NATIONAL TILE DAY
On February 23rd, National Tile Day recognizes a timeless element of architecture and design. Around the world, tile plays a variety of roles. From the modest to the sublime, tile proves to be versatile and attractive.
#NationalTileDay
Historically, only the wealthy could afford tile in their homes. The expense of handmade or small batch production meant tiles were difficult for the ordinary person to obtain. With the advent of the industrial revolution, tile not only became more affordable but the designs and features expanded with the technology.
Beautiful tile finds its way into every room of the home, outdoor spaces, commercial and industrial buildings by providing an infinite number of styles through color, texture, and dimension. The durability and energy efficiency of tile adds value, and no material is more sustainable or has lower maintenance costs.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL TILE DAY
- Take time to appreciate the quality craftsmanship of the tile work around you.
- If a remodel or building is in your future, consider tile in your design. Tile offers not only texture but color and warmth too.
- Share your experience with tile design and its versatility indoors and out. What are your favorite styles and latest innovations in tile?
- Explore tile designs for your home or business.
- Share your story or image showing why you choose tile with #NationalTileDay on Instagram and Twitter.
NATIONAL TILE DAY HISTORY
Coverings, the largest international tile & stone show in North America, founded National Tile Day in 2017 to shine a spotlight on the benefit of tile in residential and commercial design.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar® declared the day to be observed annually on February 23rd.
Learn more about National Tile Day at www.coverings.com/ntd
Tile FAQ
Q. What materials are used when making tile?
A. Tile can be made from a variety of materials including ceramic, glass, concrete, stone, terra cotta, and composite materials.
Q. What sizes do tiles come in?
A. Tile can be as small as tiny mosaic tile or in larger custom sizes that cover large sections of wall, floor, or countertop.
Q. Is there a room where tile doesn’t belong?
A. No. Any room of the house can accommodate tile if the setting is right. Rugs soften the feel of tile without completely covering the beauty. Furnishings and fabrics for draperies do the same thing.
February 23rd Celebrated History
1905
In the United States, service organizations have been providing communities with volunteer support for generations. These are the people who organize pancake breakfasts to raise money for those in need. They rise early in the morning or start days ahead to make sure holiday parades go off without a hitch. Each year, their planning and fundraising mean children in need get the items they need when school starts. The very first organization of its kind started when four businessmen met on this day in 1905. Paul P. Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram E. Shorey met for lunch and established the Rotary Club in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Initially, their goal was to exchange ideas, but it grew into something larger than themselves. Soon, they began to serve and improve their communities.
1941
It may have been a “Great Scott!” moment when chemists Dr. Glenn Seaborg, Arthur C. Wahl, and Joseph W. Kennedy first isolated and produced plutonium-94. However, Seaborg also discovered several other elements, including americium, berkelium, and californium. We’re sure Dr. Emmett Brown would have appreciated an element named deloreanium.
1954
Every summer during the 1940s and into the 1950s, parents worried about their children contracting a disease that caused muscle pain and weakness, extreme fatigue, headaches, paralysis, breathing problems, and even death. Polio peaked in the summertime and those who survived the worst of the disease required treatment in iron lungs or lived with life-long disabilities. But then two vaccines came along. Dr. Jonas Salk developed the first vaccine, and inoculation using inactive poliovirus. The second developed by Albert Sabin was an oral vaccine and used a weakened version of the virus.
On this day in 1954, the first group of children received Salk’s vaccine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania beginning the downward decline of the virus and ultimate elimination of it in the United States.
2000
What do E.T., Supernatural, “Billie Jean,” “Maria Maria” and the years 1983 and 2000 have in common? They all belong to two phenomenal music artists who poured all their immense ability into collaborating on tremendously ambitious projects and reaped the big rewards. In 1983, Michael Jackson brought home a record 8 Grammy Awards, most of them from his album, Thriller. On this day in 2000, Carlos Santana repeated the feat by bringing home 8 Grammys from his album Supernatural. Santana and Rob Thomas collaborated on the song Smooth which earned them both Record of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Thomas was awarded a third Grammy for Smooth – Song of the Year.
February 23rd Celebrated Birthdays
William Horlick – 1846
Don’t blame William Horlick if you ever get into a mess while traveling in the United Kingdom and someone says to you, “You’ve made a mighty Horlicks of it, haven’t you?” It doesn’t have anything to do with Mr. Horlick, not really. Though he did develop a tasty malted powder and give it his name. The brand we’re familiar within the United States is called Ovaltine, but there are others. But again, Mr. Horlicks didn’t make a Horlicks of anything, so don’t blame him.
Cesar Ritz – 1850
His hotels and restaurants inspired songwriters and chefs to grand creations. Irving Berlin crooned about top hats and Gary Cooper while his famed chef Auguste Escoffier wowed diners around the world. Ritz’s most famous hotels were located in Paris and London.
W.E.B. Du Bois – 1868
The first African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University became an advocate for equal rights and co-founded the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Victor Fleming – 1883
Tomorrow may be another day, but February 23rd is Victor Fleming’s birthday. The Academy Award-winning director is best known for the musicals The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind.
Peter Fonda – 1940
The Easy Rider graced the silver screen for nearly six decades in films like Ulee’s Gold, The Last Full Measure, and Cannon Ball Run. He’s best known for the film Easy Rider.
Notable Mentions
Elston Howard – 1929
Dakota Fanning – 1994