Period Tiles: How To Distinguish Edwardian from Victorian Style Tiles

Period tiles are the simplest form of ceramic art. Its evolution has put ceramic tiles front and centre to some of the world's civilisations - from pottery making in Mesopotamia to glazed ceramic period tiles of the Victorian and Edwardian era.

Victorian and Edwardian eras catapulted Great Britain to what it is today. They helped launch the country's modern identity and shaped its history through dispersing the English culture. The difference in these two periods in history doesn't just apply to politics, innovations and the society - it is also visible in its respective arts and culture.

How do we distinguish Edwardian from Victorian tile designs? Firstly, let's look how the two periods differ in design style.

The Victorian Era
The Victorian era was seen by many as an Era of Peace and Prosperity. Under the reign of Queen Victoria, the British Empire covered more than a quarter of the globe and became the world's most powerful nation.

During this period, homeowners used darker hues to emphasise the importance of a certain room. Victorian tones are warm and subdued, including; deep walnut and mahogany browns, teal, plum, aubergine, yellows and golds, and shades of grey to reduce the effect of grime and ash of coal dust and oil lamps.

Complex patterns adorned the Victorian walls, from multiple wallpapers to elegant draperies and exotic carpets. Victorian design styles range from flora, fauna to geometric shapes and stripes, and damasks for table linens and upholstery. Period Tiles from the Victorian Era echo these designs.