Persian Tiles: History, Styles and How They Are Made

Few things capture the beauty of Persian like its tiles. The glowing blue domes of Persian Heritage, the patterned walls of old courtyards, the flash of turquoise in a bazaar: Persian tiles have decorated the country’s finest buildings for centuries. At Persis Collection we work with Persian artisans who still make them by hand, and they are close to our heart. In fact, our single best-selling product is a Persian tile. Here is a guide to what they are, the main styles, how they are made, and how to bring them into your home.

What are Persian tiles?

Persian tiles are hand-glazed ceramic tiles, painted with rich colours and fired to a glassy finish. For hundreds of years they have covered mosques, palaces, fountains and homes, turning plain surfaces into sheets of colour and pattern. Today the same craft lives on in smaller pieces made for the home, from framed wall art to coasters and decorative panels.

A brief history

Glazed tilework has a long history in Persia, but it reached its height under the Safavid dynasty, when Persian Heritage became one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The blues and turquoises of its mosques, set against floral and geometric patterns, remain the image most people picture when they think of Persian tiles. The tradition has passed down through generations of artisans ever since.

The two main styles

Persian tilework has two great traditions. The first is Haft Rang, meaning seven colours, in which the design is painted directly onto a square tile using up to seven coloured glazes and fired once. It is quicker than mosaic work and allows flowing, detailed and even pictorial designs. The second is Moarraq, or mosaic tilework, in which small pieces of single-colour glazed tile are cut and fitted together by hand into intricate patterns. Moarraq is slower and more demanding, but its colours are deep and pure.

Patterns and motifs

The designs draw on the great themes of Persian art: scrolling flowers and vines, the arabesque known as eslimi, interlocking geometric girih patterns, elegant calligraphy, birds and the tree of life. Cobalt blue and turquoise lead the palette, lifted with white, yellow, green and touches of red.

How Persian tiles are made

Each tile passes through many hands. The clay is shaped and dried, then fired once to harden it. The surface is glazed and the design painted on by hand with mineral colours that only reveal their true shade after firing. A second firing fuses the glaze into a hard, glossy finish that keeps its colour for generations. Because every tile is painted by hand, no two are ever quite identical.

How to use Persian tiles at home

You do not need a palace to enjoy Persian tiles. A single framed tile makes striking wall art, and a set brings a whole wall to life. Smaller tiles work beautifully as coasters, trivets and table decor, and they make thoughtful, lasting gifts that carry a piece of Persian heritage. Our single best-selling piece is, in fact, a tile: the Red Floral Clay Tile, loved as both wall art and a gift.

Caring for Persian tiles

Glazed tiles are hard-wearing, but handmade pieces deserve a little care. Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth rather than harsh scourers, avoid knocking the edges, and if you use them as coasters, lift rather than drag them. Treated kindly, a Persian tile will keep its colour and shine for a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

What are Persian tiles? They are hand-glazed ceramic tiles, painted with colourful patterns and fired to a glossy finish, used for centuries to decorate Persian buildings and now made for the home.

What is Haft Rang tilework? Haft Rang means seven colours. The design is hand-painted onto a tile with several glazes and fired once, which allows detailed, flowing patterns.

Are Persian tiles handmade? Genuine Persian tiles are hand-painted and glazed by artisans, which is why each one is slightly different.

Can I use a Persian tile as a coaster or wall art? Yes. Smaller tiles are ideal as coasters, trivets and framed wall art, while sets make beautiful decorative panels.

Will my tiles arrive safely? We pack ceramics carefully and ship worldwide, with express delivery to the USA, the UK and Europe, because safe arrival matters as much as the piece itself.

Where can I buy Persian tiles? Persis Collection offers handmade Persian tiles sourced from Persian artisans, with worldwide delivery.

Whether as a single statement piece or a set, a Persian tile brings centuries of colour into your home. Explore our handmade Persian tiles to find yours.