Compare five old English-style tessellated tile patterns for a verandah, entrance or garden path. Look at the shapes, the size of the repeat and the border before choosing a layout.
Federation Tiles Factory manufactures tiles in-house, with installation across Sydney and Newcastle and supply Australia-wide.
Browse the full pattern collection or send photos and measurements for advice.
What do we mean by old English-style tiles?
“Old English-style” describes the traditional geometric look. The designs below belong to the Federation Tiles Factory collection. The term does not mean the tiles were made in England or that a design is original to your home.
The main repeating pattern is called the field. A border frames it, and corner details help the border turn. Decorative encaustic tiles can add feature motifs.
Choose these parts together. Our guide to field tiles, borders and corner blocks explains each component.
Five patterns to compare
These are current catalogue designs. Compare the artwork with completed projects to see the pattern’s scale and how it meets edges and steps.
1. Octagon & Dot: a clear two-shape repeat
Octagon & Dot combines large octagons and small square dots. Its clear repeat lets the border or colour contrast provide much of the detail.
Compare field and dot colours together. Check how the repeat fits the narrowest part of your floor.
2. Basketweave: movement through the layout
Basketweave uses offset squares, short rectangles and small square joins to create a woven effect. The changing directions add detail to the main floor.
Compare a full repeat with either a simple border or a stronger frame.
3. Bristol: a panelled geometric floor
Bristol has square panels with geometric centres, corner squares and angular frames. Plain square bands separate them, with small diamonds at the joins.
Check how whole panels, cuts and border widths line up with the entrance and the main view of the floor.
4. Nightbridge: open shapes and detailed junctions
Nightbridge alternates open octagonal shapes with detailed, square-centred, star-like joins. Small squares and triangles connect the design.
Compare several repeats before choosing colours, especially for a narrow path.
5. Windsor: a regular framework with decorative accents
Windsor combines broad octagonal shapes, straight bars and diamond-centred, star-like joins. Open areas contrast with detailed intersections.
Check how a full repeat fits inside your chosen border.
Choosing a layout for a path, verandah or entrance
For a narrow path: measure the width at several points. Allow for the border, then check where full repeats and cuts will fall in the remaining space.
For a verandah: mark columns, doors, steps and turns. Plan the border and the main view of the pattern. A square-metre total alone misses these details.
For an entrance or hallway: note thresholds, adjoining floors and the direction of travel. Compare the proposed centreline with the doorway and visible edges. For more planning detail, see choosing a tessellated tile pattern.
Colours, borders and encaustic features
Strong colour contrast makes shapes stand out. Similar tones create a quieter effect. Compare the whole combination beside your brickwork and paint.
Use screen images to make a shortlist, then check physical samples before choosing the final colours.
Use our tile colour selector to build a shortlist, then compare border designs. If you want decorative motifs, explore the encaustic collection and discuss their positions within the proposed floor. Confirm the final layout before ordering quantities.
Matching an existing heritage floor
Photograph surviving tiles before choosing replacements. Include the whole floor, close-ups of the field, border and corners, plus measurements of shapes and joints.
Show an intact section where possible. A similar name or screen colour does not guarantee an exact match.
Matching needs consideration of dimensions, thickness, colour, surface and layout. Local repair and full replacement are different briefs. Our Sydney heritage floor restoration guide explains what to record and discuss, including checking any heritage requirements that apply to the property.
Getting a useful supply or installation quote
Send your location, measurements, photos and preferred pattern. Include a border and colour shortlist if you have one. Tell us whether you need supply or Sydney and Newcastle installation, and whether an existing floor needs assessment.
Check whether the quote includes field tiles, borders, corners, features, cuts, delivery and any preparation or installation work. Quantities depend on your layout and site.
Contact Federation Tiles Factory about your floor.
Common questions
Are old English-style tiles the same as tessellated tiles?
The terms describe different things here: “old English-style” describes an appearance, while “tessellated” describes a layout made from repeating geometric shapes. Use a pattern image and its dimensions to communicate what you want, rather than relying on the style name alone.
Can I use a different colour combination?
Federation Tiles Factory can customise its tessellated patterns in a range of colours. Start with the pattern and border you prefer, then discuss the combination and confirm samples and the proposed layout before ordering.
Do you supply outside Sydney?
Yes. Tile supply is available Australia-wide, while our professional installation service covers Sydney and Newcastle. Include your location and whether you need supply or installation when enquiring.