Finding replacement tiles for an old or discontinued tile pattern can be tricky, but with some detective work and persistence, it is often possible to track down tiles that are a close match or replicas of the originals. Here are some tips for how to go about finding tiles to match a discontinued or hard-to-find vintage tile pattern.
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Look for Information on the Original Tiles
The first step is to thoroughly examine the existing tiles and look for any information printed or stamped on them. Older tiles often have the manufacturer’s name, brand, pattern name, color, and sometimes codes printed on the back or underside. This information can provide valuable clues to help narrow down your search when looking for replacements. Carefully remove one tile if necessary to check the underside for identifying marks.
Search Online Databases and Archives
There are some excellent online resources that have searchable archives of vintage and discontinued tile patterns from major manufacturers. Here are some reputable websites worth searching:
- The Tile Heritage Foundation – view their digital tile museum at https://tileheritage.org/tile-collections/
- Retro Renovation – search their vintage tile pattern library at https://retrorenovation.com/tile/
- Florim USA – search their collections of vintage American tile patterns from the 1930s-1970s at https://www.florimusa.com/floor-decor-solutions/vintage/
Spend time carefully browsing these archives, which are searchable by manufacturer, color, shape, material, etc. If you can find a visual match, make note of the original brand, pattern name, and colors. This will aid your search for replacement tiles.
Contact the Original Manufacturer
If you were able to determine the original tile brand or manufacturer, try contacting them directly to inquire about the specific pattern. Many major vintage tile companies such as American Olean and Marazzi have maintained detailed archives of their discontinued collections. Provide them with as many details about the tile pattern, colors, shapes, and codes as possible. They may be able to provide you with the original pattern name or direct you where to purchase replacements.
Look for Reproduction Tile Companies
A growing number of tile manufacturers specialize in reproducing vintage and discontinued tile designs. Here are some companies to check with:
- Granada Tile – https://granadatile.com/
- Weathered Edge – https://weatherededgeusa.com
- Mission Tile West – https://missiontilewest.com
- Retro Ceramics – https://retroceramics.com
- Natucer – https://natucer.com
Provide these companies with detailed images of your tile pattern and any identifying details. Many can recreate near-identical replicas of vintage tile designs.
Search Architectural Salvage Warehouses
Architectural salvage warehouses specialize in reclaimed building materials and frequently have a large selection of vintage tiles available. Visit warehouses in your area or search their online inventories. Be sure to call in advance with your tile details to see if they might have matching patterns in stock or can be on the lookout for them.
Some notable salvage warehouses to check include:
- Old House Parts (PA) – https://www.oldhouseparts.com
- The Front Porch (IL) – https://thefrontporch.com
- House of Antique Hardware (OR) – https://www.houseofantiquehardware.com
- Historic Houseparts (NY) – https://historichouseparts.com
Check Classified Listings
You may get lucky by checking classified ads on sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace in your area and beyond. Homeowners renovating vintage kitchens and bathrooms will sometimes list boxes of unused old tile for sale. Include details of your pattern when inquiring about any listings for vintage tile boxes. You may just find an exact match.
Find Matching Colors
If you have been unable to find replacement tiles that match the discontinued pattern, consider getting new tiles custom made in matching or complementary colors. Bring a sample tile to a full-service tile showroom. Speak with an associate about selecting either an existing glaze color or custom mixing a glaze color to match your vintage tiles. Custom colored tiles can allow you to mimic the color scheme of the original pattern when an exact match is not possible.
Recreate the Pattern
If all else fails, you may need to settle for finding basic replacement tiles that are similar in shape, size, and color. You can then recreate the vintage pattern yourself with the new tiles. This takes some careful planning and patience but can create an almost indistinguishable match. Make templates to lay out the pattern and guide the installation. This may be the only option when dealing with a very obscure, one-of-a-kind vintage tile pattern.
Conclusion
Searching for discontinued vintage tile can be a challenging process, but the detective work is often rewarding. With persistence, close matches can frequently be found through tile manufacturers, salvage warehouses, and online marketplaces. If an exact match proves impossible, recreating the pattern with new tiles or finding suitable coordinating colors are creative alternatives. When dealing with irreplaceable antique tiles, take thorough notes and examine them closely for any identifying details that will aid your tile hunt.