Geometric tiles are like jigsaw puzzles for floors. Geometric tiles were named as they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, all planned to fit together into larger overall designs. The tiles themselves are plainly coloured. They are made of earth clays and pigments in a limited range of colours: tan; buff; brown; red; black; cream; yellow and blue.

The skill of the tile layer allowed a wide range of patterns to be produced.

Two views of a geometric tile floor in the front hall of an 1896 brick house in Lincoln, England. With all of the decorative appeal of a carpet, the wearability of tiles for the front entrance of this home gave a practical aspect to this installation.

Each color is a separate tile. Square, triangles and rectangles of different coloured tiles are carefully fitted together in a modular fashion to make this design.

Geometric tiles were usually laid tightly together, so there were no grout joins between the tiles, giving a seamless appearance to the finished floor.

Black and White geometric tiles give an impressive entry porch to a house in Russell Square in London. Several different shapes and sizes of tile were placed to make this overall design.

A floor in a sculpture alcove on the terrace at Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s residence on the Isle of Wight in England. The floor has been made up of geometric tiles, some cut to carefully match the curve of the alcove.