Who we are
Victorian Tile Academy Ltd was formed by two specialist tilers, alongside a former business director from a leading supplier of Victorian tiles, with a combined experience of 50+ years in geometric work.
Our mission is to pass on the skills and experience of years working in this sector to help tilers in the art of Victorian tiling, and associated businesses, enhance their skills, plus expand their business opportunities, keeping this historic craft alive into the future.
Learn Victorian Tiling like the Experts
Influence and Legacy
Victorian and geometric tiling has left a lasting impact on interior design, valued for its blend of beauty, functionality, and durability. The geometric precision, craftsmanship, and use of traditional colors and materials continue to appeal to homeowners, architects, and restorers, making Victorian tiling a timeless design choice that links the modern era with a richly historic past.
Decline and Revival
Decline in the Early 20th Century: The popularity of Victorian and geometric tiles waned after World War I, as tastes shifted toward Art Deco and Modernist aesthetics. Additionally, newer materials like linoleum and terrazzo became popular for flooring.
20th-Century Revival: In the late 20th century, there was a resurgence of interest in Victorian styles, including tilework. Conservation efforts and a growing appreciation for historical architecture spurred the restoration of Victorian and geometric tiles in historic homes, public buildings, and even new constructions.
Contemporary Use: Today, Victorian and geometric tiles are widely reproduced, with manufacturers creating replicas of classic patterns and colors. The style has become a popular choice in modern renovations for those looking to add character and a sense of history to their homes.
Key Patterns and Designs in Victorian / Geometric Tiling
Some iconic patterns include:
Checkerboard: Alternating squares of contrasting colors, often black and white or red and white.
Hexagon and Octagon Arrangements: Interlocking hexagons or octagons paired with small square tiles, creating striking visual symmetry.
Border Patterns: Often used to frame a larger design, borders incorporated repeating geometric shapes, adding a sense of order and refinement to the tile layout.
Pinwheel and Star Patterns: Combining triangles, squares, and rectangles to create pinwheel or star shapes, these intricate patterns added a decorative flourish to floors and walls.
Advice for consumers can be found at Original Style ltd, one of the main suppliers of Victorian or geometric floor tile.
Characteristics of Victorian and Geometric Tiles
Geometric Patterns: The most defining feature of these tiles is their use of repeated geometric shapes — such as squares, triangles, hexagons, diamonds, and octagons — often arranged in complex, symmetrical patterns. This style was appealing for both practical and aesthetic reasons, as it allowed for durable, decorative surfaces.
Color Palette: Victorian tiles often used a limited but striking palette of colors: rich blacks, earthy reds, browns, creams, yellows, and greens. This palette echoed natural and historical themes, grounding the designs in a timeless, classic look.
Materials: Encaustic and geometric tiles were both popular choices. Encaustic tiles, featuring designs created from colored clay rather than glaze, became an important part of Victorian decor. Geometric tiles, on the other hand, focused solely on the arrangement of shapes and colors without the need for additional patterns.