The Beauty of Classic Pool Tile and Stone
For decades, classic tile and stone have been popular choices for residential swimming pools. The timeless beauty and elegance of these materials create a clean, refined look that stands the test of time.
In today's era of contemporary designs and modern minimalism, the vintage charm of classic pool tiles offers a refreshing alternative. From Mediterranean-style mosaics to subway tiles to hexagonal stone, classic materials bring visual interest and tradition to any backyard oasis.
History and Appeal of Classic Pool Tiles
The use of tile for swimming pools and surrounding decks dates back centuries. In ancient Roman baths, intricate mosaics and colorful patterns adorned lavish pools. During the 1920s and 1930s, tile gained popularity in residential pools across America. This increased during the mid-century modern and art deco eras, which favored bold geometric tiles.
Today, classic pool tile is appreciated for its timeless good looks and durability. The natural colors and textures add warmth and character that contemporary materials often lack. Tiles like subway, hexagon, and mosaic have a nostalgic, vintage charm. Pool owners looking for an elegant backyard retreat find classic tiles appealing.
Benefits of Classic Tile
What makes classic tile a favored choice? Key advantages include:
- Withstands weather: Vitreous ceramic and natural stone are impervious to sun, rain, and freezing temperatures.
- Long-lasting: Properly installed tile lasts for decades with minimal upkeep.
- Easy maintenance: Classic tiles simply need occasional re-grouting and sealing.
- Safety: Textured surfaces provide slip resistance.
- Versatile looks: Diverse styles suit any pool, from vintage to modern.
- Visual appeal: Rich colors, elegant shapes, and artful designs create beauty.
Types of Classic Pool Tile
For pools with traditional character, consider these classic tile varieties:
Mediterranean-Inspired
Mediterranean-style tiles evoke old-world European charm. Multicolor mosaics and terracotta tiles lend an Italian villa or Spanish aesthetic. Use these tiles around pool steps and edges to create visual interest.
- Terracotta: Distinctive burnt orange clay with an earthy, handmade appearance. Terracotta has been used for centuries around the Mediterranean.
- Mosaics: Tiny colorful tiles, usually ceramic or glass, arranged in intricate patterns. Classic styles include waves, shells, sunbursts and more.
Subway
Subway tiles are rectangular or square, often 3 by 6 inches, with a flat face and visible grout lines. Their simple, versatile shape installs easily. A white subway tile border adds clean elegance to pool edges.
Hexagonal
With six equal angled sides, hexagonal tile has an interlocking honeycomb-like appearance that's highly decorative. Stunning as accents or full pool coverage, especially in dramatic black and white or blue and white combinations.
Natural Stone
For a sophisticated look, natural stone tiles like travertine, slate and granite make luxurious pool surfaces. Variations in the stone create one-of-a-kind character. Softer stones like travertine are ideal for pool decks and curving edges.
Classic Tile Color Combinations
These classic hues and patterns create timeless poolside style:
Solid Colors
Deep cobalt blues, bright aqua turquoise, crisp clean white and classic black are enduring pool color choices. Use single neutral shades for full tile coverage or as borders.
Pastel Tones
Soft pastels like mint, peach, sky blue and lavender have a romantic, vintage vibe. Accent darker or neutral tiles with pastel mosaic inlays.
Black and White
The ultimate classic color pairing that instantly creates high-contrast drama. Try off-setting blocks of black and white geometric or subway tiles.
Vintage-Style Patterns
Pick mosaic tiles with timeless motifs like geometric shapes, sea creatures, shells, flowers and sunbursts. Add whimsical details along the pool floor or walls.
Creative Classic Tile Layouts
How tile is arranged impacts the overall look. Get creative mixing and matching layouts:
Borders and Accents
Use special decorative tiles sparingly along the waterline or steps. Outline neutral field tiles with vibrant mosaic stripes. Add visual interest without overwhelming.
Fully Tiled
For dramatic impact, cover the entire pool floor and walls with tile. Highly effective with bold geometric mosaics or repeating patterns.
Geometric Shapes
Angular tiles like hexagons, triangles and diamonds allow for creative layouts. Lay tiles in geometric patterns or solid blocks of color.
Mosaics and Murals
Custom mosaics can depict pictures, brands, names or numbers. Vintage-style murals with animals, plants or seashells show off artisanal tile work.
Decking and Coping
Encircle the pool with coordinating tiles. Match wall stone with natural stone travertine or slate coping and deck pavers.
Design Elements for Classic Style
Complement your classic tile choices with these design details:
Natural Stone Coping
Travertine, granite, or slate coping and decking have an elegant, continuous look. Popular travertine colors include ivory, tan, walnut and silver-grey.
Concrete Decking
The neutral, porous tone of concrete sets off vibrant pool tile colors. Add interest with a concrete stamped pattern.
Wrought Iron Details
Classic wrought iron perimeter fencing, handrails and poolside furniture enhance the vintage aesthetic.
Wood Furniture
Wood lounge chairs and tables with straight, simple lines suit classic pool tiles. Teak and eucalyptus are naturally weather-resistant.
Achieving Popular Retro Styles
Pair classic tiles with specific pool shapes and elements to recreate these popular vintage looks:
Mid-Century Modern
- Simple, geometric tiles like hexagons or triangles
- Bold, high-contrast colors like turquoise and yellow
- Rectangular pool shape
- Minimal concrete or wood decking
Art Deco
- Graphic mosaic patterns
- Bold graphics and straight lines
- Glass block waterline tiles
- Curved pool edges
Victorian
- Floral mosaic murals
- Soft pastel tiles
- Ornate wrought iron deck furniture
- Kidney-shaped pool
Mediterranean
- Terracotta and mosaic tiles
- Decorative tile patterns
- Stone coping and decking
- Ceramic tile fountains