The Charm of Vintage French Reclaimed Terra Cotta Tiles

In the world of interior design, few materials embody timeless elegance like French reclaimed terracotta tile. These tiles, with their vintage charm and rustic appeal, have been a preferred choice for centuries. François, growing up in Provence, lived amongst these floors, and we've been salvaging the highest quality reclaimed French terra cotta tiles for 25 years now.  It's an incredible passion we have at Historic Decorative Materials, and I would like to explain why these tiles are so beloved, their benefits, and how they can transform your space. 

The Charm of Vintage Terracotta Tiles 

French reclaimed terracotta tiles, often referred to as vintage terracotta tiles, bring a unique warmth and character that is hard to replicate. Each piece carries a bit of history and a story of its own.  The tiles must be salvaged from old French buildings, a delicate reclaiming process to ensure the preservation of each clay tile's original beauty and integrity.  This is why on our-e-commerce site, we sell French reclaimed terra cotta tiles by their lot.  Each lot is unique and will never be reproduced again.  The size of the lot is simply the amount of tile we were able to salvage at that time from that specific structure.  Their beauty is apparent no matter their lot, due to their natural, earthy tones, artisanal craftsmanship, color variations, aged edges and patina. Antique French terra cotta tiles provide a soothing, nostalgic aesthetic, complementing both traditional and modern interiors.  

In Provence, this beautiful French manor home surely has installations throughout their living spaces in French reclaimed terra cotta tiles.

The fabrication of hand made antique French terra cotta tiles was a multi-step process involving weeks of manual labor combined with the skill of experienced craftsmanship. Each tile was individually hand-molded and kiln-fired centuries ago. Their artisanal quality shows when we reclaim them in tact from old French structures and re-install them in homes today.  Over their centuries of wear, due to the nature of terra cotta, a worn surface develops which enhances a French terra cotta tile's color, aged edges and surface patina.

French artisans are known for their craftsmanship and I want to tell you the effort involved to create even one hand made French terra cotta tile.  The clay needs to be unearthed, filtered for sediment, kneaded to release air pockets - and only then the process can begin.  Wooden molds are hand made to exactitude of size and form, the artisan "slaps" the clay into each mold further releasing air pockets - where the "greenware" is left to dry.  The greenware tile is unmolded and left to dry in the sun over a period of days to weeks depending on the weather - flipping them half-way through the drying process.  Finally, the kiln firing - beehive in shape, these large vats are filled meticulously with the tiles to be baked in extremely hot ovens.  The energy source is wood and some areas of the kiln are hotter than others - ensuring beautiful color variation when the firing cycle is complete.  This kiln fire lasts for 24 hours and must be maintained each hour ensuring the wood fire maintains it's intensity.  Due to these steps, only then a French terra cotta tile is achieved, that will last for centuries.

Thankfully, there are still factories in France that produce hand made terra cotta tiles in the same artisanal way as centuries ago.  It is not a lost art.  The difference of a newly fabricated hand made French terra cotta tile and an antique French terra cotta tile is time.  Only time and wear can achieve the smooth, worn patina, aged edges and softened color palettes that we see in reclaimed French terra cotta tiles.

A Brief History of Terracotta Tile

Understanding how French reclaimed terra cotta tiles are manufactured is as interesting as it's history. Understanding the history of something allows for deeper appreciation, therefore, here is a quick summation of how handmade terra cotta tiles became so popular in France. Terracotta, meaning "baked earth" in Italian, has been used for thousands of years. The French have long been known for their exquisite terracotta craftsmanship. These tiles were originally used in farmhouses, chateaux, and other historic buildings across the French countryside. 

During the Middle Ages roughly from the 10th century to the middle of the 15th century, French artisans honed their skills in tile making, producing a variety of shapes and sizes. Monasteries and castles often featured intricately designed terra cotta tiles, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.

This is an image of an inlay or encaustic tile where different colors of terra cotta clay were placed in pre-formed molds with varying designs. Once fired, these beautiful encaustic tiles were installed in churches and those of the wealthy class.

From the Renaissance and beyond, different regions of France developed their own distinct styles of terra cotta tiles. For example, Burgundy was known for its square-shaped tile, while Provence favored hexagonal tiles. Terra cotta tiles became integral to French architecture, adorning roofs, floors, and walls of houses, public buildings, and churches. They have contributed to the characteristic warmth and charm of French architecture.  

A red clay body hexagon is a classic Provençal French reclaimed terra cotta tile that is seen in old French farmhouses and manor homes throughout Provence.

During the 19th Century, terra cotta tiles had a resurgence and while industrialization led to some mechanization, handmade tiles continued to be valued for their unique character. New designs and techniques were also developed, expanding the possibilities of terra cotta in construction and decoration.

Today, many are learning to appreciate how valuable handmade reclaimed French terra cotta tiles are. Their natural beauty, durability, and connection to French heritage make them a sought-after material for many reasons, that architects, designers, and homeowners value.

For example, French terra cotta tiles are a natural building material, made from geological clay deposits throughout France. Since they are handmade, their slight variations in color, texture, and size add to their unique charm.  No two antique terra cotta tile "lots" are the same and each has their own story and color palette. 

Also, France's diverse regions artistically have contributed to a variety of tile styles, each with its own character and history - from red small hexagons called "tomettes" in Provence to square tiles from the Burgundy region. François' family home in Provence is installed with tomettes from when the house was first built generations ago.  They are deep red with a beautiful patina sheen.

Lucky us when we salvaged this beautiful octagon and cabochon reclaimed French terra cotta tile in Provence.  A classic Provençal red brown softened through centuries, creating a surface patina that has a wonderful sheen. 

Reclaimed French terra cotta brick tiles can be used on it's surface or edge for two different aesthetics.

Finally, terra cotta tiles are known for their durability and can last for centuries with proper care.  Thus, French handmade terra cotta tiles represent not just a building material, but a cultural and artistic tradition that has evolved over centuries. They continue to add beauty and authenticity to French architecture and interior design - and can easily be incorporated into a variety of interior design aesthetics.

Benefits of Using French Reclaimed Terracotta Tiles 

Aside from their provenance, charm and lovely color ranges - there are many benefits of installing French reclaimed terra cotta tiles.

First, choosing French reclaimed terracotta tiles offer several advantages, both aesthetic and practical.  Their natural patina adds a sense of historic, timeless elegance to any space. They age gracefully, developing more patina and charm over time. This makes them a favored choice for those seeking a classic yet authentic, historic look. We installed a beautiful lot of French reclaimed terra cotta tile in our entryway. Taking cue of one of the ochre tile colors in the mix, we then painted a similar color on our walls.  The color vibration is magnifique and the space is historic, warm and inviting.

A little bit of Provence in our New England home.

Another benefit of using French reclaimed terra cotta tile is that they are eco-friendly and sustainable. Using reclaimed materials is an environmentally responsible choice and by opting for reclaimed terracotta tiles, we are reducing waste and minimizing the demand for new materials. This sustainability aspect is increasingly important for eco-conscious homeowners and designers. 

Lastly, as I have stated above, the durability and versatility of French reclaimed terra cotta tiles mean dogs, children, house guests and dinner parties will only add more patina to your floor!  Terracotta is known for its durability. These tiles can withstand significant wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas - whether used in kitchens, bathrooms or living areas, they maintain their integrity and continue to look beautiful undoubtedly for generations to come.

Since these tiles were handmade over 150-years ago, no two reclaimed terracotta tiles are exactly alike.  Each tile carries its own set of hues, textures, and imperfections -  contributing to a unique and authentic aesthetic. This individuality sets them apart from mass-produced tiles and adds a focal point floor to your home.

Incorporating Terracotta Floor Tiles in Your Home 

The question is, "how to integrate terracotta floor tiles into my home?  I don't live in France!"  Here are some ideas on how to incorporate and achieve a beautiful interior design space installing French reclaimed terra cotta tiles.

Kitchen and Dining Areas 

Installing a reclaimed French terra cotta tile parefeuille with a gorgeous black range will forever remain a classic interior.

Bathrooms 

In bathrooms, terracotta tiles are one of the most durable materials one can install in a bathroom.  A solid installation and a thorough terra cotta tile seal mean water will be impermeable to the clay tile. Additionally, French reclaimed terra cotta tile has the ability to retain heat, making them a practical choice for bathroom flooring, providing comfort and warmth underfoot. 

Outdoor Spaces in Temperate Climates

Terracotta tiles are not just for indoors. They can also be used in outdoor spaces if you live in a non freeze/thaw climate. From patios and garden paths to courtyards, their natural, earthy appearance blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a cohesive and inviting outdoor environment. 

Living Rooms and Entryways 

The versatility of terracotta tiles allows them to be used in living rooms and entryways as well. Their durability makes them suitable for areas with high foot traffic, while their historic, aesthetic appeal adds a touch of authenticity and elegance to your home's entrance or main gathering space. 

The beautiful color ranges of vintage French reclaimed terra cotta tiles often mirror the villages from where they were salvaged.

Maintaining Your Terracotta Tiles 

This is an easy question to answer!  They have already existed for over 150-200 years, so with a correct tile installation and final coat of sealer - maintaining these floors is a breeze.

Cleaning Tips 

After installing and sealing your French reclaimed terra cotta tile floor, regular cleaning with a soft broom or vacuum can prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. For deeper cleaning, use a damp mop with a gentle cleanser specifically designed for terracotta, like the original olive oil soap from Marseilles called Savon Noir.  I love this cleaner not only for our terra cotta tile floors, but for our French oak floors and marble kitchen countertops. Don't forget - one must always avoid harsh chemical cleaners, as they can damage the tiles' surface patina.