Delft blue

Delft blue tiles

Beautiful colourful tulips, windmills and wooden clogs
are often the first things people think of when they picture the Netherlands. But just as iconic are Delft blue tiles, the famous blue and white tiles that have decorated Dutch homes for centuries. Originating from historic Delft pottery, these hand baked Delft blue tiles were once laid closely together on kitchen walls, hallways and around fireplaces. What began in the seventeenth and eighteenth century, inspired by imported Chinese porcelain and tin glazed earthenware, developed into a recognisable Dutch style found across Europe. Even just a few tiles could already transform a house with charm and story. Today, fans of the characteristic blue style can be found worldwide, and many still feel connected to this piece of Holland’s heritage. StoryTiles continues the tradition with a modern collection that echoes the past, but uses new techniques, updated colours and playful design.

Making Delft blue tiles

StoryTiles’ Delft blue tiles are ceramic tiles fired in authentic kilns in the Netherlands, made with the same respect for craft and quality once practised by historic Delft potters. The tiles are formed from natural clay, dried, glazed and fired in multiple rounds at temperatures up to 1250°C. This firing method, once central to the old Delftware industry, gives the tile its durability and smooth white surface, ready for decoration in blue. Production began in the city of Delft, but soon spread across Holland, England, London, Staffordshire, Norfolk and further into Europe and Russia. Today, StoryTiles still fires tiles in small batches: some designs are kept in stock, while personalised tiles are made especially for you. Thanks to modern firing techniques, the tiles are resistant to heat, water and cold, suitable both as decorative wall pieces and as actual tiles to be laid on walls or around a fireplace.

Delft Pottery with a nod to the present

The StoryTiles story begins with designer Marga van Oers, who grew up crafting and creating miniature artworks. While studying at the School of Arts in Amsterdam, she began experimenting with collage-style ceramics. Her inspiration deepened when her grandmother gifted her a box of original seventeenth-century Dutch tiles. Fascinated by the tiny scenes and the fine blue brushstrokes, Marga started reimagining them, keeping the familiar blue and white, but adding modern images, humour and life. Just as historic tiles once showed sailing ships, rural landscapes and daily scenes, StoryTiles creates a new generation of tiles where past and present meet, created for modern homes without losing their Dutch roots.

Delft tiles with text

StoryTiles tiles are hand-baked ceramic works of art, each telling a story through imagery. Traditionally, Delft blue tiles relied on pictures rather than words, but many people today like to personalise their
tiles. That is why we introduced “Tiles with your own text”, so you can add names, dates, personal monograms, sayings or meaningful quotes. You can choose a design in classic Delft blue colours or something more contemporary, and we will make it
for you.

If you want to make your own Delft tile, simply choose the design “Something in Delft Blue, especially for you” and we will add your text. A small tile, but a big message: the perfect way to surprise someone else, or to mark a moment in your own life.

Delft blue tile as a gift

StoryTiles are packed in sturdy gift-ready boxes with an open front, so the artwork is immediately visible. On the back, the title of the tile appears on a bright orange label, often chosen to match a moment, feeling or person. Many packages fit through the letterbox, making a tile an ideal gift to send. You can have it wrapped in a gift bag, gift box or anniversary tin, complete with ribbon and a personal card. Or select a gift card so the recipient can choose a tile from the collection themselves. Whether it is sent across the country or across the world, a Delft tile is always a thoughtful, lasting gift made in the Netherlands.

History of Delft tiles

The history of Delft tiles began in the 16th century, when Dutch makers started experimenting with tin glaze inspired by maiolica from Italy and imported porcelain from Asia via the Dutch East India Company. They were used to decorate walls, mark fireplaces, frame doors and add style to newly built houses across Europe. StoryTiles continues the tradition by giving Delftware a contemporary twist. Many customers tell us we have reinvented Delft Blue, and we consider that the highest compliment.

Buy Delft tiles

Looking for Delft tiles? Visit the “Delft Blue” section of our webshop to explore the full range. In addition to Delft designs, we also offer tiles for occasions such as Birth, Wedding, Thank You and more. Tiles in stock ordered before 4 p.m. are shipped the same day. Personalised tiles take two weeks to produce, and tiles with gold details require three weeks, as they need an extra firing. Our tiles are available in Small (10×10 cm), Medium (13×13 cm) and selected 20×20 cm sizes, as well as magnetic versions.