From cozy cottages to contemporary homes, vintage tile looks are showing up everywhere—honoring classic designs in modern materials that make them practical for how people actually live today. They capture the warmth and character of the past while offering a fresh, nostalgic feel for modern spaces.

After years of cool minimalist design, many homeowners and interior designers are craving comfort, history, and connection. Vintage-inspired tiles embrace age and imperfection, bringing a lived-in look from day one, and combining enduring style with effortless care.

What “Vintage” Really Means in Design Today

In interior design, vintage doesn’t mean old-fashioned—it means authentic. It’s about materials that tell a story and spaces that feel collected rather than decorated.

There are few modern surface materials that can express age and artistry as gracefully as tile. Subtle surface variation, gently worn finishes, and heritage patterns bring depth and personality to modern interiors. The result is a design language that feels familiar, comfortable, and timeless.

Vintage Tile Looks That Define the Trend

Vintage style shows up in many forms—from traditional patterns and handcrafted glazes to aged stone and speckled terrazzo. Here are some of the most distinctive looks bringing timeless character into today’s spaces.

Checkerboard Revival

Once a kitchen classic, checkerboard floors and walls are having a full revival. The high-contrast black-and-white look is back in a big way, while tone-on-tone and softened neutrals offer a quieter take. Play with scale, orientation (straight or diagonal), and grout color to dial the vibe from vintage café to understated modern.

Engineered in easy-to-maintain porcelain, our Luxury tile collection is available in many versatile sizes, including 12”x12” and 24”x24”, perfect for creating the sought-after checkerboard pattern, seamlessly blending classic charm with modern sophistication.

Give classic checkerboard a fresh Art Deco twist with the curving glossy–matte patterns of our Lunara™ porcelain tile collection.

Weathered Stone and Aged Limestone

Stone-look porcelain delivers that centuries-old patina without the upkeep. Inspired by aged limestone, reclaimed marble, and traditional terracotta, these tiles bring Old World warmth to both rustic and refined interiors.
Aurum porcelain tile captures the warm, varied look of aged natural stone, shown here in a classic Versailles pattern for a timeless, old-world feel.

Inspired by traditional terracotta designs, Barcelona porcelain tile delivers a vintage geometric pattern that adds Old World character in a clean, modern format.

Handcrafted Glazes and Irregular Edges

Tiles with subtle variation and uneven edges capture the character of hand-formed clay and traditional glazing methods. Their surface movement and sheen add depth and life to walls.

Gibraltar porcelain tile delivers a handcrafted Mediterranean look with its textured glazes and irregular edges. The rich surface variation brings an artisan feel to any wall installation.

Patterned Tile

Patterned tile, from geometric to encaustic-inspired designs, reinterprets historic motifs for modern spaces. These tile designs bring personality and craftsmanship to kitchens, baths, and entryways.


Havana encaustic-look porcelain tile delivers the charm of traditional cement patterns with the easy care of porcelain, making this feature wall a true focal point.

Terrazzo 

Rooted in Venetian craftsmanship, terrazzo has evolved into a playful, polished option for contemporary interiors. Its organic mix of color and texture bridges retro charm with modern refinement. Modern reinterpretations in porcelain are more economical and far easier to source than traditional terrazzo, making the look accessible for nearly any project.

Earthen 2CM porcelain pavers reinterpret the terrazzo look with natural warmth and outdoor durability, creating a seamless connection between patios and the surrounding landscape.

Designing with a Vintage Mindset

Retro or vintage design is about creating balance. Aged textures and handcrafted details bring warmth and history, but they pair best with simple, modern lines. The goal isn’t to recreate the past; it’s to capture its character in a way that feels effortless and livable.

Layering vintage style means creating depth through contrast, such as aged next to new, matte mixed with gloss, smooth paired with textured. It’s what gives a room soul and keeps it from feeling too polished or predictable. Vintage-inspired design feels approachable because it tells a story. It creates a new space that feels grounded, comfortable, and personal—qualities that never go out of style.


Drawing from classic Moroccan tile traditions, Fez ceramic tile features a mix of glossy and matte surfaces that add depth and handmade character to this kitchen backsplash. Design by Jenna Snow, owner and interior designer, Snow Design Co. 

Bring Vintage Charm Home

Explore our collections of vintage-inspired tile looks and see how modern technology meets timeless design. We encourage you to work with a knowledgeable professional to help you select high-quality tiles with exceptional technical performance that are specifically tailored to your project. With 25 dedicated showrooms offering world-class products and dedicated support, Crossville Studios™ professionals are here to help you find products that hit all the right marks for aesthetics, technical performance, sustainability, and availability. Connect with us today!