Fireplace Tiles

WHICH IS BETTER, NEW OR ORIGINAL TILES?

Reproduction tiles have many advantages, most obviously that they are in perfect condition. They usually have a white or cream background which helps when planning your overall fireplace design. They also offer many additional variations and shades of colour which the antique tiles can lack. For example Victorian period designs lack blue shades.

Hand produced tiles are, due to their very nature of production, subject to variation. No two pieces are the same and sets will experience variations in shade. They may show slight crazing due to the thickness of the glaze, but this is considered normal.

Still, manufacturers reproduce these tiles with careful attention to how the originals were made. The top glazed surface is faithfully reproduced making it difficult to detect whether they are new, only their condition might give them away. Our new tiles are very reasonably priced for the quality you get, making them a great choice overall.

However, original tiles are becoming increasingly rare day by day, making them quite valuable. If you have an antique fireplace, pairing it with truly original tiles will only add to it’s prestige and style. When it comes to selling your property it will no doubt help sell the fireplace’s authenticity, if not the property itself aswell.

It’s worth noting that the colours are often quite vibrant and today’s eye might find that they ‘argue’ with each other. For example reds and oranges, or clashing shades of green and purple. This is quite different to the softer, more subtle tones we are used to seeing in decor today.