What is the name of the old floor tiles?

Floor tiles have been used to cover floors for centuries. Over time, many different styles and types of floor tiles have been popular. Some older floor tile types that were commonly used in the past have names that reflect their material, pattern, or place of origin.

Common Types of Historic Floor Tiles

Some of the most common types of old or antique floor tile include:

• Encauatic – These tiles were made of clay with colored pigments pressed into the surface. They originated in medieval times.
• Minton – Introduced in the 1800s, these tiles were made of embossed and printed earthenware. Popular patterns included geometrics, florals, and scenes.
• Victorian – Elaborate decorative tiles often with floral patterns. They came in a variety of shapes beyond just squares.
• Art Nouveau – Intricately designed and colorful tiles that were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Art Deco – Bold geometric designs characterized these tiles from the 1920s and 30s.
• Mid-century – Funky, retro tile designs from the 1950s utilzing interesting shapes and pops of color.
• Terrazzo – These floor tiles were made by embedding chips of marble or other stones in mortar. They have been popular for centuries and experienced a resurgence in the 20th century.
• Mosaic – Tiny tiles arranged in patterns to form an image or design. Dating back thousands of years, mosaics tiles continue to be produced today.

Historic Tile Manufacturers

Many different manufacturers produced popular antique and vintage tile over the years. Some of the most well-known include:

• Minton Hollins – Founded in 1793 in England, Minton was known for its encaustic tiles and elaborate tile patterns.
• Heritage Tile – Operating in California since 1977, this company reproduces many historic tile designs.
• Grueby Faience Pottery – Known for its Arts and Crafts tiles, this company operated in Massachusetts from 1894-1917.
• Batchelder Tile Company – Founded in 1909, Batchelder was acclaimed for its Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Craftsman-style tiles.
• Rookwood Pottery – This Cincinnati-based company operated from 1880–1967 and was renowned for its Arts and Crafts tiles.
• American Encaustic Tiling Company – Founded in 1877, its elaborate Victorian floor tiles were widely used throughout the U.S.
• Moravian Pottery and Tile Works – Operating in Pennsylvania since 1898, this Arts and Crafts tile maker continues to reproduce historic tile designs.

Popular Vintage Tile Patterns and Designs

Some of the most well-known and distinctive antique floor tile patterns include:

• Octagons – Eight-sided tiles arranged in a pattern to create a star burst effect.
• Hexagons – Six-sided tiles fitted together in a honeycomb pattern.
• Penny Round – Small circular tiles resembling old pennies.
• Subway – Brick-like rectangular tiles commonly used in early 20th century transportation stations.
• Basketweave – Interwoven strips of tiles resembling a woven basket.
• Sawtooth – Zigzag edged tiles arranged in rows like sawteeth.
• Pinwheel – Tiles radiating from a center point like a pinwheel design.
• Herringbone – Rectangular or parallelogram-shaped tiles arranged in an interlocking pattern resembling fish bones.
• Victorian Flower and Fruit – Intricately designed tiles featuring floral and fruit motifs.

Popular Vintage Tile Colors

Since colored glazes and pigments were less advanced in the early 1900s and before, vintage floor tiles often came in more limited color palettes. Common antique tile colors include:

• Greens – Ranging from soft seafoam to deep forest greens.
• Blues – Various shades like periwinkle, cobalt, and navy blue.
• Reds and Oranges – From peach and coral to bright cherry red.
• Neutrals – Natural clay colors, whites, blacks, browns.
• Yellows – From light lemon to deep gold.
• Purples – Often soft lavenders or lilacs.

Where to Find Vintage Floor Tiles

Some places to find authentic old floor tiles or vintage reproductions include:

• Architectural Salvage Companies – These businesses salvage building materials from old homes and structures.
• Renovation Sites – Homeowners renovating old houses may remove the original tiles to sell.
• Tile Reproduction Companies – Some companies specialize in recreating historic tile designs.
• eBay or Etsy – You may be able to find old tiles for sale online.
• Antique Stores – Check stores specializing in architectural and vintage finds.
• Old Homes and Buildings – Existing structures from the late 1800s to mid 1900s may have vintage tiles.

Installing Vintage Floor Tile

To install antique or vintage reproduction floor tiles:

• Make sure the subfloor is smooth, clean, and dry before applying mortar.
• Choose the right mortar for the tile and subfloor type. This ensures a strong bond.
• Mix and apply mortar according to manufacturer’s directions.
• Lay out tiles in the desired pattern. Dry lay tiles first if using vintage tiles with irregular sizes and shapes.
• Press tiles firmly into the mortar for a good adhesion.
• Use spacers between tiles for even spacing and straight grout lines.
• Allow tiles to fully set before grouting according to manufacturer’s timeline.
• Grout tiles, wiping away excess. Seal grout once dry if not using epoxy grout.

Caring for Vintage Tiles

To keep vintage floor tiles looking their best:

• Sweep, mop, or vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch or dull tile surfaces.
• Use pH-neutral cleaners to help preserve vintage tiles and grout.
• Re-seal grout periodically to protect it from stains and damage.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners which can etch or discolor tiles.
• Use area rugs in high traffic areas to prevent excessive wear.
• Address any cracked, loose, or damaged tiles right away before further damage occurs.

The Charm and History of Vintage Tiles

Antique and vintage-style reproduction floor tiles add old world charm and visual interest to both historical and contemporary homes. Salvaged originals or accurate reproductions retain the beauty and craftsmanship of earlier eras. Tiles with histories intertwined with previous generations or iconic locations offer a meaningful way to create enduring floors layered with the echoes of the past.