There’s something timeless about brick — the way it holds warmth, history, and architecture all at once. But while traditional full-sized bricks have long been the cornerstone of historical buildings, today’s homes call for something more adaptable.
Enter: thin brick tiles — the perfect blend of antique inspiration and modern innovation.
At Inglenook Tile Design, every handcrafted brick tile we make is steeped in the past. Our designs were born from centuries-old structures, yet they’re perfectly suited for today’s interiors. Let’s take a walk through brick history to see how this beloved material evolved from load-bearing walls to lightweight beauty.
In the 1700s and 1800s, brick was more than just a design choice — it was a necessity. From townhomes in Philadelphia to manor houses in the English countryside, hand-molded bricks formed chimneys, hearths, cellars, and entire facades. These bricks were crafted by hand, often with irregularities, creases, and ash deposits from wood-fired kilns — details that made them full of character.
These same textures inspired the molds we use today. At Inglenook Tile, we’ve studied and preserved the imperfections of antique bricks to create tiles that look as though they’ve been part of your home for centuries.
🧱 Want to bring that historic charm into your space? Explore our Homestead Collection for a rustic, timeworn look.
While full bricks remain essential for construction, their size and weight aren’t always practical for modern homes. Renovators, architects, and designers began searching for a lighter, more flexible solution that could bring the look of historic brick into interiors and small-scale spaces.
And so, a thin brick tile was born. Roughly ⅜” inch thick, thin brick maintains all the texture and tone of real brick — because it is real brick — but without the structural demands. This shift allowed designers to use brick:
🏡 Curious how they hold up? Our thin brick tiles are rated for floors, walls, and freeze-thaw climates. Learn more in our installation guide.
We didn’t invent brick — but we’ve spent 20 years refining it.
The molds we use at Inglenook Tile Design come from real bricks salvaged from historic buildings — including 18th-century Pennsylvania homes, English estates, and colonial-era factories. These spaces influence everything we make:
Every tile tells a story — and you become a part of it the moment you install it.
🔍 Want to see the inspiration for yourself? Browse our gallery to explore real homes built with history in mind.
Today, thin brick tile is a design staple — seen in everything from Brooklyn lofts to Napa wineries, from rustic mudrooms to contemporary cafés. Why?
Because it offers:
It’s the best of both worlds. And with handcrafted options like ours, you’re not just installing a surface — you’re curating a space that feels timeless, grounded, and real.
✨ Want to create your own blend? Contact us to design a color mix tailored to your space.
Whether you're restoring a colonial farmhouse or adding old-world charm to a modern kitchen, our handmade thin brick tiles are the perfect way to ground your space in beauty and tradition.
👉 Explore our collections
📦 Request a sample kit
Because timeless design is always in style.
