How to choose a Victorian tile design and style your hallway

There are a range of styles that are classed as Victorian, or their close counterpart, Georgian, however when choosing a style, it should really be dictated by not only taste but also the room you are decorating. What do you want to use the space for and is there any aspect of the room you need to improve, for example, a lot of hallways from this period are long and narrow. If this is the case, then a larger pattern that helps create the illusion of width would be advised.

 The position of your room should also be considered, is it naturally bright and fresh, or for the most part with hallways, quite dark. Balancing the right colour palette is key to refreshing your room to suit the weather year-round.

 Another key point to consider is safety and wear, if you’re placing tiles on a hallway floor and it’s your main entry point, a lot of dirt will discolour tiles and grout and can be slippery when wet. We’d therefore advise picking a tile with a little surface texture to be slip resistant and a pattern that works with a darker grout colour to avoid too much discolouration over time. Procuring tile samples is key to seeing how the tiles react in different light but you can guide your decision making with a tile visualiser.

Our visualiser lets you snap your hallway and then transform your floor with hundreds of options to find the right fit for you.

Traditional Victorian floor tile patterns were made up of individual handcrafted tiles, you can have these restored or find replacements for damaged tiles however, it is a costly way to reinvigorate your floor, not only sourcing the tiles but the labour for repairing and relaying it. A cheaper alternative is to source a new floor with the modern benefits of today’s technology whilst choosing a design that best represents the era you’re paying homage to.

 Our Victorian Flooring range is made up of five designs, available in various colourways, with complementary border and corner patterns. Each range is made up of mesh blocks of pattern tiles which easily slot together to form an overall pattern, like a mosaic. Unlike most mosaics however, they have a high slip resistance and can be used with underfloor heating as well as outdoors, this allows you to create a seamless transition from garden path to porch.

 Start with the main pattern, this makes up the bulk of the tiled space and then work out what edging pieces you’d like to match it with. You don’t always have to use tiles from the same range but do keep in mind tile sizes, too many.

Beckford, Carpet Runner, Wall Panelling, Boucle Chair, Dulux Heritage in Olive Tree, Dulux Heritage in Indian White

The Beckford graphic squares laid in a diamond pattern will help to create width in a narrow space whilst leading you through to the adjoining rooms. Play on the traditional features and introduce a dado rail or panelling up the stairs to create interest on the walls and opt for a carpet runner with a painted stair edge. Dress up your banister by painting it a dark hue, in contrast to lighter spindles for a classic and elegant finish. If you want to dress down the look, keep furniture chunky and soft or worn in feel, a pine sideboard or perhaps a boucle armchair if you’ve got space for a reading nook.

Newbury Black, Fluted Glass Door, Floor Mirror, Walnut Sideboard, Dried Flowers, Dulux Heritage in Linen White, Dulux Heritage in Mallard Green

Sticking to a minimal colour palette can help bridge awkward spaces like this double hallway space. The Newbury range is available in three colours, Black, White and Terracotta and both the Black and White have been used in a two-tone effect to draw your eye down the room to a painted featured. The Newbury tile has been used in a rug effect in the centre of the room with a contemporary style border to frame the pattern and a luxury additional border in Serac marble. This hint of marble helps lighten the space and ties nicely into the light toned walls. If you have a porch style hallway that only has one source of light, the front door, add in a feature double door leading into the main hallway, plain glass lets in all the light but if you want a contemporary touch, try a riven or fluted glass design in the door panels. Alternatively, you can try a large floor mirror leant against the wall to help bounce around the light.

Victoria Black, Front Door, Radiators, Pendant Lighting, Wide Skirting Panels, Dulux in Bowler Hat, Dulux in Lemon Spirit

The Victorian Flooring range is certainly a luxury product, even though cheaper in comparison to original and individual tiles. However, if you’re on a budget then a simpler mosaic like Victorian Mosaic or a complete porcelain tile like Victoria, from our Get The Look For Less range, would be a good substitute. Transform your hallway with this intricate pattern and splash out on key pieces like your front door and radiator. You can then update room with paint, artwork, and decorative accessories as you see fit. Here we’ve gone with a bold pastel on the walls to keep the room bright and airy and upcycled an IKEA light by spray painting the base black to better fit the space.

Whatever your budget or style, add a little Victorian magic into your hallway and welcome your guests in monochromatic splendour for years to come. Try out your favourites using our visualiser now!