Designing a mosaic coffee table is challenging because of the large surface on the top of the table. It is easiest if you to start with a focal point or main theme. Patterns and styles are nearly limitless, and color choices can range from a single color or variations of one color to a wide assortment of hues. Mosaic coffee table designs can be organized and traditional, abstract and random or a combination of the two.
The first step to designing a mosaic coffee table is to determine your color scheme. Color can be brought into a mosaic coffee table through different-colored tiles, glass and grout. While using white grout to fill in between the tile pieces is common, choosing to use black or colored grout can bring an extra element of color to a coffee table. Monotone designs can feature one shade of a single color, or multiple shades of the same color, such as light and dark blue. At the other end of the spectrum, a hodgepodge of assorted colors can be used in a mosaic design.
The next step is to determine the desired design or pattern for the mosaic coffee table. Mosaic tiles can be cut and positioned to make a variety of shapes, such as flowers, monograms and birds. If you prefer more of an abstract design, you can arrange the tiles in a visually-pleasing design without structured shapes. Repetition can add interest to mosaic artwork, and it is often possible to duplicate a design or shape several times on a large table top.
To create a more symmetrical design, it is best to position a group of tiles to serve as a focal point in the center of the table. The next step is to develop a design for the table's corners. Repeating fan- or triangle-shaped patterns in each of the corners can add a sense of repetition to the design. If desired, a design can be used around the entire inside edge of the table, such as a single or double row of small square or triangle tiles.
Once the center, corner and edge patterns are complete, the remaining open spaces can be filled in with assorted tiles. You can choose an organized design featuring similarly-sized tiles carefully spaced and placed. In contrast, you can also choose more of a free-form design with randomly cut, sized and placed tiles.
Some types of tables can have mosaics applied to more than just their tops. Flat surfaces, such as the flat edges on the side of the table top and the flat edges of legs, can also be decorated. Designs and patterns used on the table top can be repeated on these parts, or a new design can be used.