Introducing two new sizes in the Marlborough Matts collection

At Marlborough Tiles, craftsmanship and innovation walk hand in hand. Our New Product Development Manager, Anita, is at the heart of this philosophy. With her scientific precision, artistic eye and deep love of colour, she has brought to life each and every tile in our collections. Now, we are delighted to unveil the latest evolution, led by Anita, of our beloved Marlborough Matts range - two beautiful new formats: a refined 11 x 11cm square tile and a striking 16.1 x 18.5cm hexagon.

A true Matt finish, now in more ways than ever

The Marlborough Matts collection began as a challenge; to create a true matt tile. Jamie, Owner of Marlborough Tiles, asked Anita to develop something entirely flat and chalky to the touch, with the understated beauty of concrete but the depth of glaze and durability that define Marlborough Tiles. Unlike many matt tiles that carry a satin sheen, these absorb the light softly, just like the highest quality matt paint.

Anita and our talented Production team achieved just that. Each tile has a paper-smooth surface, completely flat and irresistibly tactile - the kind of finish that makes people instinctively reach out and touch it. Remarkably, this soft aesthetic comes without any of the maintenance concerns of cement or encaustic tiles; there is no need for sealing, and the tiles are waterproof, mark-proof and strong enough for floors, bathrooms and busy family homes.

Originally available in medium bricks, the collection now welcomes two new shapes, opening even more creative possibilities.

Why choose a Matt tile?

There is something beautifully calm about a matt surface. Glossy tiles bounce light around a room, but matt tiles gently absorb it, creating a more restful atmosphere. They lend interiors a refined softness - architectural yet cocooning. It’s this balance that makes them so versatile.

What makes the Marlborough Matts particularly special is the glaze. Designed to mimic the finish of high-quality paint, it carries colour with depth and richness while maintaining that velvety, chalky feel. And because they require no sealing and resist moisture and marks, they can be used in spaces where traditional matt finishes could not - from kitchens to wet rooms, and even on floors.

A palette inspired by timeless colour

The colours in this collection are familiar in the best possible way. Anita intentionally drew inspiration from classic paint shades - the ones that quietly anchor interiors rather than shout for attention. These are hues that have stood the test of time: soft greens, gentle greys, warm off-whites, muted blues and even a whisper of pink. They harmonise beautifully with Britain’s most loved paint brands, from Farrow & Ball to Lick and Neptune.

Where and how to use a Matt tile

With the introduction of the square and hexagon formats, the Marlborough Matts collection steps into new territories of design.

In the kitchen, the 11 x 11cm square tiles offer a sense of quiet order and elegance. Their symmetry feels timeless - perfect behind a range cooker or wrapping around an island wall. The soft matt surface gives them a contemporary edge, elevating even the simplest of layouts. For those wanting to make a subtle statement, the hexagon tile brings a touch of geometry and movement to a space. Whether covering an entire wall or fading organically into plaster, the effect is striking yet understated.

Move into the bathroom, and the tiles take on an entirely different mood. Their chalky surface absorbs the light, creating a spa-like serenity. The hexagon tiles form a delicate honeycomb pattern that looks beautiful underfoot in a walk-in shower or wet room floor, while the squares on the walls bring a sense of calm structure. Because the Marlborough Matts don’t require sealing, won’t mark and are fully water-resistant, they offer practicality as well as beauty - something traditional cement tiles cannot guarantee.

These tiles also lend themselves wonderfully to characterful corners throughout the home. A fireplace clad in square tiles becomes an unexpected focal point, while a utility or boot room floored in hexagons feels intentional and quietly architectural. In north-facing rooms, Anita recommends warm, yellow-based tones like Parchment White or Milk Yard White to enhance natural light. South-facing spaces, bathed in stronger sunlight, can embrace deeper shades such as Slate Blue or Coldharbour Green to create balance and depth.

What makes this collection so special is its ability to feel both familiar and fresh. The colours are inspired by tones we already trust in our homes, while the new shapes invite us to rediscover them through pattern, texture and form.

A celebration of craft

Every Marlborough Matts tile is handmade in our Factory. Flip, who has been working the kilns for 35 years, hand-finishes each one with care as it comes off the line. This human touch - combined with our ongoing drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in ceramics - is what gives the collection its soul.

From the original metro shape to the new square and hexagon formats, each tile reflects a meeting of tradition and innovation, of material honesty, colour depth and creative possibility.

With the new 16.1 x 18.5cm hexagon and 11 x 11cm square tiles, the Marlborough Matts collection continues to evolve, inviting you to create spaces that feel calm, refined and deeply personal.