Black & White Victorian Tiles: A Key To Timeless Home Design

Abbas Youssefi
Abbas Youssefi
30th October 2017
Manufactured for well over a century, Victorian tiles still impress today. They’re one of our most popular ranges and it’s easy to see why; these black and white beauties are quintessentially British. And if we asked you to picture your dream home, we reckon these tiles would be in there somewhere. The perfect match of style and substance - that unglazed surface is oh-so hardy - our Victorian tiles are still produced in the time-honoured way. Their understated elegance can set the tone for a timeless home and the monochrome tones befit both modern-day and period trends. Let’s take a closer look at where to use these design classics in your space.

Period Paths

Where else to start but front yards? After all, it’s impossible to discuss Victorian tiles without taking a moment to dream about pretty paths and porches. Take a walk round your local neighbourhood and we’re pretty confident you’ll soon bump into a Victorian pathway leading up to a period property - in some areas of London, it seems like every home has one! There’s a good reason why - the checkerboard pattern is the perfect marriage between simplicity and classic design. Want to get the look? Our Victorian Black and White tiles are robust, frost-proof and easy to fit. Lay at 45 degrees to guaranteed an impressive entrance.

Hallways to Heaven

Victorian Tiles Hallway

Creating an eye-catching entrance is at the top of many a homeowner’s wishlist. However, traditional wood, stone and carpet can be impractical for such a busy area - which is where our high-performance Victorian tiles come in. As they’re really hard wearing, these dust-pressed ceramics are perfect for day-to-day living and won’t be phased by muddy shoes. But durability isn’t the only thing on offer here; there’s something about period tiles that makes a house a home. Whether you’re a pared back minimalist or looking to make a style statement, you’ll be able to craft a hallway that screams welcome home. And because these tiles are perfect for using with underfloor heating, it will be a warm welcome home to boot.

Beautiful Bathrooms

Victorian Tiles In BathroomImage credit - Original Style

 

Creating a bathroom is one of the most complex projects you can undertake at home. And with all those pipes and drains, it’s important to get it right first time - after all, who wants to refurbish a bathroom in a couple of years time because it feels a little dated? That’s where our Victorian tiles come in handy. With their monochrome style and matt finish, these heritage pieces are ideal for creating a bathroom look that transcend trends. For the ultimate period look, marry a checkerboard floor with white metro wall tiles and Art Deco-style fittings, as shown above. It’s a timeless look for a reason - the style will last for years to come. After a little more inspiration? Check out our guide to creating a Victorian bathroom.

On Trend Restaurants

Question. Where do the country’s leading bar and restaurant designers turn to when they’re after a standout floor? Answer - black and white unglazed tiles. But don’t be fooled, Victorian tiles aren’t just for classily-styled restaurants that hark back to the past; they’re also the perfect choice for the latest foodie fit-outs.

Victorian Tiles in Restaurant

A great case in point is Byron Burger’s outpost in Canary Wharf, the epitome of modern glass and steel. Here, traditional tiles are used in a very modern way, to turn the bar seating into a focal point. They blend seamlessly into the restaurant’s on-trend industrial aesthetic; the perfect counterpart to the vintage stools, pendant lighting and exposed elements that characterise the style. For a relatively quick update at home, why not refresh your kitchen floor? If you've got an island, clad it in white wall tiles that let the floor do all the talking.

Hex Appeal

Hexagon tiles are having a real design moment, so why not break the mould and opt for six-sided Victorian tiles? They're the perfect choice if you want to give your space an elegant, modern twist - the hip-factor, if you will. The geometric shape brings inherent detail and warmth to the room, especially if you use a contrasting grout colour.

Black Unglazed Hexagon Tiles Bathroom

We're spotting lots of bathrooms that combine black hexagons on the floor with plain wall tiles - it's a great way to craft a modern, pared-back wetroom.

Victorian Hexagon Tiles Hallway

For a different take on the Victorian hallway we saw above, why not create your own pattern with black and white honeycomb tiles?

There’s no doubt that the plain and simple style of Victorian tiles is partially responsible for their staying power - clean lines and sober colours will always stand the test of time. Elegant and easy to live with, is it time to embrace these essential tiles in your own home?