Choosing the Right Zellige Tile Style for an Impactful Look

Finding the perfect balance between the old and the new can truly elevate your living space, ensuring it remains both timeless and inviting. And that's exactly where a Zellige tile backsplash, accent wall, or floor design truly shines!

Inspired by Moroccan heritage, these tiles are handmade from a special blend of clay then glazed and fired. The results are a variation in flatness, depth, and tone-imperfections that give a tiled Zellige backsplash or floor unique character and exotic elegance.

These ceramic tiles have it all: bold designs, vibrant colors, and textures that captivate. Below is everything you need to know about “perfectly imperfect” Moroccan Zellige tiles and how their age-old charm can accentuate your home.

Why Zellige is the Trendiest Choice of Modern Interiors?

What makes Zellige tiles popular? In a world where monotony is mass-produced, Zellige shines as a symbol of uniqueness and authenticity. The art of handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles tells a tale of ancient craftsmanship, all while satisfying our craving for storytelling in interior design.

The uneven edges, subtle color variation, and lustrous finishes of these eye-catching tiles are embraced as proof of their artistic provenance rather than being seen as defects. And because they are hand-chiseled and hand-glazed, no two tiles are alike-detailing that adds distinctive beauty and quality to modern interiors.

What Are the Pros & Cons of Zellige Tiles?

• They add striking beauty: Installing Zellige tile backsplash, accent wall, or flooring means introducing striking character into your space. The tiles’ handcrafted appeal brings forth an interesting blend of understated sophistication and rustic allure.
  Imperfect edges, variation in flatness and depth, and tonal disparities add instant personality. Their lustrous glazing shimmer animatedly on any surface, making the room brighter, spacious, and airy.
• They offer incredible versatility: The versatility of Moroccan tile is unmatched. It’s available in different colorways, sizes, and shapes, making way for a beautiful Zellige backsplash, fireplace surround, accent wall, and more applications. From earthy shades and pastel tones to squares, rectangles, and scallops; the tile’s hand-hewn look fits seamlessly with most décor styles.

• They possess outstanding durability: It’s no wonder a Zellige backsplash or floor design can hold up for decades. Despite their delicate sheen, the tiles’ fired clay is remarkably sturdy, durable, and water-resistant.
• They can be tricky to clean: When considering an authentic Zellige tile kitchen, bathroom, or living room design, keep tile maintenance top of mind. The protruding corners and edges attract dirt and can be trickier to clean. Regular upkeep is necessary to maintain their beauty.
• They are not the easiest to install: Installation of Zellige tile backsplash, wall, or floor requires special care. Enlisting an expert familiar with the tile’s unique appearance and thickness will help you achieve the best results.
• They can be more costly than other tile: Due to the craftsmanship and special attention involved during manufacturing, Moroccan tile can be more pricey than other tile options. For something more affordable, you can opt for ceramic tiles that emulate the characteristics of authentic Zellige.

The Magic of Zellige Patterns You Need to See

Embrace the rich artistry of Moroccan zellige subway tile with its interesting patterns that add decorative panache to various interior settings.

• Square Zellige tile pattern: The square pattern is a common example of Moroccan Zellige backsplash and wall tile. Here, the tiles can sit stacked to create an orderly grid layout; laid diagonally to fashion a diamond shape; or staggered to achieve a brick effect.
• Rectangle Zellige tile pattern: When you think of a rectangular Zellige tile backsplash, wall, or floor design, the traditional 3” x 6” subway format might come to mind. But the shape can have a contemporary twist to it: elongated and slender, almost like a plank.

Rectangular Zellige tiles can be laid in a herringbone pattern to introduce dynamic visual movement or a running bond pattern to achieve a classic brick aesthetic. They can also be stacked vertically to give an impression of taller walls and a higher ceiling-or stacked horizontally to visually widen narrow walls.

The Evolution of Zellige Tile Designs

The ancient craftsmanship of Moroccan tile has stood the test of time, but has slightly shifted to suit a contemporary sensibility. Often, these artisanal tiles were made into intricate mosaics fitted together in elaborate, tessellating patterns-with an emphasis on rich hues of yellow, blue, green, and purple.

Today, Zellige tile style also adheres to a monochrome aesthetic that harmoniously merges form and function. Like those of traditional artistry, they offer a canvas of endless possibilities. Let's dive into the many ways Moroccan zellige tiles can create a one-of-a-kind work of art in your living space:

1. Redefine the subway backsplash

The beloved but overdone subway can be elevated with a handmade Moroccan-inspired aesthetic. Update your kitchen with a Zellige tile backsplash and showcase the meticulous beauty of this traditional artistry.

For a muted design scheme, consider a Zellige backsplash in a saturated hue. Choose from black, blue, or green for a wonderful cocooning effect. Or go for a subtle pastel shade to introduce just enough oomph into your culinary space. Experiment with unique patterns for more intrigue and visual movement.

2. Choose splash-proof style for wet rooms

With the contemporary style of Moroccan tiles, you can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom. Transform the space with a vibrant burst of color through a Zellige tile backsplash, bathtub surround, shower wall, or bathroom floor. Or add hand-crafted style with a neutral palette to breathe life into a room that feels lackluster. Despite their handmade nature, they are durable and can thrive for years in a wet environment.

3. Create a visual moment with an accent

Looking to define an architectural feature-or add a dash of creative flair to an alcove? If standard tiles feel a little one-dimensional, a striking accent wall, fireplace surround, or decorative nook rich in finish and variation can add a visually dynamic element to the room.

4. Enhance Zellige style with grout color

Considering more grout options for your Zellige tile backsplash or wall installation? Remember that matching grout provides a seamless finish and maintains a cohesive look. However, contrasting grout color allows the individuality of each tile to shine, adding striking depth and visual interest to your installation.

5. Mix square and rectangle Zellige tiles

Why not combine squares and rectangles to create a swoon-worthy kitchen Zellige tile backsplash, shower floor, or living room wall feature? A visually captivating arrangement of different shapes provides another layer of interest.

Conclusion

The artisanal craftsmanship of Zellige tile offers a distinctive visual experience. Highlighted by irregularities-uneven edges, tonal variation, and a rippling surface-it infuses any space with depth, dimension, and a creative sensibility. Whether a Zellige backsplash, fireplace surround, shower wall, or bathroom flooring, these tiles are true statement-makers and will stand the test of time. Go on… let one or more of the ideas above inspire your next home decor adventure!

FAQs

1. What are Zellige tiles?

These are hand-shaped and hand-glazed tiles rooted in century-old Morocco tradition. They are made from natural clay and come in a diverse spectrum of rich colors-with each piece varying in shape and texture. It is these irregularities that make the tiles unique and create incredible depth in the spaces they adorn.

2. How do I choose the right style of Zellige for my space?

When choosing to install Zellige tile backsplash, wall accent, or flooring, consider the rooms’ overall aesthetic. What tile color and shape resonate with the rhythm of your space? If you desire a bold visual impact, look into vivid color options. If you prefer something clean and subdued, there’s a range of soft pastels and muted neutrals to choose from.

3. How should I maintain my Zellige tiles?

Regular cleaning is important to remove dirt and grime that settles between the uneven corners and edges. Zellige tile kitchen and bathroom walls and floors can be cleaned with warm water, tile-safe soap, and a soft textured sponge to retain their beauty.

4. Are Zellige tiles expensive compared to other tile options?

Because Moroccan tiles require special attention during the hand-crafting process, they tend to be pricier than other tile options.

5. Are Zellige tiles suitable for outdoor use?

We recommend using Zellige tile for interior walls and light traffic floors to prevent scratching, chipping, and damage from harsh weather conditions.

6. Can Zellige tiles be used in wet areas like showers?

A Zellige backsplash, bathtub surround, and shower wall looks stunning in both classic and contemporary settings. These tiles are durable and resistant to moisture, and therefore ideal for wet areas.

7. Do Zellige tiles require special installation techniques?

Because the pieces are not a perfect square or rectangle, it takes great attention to detail to lay the tiles flush with minimal lippage. For this reason, we recommend hiring a skilled tile setter for the best results. The main thing is to install Zellige backsplash or floor tiles closely together - say 1/16″ spacing between the joints-to attain that artisanal signature look.