Falling in Love with Antique Belgian Bluestone Flooring

January 03, 2025

Antique Belgian Bluestone Flooring: A Timeless Classic

Antique Belgian bluestone flooring has become an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and designers seeking to add a touch of timeless elegance and historical charm to their spaces. This natural stone, quarried in Belgium, is renowned for its unique blue-gray hue, subtle veining, and exceptional durability. In this blog post, I'll first delve into the world of antique Belgian bluestone flooring, exploring its origins, characteristics, benefits, and applications.

What is Antique Belgian Bluestone?

Belgian bluestone, also known as "Pierre Bleue" or "Petit Granit," is a type of limestone that has been used in construction and design for centuries.  Below is an image of a castle in Belgium with antique Belgian bluestone installed throughout the grand entryway and halls.

Its distinctive blue-gray color comes from the presence of fossilized seashells and other marine organisms within the stone.  As you can see from the image below, fossilized seashells are part of the historic charm when installing antique Belgian bluestone floors.

As for design, antique Belgian bluestone was a material of choice for artists, sculpting insignias and engravings into the bluestone.

Above is an image of a 14th century insignia that captures perhaps the power and prestige of a wealthy family.  And below is an image of engraved antique Belgian bluestone from the year 1747.  As one can a test, it is understandable why artisans from centuries ago chose Belgian bluestone for their blue color and durability.  This stone is timeless and beautiful.

Antique Belgian bluestone flooring refers to reclaimed or salvaged stones that have been repurposed from old buildings, giving them a unique character and history. An incredibly durable stone, stone masons centuries ago hand-worked antique Belgian bluestone using stone masonry techniques like hand-hammering and chiseling creating a unique surface texture that new homeowners can enjoy in their own homes today.

Key Characteristics and Benefits of Antique Belgian Bluestone Flooring

I believe there are five key characteristics and benefits installing this exceptionally durable and beautiful limestone floor in one's living spaces.  First, their timeless appeal. Antique Belgian bluestone floors exudes a classic and sophisticated aesthetic that complements both traditional and contemporary design styles. Its neutral color palette and subtle veining create a versatile backdrop for any interior or exterior space. 

However, what is inspirational is to install antique Belgian bluestone and French oak floors in your living space for a contrast in textures and colors that will define your home.  If you have ever visited Belgium, many interiors are graced with antique Belgian bluestone floors matched with antique oak flooring. The combined beauty of the deep blue in Belgian bluestone with the lighter, natural oak of French oak flooring is a study in contrast.  Many old Belgian farmhouses combined these two flooring materials for a timeless and charming interior.

In the image below, just adding the island in antique oak sets off the antique Belgian bluestone is such a nuanced and elegant way.

In the image below, one can imagine the living space off the kitchen with a beautiful natural antique French oak floor.  The combined color palette of organic oak with the rich patina blue elevates interiors.

A second benefit of installing antique Belgian bluestone flooring is their durability and longevity. This natural stone is exceptionally durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. With proper care, an installation of antique Belgian bluestone will last for even continued generations.

The unique patina is a third benefit of installing antique Belgian bluestone floors, from kitchens and entryways ways to entire living spaces. Over time, antique Belgian bluestone develops patina, a natural surface texture that has become smoothed and worn from centuries of wear.  Creating an incredible sheen, the patina adds to the antique Belgian bluestone's character and charm, which is highly sought after by those who appreciate the beauty of aged materials.

From the image below, the majesty of this space is due to the simplicity and organic quality of the natural oak doors and ceiling beans with it's matte texture contrasted to the patina sheen and rich, deep blue of the antique Belgian bluestone floor.

A fourth benefit of antique Belgian bluestone flooring is its versatility. Antique Belgian bluestone floors can be used in a variety of applications, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, hallways, and outdoor patios. It can also be used for wall cladding and fireplace surrounds.  The durability of antique Belgian bluestone gives a piece of mind to those who are concerned about high-traffic areas - with an understanding that these floors will only become more beautiful as they are used, adding a homeowner's own patina and history to the floor. And aside from it's beauty and historical significance, due to it's durability and withstanding a freeze/thaw climate - Belgian Bluestone is for interior as well as exterior applications.  From outside paving stones, stairs and walls to inside installations on top of radiant heat - this will be a flooring that will last generations.

Finally, since they are salvaged from old Belgian structures, antique Belgian bluestone floors are eco-friendly. Reclaimed antique Belgian bluestone flooring is an environmentally friendly choice, as it reduces the demand for newly quarried stone and helps to preserve natural resources.

Applications and Design Ideas

Here is a quick list of where one can benefit from installing antique Belgian bluestone in your home:

• Kitchens: Antique Belgian bluestone flooring can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in kitchens, complementing both modern and traditional cabinetry styles.  If you are looking to recreate an authentic French or Belgian farmhouse, installing antique Belgian bluestone for the kitchen floor and antique French oak floors for the living spaces mean an elegant and authentic farmhouse interior is complete.

• Bathrooms: The natural stone's durability and moisture resistance make it a practical and elegant choice for bathroom flooring.
• Living Rooms: Antique Belgian bluestone flooring can add a touch of sophistication and history to living rooms, creating a focal point for gatherings and relaxation.

• Outdoor Patios: The stone's durability and weather resistance make it suitable for outdoor applications, such as patios, walkways, and pool surrounds.

At Historic Decorative Materials, we source antique Belgian bluestone flooring and can ensure its quality. We also specialize in antiqued Belgian Bluestone which is newly quarried Belgian bluestone and antiqued following historic stone masonry techniques.  We bring in stock which can be viewed and purchased on our e-commerce site: pavehdm.com.  

Care and Maintenance

The installation of antique Belgian bluestone flooring should be carried out by experienced professionals who are familiar with working with natural stone. Antique Belgian bluestone flooring requires minimal maintenance. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a neutral pH cleaner are usually sufficient. It's important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the stone's surface.

Finally, antique Belgian bluestone flooring is a timeless and elegant choice for those seeking to add a touch of history and sophistication to their spaces. Its unique character, durability, and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for any home or design project. 

If you are interested in viewing our in-stock antique and aged Belgian bluestone collections, here are the links to their collection pages our e-commerce site:

In-Stock Antique Belgian Bluestone Flooring

In-Stock Aged Belgian Bluestone Flooring

Thank you for your time,

Emmi Micallef, co-owner Historical Decorative Materials, a division of Pavé Tile, Wood & Stone, Inc.

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