Despite their age, traditional encaustic tiles are proving incredibly popular again in both period and modern homes. This is partly due to the fact that they can be hard-wearing and low-maintenance, but also because of their beautiful patterns and timeless appeal. With a huge variety of colours and designs, encaustic tiles can look traditional, eclectic or contemporary. The key to successful use of these tiles is balance – balancing the pattern and colour with other surfaces in the space.
Traditionally, encaustic cement tiles were made by hand using a technique known as ‘encaustic’. This was a process where different coloured powdered cements were applied to the surface of copper plates, which were perforated to the required pattern and then laid on top of each other. The resulting tile was then baked in a special oven, which gave it a rich and glossy finish. This method became less and less common as ceramic tiles became more and more popular, but in the 1960s the technique was revived by French artisans who used hydraulic presses to create a tile that did not require a kiln firing. These ‘mosaicos hidralicos’ (cement mosaics) were popular in Europe and other parts of the world where there was a high demand for this type of decorative tile.
Today, most encaustic tiles are made in Vietnam where there is a large and growing market for the product. They are usually made in small batches and therefore no two tiles will ever be exactly alike. This makes them very appealing to those who want to create a space that is unique and individual. Many artisan producers can even make bespoke patterns for those who have something specific in mind.
Due to their thick, robust construction, encaustic tiles are extremely easy to maintain and clean. They can be mopped down with hot soapy water and will even develop a natural patina with time. As a result, they are suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and other spaces where there is a risk of water splashing.
Although it is very tempting to use a lot of different patterned tiles in one room, Marish advises against this. Instead, she recommends keeping the use to three or four tiles, with a similar design and colour palette. This creates a sense of rhythm in the room and provides a break for the eye. It is also important to remember that no two encaustic tiles will be exactly the same, so chipping and tonal variations should be celebrated.
Due to their bold patterning and range of colours, encaustic tiles are often very dominant floor or wall features in a room. As such, it is a good idea to keep other surfaces fairly neutral and simple in order to let the tiles sing. This allows the patterns to stand out, rather like a great piece of live music. Alternatively, they can be used as a border or ‘rug’ around a plainer floor or as an accent.