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London’s architectural beauty isn’t just about its grand buildings—it’s also in the details, like colourful tile designs that have stood the test of time. From the classic Victorian patterns to the trendsetting designs in London's Underground stations, tiles have been a key part of the city’s unique look. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most historic tile styles that have shaped London’s interiors and exteriors over the years and how you can implement them into your home.
Starting with Victorian Tiles
Renovating your home is one of the most exciting things we get to do, and it is all about making the right choices, but what is right? Certainly, with Victorian Tiles, you will never be wrong! One of London's most iconic tile styles is the Victorian geometric pattern, which you’ll spot in many old homes, public buildings, and elegant townhouses. Usually made from porcelain or encaustic ceramic, these tiles showcase detailed geometric designs like hexagons, diamonds, and squares. They often come in classic colours such as black, white, red, and blue, adding a timeless charm to the spaces they adorn. Victorian tiles have been seen at entrances of old Victorian homes and in hallways graced around London’s apartments. Its characteristics range from geometric patterns to playful colour symmetry. Our Victorian Tiles are quick to lay and not as pricey as they used to be, making these tiles affordable for your new home. These tiles are slip-resistant and thus can be used for outdoor & indoor areas, for a new Patio or your hallway. The options are endless, and you can choose from various colours in your home. Our Victorian White Quarry Tile is probably one of the most chosen Victorian Tiles in a classic black and white checkerboard tile design; these are suitable for an outdoor patio, as a base for a wood-burning stove, or your hallway entrance. These tiles are elegant and classic, seen around country houses, London apartment entrances, historic hotels, and restaurants.
The famous Checkerboard Style
The Classic Victorian Tiles have a black-and-white checkerboard style and are square-shaped. However, the diagonal arrangement of the square gives it a diamond-shaped look. Checkerboard tiles are known for their Victorian and Edwardian interiors and are found in hallways, porches, entrances, and kitchens. These tiles never fail to embrace elegance in both traditional and modern spaces. As they are a hallmark of Victorian design, reflecting symmetry and order of the Victorian times, and thus are a timeless solution, as many Londoners opt for these tiles, even in modern interior design, Classic Victorian Tiles are chosen to maintain London’s architectural design.
Edwardian Fireplaces and Floor and Wall Tiles
The Edwardian era shifted interior design into coloured geometric patterns, known to us as our famous pattern tiles. These pattern tiles are seen around fireplaces and kitchen backsplashes in traditional Edwardian homes, such as in Clapham and Hampstead. Edwardian tiles are known for their lighter and more relaxed aesthetic than Victorian tiles. A great example of Edwardian Tiles is the Kingsley Blu Pattern Porcelain Tile, it soft white and blue pattern is characteristic of the Edwardian times, lighting up spaces and moving on from the strictly symmetrical look of the Victorian times. Further characteristics of Edwardian tiles are Art Nouveau-inspired curves and floral medallions, usually graced with pastel colours. It is known to be suitable for high-traffic areas, such as hallways and kitchens.
The Yorkshire Green Pattern Floor and Wall Tile is a classing vintage-inspired geometric pattern tile with an eight-pointed star motif and green shades. The corners of each tile show another star motif once tiled and grouted for a mesmerising pattern design effect.
It can also be tiled on walls and has a twin, the Yorkshire Blue Pattern Floor and Wall Tile.
Our favourite Wiltshire Green Pattern Floor and Wall Tile, with its rich green colour, does not fail to impress. It is hard-wearing, durable, and has a hint of royalty yet a green calming effect. This tile is made from porcelain and creates a Victorian and Edwardian interior design in your home. It is known for its timeless London design, and these can be used to light up any walls and floors. Apart from its beauty, laying Victorian Tiles in your home will increase your home’s value, as buyers and investors appreciate a stylish home with traditional features.
The London Underground Tiles
From tourists to Londoners to influencers, we all know about the characteristics of London Underground tiles, which range from white to green to blue metro tiles. London knows how to make the Underground an experience. The iconic metro tiles, with bevelled edges, became a characteristic feature, and many have chosen to adapt the metro style into their own four walls. Green metro Tiles with Victorian Floor Tiles? Yes, that is a stylish London home. Many restaurants and cafes have adapted the style into their interior design, and it is safe to say that it has never failed to impress. Moving to contemporary bathrooms and kitchens, metro tiles are timeless and stylish. The reason metro tiles do not fail to impress in any kitchen, restaurant underground or any other home design is their clean and durable aesthetic for modern interiors. The bevelled edges have a three-dimensional effect and are practical, clean, functional, and contemporary. Thanks to TFL London Underground for inspiring these Metro Tiles in the London area underground Stations.
Metro tiles for your bathroom
Our famous Royal Blue Gloss Metro Tile, 20x10cm, is suitable for your kitchen or bathroom walls. It is well paired with white and golden characteristics and suitably paired with white floor tiles such as white marble effect floor tiles. Its bevelled edges and gloss finish offer a clean look for every interior design, are made from high-quality ceramic, and can be tiled horizontally or vertically.
Use Metro Tiles as a feature wall in living rooms, hallways or close to fireplaces if you desire to add an urban touch or brighten up your space. The Classico Blanco White Metro Tiles can be laid in various vertical and horizontal patterns for a contemporary look. These tiles are seen in classic kitchens, such as in restaurants with open kitchens, showing a clean look and easy-to-clean tiles. White Metro tiles also offer a minimalist or monochromatic design, such as Victorian tiles; these metro tiles create a symmetric and harmonising effect, including brighten up any space by reflecting natural light.
