VIGLACERA DECORATIVE TILES – CLASSIC ESSENCE IN A MODERN BREATH

Beyond being a mere building material, encaustic tiles carry memories, emotions, and stories of time. Since the early 20th century, decorative cement tiles—commonly known as encaustic tiles—have become distinctive highlights in both Asian and European architecture, appearing on floors, staircases, and hidden corners of iconic structures. As modern design trends took over, encaustic tiles seemed to “step back.” Yet, thanks to the appreciation of architects and those seeking balance between nostalgia and novelty, these tiles have always maintained a place in contemporary design.

2025 and the Global Trend of Encaustic Tiles

The world is witnessing a design movement of “returning to origins.” Instead of focusing solely on functionality and technology, modern architecture now seeks to reconnect with culture, history, and human emotions. With their rich diversity of patterns, colors, and artisanal craftsmanship, encaustic tiles have become a cornerstone of this trend.

Cafés featuring encaustic tile carpets create striking impressions. Black-and-white motifs paired with the warm tone of wood-effect tiles evoke both elegance and modernity. (Source: Big House)

In Europe, encaustic tiles are widely used in boutique cafés, boutique hotels, and vintage-inspired apartments. In North America, they are combined with modern materials such as glass, wood, and stainless steel, creating striking contrasts. In Asia—particularly in Vietnam—encaustic tiles are being revived not just as a decorative element but also as a “language of memory,” recalling old verandas, traditional houses, or colorful childhood courtyards.

Simple black-and-white patterned tiles bring a timeless charm to cafés, helping spaces stand out in the eyes of customers. (Source: Big House)

The allure of encaustic tiles lies not only in their exquisite handmade patterns or durability but also in their storytelling ability. Each tile serves as a cultural fragment, bridging people with history. Amid fast-paced living, encaustic tiles offer a pause—nostalgic yet familiar, and still modern when harmoniously integrated into contemporary design.

Encaustic Tiles and the “Retro-Modern” Trend

Throughout architectural history, encaustic tiles have never been just construction material. They are an “aesthetic language,” reflecting cultural values, artistic taste, and lifestyle across different eras. From Indochinese architecture of the early 20th century to today’s modern interiors, encaustic tiles retain a special position in the world of surface materials.

According to international interior design reports, 2025 marks the strong resurgence of the “Retro-Modern” trend—a style combining nostalgic beauty with contemporary comfort. Traditional encaustic tiles are increasingly embraced by architects and designers in diverse spaces:

Residential interiors: living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas, where tiles add bold character.
Commercial & hospitality projects: cafés, restaurants, and boutique hotels, where aesthetics and uniqueness are emphasized.
Landscape design: blending encaustic tiles with terrazzo or outdoor flooring to create dialogue between nature and human artistry.

What distinguishes this trend is that encaustic tiles are no longer limited to their “traditional” role. Instead, they become a medium of dialogue with glass, wood, metal, and other modern materials.

Striking retro bathrooms with patterned encaustic tiles (Source: Mê Nội Thất).

Viglacera’s Decorative Tile Collection – A Symphony of Tradition and Modernity

Building upon the creative spirit of its previous “12 Seasons of Flowers” collection, Viglacera introduces a new 30x30cm encaustic tile line under the aesthetic theme: “Classic Essence in a Modern Breath.”

Patterns: Inspired by traditional Vietnamese motifs, reimagined with simplified lines to suit minimalism.
Color palette: Preserving the muted, classical tones of traditional encaustic tiles while adding neutral hues for easy coordination with modern interiors.
Production technology: Using advanced pressing and digital printing techniques, ensuring crisp details, long-lasting colors, and easier maintenance compared to traditional cement tiles.

Viglacera’s VBS302 encaustic tile product.

Viglacera’s encaustic tiles are more than just “construction materials.” They are aesthetic solutions that revive memories, bringing nostalgic warmth into spaces reminiscent of old homes. Each tile is an artistic fragment that, when combined, creates unique floors or feature walls expressing the homeowner’s individuality. Produced on modern manufacturing lines, the 30x30cm tiles also meet environmental standards, aligning with the green materials trend.

United Tiles UBS304 by Viglacera.

Interestingly, when paired with materials such as natural wood, transparent glass, or warm lighting, Viglacera’s 30x30cm encaustic tiles deliver a wide range of visual experiences—sometimes sophisticated, other times calm and rustic.

The launch of Viglacera’s 30x30cm encaustic tile collection is not just an expansion of the product portfolio. It is also a statement: “Viglacera continues to seek balance between tradition and modernity.” If encaustic tiles once only belonged to the memory of old houses, Viglacera now presents a renewed version—still classic, but infused with today’s rhythm of life.

This article references materials from Big House and Mê Nội Thất.

A selection of encaustic tiles from Viglacera & United Tiles 2025 collections: