Italian Art Painted Roof Tiles

Italian Roof Tile Background

• Italian roof tiles generally are made of terra cotta, a lightweight, hardened clay, formed in a curve. In ancient times, the artisan's formed the tiles over their thighs, resulting in the scallop shapes of tiled roof edges. The most common roof tiles are the plain terra cotta tiles, which have a rust or red color. Roof tiles generally are about 4 inches wide and 15 to 16 inches long. Italian buildings often retain their original roof tiles, including painted ones, due to terra cotta's durability.

Painted Roof Tile Features

• Hand-painted roof tiles often have texture and dimension to them, and a glaze that protects the paint and gives a shine to the art tile. Colorful and detailed scenes of vineyards, olive groves and mythological scenes, and portraits grace these tiles. The backgrounds tend to be natural colors, giving emphasis to the subject of each tile. Masterful artists painted Italian roof tiles during the Renaissance, continuing a long history of roof decoration.

Art Roof Tile Uses

• Roof tiles create a vivid gallery effect when hung at eye level in a row along one wall. The hand-painted tiles brighten up a dining room or living room, and work well with a Tuscan or eclectic decorating scheme. Due to the wide variety of colors, subjects and art styles available, you can find art roof tiles to complement nearly any color scheme and room theme. Tiles painted with designs rather than people add color and blend with the most contemporary styles. Used as a wall sconce, a roof tile casts a soft glow on the wall.

Tips on Painted Roof Tiles

• Variations in color and finish are normal in antique roof tiles. Check into the company's background before purchasing hand-painted roof tiles presented as authentic antiques. Reproductions can be difficult to detect and are available at a fraction of the cost of the originals.

  Displaying a collection of art tiles on plate stands in a glass front cabinet protects them from dust and handling. Arranging a trio of roof tiles in the center of a dining table creates a dynamic centerpiece.