The Real Thing

The Real Thing — Americana Delft Icon Tile

A small nod to an American original.

Our The Real Thing icon tile features a classic glass soda bottle with a straw, painted in loose cobalt watercolor-like brushstrokes on an ivory ceramic tile. The image captures the unmistakable silhouette of an ice-cold Coke, a drink that has been part of American culture for generations.

From small-town diners and roadside lunch counters to summer picnics and ballgames, the glass bottle of Coca-Cola has long been a symbol of simple pleasures and shared moments. The familiar shape instantly brings to mind the fizz of a freshly opened bottle and the feeling of sitting down for a break on a warm afternoon.

Part of our Americana Delft collection, this tile reimagines the historic Delft tradition of illustrating everyday life through small painted scenes. Where traditional Delft tiles once captured village markets and daily rituals, The Real Thing celebrates an American icon that has found its way into kitchens, diners, and memories across the country.

Designers often scatter icon tiles like this throughout a backsplash or feature wall to create a collected, storytelling installation. Paired with our matching Americana Delft plain field tile, The Real Thing adds a playful moment of nostalgia within a field of ivory tile.

Handmade Variation

Every Americana Delft tile is individually painted by hand in our Nashville studio. Because each icon is created with a brush and cobalt watercolor-like strokes, natural variations are part of the character of the collection. Brushwork may appear slightly lighter or deeper in tone, and small differences in linework or detailing may occur from tile to tile. These subtle variations reflect the hand of the artist and ensure that every installation has the warmth and authenticity of true hand-painted tile.

Every Americana Delft tile is painted to order, continuing a centuries-old craft tradition while telling a uniquely American story. Custom icon requests are always welcome.