Delft Tile Is Trending in 2025—With a Fresh, Modern Twist

Blue and white ceramics have a long history. The tradition can trace its roots back thousands of years, to parts of Asia and Iraq, and has since been adapted in countless different contexts. Nowadays, Delft tile is perhaps one of the most familiar examples.

But the face of Delft tile is changing. Once reserved almost exclusively for kitchen backsplashes, these Dutch, cobalt-and-white tiles can now be found in every corner of the home. For many, they hold a timeless quality that can be reinterpreted again and again—and represent an important chapter in both interior design's past, present, and future.

History

Delft tile began in the Netherlands in the 17th century, but the tradition of painting blue patterns on a white ceramic backdrop goes back even further. Early examples from Iraq date back to the 9th century; potters were also practicing the craft in China during the Tang dynasty.

In the Netherlands, craftsmen interpreted this color palette in a very different way, producing tiles that depicted scenes of day-to-day life, or even a moment from the Bible. "[They] started to use personal monograms and factory marks," says interior designer Casey Hill. "The tiles became works of art in their own right."

Delft made its way to England as the years passed, where it became very popular during the 18th century. Then, its place in residential environments was more straightforward. "Traditionally, it was used in kitchens, around fireplaces, and as wainscoting to combine practical function with decorative charm," says interior designer Helena Clunies-Ross.

Delft Today

The long history of Delft and its global influence has inspired many contemporary designers. Tyler Hays, founder of furniture and homeware brand BDDW—and its principal designer—has layered Delft tile on tables, emblazoned blue-and-white motifs on teapots, and even created intricate ceramic planters that pay homage to the centuries-old style. It's an art form that left an impression on him from a very young age.

"I have memories of being in my crib, and staring at my mother’s collection of blue cobalt glass bottles with sunlight shining through them," he says. "I would be fixated on the bottles, as well as her early American, salt-glazed pottery with blue wings and flowers, [which used] the same pigment ... The color is etched in my memory."

Hays' interpretation of Delft is intentionally irreverent and experimental, in a way that feels almost like a stream of consciousness narrative. "I paint without a plan or intention. I think of it more as doodling or tattooing," he says. "The marks and narrative motifs often don't have a discourse, but when trapped together in permanence, they inherently talk to each other."

Over the years, Delft has also made its mark on the world of textiles. William Morris famously adopted the blue-and-white motifs into wallpapers and fabrics centuries ago, but 21st-century designers are just as fascinated by the historic tiles.

A recent collection from interior designer Augusta Hoffman serves as the perfect example. Hoffman collaborated with tabletop brand Elizabeth Lake on a series of Delft-inspired cocktail napkins embroidered with blue and green motifs, including tulips and undersea creatures.

"I was inspired by the imperfect charm of hand-painted motifs," she says. "We reinterpreted those details through embroidery and linen, softening the geometry and introducing a sense of playfulness."

Designing With Delft

Delft tile will still be used on kitchen backsplashes, but, in recent years, designers have started experimenting with it in other parts of the home. "Let it wrap around a room, cover a fireplace wall, or line an entire kitchen or bath," says Clunies-Ross. "The beauty of Delft lies not just in each individual tile, but in how they connect to form a larger narrative."

Delft doesn't have to just be placed alongside one sort of design style, either, and can be incredibly striking when paired with a sleek, industrial interior. There's a certain creative freedom that comes with Delft, too—especially if you're interested in a one-of-a-kind version.

"People are customizing them by adding personal details, such as a beloved pet, or a scene that holds meaning to them," says interior designer Sarah Marks.

Demand for these handmade pieces has skyrocketed as of late. "It's definitely more popular in the last 10 years," adds Hays. "I can't keep up with it—we do a kiln load every two weeks, and sell the pieces through our weekly auctions ... there's simply never enough."