Pool Tile Ideas: 5 Terrific Pool Tile Medallions
Without question, medallion mosaics add an air of sophistication to your pool.
These artistic centerpieces are often used by upscale builders as a focal point that instantly gives star power to both new and refurbished swimming pool projects. Designers use them alone or with borders and accent pieces to turn any pool into a work of art.
Of course, the popularity of tile medallions shouldn’t be too surprising. Artistic mosaics have been intriguing us for thousands of years. When you incorporate a medallion mosaic in you swimming pool design you are continuing an ancient art form that was first introduced by the Romans chiefly to display portrait effigies of noted persons such as kings, queens and the like. Most art medallions were hand cast in bronze or similar metal alloys, but today we can produce affordable pool tile medallions easily in porcelain or glass.
The first well-known great artist to create medallions was the Italian painter Antonio Pisano, also known as Pisanello, who modelled and cast a number of portrait medals of princes and scholars in the 1440s. Many other artists followed his example in places such as Italy, the Low Countries, Germany and France.
In the 17th century medallions were extensively used to commemorate events and glorify rulers. In the 18th century prize medals became common. In the 19th century art medallions exploded in popularity. David d'Angers produced a great series of portrait medals of famous contemporaries in the latter part of the century.
The early 20th century saw art medals and medallions flourish, particularly in France, Italy and Belgium, while later in the century Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, the U.S., Canada, and England produced much high quality work.
AquaBlu offers a wonderful variety of pool tile medallions by Artistry in Mosaics and Custom Mosaics.
Some of the more popular medallion tiles for sale include these five great selections:
Sun & Moon Mosaic
This stunning handmade medallion measures 20” by 20” and is the perfect accent for pool steps and shallow areas.
The sun and moon for thousands of years have long been the center for different beliefs for many people. From being worshiped to being essential in astrology to being symbols of spirituality and being tattooed on bodies, you will see them in different ways and places.
And while the sun and moon represent different things in different cultures, the one thing that is common in all of them is their polarity. The sun symbolizes firmness, strength and power while the moon represents calmness, beauty, and nurturing. In the Chinese zodiac they are akin to male and female energies. These two forces are different yet interlinked with another and make the day and night look complete.
Compass Rose Mosaic
Our Compass Rose is a very large medallion measuring 5’ by 5’. This is classic focal point medallion that should be place in a prominent location like the center of your pool.
The compelling Compass Rose inlay can be set to actual directional settings or perhaps pointed to what your heart desires.
It is not known exactly where or when the formal magnetic compass originated. However, what little, unclear evidence has been found indicates the compass was refined in Italy circa 1200AD. Italy is known for its grand maritime achievements that made them a navigational superpower.
It is believed Flavio Gioia first invented the refined compass, and a monument has been erected in Almafi Italy to honor his invention. The magnetic compass was probably developed by combining the wind rose and the lodestone. From this device it is supposed the compass rose evolved.
In addition to the Compass Rose, AquaBlu offers two more compass-style medallion mosaics: the blue 42” by 41” Eight Point Compass and 36” diameter Compass Medallion.
Baroque Medallion - Emperador
Baroque is a style of architecture, music, dance, painting, sculpture and other arts that flourished in Europe from the early 17th century until the 1740s. The Baroque style used contrast, movement, exuberant detail, deep color, grandeur and surprise to achieve a sense of awe.
Our 36” diameter Baroque Medallion – Emperador introduces compelling details, shapes and lines reminiscent of the Baroque Period. As a pool centerpiece, this medallion creates both mood and intrigue.
While the Baroque Medallion – Emperador is in bronze, AquaBlu also has a 36” diameter black Baroque Medallion and a black and bronze Baroque Medallion 2 with a different design but also 36” in diameter.
Pinwheel Medallion
A pinwheel is a simple child's toy made of a wheel of paper or plastic curls attached at its axle to a stick by a pin. It is designed to spin when blown upon by a person or by the wind.
Our stylized Pinwheel Medallion captures the joy that pinwheels have brought children for decades. This fun medallion will brighten any area of your pool that could use a jolt of happiness.
The stunning blue and white Pinwheel Medallion is 36” by 36” and looks great as a fanciful focal point or accent.
Personalized Monogram Medallion
Give your pool a personal touch with a one letter Personalized Monogram Medallion.
Monograms date as far back as Ancient Greece, where coins often bore the first one or two letters of a city's, or later a ruler's, name. During the Middle Ages merchants and artisans, as well as tradesman painters and publishers, used monograms--their own or their guild's--to sign or brand their work.
AquaBlu’s Personalized Monogram Medallion shows sophisticated lines in blue and black. This is a large 56” by 60” medallion and should be displayed prominently. Just let us know the letter or letters you would like to include in the medallion and we can have a custom mosaic produced for you in just a few short weeks.
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Want to know more about tile medallion mosaics? Or maybe there’s something else on your mind. Talk to one of our experts. You can call us at (800) 971-1442 or fill out our contact form. You can visit our website at https://www.aquablumosaics.com/.
