Danllwhite's Profile

Please take note that the flooring you are referring to is, in all probability, VINYL flooring, not linoleum. Linoleum is a type of flooring which comes in rolls or tiles (less common) and is made of natural, biodegradable products (linseed oil, pigments, resins, etc) and is quite matte. It has been around for over a century, is quite thick with a jute backing and has an excellent lifespan. Vinyl was created much later on to mimic the look of linoleum, but is synthetic, shiny, made up of thin layers (if you gouge it with a knife, you'll see the layer beneath - usually black or white), and much more cost-effective. As anything synthetic, it can be easily manipulated and motifs can be embedded in it (hence your "mosaic tile" pattern) and is usually quite shiny. Vinyl composite tile (the speckly colorful stuff you find in schools and other commercial spaces) is a linoleum look-alike which requires a lot of waxing to be shiny.

Also, lino doesn't usually come with motifs or patterns (as a designer, I have never seen it anyway), but you can create patterns with it.

I bring this up because I find I usually have to spend a long time explaining the difference between these products to clients and feel that the distinction should be made, especially in these increasingly eco-conscious times.