Tile is one of the oldest and most enduring decorative materials in Persian architecture. Since industrial production lines arrived, however, the market has split between two very different products: factory tile and handmade tile. If you are renovating or designing an interior and are not sure which is the better choice for a feature wall, a kitchen or a building façade, this guide will help.
What is handmade tile?
Handmade tile is tile whose shaping, painting or relief work and glazing are done by hand by an artist or master craftsman. Unlike factory tiles, which are produced in large runs from identical moulds, every handmade tile carries its own subtle, unique variations — and that is exactly what gives it authenticity and visual value.
How glazed handmade tile is made
Making a handmade tile usually involves several stages:
- Forming the body: ceramic clay is shaped in a hand mould or pressed into the required form.
- Drying and first firing: the raw body is fired in the kiln to give it strength.
- Design and painting: patterns such as Ficus, Lozenge or traditional haft-rang designs are applied to the surface by hand.
- Glazing and final firing: a layer of glaze is applied, and the second firing gives the tile its final shine and durability.
Key differences between handmade and factory tile
Design and variety
Factory tile usually follows limited, repeating patterns, while handmade tile makes exclusive, raised and even custom designs possible.
Texture and relief
In many handmade tiles, such as raised Moroccan or fish-scale designs, the three-dimensional texture is shaped by hand — something mass production can hardly reproduce.
Durability and glaze
A hand-applied glaze is usually thicker and more resistant to moisture and wear, which is why glazed handmade tiles are also used in bathrooms, behind cookers and on exterior façades.
Price and value
Because of the time and skill involved, handmade tile usually costs more than factory tile. In return you get an exclusive, durable product with greater visual value, which lowers the cost of renovating again in the long run.
Where is handmade tile a good fit?
From living-room feature walls and stairways to kitchen splashbacks and even exterior façades, handmade tile is a flexible choice thanks to its variety of designs and durable glaze. You can browse the full collection on the products page.
Conclusion
If you want a decorative material with character, high durability and a look that stands apart from mass-market products, glazed handmade tile is a better choice than factory tile. For help choosing a pattern and colour for your space, contact the Naghsh Ara team through the consultation form.