
Antique French terracotta floor tiles are reclaimed, centuries-old tiles originally crafted by hand in historic French kilns. These tiles – often referred to as reclaimed cotto tiles or vintage terracotta floor tiles – were made from local clay and baked in traditional wood-fired ring ovens. The result is an authentically rustic flooring material that carries the charm of 18th and 19th century French farmhouses, châteaux, and monasteries. Each tile bears the hallmarks of old-world craftsmanship: slight irregularities, gentle wear, and a rich patina developed over decades of use.
De Opkamer specializes in discovering and salvaging these antique handmade French terracotta flooring tiles from historic buildings across Europe. We carefully reclaim terracotta floors slated for demolition, ensuring each piece remains intact. By preserving these cultural treasures, we give new life to antique tiles that would otherwise be lost. The result is a sustainable, one-of-a-kind flooring option that brings authentic French country character into contemporary homes.
The beautiful hues of antique terracotta are entirely natural – the clay composition and iron content of the soil determine each tile’s color. Higher iron levels in the clay produce the classic warm red and orange terracotta tones, while clay with lower iron yields softer hues of yellow, ochre, or even off-white. Traditional firing methods in wood-burning kilns also contribute to subtle color variations: tiles placed closer to the fire turn a deeper red, whereas those fired at cooler spots emerge in lighter shades. The result is a palette of warm earthy colors ranging from salmon-orange and brick-red to faded yellow and beige, each tile imbued with unique tones.
Our antique terracotta floor tiles come in a few time-honored formats that suit both rustic and elegant layouts. The most common square sizes are approximately 16 × 16 cm, 20 × 20 cm, and 22 × 22 cm. These classic dimensions were standard in French farmsteads of the 1700s–1800s. The tiles are typically about 2–3 cm thick, giving them a substantial heft and durability. In some regions, you may also find other shapes – for example, the small hexagons known as tomettes or the rectangular parfeuilles – though on this page we focus on the traditional squares. Every reclaimed tile is cleaned of old mortar and lime deposits, then sorted by size and color tone. This careful sorting ensures you can select a uniform batch for your project, or creatively mix shades to achieve an authentic, aged look.
With decades of expertise, De Opkamer has become a leading authority in sourcing and supplying antique terracotta tiles. Over the years we have built one of the world’s largest collections of reclaimed terracotta flooring, with roughly 3000 m² of antique tiles in stock. Our team travels across France and neighboring countries to find intact terracotta floors in old barns, country estates, and abbeys. Each discovery is handled with great care: tiles are lifted by hand during demolition to preserve their integrity, then transported to our workshop for meticulous cleaning and grading.
After reclamation, we remove any residues and gently clean the tiles without damaging their aged surface. We then categorize the tiles by type, size, and coloration. This means whether you need a large batch of matching antique French floor tiles or a specific color blend, we can accommodate your request. Our broad inventory spans various regional styles and origins. For example, we stock reclaimed antique terracotta tiles sourced from rural French cottages, antique farmhouse floor tiles with the classic red-orange hue, and even old Dutch tiles known for their deep orange color and 22 × 22 cm format. We also carry rare old French terracotta tiles in white-beige and yellow tones (often called blanc/jaune) from select historical batches. Each lot of tiles is unique – once a batch from a particular French chapel or farmhouse is sold, it cannot be replicated. By maintaining a large and diverse stock, De Opkamer ensures that architects, interior designers, and homeowners can find the perfect antique terracotta tiles for any project, big or small. Browse our selection of antique French tiles to discover the history and character that suits your space.
Antique terracotta tiles are not only treasured for their history and beauty, but they also perform exceptionally well in modern homes. Here are some of the key benefits and reasons high-end clients and designers choose reclaimed terracotta flooring:
Thanks to these benefits, reclaimed terracotta flooring has found its way into luxury kitchens, wine cellars, entryways, living rooms and even boutique hotels seeking a distinctive style. The tiles bring a sense of warmth and soul to any room, whether it’s a rustic French country kitchen or an upscale modern foyer. High-end customers appreciate that no two installations are exactly alike – an antique terracotta floor is a conversation piece that adds both value and storytelling to a property.
Interior designers and architects worldwide are incorporating antique terracotta tiles into diverse projects. In a traditional setting, these tiles can be laid in a classic grid or diagonal pattern to recreate the ambiance of a Provençal farmhouse kitchen or an Italianate wine cellar. Pair them with reclaimed wooden ceiling beams, wrought-iron fixtures, and rustic cabinetry to complete the countryside look. For a more refined country manor style, you might use the pale ochre or white-beige terracotta tiles (from old monasteries or manor houses) to brighten a room while still retaining a sense of history.
Surprisingly, antique terracotta can also shine in contemporary designs. Many interior designers use these aged tiles as a bold flooring choice in minimalist or modern spaces – the subtle color variation and texture of the terracotta provide an organic contrast to sleek lines and modern materials. For example, a clean-lined white kitchen gains warmth and character with a floor of salvaged French terracotta squares. In open-concept living areas, an expanse of antique terracotta flooring can anchor the space, adding texture and visual interest that complements modern furniture. The key is balance: the tiles introduce a tactile, historical element that prevents a modern interior from feeling too cold or sterile.
Exterior and special uses: In milder climates, reclaimed terracotta tiles can even be used for covered patios, garden rooms, or courtyards, lending an Old World charm to outdoor living spaces. (If using outdoors, ensure the tiles are laid with proper sealing and that freezing conditions are not a concern, as antique terracotta is porous.) Additionally, designers have used these tiles as accent pieces – for instance, as a decorative border in combination with stone flooring, or to line the walls of a wine cellar for a Mediterranean touch. The possibilities are endless, limited only by imagination and the desire to incorporate genuine history into the design.
One of the advantages of antique terracotta is that it has already aged beautifully and can be maintained with relatively simple care. To keep your terracotta floor looking its best, we recommend the following:
With these basic maintenance steps, your antique terracotta floor will continue to mature gracefully. In fact, minor wear over time often enhances the character of the tiles even further. Should an individual tile ever become damaged (for example, cracked due to impact), one advantage of having a stock of reclaimed tiles is that you can replace it with a matching antique piece. Overall, the upkeep for reclaimed terracotta is straightforward and rewards you with a stunning floor that improves with age.