Delft Blue Tiles
A Delft Blue tile might just be the most Dutch gift there is: small, affordable and steeped in centuries of history. Here you will find dozens of Delft Blue tiles, from windmills, sailing ships and canal houses to Vermeer's Milkmaid, charming animals and tiles with witty sayings. Choose a classic blue and white tile or a colourful polychrome design, in sizes from 11 to 20 centimetres. Lovely to hang, display on a shelf or give to anyone who loves Holland.
Buy Delft Blue tiles: a piece of Dutch history for your wall
Step into an old Dutch farmhouse or canal house and you will still see them: rows of blue and white tiles along the kitchen wall, around the fireplace or lining the hallway. They kept walls clean and dry, and told little stories at the same time. A windmill by the water, a ship at sea, children at play, a carpenter at work. That same atmosphere runs through our collection of Delft Blue tiles, alongside modern designs for anyone who likes Delft Blue with a contemporary twist.
De Holland Winkel has been selling Dutch souvenirs and Delft Blue since 2002. In this category we have brought together all our individual tiles and tile gifts, so you can easily browse, compare and combine.
From Chinese porcelain to the Dutch tile
In the seventeenth century the Dutch East India Company (VOC) shipped vast quantities of Chinese porcelain to the Netherlands. The blue and white ware was hugely fashionable, but expensive and not always available. Dutch potters began imitating it in earthenware covered with a white tin glaze and painted in cobalt blue. In Delft, home to dozens of potteries, this became such a success that the style was named after the city.
Tiles were made in towns across the Netherlands at the time, from Rotterdam and Utrecht to Harlingen and Makkum. Traditional Dutch tiles are easy to recognise by their familiar themes: landscapes, ships, trades, animals, children's games and biblical scenes, often with a small ornament in each corner. And the Dutch still love a tile with a saying on it. They even have a word for it: tegeltjeswijsheid, or "tile wisdom".
Which Delft Blue tiles can you choose from?
Windmills, ships and landscapes
The classic Delft Blue windmill tile, a sailing boat or a farm landscape with tulips. You will also find tiles featuring the cheese weigh house and the traditional costumes of Marken, Hindeloopen and Spakenburg.
Amsterdam, Delft and canal houses
Canal houses, Amsterdam Central Station, the canals and the Amsterdam coat of arms. Or choose Delft itself, with the Prinsenhof and the Old Church. Bicycles and cargo bikes complete the Dutch picture.
Old Masters in blue
Famous paintings reimagined as Delft Blue tiles: Vermeer's The Milkmaid, Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Guitar Player, plus a tronie of a man with a feathered beret and other Golden Age portraits.
Animals, flowers and trades
A cat, puppy, cow, peacock or kingfisher, a butterfly or a flower garden. Or one of the traditional trade tiles, such as the baker, the physician and the carpenter. There is a motif for everyone.
Tiles with quotes and sayings
Tile wisdom with a wink. From sayings about friendship and house rules to light-hearted lines about birthday cake and early mornings. A tile with a quote often says more than a greetings card.
Traditional, replica and polychrome
Fond of old Dutch tiles? Choose a replica of a historic design, a tile with a classic corner motif, or a polychrome tile in several colours, just like the very first tiles made in the Netherlands.
Hang it, display it or set it into a wall
A decorative tile is more versatile than you might think. Hang a single tile on the wall, place it on a tile stand on the windowsill or sideboard, or create a row of tiles as an eye-catcher in the kitchen or hallway. Keen DIYers even set a Delft Blue wall tile among their existing tiles, for example above the worktop.
- ✓Small tiles (11 cm): perfect for a narrow windowsill, a bookshelf or as a little extra with a larger gift.
- ✓Classic size (13 cm): close to the size of the traditional Dutch tile and easy to combine.
- ✓Larger sizes (15 and 20 cm): more room for detail, as in the city views and Old Masters.
- ✓A whole scene: looking for something bigger? Take a look at our Delft Blue tile tableaus.
A Delft Blue tile as a gift
A tile is a gift that lasts. It is sturdy, fits easily in your suitcase and always finds a place in the home. No wonder it is one of the most popular Dutch souvenirs, whether you are treating yourself or someone else.
- ✓For visitors to Holland: an authentic-looking keepsake that tells more of a story than a keyring.
- ✓For Dutch expats: a familiar piece of home on the wall, wherever in the world they live.
- ✓For birthdays and housewarmings: pick a saying or motif that suits the person you are giving it to.
- ✓Ready to give: our tile gift sets and mini tile magnets come beautifully packaged.
- ✓For businesses: a Delft Blue tile makes a stylish corporate gift for international partners.
Frequently asked questions about Delft Blue tiles
Are these antique Delft Blue tiles? +
No, all our tiles are newly made. Many designs are inspired by old Dutch tiles, with traditional motifs and corner ornaments. That gives you the look of an antique tile without the price tag or the worry of a centuries-old piece.
How do I hang a tile? +
There are several options: a tile hanger or hook, strong mounting strips, or a display stand. If you want to set the tile into a wall, you can fix it with tile adhesive just like an ordinary wall tile. Each product page lists the dimensions, so you can check beforehand where it will fit.
Do you ship Delft Blue tiles abroad? +
Yes. We ship our tiles and other souvenirs within the Netherlands and worldwide. Tiles are flat and sturdy, which makes them an easy gift to send to friends and family in another country.
Can I order tiles in larger quantities? +
Certainly. Looking for tiles as corporate gifts, for an event or for your shop? Visit our B2B page or email info@hollandwinkel.nl.
Can I add a personal message? +
Yes, we will include a card with your message free of charge. Would you like the tile gift-wrapped? Choose one of our gift wrapping options.
Discover more Delft Blue
Found your favourite tile? Our online shop has thousands of Dutch souvenirs and gifts. Why not pair your tile with a Delft Blue wall plate, a windmill or a Vermeer souvenir?