What Defines Art Tile?
Art tile, from the Arabic azulejo, or “little stone” was first produced in the 14th century in Spain and Portugal. The tiles were first one color, and used in a checkerboard pattern for chess boards. Decorative patterns, pictures and murals were added and as the popularity of the tile grew, exteriors and interiors of homes began to be tiled with the decorative patterns. Today’s art tile is defined as any hand painted ceramic tile. Typically with a repeating, joining pattern, art tile varies in color and style by the region in which it was produced. French art tiles contain a great deal of blues and burgundy reds on a white background, while Spanish and Moroccan art tiles make use of deep cobalt blues, maize yellows, leaf greens and rust reds. Where Can Art Tile Be Used? Art tile can be used anywhere in or around the home. The use of each tile will be limited to its manufacturing and specifications. A thin, glossy wall tile, for example should not be used on a floor. A thick, stoneware
