How to Use Cement Tiles to Create a Vintage Look

How to Use Cement Tiles to Create a Vintage Look

What if the secret to creating a timeless, vintage-inspired space was right under your feet—or on your walls? With cement tiles, you can channel the charm and nostalgia of decades past while enjoying the durability and artistry of handcrafted design.

Whether you’re aiming to recreate the elegance of a Parisian bistro, the warmth of a rustic farmhouse, or the exotic flair of Moroccan decor, cement tiles offer the perfect balance of old-world style and modern functionality. In this guide, we’ll show you how to bring vintage vibes into any room using encaustic and Moroccan patterns, all available from Studio Cement Tile.

What Are Cement Tiles?

Cement tiles, also known as encaustic tiles or artisan tiles, are handcrafted decorative tiles made from a mixture of cement, sand, marble dust, and natural pigments. These tiles are pressed in molds rather than fired, which gives them a matte, silky finish and vivid color depth that lasts for decades.

Cement Tile Features:

• Handmade with intricate detail
• Naturally pigmented for long-lasting color
• Perfect for high-traffic or moisture-prone areas
• Suitable for both floors and walls
• Iconic in vintage, retro, and heritage-style interiors

Why Cement Tiles Are Gaining Popularity in Interior Design

There’s a growing appreciation for authenticity, craftsmanship, and personalization in home decor. That’s why cement tiles are back in style—especially for those craving a vintage or classic aesthetic.

Key Benefits:

• Patterned tiles bring texture and visual interest
• Authentic vintage color palettes (like sage, mustard, and charcoal)
• Historical connection to Mediterranean and European design
• Artisan-made for a one-of-a-kind look

From Victorian hallways to 1920s kitchens, cement tiles can transport any space to a bygone era.

Cement Tiles vs. Subway, Brick & Porcelain Tiles

Here’s how cement tiles stack up against other classic tile options:

Tile Type	Best For	Limitations
Cement Tiles	Vintage, custom patterns, aged charm	Require sealing and regular maintenance
Subway Tiles	Minimalist retro styles	Limited color and design range
Brick Tiles	Rustic, industrial looks	Less variety in ornate or colorful design
Porcelain	Easy care, sleek modern finish	Can feel sterile in vintage-inspired decor

If you’re after a space that feels curated and soulful, cement tiles are the superior choice.

How to Style Cement Tiles for a Vintage Feel

Cement tiles can create vintage charm in nearly any room. Here’s how to bring that aged elegance into different areas of your home:

Kitchen Tiles

• Black-and-white checkerboard floors for 1920s style
• Muted floral encaustic patterns for a French country kitchen
• Tile your backsplash in geometric Moroccan patterns for a retro-bohemian vibe

Pro Tip: Pair patterned tiles with classic cabinet colors like navy, cream, or forest green.

Bathroom Tiles

• Use encaustic tiles with intricate scrolls or floral motifs to echo early 20th-century bathrooms
• Combine with vintage brass or copper fixtures for a turn-of-the-century look
• Consider half-wall tile wainscoting with a crisp white or pastel top wall

Living Room Tiles

• Frame a fireplace in traditional Moroccan tiles for a Victorian-era focal point
• Define a sitting area with a tiled “rug” bordered by wood flooring
• Mix brick tiles with patterned cement tiles for an industrial vintage blend

Patio & Outdoor Spaces

• Go Mediterranean with a Moroccan cement tile courtyard floor
• Use decorative tiles on garden benches, steps, or pillars
• Add a timeless edge to your outdoor kitchen with a tiled backsplash

Interior Styles That Pair with Vintage Cement Tiles

Cement tiles are incredibly flexible and can enhance a wide range of interior themes:

Farmhouse Style

• Choose subtle tones like clay, ivory, and sage
• Combine floral tiles with shaker-style cabinets and apron sinks

Ranch House Aesthetic

• Use geometric encaustic tiles in earth tones
• Mix with raw wood and leather for warmth and texture

Modern House with Vintage Accents

• Add patterned cement tiles as statement walls or entry floors
• Keep the rest of the space clean and minimal to let tiles shine

Cozy House Feel

• Opt for small-scale tile patterns with worn finishes
• Combine with plush textiles, soft lighting, and antique furniture

Rustic House Appeal

• Pair distressed wood and stone with Moroccan tiles in natural hues
• Use artisan tiles as wall accents for handcrafted charm

Renovation vs. New Construction: When to Use Vintage Tiles

Renovating a Space?

• Replace outdated floors with encaustic cement tiles for an instant upgrade
• Add tile to previously bare walls for charm and protection
• Use tiles to maintain a historical look in older homes

Designing a New Space?

• Plan your flooring, walls, and focal points with vintage tile patterns in mind
• Integrate custom tile features to build character from the ground up

Handmade vs. Machine-Made Tiles

At Studio Cement Tile, we specialize in handmade artisan tiles that reflect the traditions of true craftsmanship.

Handmade Tiles Offer:

• Richer, more authentic texture
• Natural variation that adds to the vintage aesthetic
• Historic production methods that enhance style

Machine-made tiles may be consistent, but they lack the soulful imperfections that give vintage spaces their story.

How to Choose the Right Patterned Tiles for a Vintage Look

Step 1: Define Your Era

• Are you aiming for Victorian elegance, 1920s charm, or mid-century flair?
• Different patterns evoke different historical periods

Step 2: Pick Your Color Scheme

• Warm neutrals, muted tones, and deep heritage colors
• Avoid bright, modern hues if aiming for a vintage aesthetic

Step 3: Focus on Focal Points

• Entryways, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and bathroom floors are great spots for patterned tiles

Step 4: Mix Old with New

• Blend vintage tiles with modern lighting or clean-lined furniture for balance

Why Buy from Studio Cement Tile?

We’re more than just a cement tile store. We’re your partner in creating beautiful, timeless spaces.

Here’s What We Offer:

• In-stock artisan tiles with fast shipping in the U.S.
• Custom tile options for unique projects
• Unbeatable prices for premium handmade tiles
• Support for homeowners, designers, and architects
• A wide range of vintage-friendly tile collections

Browse hundreds of vintage-inspired encaustic and Moroccan designs at Studio Cement Tile today.

Designer + Architect Testimonials

“We sourced patterned encaustic tiles from Studio Cement Tile for a 1920s kitchen renovation—they instantly made the space feel authentic and warm.” — Sophie K., Interior Designer, Savannah, GA

“For our heritage building project, these tiles were a perfect match. Durable, beautiful, and true to the era.” — Robert P., Architect, Charleston, SC

Start Your Vintage-Inspired Tile Journey

Vintage doesn’t mean outdated. With the right tiles, you can create spaces that honor the past while looking timeless and fresh.

Cement tiles bring old-world elegance to modern homes. Whether you love French charm, Mediterranean flair, or classic Americana, there’s a design waiting for you.

Visit www.studiocementtile.com to shop our curated collection of in-stock cement tiles. Let us help you create the vintage space of your dreams—one tile at a time.