Collection: Handmade terracotta tile

The terracotta tomette is a handcrafted product made from the firing of natural clay. Used for centuries, it is appreciated for its authentic character and its warm look. Each tile is shaped, molded and fired to give a unique terracotta tile, with its shades of red, pink, beige or sand color. Unlike modern coverings, tomettes have a natural patina that improves with time. Available in hexagonal formats, square or rectangular, they are suitable for interior floors as well as for decorative wall projects. Thanks to their raw texture and their artisanal details, tomettes bring an incomparable authenticity to your interiors. Their history goes back to the Middle Ages, when clay was molded by hand and fired in traditional kilns. Even today, this know-how continues to offer a durable and attractive product, perfect for a terracotta floor with character.

Choosing a terracotta floor tile for your floors offers many advantages. First of all, it is a natural product and eco-friendly one, made from clay soils that are molded and then fired at high temperature. Terracotta tiles are renowned for their durability, resisting perfectly the wear of time. Their patina evolves over the years, creating an authentic effect and a unique charm that cannot be found in other types of tiling. Available in several colors, terracotta tiles adapt to different styles, from rustic to contemporary. They come in hexagons, squares or rectangles, making it possible to vary the dimensions and the patterns on the floor. In addition, their handcrafted finish and slightly irregular edges bring an authentic and warm look. Easy to combine with materials such as natural stone, wood or even sandstone, they are suitable for many interior decorative projects.

The terracotta tiles come in several shapes and sizes to suit all projects for flooring or wall decoration. The best known remain the hexagonal tiles, typical of old floors in the south of France, available in different diameters depending on needs. There are also square formats, very popular for straight layouts or in diagonal, as well as rectangular versions for a more contemporary look. Each terracotta tile is unique thanks to its artisanal manufacture, which can be hand-molded or mechanically. Depending on the mold used, the edges will be more or less regular. The colors also vary, ranging from deep red to light beige, including pinkish, sand or straw shades. These natural nuances make it possible to create an attractive terracotta tile floor that is warm, while blending easily into different decorative styles, from rustic to elegant. Thanks to our stock of more than 2,600 references and our expertise, Minéral supports you in choosing the dimensions and formats best suited to your project.

The terracotta tomette has a rich history, closely linked to French architectural heritage. Used since the Middle Ages, they adorned the floors of homes, farms and even castles. Terracotta tiles were then handmade, using a simple wooden mold, then fired in traditional kilns. Each piece reflected the local know-how and the clays available in the region, which explains the diversity of colors and finishes: deep red in Provence, pinkish in the south-west, sandy beige elsewhere. Today, artisanal tomettes continue this tradition with manufacturing methods that respect nature and authenticity. They are often associated with an old patina and a raw look that evokes the elegance of yesteryear. For lovers of authentic tiles, the tomette is much more than a simple floor covering: it is a work of living tradition.

Terracotta tomettes are particularly suited to indoor floors, but they can also be used for wall applications or decorative ones. In the kitchen, they create a warm tiled floor that is also durable, resistant to impacts and repeated foot traffic. In the bathroom or near a shower, they bring a unique natural effect, especially after a suitable water-repellent treatment to protect against water. Square tomettes or hexagonal ones suit living rooms as well as corridors, while rectangular formats modernise the layout of a terracotta floor. Some are also used for pool copings or sheltered outdoor decoration projects. Combined with matching skirting boards, they guarantee a harmonious finish. Their compatibility with other materials such as wood, stone or porcelain stoneware makes it possible to create unique decorative pieces, both attractive and durable. With 7 shops in France and Germany, Minéral advises you and guides you towards the ideal tomette for your use (kitchen, bathroom, living room, outdoors).

The maintenance of terracotta tiles is essential to preserve their authentic look and their natural patina. As soon as they are installed, it is recommended to apply a water- and oil-repellent treatment to protect the tiles against stains and moisture. For daily cleaning, prefer neutral products and avoid harsh detergents that could alter the color and the finish of the terracotta tile flooring. Simple sweeping or a pass with a damp mop is enough to maintain your floors. Over time, the patina improves, reinforcing the rustic charm of the material. In case of a stubborn stain, a light sanding followed by a new treatment can restore all its beauty to the product. Thanks to these maintenance tips, your handcrafted tiles will keep their shine and their authenticity, while remaining durable and suited to everyday use, whether in a kitchen, a bathroom or a living room.

The price of terracotta tomettes varies according to several criteria: sizes, colour, finish, handcrafted production and type of product (hexagonal, square or rectangular). In general, handmade terracotta tiles are slightly more expensive than industrial versions, but they offer superior quality and authenticity. Some tomettes have a patinated look or rough edges, which adds to their unique charm. Many sites also offer fast delivery as well as promotions or limited-stock lots. Before buying, it is advisable to check the full list of available models in order to choose the terracotta tiling best suited to your decorative project.

Opting for terracotta tiles means choosing an authentic, durable covering steeped in history. Used for centuries, it is timeless and continues to appeal with its warm look and natural patina. Each tile is a unique product, the result of traditional craftsmanship using carefully selected natural clays, moulded and then fired to ensure robustness and beauty. The range of tiles available today suits every style: from classic, with the red hexagonal tile, to modern, with beige square or sand-coloured rectangular formats. Thanks to their compatibility with other materials such as stone, wood or even sandstone, they fit into any interior design project. Combining tradition and modernity, terracotta tiles are much more than just tiling: they are a true work of craftsmanship, timeless and beautiful. Minéral, with several decades of experience, selects the best terracotta tiles for traditional projects and contemporary designs alike.

Yes, terracotta tomettes are perfectly compatible with underfloor heating. Thanks to their ability to conduct heat and to their thickness, they diffuse a gentle heat that is even throughout the room. Terracotta tiles, whether square, hexagonal or rectangular, accumulate heat and release it gradually, which improves comfort and reduces energy consumption. Their natural patina and warm colors (red, pink, sand, beige, straw) enhance the warm atmosphere of an interior. It is however important to use a suitable adhesive for heated floors and to respect a drying time before turning on the heating. A good grout joint is also essential to absorb expansion. By choosing this artisanal product, you combine the authenticity of an old-style tile and the modernity of optimal thermal comfort. Our product pages specify all the installation recommendations.

The terracotta tomettes are naturally porous materials, which means they can absorb water, grease or stains if they are not treated. To ensure their durability, it is recommended to apply a water- and oil-repellent treatment after installation. This type of product penetrates into the fired clay and limits absorption while allowing the tile to breathe. The application is done with a brush or roller, in several coats depending on the desired level of protection. For damp areas such as the kitchen, the bathroom or near a pool, this treatment is essential. Regular maintenance with mild products (without acid or bleach) helps preserve the beauty of the colors and the natural patina of the tiles. Thanks to these tips, your handcrafted tomettes will remain resistant, attractive and easy to maintain over the long term.

Terracotta tomettes are not reserved for old houses: they also have their place in modern and contemporary interiors. Their natural look and warm colors (red, pink, sand or beige) create an elegant contrast with current materials such as polished concrete, light wood or glass. In a kitchen, a bathroom or a living room, square, rectangular or hexagonal tiles bring a touch of authenticity and timelessness. Customers can play with the finishes (raw, patinated, sanded) to achieve either an aged effect or a smoother, more modern look. Thanks to the different laying techniques (aligned, diagonal, checkerboard), tomettes adapt to any decorative project. It is a wall or floor covering that combines tradition and modernity, ideal for giving a unique soul to a living space. With our expertise in interior design, Minéral helps you blend tradition and modernity, by selecting the shades and formats best suited to your style.