Transform your space with black penny tiles—the timeless circular mosaic that combines vintage charm with modern elegance. Perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, backsplashes, and shower floors.
What Are Black Penny Tiles?
Black penny tiles (penny round tiles) are small circular mosaic tiles ranging from 19mm to 25mm in diameter. Their distinctive round shape resembles old pennies, creating intricate textured patterns with abundant grout lines for superior slip resistance and visual impact.
Why Choose Black Penny Tiles?
✅ Timeless Design – Works with traditional and contemporary styles
✅ Superior Slip Resistance – Multiple grout lines ideal for wet areas
✅ Versatile Applications – Floors, walls, showers, backsplashes
✅ Premium Materials – Glass, marble, mother of pearl, stainless steel
✅ Custom Patterns – Create unique designs with color mixing
Black Penny Tile Materials
Glass Black Penny Tiles
Water Glass Penny Tiles
Solid black color throughout with options for iridescent surface treatment that creates rainbow effects in light.
Key Benefits:
- 99% recycled glass (eco-friendly)
- UV and frost resistant (indoor/outdoor)
- Chemical and stain resistant
- Easy maintenance
- Glossy or matte finishes available
Best For: Pool tiles, bathroom walls, kitchen backsplashes, modern designs
Natural Marble Black Penny Tiles
Premium black marble varieties offer authentic stone luxury:
Black & White Veined Marble (Nero Marquina Style)
- Dramatic white veining on deep black
- Natural variation ensures uniqueness
- Perfect for statement floors
Mongolian Black Marble
- Pure, consistent black tones
- Minimal veining for sleek modern look
- Exceptional durability
Hainan Black Marble
- Deep rich black with subtle variation
- Superior polishing for glossy finish
- Ideal for upscale projects
Benefits:
- Authentic natural stone beauty
- Increases property value
- Heat resistant
- Can be refinished over time
- Timeless luxury
Black Mother of Pearl Penny Tiles
The ultimate luxury material—Tahitian black-lip pearl oyster shells (Pinctada margaritifera) create rare, iridescent mosaic tiles.
Features:
- Sourced from Tahiti and French Polynesia
- Natural dark coloration with peacock overtones
- Each tile displays unique patterns
- Luminous surface shifts in light
- No artificial coating needed
Perfect For: Spa bathrooms, accent walls, decorative inserts, luxury residential projects
Black Stainless Steel Penny Tiles
Modern metallic option offering industrial chic aesthetic.
Finish Options:
Mirror Polished Black Stainless Steel
- High-shine reflective surface
- Sleek contemporary look
- Light-enhancing properties
Brushed Black Stainless Steel
- Matte metallic finish
- Fingerprint resistant
- Subtle sophistication
3D Concave/Convex Black Stainless Steel
- Dimensional textured surface
- Creates dramatic shadow effects
- Unique tactile quality
- Adds depth and visual interest
Advantages:
- Corrosion resistant
- Extremely durable
- Heat resistant (ideal behind stoves)
- Easy to clean
- Modern industrial aesthetic
- Commercial-grade durability
Best For: Modern kitchens, commercial spaces, bar backsplashes, contemporary bathrooms
Black Penny Tile Sizes
Choose the right scale for your project:
| Size | Best Applications | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 19mm (3/4") | Small bathrooms, detailed patterns | Dense vintage feel, maximum grout |
| 20mm | Standard floors, showers, backsplashes | Traditional balanced look |
| 25mm (1") | Large spaces, commercial projects | Bold contemporary, easier install |
Sheet Mounting: Tiles come pre-mounted on 12"x12" mesh sheets (0.98-1.0 sq ft coverage) for easier installation.
Black Penny Tile Grout Color Guide
Grout color dramatically impacts your final design:
Black Grout with Black Tiles
Effect: Seamless, monochromatic appearance that minimizes grout lines
Benefits:
- Creates cohesive solid visual field
- Hides staining and discoloration
- Low maintenance visibility
- Modern, sleek aesthetic
- Tiles appear to blend together
Best For: Contemporary designs, minimalist bathrooms, spa-like spaces
Gray Grout with Black Tiles
Effect: Defines individual tiles with subtle contrast
Benefits:
- Balances visibility and maintenance
- Most practical choice for busy households
- Adds dimension without drama
- Forgiving for cleaning
- Classic, timeless look
Best For: Traditional bathrooms, kitchen floors, family homes
White Grout with Black Tiles
Effect: High contrast that dramatically emphasizes each penny round
Benefits:
- Bold graphic statement
- Showcases tile shape and pattern
- Vintage aesthetic appeal
- Creates visual texture
- Eye-catching design element
Considerations:
- Requires more frequent cleaning
- Shows staining more readily
- Needs quality sealing
- Higher maintenance
Best For: Statement floors, vintage-inspired designs, powder rooms, feature walls
Black Penny Tile Applications
Bathroom Floors
Superior slip resistance makes black penny tiles ideal for bathroom flooring. Multiple grout lines provide traction in wet conditions.
Shower Floors
The gold standard for showers—small tiles follow pan slopes perfectly while providing excellent drainage through abundant grout lines.
Kitchen Backsplashes
Heat resistant and easy to clean, black penny tiles create stunning contrast against white cabinetry and countertops.
Pool Surrounds
Glass and porcelain black penny tiles withstand UV exposure and chlorine while providing slip-resistant wet surfaces.
Feature Walls
Showcase luxury materials like mother of pearl or iridescent glass on accent walls without wear concerns.
Design Ideas & Patterns
Monochromatic Black
Solid black installation with varying finishes (matte + glossy) or materials (marble + glass) adds subtle depth.
Black & White Mix
Create custom patterns:
- Salt-and-pepper random mix
- Checkerboard geometric
- Concentric circles
- Gradient transitions
- Floral/geometric designs
Metallic Accents
Pair black penny tiles with:
- Brass fixtures (warm luxury)
- Chrome hardware (industrial chic)
- Brushed gold (glamorous spa)
- Black stainless steel (modern edge)
Installation Tips
Key Installation Steps
- Preparation: Ensure flat, clean substrate; use cement backer board
- Mortar Application: Use 3/16" square-notch trowel; work in small sections
- Tile Placement: Press mesh sheets firmly; stagger seams like bricks
- Alignment: Verify consistent spacing between sheets
- Curing: Allow 24-48 hours before grouting
- Grouting: Use unsanded grout for joints 1/16"-1/8"; pack thoroughly
- Sealing: Seal grout (and porous tiles) after curing
Professional Tips
- Blend tiles from multiple boxes for color consistency
- Match mortar color to grout to hide push-through
- Stagger sheet seams 50% to minimize visible lines
- Use matching grout color for seamless appearance
- Order 15-25% overage for cuts and repairs
Maintenance & Care
Regular Cleaning
Glazed Porcelain/Glass:
- Sweep/vacuum regularly
- Mop with pH-neutral cleaner
- Wipe down after shower use
Natural Marble:
- Use stone-safe pH-neutral cleaners only
- Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon)
- Blot spills immediately
Stainless Steel:
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Use stainless steel cleaner for shine
- Wipe in direction of grain (brushed finish)
Mother of Pearl:
- Gentle cleaning with soft cloth
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers
- Use pearl-specific cleaners
Grout Maintenance
- Seal grout after installation
- Reseal annually in wet areas
- Clean grout lines monthly
- Address mold with bathroom cleaner
- Use exhaust fans to reduce moisture
Pros & Cons
Advantages
✅ Timeless elegant design
✅ Excellent slip resistance
✅ Versatile for any room
✅ Premium material options
✅ Hides dirt better than white
✅ Custom pattern possibilities
✅ Adds property value
Considerations
⚠️ Extensive grout lines need maintenance
⚠️ Installation more time-consuming
⚠️ Grout prone to staining without sealing
⚠️ Higher installation labor costs
⚠️ Glossy shows water spots
Cost Guide
Price by Material (Per Sq Ft)
Porcelain/Ceramic: $8-$25
Glass (Standard): $15-$25
Glass (Iridescent): $20-$35
Natural Marble: $25-$65
Mother of Pearl: $60-$150
Stainless Steel: $30-$80
Installation Labor: $8-$25/sq ft depending on complexity
Supplies: Mortar, grout, sealers add $100-$300 for typical bathroom
FAQ
Are black penny tiles slippery?
No—abundant grout lines provide excellent slip resistance (DCOF rating >0.42), making them ideal for wet areas like showers and bathroom floors.
What grout color is best?
- Black grout: Seamless look, low maintenance
- Gray grout: Balanced visibility, practical
- White grout: High contrast, vintage appeal (higher maintenance)
Can I install them myself?
Yes, but requires patience. Mesh-mounted sheets simplify installation, but proper alignment and thorough grouting take time. Consider professional installation for large areas or critical waterproofing.
How do I prevent grout staining?
Seal grout properly after installation and reseal annually. Use quality grout sealer in wet areas. Clean regularly with pH-neutral cleaners.
Do black tiles make rooms look smaller?
Not significantly—the abundant grout lines create texture that adds visual interest. Light-colored grout adds dimension. Pair with light walls to maintain brightness.
Can they be used outdoors?
Yes, with proper materials:
- ✅ Porcelain (freeze-thaw resistant)
- ✅ Glass (frost resistant)
- ⚠️ Marble (requires sealing)
- ❌ Mother of pearl (indoor only)
- ✅ Stainless steel (rust-proof 304 grade)
Buying Checklist
Before purchasing black penny tiles:
✔️ Measure accurately – Calculate square footage + 15-25% overage
✔️ Order samples – Test materials and finishes in your space
✔️ Choose grout color – Consider maintenance and aesthetic
✔️ Select appropriate material – Match to location (wet vs dry)
✔️ Verify specifications – Check water absorption, DCOF rating
✔️ Plan installation – DIY or professional?
✔️ Budget completely – Tiles + labor + supplies + sealer
Conclusion
Black penny tiles offer timeless elegance, superior functionality, and endless design possibilities. Whether you choose affordable porcelain, lustrous glass, authentic marble, exotic mother of pearl, or modern stainless steel, these circular mosaics transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary environments.
With proper material selection, installation, and maintenance, black penny tiles deliver decades of beauty and performance. Choose your material, select your grout color, and create the sophisticated space you’ve always envisioned.
Ready to transform your space with black penny tiles?
Order samples today and discover which material and finish will bring your design vision to life.
Quick Reference Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 19mm, 20mm, 25mm diameter |
| Materials | Glass, marble, mother of pearl, stainless steel, porcelain |
| Finishes | Matte, glossy, iridescent, brushed, mirror, 3D textured |
| Grout Options | Black (seamless), gray (balanced), white (high contrast) |
| Sheet Size | 12"x12" mesh-mounted |
| Coverage | ~1 sq ft per sheet |
| DCOF Rating | 0.42+ (slip resistant) |
| Water Absorption | <0.5% for porcelain/glass |
| Applications | Floors, walls, showers, backsplashes, pools |
| Installation | Professional recommended for large areas |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning + annual grout sealing |
| Price Range | $8-$150/sq ft depending on material |
Black penny tiles—where classic design meets modern innovation.