Hand painted using sponging and marbling techniques, this smooth and strikingly contemporary-looking marbled Delft tile is actually based on 17th century Delft originals.

These traditional yet modern wall tiles have been sourced by De Ferranti from a small family firm who specialise in the production and research of old ‘Delft’ ceramics. This type of tile was traditionally used at skirting level in Netherlands houses because the ceramic kept the damp at bay better than timber.

Another popular use was that they were often assembled as a wall panel and placed behind an open fireplace, where the tiles became very sooty but didn’t very usefully show the marks. After being layered with manganese or an iron ferrous engobe, each of the tiles is dried and baked at 1,000 degrees C before being glazed and baked once more at very high temperature. Despite their antiquity, these Delft tiles look amazingly contemporary.

Specifying the Marbled Delft Tile

Rather than carrying a figurative scene or formal repeat, Marbre makes colour and movement the subject. Rust-red, brown and ivory lines sweep across the glazed surface, forming compressed veins, broad pools and tightly folded contours. The pattern recalls the movement of cut stone without attempting to reproduce a particular marble.

Individual tiles contribute different passages of colour, so the composition becomes more varied when assembled across a larger area. For project planning, several pieces should be considered together to assess the balance and direction of the marbling. Depending on the installation and technical specification, the tile may be considered for splashbacks, fireplace surrounds, skirting-height courses, framed panels and interior feature walls.

Within the same Delft collection, Marbre Bistre offers another earth-toned interpretation, while Delft Cloud Marble Tin Glaze translates fluid marbling into an ivory and atmospheric blue-grey palette.

Related Marbled Surfaces

For a related ceramic treatment beyond the Delft collection, the Medievalissimo Marbled Tile combines terracotta and cream in a more clay-led composition. The Monochrome Flow Marble Mosaic provides a natural-stone counterpoint, using contrasting marble tesserae to create continuous organic movement.

Project Guidance and Enquiries

For project guidance, availability, pricing, samples or further information, please use the Send E-Mail button below this description. Your enquiry will come directly to De Ferranti, and we will be pleased to discuss suitability, quantities, lead times and options for your project.