.
Recreate David Bowie's Look With The Mosaic Edit
I love the idea of using these plate covers throughout the home for a subtly striking detail. The black, gold, and white design is completely timeless.
Orange is one of my top colors for the year, and this cool tiled side table is the perfect way to bring it into your living room. It taps into the mosaic trend in a subtle way so it will fit into any space.
I adore this blue and yellow mosaic print, whose colors remind me of Van Gogh's Starry Night. It would be a great way to add the charm of these beautiful tiles to your walls.
Johanna Constantinou, Tile Expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors, explains: 'Mosaics were a beloved art form in Roman homes, often depicting scenes of gods, nature, and everyday life, symbolising wealth and cultural sophistication. To introduce this ancient elegance into your home, consider using mosaic tiles in areas like hallways, bathrooms, or kitchen backsplashes. These tiles can add intricate patterns and vibrant colours that echo Roman designs.'
As seen in Bowie's home, mosaic tiles look best when paired with more pared-back surroundings. Johanna advises:
'Mosaic designs work beautifully with neutral-coloured walls and minimalist furniture. For example, a mosaic backsplash in a kitchen with white or light grey walls and simple wooden stools can make the mosaic the centrepiece of the space. This allows the rich detail of the mosaic to stand out, creating a striking focal point in the room.'
Just like David Bowie, mosaic tiles are a timeless staple of everlasting style. We look forward to see how our favorite designers will be using them in 2026.
