A Brief History of Tiles

Like everything else in the universe, tiles also have a history. Now that they are easily available and installed almost everywhere, whether residential properties, office, and commercial complexes, have you ever given a thought of where did tiles come from? Often, the sheer variety, types, and designs available in the market when you purchase tiles can be pretty mind-boggling. But if you have ever wondered what its origin is? Here is a brief history of tiles. Hopefully, when you know the history, you can appreciate it a bit more.

The Beginning - Decoration
The first record of tile goes back to the city of Babylon about 3,300 BC. The civilization used cobalt glaze to create high sheen bright blue tiles used to decorate the ancient buildings. Around the same time, around 4,700 BC tiles can be found in Egyptian civilization, which was used to line their tombs, temples, and even pyramids.

Middle Ages – The Flooring
Tiles were first used for flooring during the Middle Ages, around the thirteenth century in North Europe. In North Yorkshire’s churches of Byland, Fountains, and Rievaulx, lead-glazed mosaic tiles were laid. The innovation of designing the tiles during this time was using two colors. On a red-colored clay, the makers inserted white color clay. On glazing the clays, the red clay became deep red-brown while the white clay turned yellow.

These tiles were then used to create a range of patterns, floral and otherwise, figurative designs and even religious images, often used in the floors of the church and royal houses. Even the wealthy households used tiles for their flooring.

Around the 19th century, the images engraved on copper plates were printed on tiles.

The Modern Era – Everywhere
In this day and age, tiles are no longer limited to churches and the houses of the rich and royals. Tiles can now be found in every household and mainly in areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Also, it is used for a wide range of purposes and is no longer limited to flooring and walls. With technological advancement and the durability of tiles, it is used for space shuttle insulation, decoration, and even architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House. Tiles can now be glazed and printed with different colors, designs, shapes and customized as required. Basically, tiles can be used anywhere and everywhere now.

At Exclusive Tiles, you can select from a range of tiles that can be used for various purposes and across spaces. Get in touch with us to know more about tiles and the style that will suit your purpose.