Popular Federation Tile Patterns

Our Heritage range includes several classic pattern options, each built around a shared geometric language but with its own colour story:

• Heritage Arundel — a warm, terracotta-toned pattern suited to hallways and entries that want a traditional heritage feel.
• Heritage Chichester — a softer, more muted palette that works well where the tile needs to sit quietly alongside other design elements.
• Heritage Norwich — a classic combination of geometric shapes with earthy undertones, true to the original Federation-era look.
• Heritage Navy — a deeper, moodier colourway for feature areas that want more visual weight.

Each pattern is available as a 316mm floor tile, making them straightforward to lay in traditional grid or border layouts.

For a more traditional period floor, our Black Octagon with Gloss White Dot mosaic recreates one of the most authentic patterns of the era — small contrasting dot tiles set into the corners where four octagons meet. This octagon-and-dot layout was a standard treatment in Victorian and Federation-era bathrooms and hallways, and remains one of the most recognisable heritage tile patterns used in restorations today.

Where to Use Federation Tiles

Federation tiles are most commonly used in:

• Entryways and hallways — their traditional home, where the pattern makes an immediate first impression.
• Verandahs and porches — durable enough for covered outdoor use while keeping the heritage look consistent with the house.
• Kitchens and laundries — increasingly popular as a full-floor or feature-strip choice in contemporary renovations.
• Bathroom floors — paired with plain wall tiles to let the pattern do the talking.

FAQs

What are Federation tiles?

Federation tiles are geometric pattern tiles inspired by Australian homes built during the Federation period (roughly 1890–1915). They're typically laid in hallways, entries and verandahs, using repeating shapes in earthy, heritage-toned colours.

What's the difference between Federation and Victorian tiles?

Victorian tiles generally use more ornate, encaustic-style florals and finer detail, reflecting the earlier Victorian era (pre-1900). Federation tiles use simpler, bolder geometric patterns and a slightly more restrained colour palette, reflecting the design shift of the early 1900s.

What size are Federation floor tiles?

Our Heritage Federation tiles are 316mm x 316mm, a standard size for this pattern style, making them easy to lay in traditional grid layouts or as a bordered feature area.

Can Federation tiles be used outdoors?

Yes — they're commonly used on covered verandahs and porches. For fully exposed outdoor areas, check the slip rating and suitability of the specific tile before installing.

Do you offer samples of Federation tiles?

Yes, 15cm samples are available for all patterns in our Heritage range — we'd always recommend ordering one before committing.

How much do Federation tiles cost?

Our Heritage range Federation tiles are priced per tile/floor tile (see individual product pages for current pricing), with 15cm free samples available to check colour and pattern in person before ordering.

What is an octagon and dot tile?

Octagon and dot is a classic period tile pattern where small square or round tiles ("dots") fill the corners created by a grid of octagon tiles. It was widely used in Victorian and Federation-era bathrooms and hallways and remains one of the most authentic heritage patterns for restorations.