Incorporating Antique Tile into Modern Design
Antique tile carries stories that new tile simply can’t replicate. From Victorian tiles once made for cozy parlour fireplaces to colorful Arts & Crafts tile borders adorning classic bathrooms, each piece adds patina and presence to a space. The good news? You don’t need a full fireplace surround to bring these treasures into your home. With a thoughtful approach, you can easily incorporate antique tile alongside new tile for a look that feels both timeless and cohesive.
Why Antique Tile Works with Modern Tile
Custom design using our Figural Floral Accent Tiles paired with Zellige field tiles
Antique and new tile share one important trait: versatility. Whether you’re restoring a bathroom, creating an antique kitchen backsplash design, or updating an entryway floor, they can be mixed to form a cohesive design. Antique tile provides history, texture, and one-of-a-kind character, while new tile adds the ability to scale a project. Together, they balance charm with practicality, making it easier than ever to blend historic tile with today’s finishes.
If you’re just starting to explore, our shop of antique and vintage tile for sale showcases everything from reclaimed tile liners to antique floor tile ready for installation.
Practical Tips for Blending Antique and New
Our 19th cen. encaustic tiles, paired with modern slate tiles
Begin with the antique pieces. Identify the colors, motifs, or textures you want to highlight, and let those guide your choices for new tile. A handful of salvaged tile accents can serve as a feature behind the range, while surrounding them with neutral field tile keeps the focus where it belongs.
Keep scale in mind. Many antique tiles were made in sizes slightly different from today’s standards. A skilled installer can adjust grout lines or trim pieces to achieve a seamless look. For guidance, visit our installation FAQ.
Finally, think about placement. Antique tiles don’t have to cover an entire wall or floor. A few well-placed accents can transform a space. Our period-appropriate tile borders, for example, work beautifully in mudrooms, hallways, or kitchens.
Where Antique Tile Shines
Updated shower using a mix of our antique and vintage liner tiles and modern subway tiles
Some of the easiest places to mix antique with new tile are kitchens, bathrooms, and floors. In kitchens, a small panel of antique backsplash tile can elevate even the simplest design. In bathrooms, a row of antique bathroom tile borders adds depth to modern subway tile. On floors, combining antique floor tile with durable contemporary ceramics creates a welcoming, long-lasting surface for everyday life.
If you’d like ideas tailored to your home, our design services can help you explore possibilities, or we can work with you on a custom design plan.
Some Tiles to Consider…
If you need help getting inspired, here are a few tiles currently available in our collection that provide the perfect starting point for a beautiful design.
Bringing It All Together
Blending antique and new tile isn’t difficult — it’s about letting history and modernity meet intentionally. Antique tiles provide soul, while new tiles provide structure. Together, they create designs that are durable, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
At Storied Salvage Tile Co., we specialize in restoration tile, vintage borders, and one-of-a-kind finds. Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, or builder, we make it easy to bring history into your next project. Check out our FAQ for common questions, or contact us to talk through your design goals. Explore our collection and discover how simple it can be to design with antique tile.