French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Antique Tile
Encaustic, cement, Delft and majolica tiles.
Figurines & Tiles · Indicative US retail $5–$200
At a glance
- Family: Figurines & Tiles
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1850 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $25; range $5 to $200 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Lot size, pattern
What it is
Antique tiles cover floors and walls with color. French encaustic and cement tiles (carreaux de ciment) with geometric and floral patterns, hexagonal terracotta tomettes from Provence, glazed Art Nouveau tiles from Sarreguemines and Desvres, blue-and-white Delft wall tiles, Victorian majolica and Minton encaustic tiles, and Portuguese azulejos are the main types.
How to identify and date it
Reclaimed tiles come in lots: count enough to cover your area plus spares, check thickness and size consistency, and look for chipped edges, worn surfaces and old mortar. Old cement tiles have a pigmented top layer several millimeters thick; glazed tiles should be checked for crazing and losses.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1850 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most antique tile examples ask around $25. Simple or worn pieces start near $5, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $200. The main value drivers are: lot size, pattern. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: vintage copper ceiling tiles price; how much are antique tin ceiling tiles worth. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Count tiles
- Check pattern and size consistency
- Inspect edges
Living with it
Antique tiles make a striking kitchen floor, a backsplash, a table top or a framed panel.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.