The Story of Vintage Mosaic Doorway Signs (and Why They're Back)

Walk through an older downtown and look down. In recessed shop doorways you'll often find a name set into the floor in tiny tiles: a pharmacy, a butcher, a bank, sometimes a business that closed decades ago. These tiled doorway signs are one of the quiet joys of city streets, and they are having a revival.

Why shops put their names in the floor

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, many storefronts were built with a recessed entrance: the door set back from the sidewalk, with display windows angled on either side. That little vestibule floor was the one spot every customer stepped on, so shopkeepers used it as a sign.

A name in tile didn't fade, didn't need repainting and couldn't be stolen or blown away. It also told passers-by the business was established and here to stay.

How they were made

Most were made from small unglazed porcelain tiles (squares, hexagons and other simple shapes), which were hard-wearing, easy to clean and affordable. Tile setters laid out the letters tile by tile, often in black, white and a single accent color, with a simple border or a Greek key around the edge.

Later, especially in the 1930s, terrazzo and other poured floors became popular for storefront names, with metal strips outlining sleek Art Deco lettering.

Ghost signs underfoot

Because they are part of the floor, many tiled names have outlived the businesses they advertised. Shops change hands, signs come down, but the old name stays in the doorway: a "ghost sign" you can still walk on. Local history fans photograph and catalogue them, and many cities have people who share them online.

Where to spot them

Look in the recessed entrances of older commercial streets in the US and the UK, especially in buildings from before the Second World War. Old pharmacies, banks, jewelers, bakeries, butchers and pubs are good places to start. Many restored historic districts have kept theirs.

Why the look is back

Today's independent businesses are rediscovering the tiled doorway for the same reasons as the originals: it lasts, it's practical, and it signals quality. It also photographs beautifully, so it does double duty on social media.

Modern versions keep the vintage character (grid and hexagon tiles, simple borders, bold lettering) while adding options the old tile setters didn't have, such as stainless steel lettering and a far wider range of colors.

Getting the vintage look today

• Tile: 1-inch hexagon or square porcelain in a grid.
• Colors: black and white, with one accent: deep red, green, navy or gold.
• Lettering: bold block or serif capitals; add a founding year.
• Border: a simple band, checkerboard or Greek key.
• Matt finish for the authentic unglazed feel and extra grip.

Restoring a historic storefront? We can match an original style in a new mosaic. See border and pattern options.

Frequently asked questions

What are tiled doorway signs called?

They are often called mosaic entrance signs, vestibule mosaics or tile doorway signs. When the business has gone, people call them ghost signs.

What tile was used for vintage doorway mosaics?

Mostly small unglazed porcelain tiles in squares and hexagons, chosen because they were durable, easy to clean and affordable.

Can you recreate a vintage doorway mosaic?

Yes. Send us photos of the original and the measurements, and we'll design a new version in matching tile shapes and colors.