Revitalise Your Period Property With Wall, Floor and Border Tiles

Period properties often come packed full of original features and oodles of charm that harks back to a bygone era, but renovating these types of properties can be a challenging undertaking if you’re looking to strike the right balance between old and new. 

That’s where we come in! We’re here to help, running through a whole host of ideas on how to revitalise your period property, ensuring it pays homage to its heritage and former glory in the best possible way. From colours and patterns to ideas on how to use period tiles in your home, we’ll give you all the styling inspiration you need to pull off a successful period property update that celebrates the historic charm and beauty of your home.

Period property colours

Period homes were renowned for embracing a myriad of colours that were used to evoke a sense of grandeur – a particularly important factor during the Victorian era, when people wanted to project their class and affluence through the decor in their homes. 

This is why when you think of traditional decor from the late 1800s or early 1900s, it often conjures up images of vibrant and dramatic coloured decor in deep, rich terracottas, reds, blues and greens. These colours may look striking in historic buildings like the Houses of Parliament, but can seem a touch overbearing for modern tastes. 

However, with the right setting and balance of colours, it’s entirely possible to replicate this traditional style and give it a modern twist that will still be in keeping with your home’s heritage. This should include opting for colours that complement the overall aesthetic and furniture, as well as factoring in practicality.

As mentioned above, some of the most popular colours for Victorian tiles included darker earthy hues such as terracotta, brown, red and dark green, which can be a blessing for high footfall areas, helping to hide a multitude of sins. However, in the wrong area they can make it feel small and enclosed. 

When considering using these typically Victorian colours for period-style tiles, position them in larger areas that get plenty of natural light. This will ensure the space feels radiant and colourful without being oppressive.

Of course, period properties are also awash with lighter shades such as pale pinks, cool blues, greys and soft sage greens that provide a more subtle injection of colour. These tile colours often appeal more to modern homeowners as they allow you to achieve a vintage style with a more contemporary colour palette. 

Other classic colour options include black and white period tiles that were a common feature for entranceways, hallways and fireplaces in Victorian homes. Laid in a chequered pattern, black and white Victorian tiles in varying sizes are the perfect way to deliver a clean, simple aesthetic that retains all the traditional charm of your property. 

Pretty period tile patterns

Colour wasn’t the only defining feature of Victorian tiles, pattern also played an integral role in delivering an elegant and opulent feel to a building’s interior. From simple chequered designs to intricate swirls and geometric patterns, the Victorian era was home to some stunning tile artwork on floors and walls. 

The use of patterned period tiles can instantly transform a functional space like a hallway into a luxurious haven that’s bursting with character – and if you want to refresh your period home, getting on board with patterned tiles is the way to go.

When it comes to picking out the right pattern, you’ll be spoilt for choice. For a truly vintage vibe, why not lay soft hued V&A Godwin Grey Matt with a signature fleur-de-lis design? Alternatively, go bold with a geometric pattern like the Barnet Marron Dorset that’s sure to be a stand-out feature in any room of the house. 

You can use single colour period tiles in different geometric shapes like the Octagon Matt White floor tiles with small black inserts that will achieve a cool and sophisticated finish using just two tones. This classic pattern can work well in small and large scale areas throughout your home. 

Delicate mosaic patterns are often found in period buildings, but were typically used in commercial settings in entranceways – often featuring the company logo or name. However, this style can easily be transferred into modern homes for decorative features in kitchen and bathroom splashbacks, shower walls, hallways, porches and even outdoor areas. 

Floor tile considerations

As the foundation of any interior design aesthetic, period floor tiles are the ideal way to give your home a fresh new look that still complements its original features. From hallways to bathrooms, bedrooms and beyond, in older properties using Victorian-style floor tiles is a guaranteed way to give it an authentic finish. 

For larger areas such as living rooms and dining rooms, you can afford to be bold with your floor tile choices, using colourful patterns to enhance the historic charm of the room. Think busy patterns like our Mr Jones Charcoal floor tiles that will instantly add interest and opulence. The soft grey shades work well with almost any colour palette too, giving you greater flexibility when styling out the rest of the room. 

In smaller spaces like hallways, bigger form patterns in pale tones like the Devonstone Seaspray Feature floor tiles could be just what this functional space needs to transform it back to its former glory. These tiles also work well in period bathrooms, bringing a cool, calming aesthetic – and they also come in pink, if you want to bring a touch of flush colour into the mix.

When it comes to choosing floors in busy areas of the home like kitchens, don’t forget to keep practicality in mind. While a black and white chequered pattern will be a striking focal point, so too will dirty footprints and food spillages. Instead, we’d suggest using neutral colours and patterns like the Laurent Wicker Charcoal floor tiles that will avoid highlighting every crumb on the floor.

The beauty of period floor tiles is their incredible durability, strength and low maintenance, so regardless of the level of foot traffic running through your home, they’re easy to clean and will stay looking pristine for years to come.

Wonderful wall tiles

Your walls also provide the ideal canvas for injecting a vintage look into your home interiors that’s in keeping with your home’s origins – and there are options galore when it comes to period-inspired wall tiles to achieve your desired look. 

One idea is to use colourful metro tiles to conjure up a sense of historic charm. Having had a major comeback over the last decade, metro tiles are the prime choice for giving your home a modern makeover with a touch of retro. Their timeless style and diverse range of colours, finishes and sizes means you can personalise your walls to your heart’s content using the humble metro tile. 

To blur the lines between old and new, why not pair Victorian bottle green metro tiles with contemporary furniture in kitchens and hallways? The contrast of colours and textures is a sure-fire way to tie the two styles together. 

In bathrooms, you can even take this style one step further and incorporate decorative border tiles into your wall design. While the popularity of the dado rail seemed to die out in the late 80s, for period properties, it’s still very much on-trend. 

Why not go all out in your bathroom to replicate a bona fide period style with bright Victorian blue tile trims against crisp white tiles and a roll top bath? Or add a flourish of washed out burgundy to kitchen splashbacks with the Surat Victorian border tile for your own take on the latest pink kitchen trend. The end result will be an interior that embraces the elaborate design of Victorian times in a modern setting.

Border tiles also make a fantastic feature in period bedrooms with fireplaces. A simple strip against painted walls works wonders in terms of adding a sense of understated grandeur, especially if you also update your fireplace with decorative Victorian-style fireplace tiles.

When it comes to decorating your period property to celebrate its history while also firmly keeping it in the 21st century, wall, floor and border tiles offer the ideal solution. Not least they’re long lasting and practical, but also using period tiles that are inspired by traditional Victorian tile styles and designs will all go towards enhancing your home’s original features. 

To get started on revitalising your period home, browse our fantastic range of Victorian and geometric tiles online right now. With options galore on authentic-style tiles, we’re sure you’ll find just what you’re looking for. And if you want to see them up close before you buy, why not order some small cut tile samples from just £1.99?