Delft wall tiles: the complete guide from Marlborough Tiles

Delft hand painted wall tiles are among the most recognisable and enduring decorative tiles in the world. Celebrated for their craftsmanship, character and timeless appeal, they have been used in European interiors for centuries – and continue to inspire kitchens, bathrooms and feature walls today.

At Marlborough Tiles, we produce authentic Delft-style hand painted wall tiles in our studio in Marlborough, Wiltshire, using traditional techniques refined for modern interiors. This guide answers the most common questions people ask about Delft tiles, helping you understand what makes them special and how to choose the right tiles for your project.

What is a Delft tile?

A Delft tile is a decorative ceramic wall tile traditionally associated with the Netherlands, particularly the city of Delft, where production flourished from the 17th century onwards. Delft tiles are most commonly square and feature hand painted designs such as landscapes, florals, ships, animals and pastoral scenes, often finished with traditional corner motifs.

Historically, Delft tiles were developed as a European response to imported Chinese porcelain. Craftspeople perfected tin-glazed earthenware, creating a soft white surface ideal for hand painting.

Today, the term 'Delft tile' refers both to historic antique tiles and to high-quality contemporary hand painted wall tiles that follow the same principles of craftsmanship. We have been hand painting Delft tiles for 90 years, since our inception in 1936, and Marlborough Tiles’ Delft collections honour the classic traditions while being made for modern customers.

Are Delft tiles always blue?

No, although blue and white Delft tiles are the most iconic, Delft tiles are not always blue.

Cobalt blue became dominant because it fires beautifully, producing crisp detail and long-lasting colour. However, historically and today, Delft tiles can also be found in:

• Soft grey and charcoal tones
• Softer blue shades
• Sepia and manganese colours
• Green and muted polychrome palettes
• Contemporary neutral colourways

At Marlborough Tiles, our Delft tiles are painted to order and can be made in a range of carefully developed pigment colours to suit your home - allowing you to achieve a traditional Delft look or a softer, more modern interpretation.

How are Delft hand painted wall tiles made?

Authentic Delft tiles - including those made here at Marlborough Tiles - are created using traditional, time-honoured methods:

1. Tile forming – Clay tiles are pressed and biscuit fired.
2. Tin glazing – A white glaze is applied to create a softly opaque surface.
3. Hand painting – Each design is painted by hand using mineral pigments.
4. Final firing – The tile is fired again, permanently fixing the decoration beneath the glaze.

Every tile is painted individually, meaning subtle variations in brushwork, tone and character are not only normal, but desirable. This individuality is central to the appeal of Marlborough Tiles’ hand painted collections.

How to tell if a Delft tile is real

When choosing Delft hand painted wall tiles, authenticity matters. Here are the key indicators of a genuine tile:

• Visible brush strokes showing hand painted decoration
• Soft, painterly edges rather than sharp printed lines
• Tonal variation where pigment naturally pools or fades
• Traditional motifs and layouts rooted in historic Delft design
• Characterful glaze with subtle movement and depth

Printed or digitally decorated tiles may replicate Delft patterns, but they lack the depth, individuality and longevity of true hand painted tiles. In our workshop, designs are always created by hand and signed by the artist on the reverse, never using a printer.

How are Delft tiles different from printed tiles?

The difference lies in craftsmanship, appearance and value.

Hand painted Delft tiles

• Painted individually by skilled artisans
• Each tile is unique
• Decoration sits beneath the glaze
• Develop character and patina over time

Printed or decal tiles

• Machine-produced
• Identical repeats with no variation
• Flat, uniform finish
• Limited sense of depth or texture

For kitchens, splashbacks and feature walls where quality and longevity matter, hand painted tiles offer a timeless alternative to mass-produced options.

Where can Delft tiles be used?

Delft hand painted wall tiles are highly versatile and suit both period and contemporary interiors. They are commonly used for:

• Kitchen splashbacks
• Feature walls and panels
• Fireplace surrounds
• Bathrooms and shower walls
• Hallways and boot rooms

Many Marlborough Tiles customers choose Delft-style tiles as a focal point, pairing them with plain tiles or natural materials such as stone and wood for balance.

Are Delft tiles suitable for modern interiors?

Yes. While Delft tiles have historic roots, they work beautifully in modern settings. Used thoughtfully, they add warmth, pattern and a sense of craftsmanship to contemporary spaces.

In modern kitchens, Delft tiles are often used behind ranges or sinks, while in minimalist interiors they provide contrast and visual interest without overwhelming the design.

Caring for Delft hand painted wall tiles

Delft tiles are practical as well as beautiful. To care for them:

• Clean with a soft cloth and mild detergent
• Avoid abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals
• Use appropriate grout and sealants during installation

With proper care, hand painted Delft tiles will retain their beauty for decades.

Why choose Marlborough Tiles for Delft hand painted wall tiles?

At Marlborough Tiles, we specialise in traditionally made wall tiles produced in England. Our hand painted collections combine historic inspiration with contemporary craftsmanship, making them suitable for both classic and modern interiors.

By choosing Marlborough Tiles, you benefit from:

• Authentic hand painted techniques
• Carefully developed glazes and colourways
• Tiles made to order, in small batches, in Wiltshire
• Designs that complement both period and modern homes

Explore our hand painted and patterned wall tile collections to discover tiles inspired by Delft traditions, made for modern living.

Frequently asked questions about Delft tiles