Talavera tiles are beautiful hand-crafted pieces that are rich in history and culture. These tiles are formed and painted by hand, with a unique aesthetic quality that has a long tradition spanning centuries and continents. Today, Talavera tiles (and other forms of Talavera pottery) come from Puebla, Mexico. However, they have their roots in Spanish azulejo tiles which were made in medieval Spain when the country was under Muslim rule. These patterns and techniques later spread through colonial Mexico, resulting in beautifully ornate ceramics that blend various elements of Islamic art, Spanish traditions, and Mexican craftsmanship. Here are some examples of these amazing Talavera tiles in homes today.

Talavera tiles are a classic and pretty feature that often adorns stair risers. With their vibrant and bright designs, Talavera tiles are a cheerful and warm way to dress up a stairwell, while also functioning well as waterproof surfaces that can withstand the elements for both indoor and outdoor staircases.

Brighten up a bathroom with an ornamental backsplash made with stunning blue and white Talavera tiles. Blue and white is a classic color combination in Talavera Poblana tiles from Puebla, Mexico. Because each tile is handmade, not mass-produced, you get these beautiful variations in colors and patterns throughout, with slight imperfections in glazing adding a rustic charm.

Talavera tiles can be used as decorative accents among other traditional tiles, adding a pop of color to an otherwise plain floor, wall, or backsplash. Saltillo tiles are extremely hard-wearing terracotta tiles, also handmade in Mexico. The combination of Saltillo and Talavera tiles is a traditional way to mix earth tones with bright patterns in one beautiful design.

Create an accent wall with Talavera tiles to bring some color and creativity into any room. The handmade, unique, and highly-decorative nature of Talavera creates a truly eye-catching and unique feature.

Talavera tiles painted and glazed with neutral tones can blend beautifully with modern interiors. A Talavera-tiled wall can warm up a sleek and contemporary space, adding depth and charm to a room. Because Talavera tiles are so durable and easy to clean, they are a great choice of decor for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms.

With their rich history and culture, these tiles work beautifully in designs that are inspired by the history of Arabic art and architecture. Tracing a history of styles from Morocco, Turkey, Spain, and Mexico, Talavera tiles are emblematic of the journey of Islamic influences, European traditions, and Mexican crafts across multiple centuries.