Introduction to Patterned Tiles
In the past few years there has been a huge trend in Ireland for bolder, patterned interiors. Using patterned tiles (also known as pattern tiles or Victorian tiles) in the home gives homeowners the opportunity to put a unique mark on their space. If you want guests in your home to notice your style and be immediately wowed, pattern tiles are the perfect choice!
In this guide to interior style ideas and home renovation ideas, we'll be exploring the unique benefits and use cases for pattern tiles in Irish homes.
What Are Pattern Tiles?
Pattern tiles are any tile with a decorative design printed, painted, or moulded onto the surface, rather than a plain, single-colour finish. The term covers a wide range of styles beyond Victorian and encaustic-look designs, including Moroccan-inspired tiles, Spanish and Mediterranean patterns, floral motifs, and contemporary geometric prints.
What ties them together isn't a single look but the fact that the pattern itself, rather than the material or finish, is the main design feature. This is different from a marble-effect or wood-effect tile, where the goal is to replicate a natural material's appearance; pattern tiles are decorative by design, whether that's a classic checkerboard, an intricate Victorian geometric, or a bold, colourful Mediterranean print.
What Are Patterned Tiles Called?
Patterned tiles go by several names depending on their style and origin, and it's common to see them used interchangeably, even though each term technically points to a slightly different look.
- Victorian tiles or encaustic tiles refer specifically to the geometric, multi-shape patterns (hexagons, diamonds, squares) associated with 19th-century British and Irish flooring.
- Moroccan tiles typically feature intricate, symmetrical motifs with a Middle Eastern or North African design influence, often in bold blues, greens, or terracotta tones.
- Spanish or Mediterranean tiles lean toward warmer, more colourful patterns, frequently floral or hand-painted in appearance.
- Cement-look pattern tiles replicate the look of traditional hydraulic cement tiles, a close cousin of the encaustic style, in a modern porcelain finish.
Whichever name is used, most pattern tiles sold today, including our own pattern tiles range, are made from porcelain printed with high-resolution imagery rather than genuine encaustic cement, which gives the traditional look with modern durability and easier maintenance.
Using Patterned Tiles in Irish Home Renovations
Indoor tiles can dramatically transform any space, and patterned or Victorian-style tiles are timeless choices. Patterned designs evoke elegance and add character to hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms with ease. They also add a sense of flow, energy and texture to otherwise dull or lifeless spaces. Keep on reading to learn all you'll need to pick the perfect patterns for your own home renovation!
Why Choose Victorian Tiles?
Victorian patterned tiles have really stood the test of time. They have been adorning floors in homes since the early 1800’s. Back then though, Victorian tiles were only used in the homes and spaces of the elite - such as castles, palaces and churches, with their geometric and vintage pattern.
For the last 150 years, pattern tiles have been used in homes for either their outdoor or indoor areas. Homeowners have tended to choose these tiles because of their hard-wearing properties and it’s fair to say the tiles have an enduring style which has remained popular and relevant to current trends, throughout.
Modern Meets Vintage with Patterned tiles
Victorian floor tiles are known for their geometric patterns and durability, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways. Patterned hallway tiles, often intricate, can create a bold entrance or subtly complement your décor.
Patterned floor tiles are available in striking pattern and colourful graphics. The Victorian floor tile comes in many different shapes such as squares, rectangles, triangles and hexagons in different sizes depending on what you need. If you are looking for a more traditional and simplistic in style, you should consider is the simple checkerboard, this is probably the most iconic pattern tile, guaranteed to give your space a timeless look.
These patterns usually come in the diamond shape, commonly in the Oxford pattern of black and dover white.
Some people prefer a more detailed pattern, adding a more complex look to your space. These more elaborate patterns create more a eye-catching impact on visitors once they enter your home. These patterns include more geometrical and symmetrical options. If you want more detailed patterns, you could select a ‘Hexam’ pattern that incorporates both hexagon and diamond shapes, the finishing shape is quite similar to a star shape, giving a nice finish to your floor.
Expert Tips for Using Victorian Tiles
Let's take a look at a couple of sneaky expert tips for getting the most out of your Victorian patterned tiles!
- Balance Patterns: Use Victorian tiles on floors or walls, but not both, to avoid overwhelming the space.
- Grout Colour Matters: Matching grout to your tiles creates a seamless look, while contrasting grout can emphasize patterns.
Where to Use Victorian Tiles?
Pattern tiles can be used in many different areas of your home. They can be used outdoors (if the outdoor area is covered as pattern tiles are non-slip) for creating a pathway or you can use indoors for creating a hallway or a stylish bathroom.
The bathroom is probably the most common area where pattern tiles are used.
Mix and matching your tiles is really common with tile lovers as they want their space to be full of detailed design, but there’s a few things to consider before you start.
Firstly, we advise that you order a free cut sample from our website before placing your order. It is really important to be certain of what design/style will work in your home before you make your final decision.
We advise all of our customers to ensure they balance out their strong patterns with something easier on the eye.
Using a bold patterned tile on the floor with a contrasting plain wall tile or plain painted wall can have a huge impact, without overstepping the mark. Pattern tiles can be used on either the wall of your chosen room or the floor, we suggest you use the pattern tiles on just one or the other.
The Importance Of Colour
Mediterranean tiles are more colorful and playful. While not as stark with contrasts these colour-packed tiles are excellent for injecting some colour and vibrancy into a kitchen or bathroom. Mediterranean patterns are excellent for family bathrooms, adding a splash for kids, guests, and everyone else!
Too often, colour is left behind. Monochrome has its place, but so does a bright, bold and brave multicolour pattern tile.
Choosing pattern tiles for your home is an exciting endeavour. These bold, striking, vivid patterns and designs with contrasting colours are a statement. One which done tastefully can elevate your interiors to the next level.
Top Pattern Tile Trends in Ireland
A few directions are showing up consistently in Irish pattern tile projects at the moment. Monochrome geometric patterns, particularly classic black-and-white checkerboard and Oxford-style diamonds, remain a strong choice for hallways and period-property renovations, where they complement existing architectural character rather than competing with it.
At the same time, there's a clear move toward warmer, more colourful Mediterranean and Moroccan-style patterns, especially in kitchens and family bathrooms, as covered above. Rather than covering a full room, many homeowners are using pattern tiles as a contained feature, a kitchen splashback, a single bathroom wall, or a hallway floor, paired with plain tiles or painted walls elsewhere, which keeps the bold pattern as a genuine focal point rather than overwhelming the space.
Large-format pattern tiles are also becoming more common, giving the intricate look of a traditional small-format design with fewer grout lines and a faster installation than historically used smaller individual tiles.
Shop Victorian Tiles in Ireland
FAQs: Pattern Tiles
What are pattern tiles?
Any tile with a decorative design printed, painted, or moulded onto the surface, including Victorian, Moroccan, Spanish, floral, and contemporary geometric styles.
What are patterned tiles called?
Depending on the style, they're referred to as Victorian tiles, encaustic tiles, Moroccan tiles, Spanish or Mediterranean tiles, or cement-look pattern tiles.
Are pattern tiles suitable for bathrooms?
Yes. Bathrooms are one of the most common places pattern tiles are used, particularly as a feature floor or a single accent wall paired with plain tiles elsewhere.
Can pattern tiles be used outdoors?
Yes, provided the outdoor area is covered and the tiles have a non-slip finish, making them suitable for pathways or covered patios.
Should I use pattern tiles on the floor or the wall?
Generally just one or the other, not both, since combining a strong pattern on both surfaces can overwhelm a space. Pair a patterned floor with a plain wall, or vice versa, for the best balance.
Does grout colour matter with pattern tiles?
Yes. Matching grout to the tile colour creates a seamless, more subtle look, while a contrasting grout colour emphasises the pattern and grid lines more strongly.
What's the difference between Victorian tiles and Moroccan tiles?
Victorian tiles feature geometric shapes like hexagons and diamonds, typically in muted or monochrome tones. Moroccan tiles use intricate, symmetrical motifs, often in bold colours like blue, green, or terracotta.
Are pattern tiles hard to maintain?
Modern pattern tiles are almost always porcelain, printed with high-resolution imagery, which means they maintain the same low-maintenance, easy-clean properties as any standard porcelain tile, rather than the higher maintenance of traditional cement encaustic tiles.
Why Tile Merchant?
We offer extremely competitive pricing on our entire range of tiles and likewise. We stock a huge range of wall and floor tiles and our prices are competitive for retail and trade. Our stock is widely available in our tile stores in Ireland, which are open 7 days a week.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to shop our tiles online, we can supply you with samples delivered for free.
Article written by Tile Merchant
