Are you looking for mid-century modern tiles? These ideas for kitchen backsplash tiles, floor tiles, and even bathroom shower tiles will inspire you to create the mid-mod home of your dreams.
Mid-century modern tiles are often geometric in shape and could take the form of hexagons, cubic, triangular, or pentagons. Decorative tiling in the mid-century style are often finished in a retro color like teal or mustard yellow. For grout, you could go with classic white or go bold with color.
Best Mid-Century Modern Tiles
Terrazzo Tiles
Terrazzo tiles have been around for a long time but experienced a resurgence in popularity in the mid-20th century. Here are some details about terrazzo tiles and their history:
- Terrazzo is a composite material made from small pieces of marble, quartz, granite, glass or other material set in a cementitious binder. The tiles are then ground and polished to create a smooth surface.
- Terrazzo tiles originated in Italy in the 15th century. Craftsmen would make floors and pavements by setting marble chips into mortar floors.
- Terrazzo grew in popularity in the 1920s and 1930s as a versatile and durable flooring material. It was widely used in public spaces like schools, hospitals and government buildings.
- In the post-WWII mid-century modern era (roughly 1940s-1960s), terrazzo experienced a revival. Architects and designers embraced it for its affordability, flexibility of design, and sleek, geometric aesthetic.
- Mid-century terrazzo was often used for flooring, walls, and counter tops. It came in vibrant colors like avocado greens, burnt oranges, and bright blues that were trendy at the time.
- Terrazzo floors with abstract, free-form patterns were a popular mid-century style. Mosaics and terrazzo artworks also emerged.
So, while terrazzo tiles have a long history, their popularity and widespread use in residential and commercial spaces peaked in the post-war mid-20th century years and that’s why terrazzo is associated with mid-century design.
The sleek, geometric terrazzo designs became an emblem of mid-century modern style and remain closely associated with the era today.
Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Tile Ideas
Mid-century modern kitchens feature bold backgrounds and simple cabinets. Wood is often a prominent feature of mid-century-style kitchens in contemporary homes.
Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Tile Ideas
Mid-century modern bathrooms are functional and practical above fall. Beyond that, they often feature gorgeous tiling that makes a bold statement. Some of this tilework could even be considered artwork in and of itself!
This is a lovely mid-mod green bathroom design.
More Mid-Mod Decor Ideas
Want even more mid-century modern decorating ideas? Get inspired by these related posts below:
Can I ask what tile companies were used?
I think they’re mostly Heath and Fireclay from what I can tell.