The Vintage Tile Trend That Works Perfectly In The Kitchen

If you want to give your kitchen a cozy vintage touch, there's one type of tile that's making waves in the design world. Delft tiles are a timeless alternative to the more trendy kitchen tiles to consider when renovating your space this year. Their namesake traces back to the town in which they originated, called Delft in the Netherlands. True vintage Delft tiles are white tin-glazed tiles with hand-painted blue motifs. Modern variations take inspiration from the original color scheme and painted designs for a beautiful, bucolic style.

Designer Sherrell Neal from Sherrell Design Studio tells Veranda why the style is popular: "It feels storied, artistic, and far more expressive than traditional glazed, solid-colored tiles. Whether authentic or a contemporary interpretation, Delft always brings a quiet elegance that never feels over-designed." The resurgence of Delft tiles is in line with the old world, European-inspired kitchen trend. The "unfitted kitchen," as it has been lovingly called, embraces imperfection and bucks the past trend of minimalism and built-ins. Rustic design is back in a big way, and blue and white is the perfect combination of colors to decorate with for a cottagecore aesthetic that still looks updated.

HGTV star Emily Henderson is also a fan of Delft tiles, writing on her blog: "As I've written about before I really love Delft Tile — Intricately handpainted tile from Northern Europe, often with little scenes on them. They feel like tile that tells a story which makes you dive in visually and emotionally." She explains that real antique delf tiles usually don't preserve well enough to cover an entire backsplash, but there are modern recreations and custom options that can pack a punch. Alternatively, you can add Delft accent tiles among a sea of white, square tiles, to incorporate the look without overwhelming the space entirely.

The design options vary from minimal, very small designs in the center of the tile, to complete pictures of animals, landscapes, or botanical themes. In an interview for Martha Stewart, interior designer Sarah Marks expanded on the personalization possibilities: "People are customizing them by adding personal details, such as a beloved pet, or a scene that holds meaning to them." No matter which design you choose, Delft tiles pair beautifully with earthy tones and natural wood decor. The key is to lean into the timeless contrast between cool Delft blues and the warmth of organic materials. However you integrate Delft tiles into your kitchen, this is undoubtedly a tile trend you'll be seeing more of in 2026.