Vintage and classic style tiles have come back in a big way!. White subway tile is one of the most popular selections for kitchen backsplashes and shower installations. And with good reason - it's clean, classic and timeless. Also inexpensive (score!) I also love classic carerra marble on kitchen countertops or on bathroom floors, walls, or showers. You truly cannot go wrong with these choices.
But have you ever considered using some real antique tile? If you are not familiar with turn of the century tiles then let me fill you in! They are beautiful, readily available and fun to work into your next tile installation.
The motifs are usually classic in style and have a gorgeous crackle finish.
This one is in process of having paint removed - but what colors and detail!
This type of tile was commonly used on fireplace surrounds during the turn of the century. Love the mottle colors!
I love how the glaze pools in the recessed areas!
I have a friend who collects antique tile and turns them into beautiful art pieces. This is what she made for me as a housewarming gift. Thanks, Jobeth!
Where to find it? If you have an architectural supply in your area, they usually have a good selection. Ebay always plenty of old tile, sometimes you're lucky enough to find enough for a backsplash or shower border. I used search words "Victorian Tile", "Antique Tile", "Old Bridge Tile " or "A E Tile".
Have a shiny weekend!
Have a shiny weekend!
12 comments:
I purchased some old french tile to go around my fireplace surround but it did not work once I remodeled so I gave it to a really good friend and now I can visit it. I had to come by and say thanks for leaving a comment on my post this morning. I know it is a departure from my usual design but I was just so taken aback with what I saw I had to write about it. fashion and make-up is the other side of me as well as gardening. I hope it did not offend, I truly debated posting it and I actually had a friend read it before I did and she said go for it. I tried to do it with a sense of humor but Kim it was unbelieveable in Southern Calif, I kid you not. I am with you , moisturize!! Have a great weekend,sweetie,Kathysue
These are beautiful and would love to use them on a project at some point.
My dream kitchen is all about the white subway tile and carerra marble...you read my mind!! But these antique tiles would help any new kitchen have some character and charm!
I love things with interest and a story, so these tiles really fit the bill for me. How enchanting it would be to use these in a project. Thanks for the resource info...wouldn't have thought about it! Have a great weekend, Kim
I had saved a small box of lovely vintage tiles to put somewhere in our house when we remodelled. For the life of me I have no idea what ever happened to them. Honestly, I forgot all about them until I read this post and we moved in 2 years ago!
Turning to ebay for vintage antique tiles is such a great idea!!! Thanks!
Hi! I love antique tile and used antique Batchelder tile to build my new but looks old tile fireplace...
here's a link if you haven't seen it
http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/2010/02/anatomy-of-fireplace.html
I love vintage tile bathrooms too. Alas the tile in my bathroom was taken out years and years ago. If I'm ever rich....one day I'll tile it all up again.
I would love to do white subway tile in my kitchen. Right now it has black and white from the early 90's. It's not bad and everyone that sees it thinks it looks vintage...but I can tell the difference....I think it looks early 90's. I can't wait to fix it all up one day.
Great post!
I am a huge fan of antique tile. The main issue for me is finding colors that are still current. I've found that you normally can't go wrong with blue.
This is super-cool and something that I'd never considered. Which is one of the reasons that I love the blogging world ~ it's like having fantastic teachers on all subjects!
I just commented on your equestrian post, too ~ love them both!
xx Suzanne
Just gorgeous..what a lovely vintage element to add.. I love your post on salvage items and your reno projects are amazing! Have a lovely weekend..Rachaelxx
Hmm...I love plain tiles, so these wouldn't work for me. But if I bought a house with them already there, I would charish them! Thanks for stopping by my blog today, I'm excited to read all about your big renovations!
Great resource! Isn't ebay fabulous! I would love plain tile with an antique tile accent, I think, LOVE! xo!
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