How To Choose The Right Tiles For Your Period Property

Choosing the right tiles for your period property can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's essential to consider the style, design, and colours that best complement the era of your home.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of period properties, the characteristics that define them, and guide you in selecting the perfect tiles for your Victorian-style home.

What is classed as a Period Property?

A period property refers to a building constructed during a specific historical period, such as the Victorian or Edwardian eras. These properties often have distinctive features that reflect the design trends, craftsmanship, and cultural influences of the time they were built.

We're going to concentrate on Victorian-era properties (built during the reign of Queen Victoria) because they are so on trend right now due to their ornate details, grandeur, and elegance.

What are the characteristics of Victorian properties?

Victorian properties are well known for their beautiful characteristics, but what are they? Luckily for you, we have the answers: 

1. Architectural Style - Victorian period properties typically exhibit architectural styles such as Gothic Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, or Classical Revival. They often feature intricate detailing, decorative mouldings, high ceilings, and large windows.

2. Ornamentation - Elaborate detailing is a hallmark of Victorian properties, both inside and outside. This includes decorative cornices, ceiling roses, intricate woodwork, and ornate fireplace surrounds.

3. Original Features - Preserving, restoring and mimicking original features is crucial in period properties. Elements like sash windows, decorative tiles, stained glass, and parquet flooring tiles contribute to their charm and authenticity.

What Sort of Tiles Work Best with this Era?

When selecting tiles for a Victorian-era property, choosing designs that complement the period's aesthetic is essential. Victorian floor tiles are a popular choice, particularly black and white patterns, which were commonly used during that time. Pair this knowledge with one or more of the Victorian features listed below, and you'll have show-stopping authentic style in no time!

1. Geometric Tiles

Geometric designs are synonymous with Victorian tiles. Intricate patterns featuring squares, triangles, and diamond shapes create a visually striking effect and add a sense of character to the space. 

See how the geometric shapes work their black, white and grey colour scheme to stunning effect in these geometric floor tiles. Dress with Victorian green metro tiles and decorative tiles for the ultimate in Victorian opulence. 

Peronda have pulled the stops out with this variation on its FS Star tile collection. Incorporating geometric triangular shapes to complement a worn, vintage tiles effect, these beauties are as much at home as Victorian wall tiles as they are Victorian floor tiles.

We especially love how FS Star looks like smaller tiles, with vintage grout lines, when in fact, each tile is 45 x 45cm and therefore quicker to install.

Want a simpler pattern? Chequer black & white floor tiles below could be exactly what you're looking for...  

The worn appearance and square tiles design exude Victorian period property charm. Accessorise with Victorian patterned wallpaper for that extra vintage edge.

Or, if you'd like to check out other Victorian floor tiles, take a peek at our patterned floor tiles collection for some inspiration.

2. Mosaic Tiles

These black and white Victorian floor tiles feature an impressive design that sets off the entire space. We love the mosaic tiles design. With Harrow Grafito, geometric shapes meet small, mosaic square detail in a gorgeously Victorian black and white package.

Again, another stunning example of mixing Victorian-era elements together to striking effect. Featuring fake mosaic grout lines, these Victorian floor tiles are actually 31.5 x 31.5cm squares, meaning these ceramic floor tiles are much easier and quicker to lay than mosaic, but just as effective. Especially with that grey/blue accent.  

Loving the mosaic effect but want your floor to 'pop' a bit more? No problem! The clay oranges and reds of Blakeney mosaic floor tiles have you covered! These beauties stand out from the crowd and add a little je ne sais quoi to your Victorian floor game.

3. Encaustic Tiles

Encaustic tiles, with their decorative patterns and sometimes vibrant colours, are another classic choice for period properties. These tiles are traditionally made by inlaying different clay colours, but our versions are made from porcelain. This just means you get all the impressive designs digitally printed on one of the best and easiest-to-clean tile materials going. What's not to love?

The detail is where these Victorian tiles shine. And they're perfectly paired with the ever-popular brick tiles and deep, Victorian green painted walls too!  

The bloom design, reminiscent of encaustic tiles, sets these decorative tiles apart from the rest. Capturing a light grey/ blue hue to complement the neutral floral pattern, these muted, vintage tiles are giving us all the Victorian vibes for a brilliant period property bathroom.

4. Metro tiles

When it comes to Victorian-era decor, you can't go wrong with metro tiles. Also known as subway tiles, these Victorian-era staples look fantastic in bathrooms and kitchens. Go for rich navy blues, deep forest greens, and an assortment of greys and whites for true Victorian style. 

Check out the bevelled detailing in these authentic-looking metro tiles. Part of a Victorian collection, these ceramic wall tiles are particularly effective set against white furniture and green, potted plants. 

Jenson Azul Brick tiles and decorative tiles epitomize Victorian-style chic in this bathroom. Especially when accessorised with a replica encaustic tiles floor, vintage radiators and black metal, industrial style vanity units.

Which Tiles Work Best in Which Rooms?

• Hallways and Entryways: Geometric Victorian floor tiles are particularly well-suited for hallways and entryways. The intricate patterns create an inviting first impression, and they're great at withstanding heavy foot traffic.

• Bathrooms: For bathrooms in period properties, encaustic tiles or mosaic tiles can be used to make a stunning focal point. Consider using them on the floor, as a decorative border, or to create an eye-catching feature wall.

Antiqua mix patterned tiles set 20x20cm

• Kitchens: In kitchens, the versatility of Victorian tiles allows for creative possibilities. Opt for a black and white checkered pattern on the floor or use them as a backsplash to add a touch of vintage charm to the space.

 Nikea Matt mix pattern tile set 20x20cm

Choosing the right tiles for your period property is essential to maintain its historical integrity and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. Now we've given you a rundown of some style tips, you're well on your way to taking that inspiration to the next level, to infuse your home with the timeless elegance and charm it deserves. 

As always, we're here to help guide you on your way with our How to tile collection of blogs. And we'd love to see how you get on, so why not tag us on Instagram @tile_co.uk? We look forward to seeing you there.