Apart from their intrinsic beauty, the attraction of Talavera tiles is their versatility. They can be used as floor tile,
wall murals, backsplashes or countertops for that "south of the border" essence. These tiles come individually decorated or
in abstract patterns that can be laid as a unique tile flooring option.
Formerly hand painted in ornate patterns, Talavera tiles originated in the city of Talavera de la Reina, Spain, after
which the tiles were named. The early graphic designs spoke of ninth–century Spanish Moorish–Andalusian
influence. An Italian element to the tiles crept in later on.
When Spanish potters moved to Mexico in the sixteenth century, they carried the skill of Talavera tiles with them. The
tiles, in the original style, continued to be manufactured in Puebla and soon acquired that name. Puebla pottery factories
are still the traditional home of the original Talavera tiles and Talavera tile flooring.
Talavera tiles, strong in dark blues, browns, reds, yellows and greens, come in an enormous range of colorful designs for
flooring. Many of them are hand painted with motifs of flora and fauna. Used alone, the effect can be somewhat overwhelming.
Talavera floor tiles are best blended discreetly with other single-colored glazed tiles for the best aesthetic effect. The
seemingly limitless Talavera tile floor patterns that are available can test the skills of the best interior decorators.
Ceramic tile flooring is hard to surpass, not merely cost–effective but also durable, easy to maintain and
aesthetic. A carefully conceived pattern of sinfully ornate Talavera floor tiles together with other Mexican ceramics floor
tiles conjures images of bullfights and flamencos, grandees and beautiful senoritas.