Discontinued Ceramic Tiles? (6 Options Remain!)
I’m Tony, a flooring contractor with over 20 years under my belt.
But one thing that always gets me is the unique beauty of ceramic tiles, especially the ones that seem to have vanished from the face of the earth.
Ceramic tiles, right? They’re not just flooring; they’re a statement. They’re durable, versatile, and can add a touch of elegance to any space.
From vibrant colors to intricate patterns, they’ve been a design staple for centuries. But what happens when your favorite tile gets discontinued?
It’s a real head-scratcher, especially if you’re trying to match existing designs or preserve a specific era’s aesthetic.
It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack, isn’t it?
But don’t worry, my friend! I’m here to tell you that all hope is not lost.
Even though many ceramic tiles have been discontinued, there are still some fantastic options available.
Think of it as a curated selection of timeless classics and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
In this article, I’m going to walk you through six ceramic tile options that are still kicking around, despite the ever-changing trends.
We’ll dive into their history, unique characteristics, and how you can incorporate them into your next design project.
Ready to embark on this tile-tastic adventure with me?
Let’s get started!
The Journey of Ceramic Tiles
So, where do ceramic tiles come from anyway?
Well, their story goes way back – like, ancient civilizations back. We’re talking Mesopotamia, Egypt, and beyond!
These early tiles were often handmade, decorated with intricate patterns, and used in palaces and temples. They were a symbol of wealth and status.
Fast forward a few centuries, and the Romans really took tile-making to the next level.
They used ceramic tiles extensively in their bathhouses, villas, and public buildings. Their techniques were so advanced that many of their tile installations are still around today!
Over time, the manufacturing process evolved from handcrafting to mass production.
The Industrial Revolution brought about new technologies that allowed for more consistent tile sizes, shapes, and colors.
But with these advances came changes in design preferences. Some styles fell out of favor, leading to the discontinuation of certain tile lines.
Consumer tastes change, new technologies emerge, and market demand shifts.
It’s all part of the natural cycle of product development.
According to a report by Statista, the global ceramic tiles market is expected to reach $97.7 billion by 2027. Statista Ceramic Tiles Market
That’s a lot of tiles! But within that massive market, there are always going to be trends that come and go.
The Value of Unique Ceramic Tiles
Now, let’s talk about why discontinued ceramic tiles hold such a special place in our hearts.
There’s something undeniably charming about incorporating these unique tiles into a space.
They add character, a sense of history, and a personal touch that you just can’t get with mass-produced options.
Think about it: you’re walking into a home, and the bathroom floor is covered in vintage mosaic tiles.
Immediately, you’re transported back in time. You start wondering about the story behind those tiles, who installed them, and what the room looked like back in the day.
“I had a client who was renovating a 1920s bungalow,” recalls interior designer Sarah Miller.
“She was adamant about preserving the original ceramic tiles in the bathroom. They were these beautiful Art Deco-style tiles with intricate geometric patterns.”
“We managed to salvage most of them, and the result was stunning. The tiles became the focal point of the entire room, adding so much character and charm.”
For many homeowners and designers, the search for discontinued tiles becomes a treasure hunt.
It’s about more than just finding a matching tile; it’s about discovering a piece of history.
I remember helping a client who was restoring a Victorian-era home. She was trying to match the original encaustic tiles in the entryway, but they had been discontinued decades ago.
We spent weeks scouring antique shops, salvage yards, and online forums. Finally, we found a small batch of the exact tiles she needed.
The look on her face when we installed them was priceless. It was like we had brought a piece of her home’s history back to life.
The Six Remaining Options
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff!
Here are six ceramic tile options that are still available, despite the discontinuation of many others.
These tiles offer a range of styles, colors, and textures that can add a unique touch to any space.
Option 1: Subway Tiles
Ah, the classic subway tile!
These rectangular tiles, typically 3×6 inches, have been around since the early 20th century.
They were first used in the New York City subway system, hence the name.
Subway tiles are known for their clean, simple design and their ability to complement a wide range of styles.
They’re available in a variety of colors, but white is the most popular choice.
White subway tiles offer a timeless look that can brighten up any room.
You can use them in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, or even as a backsplash in your home bar.
One of the great things about subway tiles is their versatility. You can install them in a variety of patterns, such as:
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Herringbone
- Stacked
This allows you to create a unique look that reflects your personal style.
According to a survey by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), subway tiles are consistently ranked as one of the most popular backsplash choices for kitchens.
Option 2: Penny Tiles
Penny tiles are small, round tiles that are typically about ¾ inch in diameter.
They get their name from their resemblance to old American pennies.
Penny tiles have been around since the early 1900s and were commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens.
They offer a unique, vintage look that can add a touch of nostalgia to any space.
Penny tiles are available in a variety of colors, but white, black, and shades of blue are the most popular.
You can use them to create intricate patterns or simply as a solid color field.
Penny tiles are a great choice for bathroom floors, shower floors, or as an accent in a backsplash.
They’re also a popular choice for creating mosaic designs.
One of the benefits of penny tiles is their slip resistance. The small size and grout lines provide excellent traction, making them a safe choice for wet areas.
Option 3: Porcelain Tiles
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Porcelain isn’t ceramic!”
And you’re right, technically. But porcelain is often manufactured and used in similar ways to ceramic, and it offers many of the same benefits.
Plus, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a durable, water-resistant tile that can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Porcelain tiles are made from a denser clay than ceramic tiles, and they’re fired at a higher temperature.
This makes them less porous and more resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture.
Porcelain tiles are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes.
They can even mimic the look of natural stone, wood, or concrete.
This makes them a versatile choice for any room in your home.
You can use porcelain tiles on floors, walls, countertops, or even outdoors.
They’re a great choice for high-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and bathrooms.
According to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), porcelain tiles are the fastest-growing segment of the tile market.
Option 4: Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles are made from a composite material that consists of chips of marble, glass, or other aggregates embedded in a binder.
The binder can be cementitious or resinous.
Terrazzo tiles have been around for centuries, and they were first used in Venice, Italy.
They offer a unique, textured look that can add a touch of sophistication to any space.
Terrazzo tiles are available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes.
You can customize the look by choosing different aggregates and binder colors.
Terrazzo tiles are a great choice for floors, walls, countertops, or even as a decorative element in furniture.
They’re also a popular choice for commercial spaces like airports, hospitals, and schools.
One of the benefits of terrazzo tiles is their durability. They’re resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
They’re also easy to maintain.
Option 5: Glass Tiles
Glass tiles are made from recycled glass and offer a unique, translucent look that can add a touch of elegance to any space.
They’re available in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
Glass tiles are a great choice for backsplashes, accent walls, or as a decorative element in pools and spas.
They’re also a popular choice for creating mosaic designs.
One of the benefits of glass tiles is their reflectivity. They can brighten up a room by reflecting light.
They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
According to the Green Building Council, using recycled glass tiles can contribute to LEED certification for green building projects.
Option 6: Handmade Ceramic Tiles
Handmade ceramic tiles are crafted by artisans using traditional techniques.
They offer a unique, artisanal look that can add a touch of warmth and character to any space.
Handmade ceramic tiles are available in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes.
They often feature unique textures, patterns, and glazes.
Handmade ceramic tiles are a great choice for backsplashes, accent walls, or as a decorative element in fireplaces.
They’re also a popular choice for creating custom mosaic designs.
One of the benefits of handmade ceramic tiles is their uniqueness.
No two tiles are exactly alike, which adds to their charm.
Tips for Incorporating Unique Ceramic Tiles
Okay, so you’ve found the perfect ceramic tiles for your project. Now what?
Here are a few tips for incorporating them into your home design:
- Choose the right tile for the space: Consider the size, shape, and color of the tile, as well as the overall style of the room.
- Pay attention to grout: Grout can have a big impact on the overall look of your tile installation. Choose a grout color that complements your tiles and enhances their design.
- Consider different installation patterns: Experiment with different patterns to create a unique look.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match: Combine different tile styles, colors, and textures to create a one-of-a-kind design.
- Hire a professional installer: Unless you’re experienced with tile installation, it’s best to hire a professional to ensure a flawless finish.
Conclusion
So there you have it, folks!
Six ceramic tile options that are still available, despite the ever-changing trends.
These tiles offer a range of styles, colors, and textures that can add a unique touch to any space.
Remember, incorporating unique ceramic tiles into your home design is about more than just finding a matching tile.
It’s about discovering a piece of history, adding character, and creating a space that reflects your personal style.
As we look to the future of ceramic tiles, it’s clear that innovation and sustainability will continue to drive the industry.
New materials, manufacturing techniques, and design trends will emerge, offering even more options for homeowners and designers.
But one thing will remain constant: the timeless beauty and versatility of ceramic tiles.
So go ahead, embrace the unique, and let your creativity shine!
Happy tiling!
