What Are Zellige Tiles? And Why They’re Trending in Modern Design
- Marieke
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Zellige tiles have quietly made their way from traditional Moroccan courtyards to the mood boards of every designer worth their Pinterest password.
You might not know how to pronounce them (it’s zell-ij, in case you were wondering), but you’ve almost certainly admired them – glistening on a bathroom wall, tucked behind a stylish espresso machine, or shimmering gently in a sunlit kitchen.
If you’ve ever wondered what are zellige tiles and why is everyone using them, you’re in the right place. Let’s dig in.
What Are Zellige Tiles?
Zellige tiles are handmade, glazed terracotta tiles originating from Morocco. Each one is chipped by hand, irregular in shape and tone, and proudly imperfect – which, in a world of machine-made sameness, is precisely their appeal.
Traditionally crafted in Fez using centuries-old techniques, zellige tiles are known for their high-gloss finish, nuanced colouring and ability to bounce light in wonderfully unpredictable ways.
No two tiles are exactly the same, which is part of the magic (and occasionally the frustration – but more on that later).
Why Are They Trending in Contemporary Design?
Zellige tiles offer something interiors have been crying out for – warmth, soul and texture. In an age where many spaces feel overly curated and squeaky-clean, zellige brings a bit of humanity back into design.
Their uneven surface and tonal variation create a sense of movement and depth that flat, factory-made tiles just can’t replicate.
Designers are increasingly leaning into natural materials and imperfection – the wobbly edges, pooled glaze and subtle tonal shifts of zellige tap beautifully into that tactile, lived-in aesthetic.
And if you’re trying to make your minimalist kitchen feel a little less cold or give your bathroom that boutique hotel glow, zellige does a lot of heavy lifting with very little surface area.
Where Do Zellige Tiles Work Best?
While you can use zellige tiles just about anywhere (floors included, if you don’t mind the occasional uneven toe tap), they really shine in:
Kitchen splashbacks – especially in soft neutrals or milky whites
Bathrooms – either full-height or just behind a basin or bath
Fireplace surrounds – for texture without bulk
Niches and entryways – small moments that deserve a little flair
The small tile size and handmade nature make them ideal for areas where you want detail and texture without it becoming overwhelming.
How to Pair Zellige with Modern Materials
If you’re worried about things looking too holiday souvenir shop, fear not. Zellige plays surprisingly well with contemporary finishes – think microcement walls, steel taps, warm oak joinery or even raw plaster.
The key is contrast: balance the visual irregularity of zellige with calm, matte surfaces and neutral tones elsewhere.
Soft sage greens, chalky pinks and smoky blues work especially well if you want colour without going full peacock. And of course, the classic ivory or bone-white glaze is endlessly versatile (and wonderfully forgiving of the occasional coffee splash).
Imperfect but Perfect: A Nod to Wabi-Sabi
There’s a certain quiet charm in things that don’t try too hard – which is perhaps why zellige tiles feel so right, right now. They channel the wabi-sabi philosophy of embracing imperfection and celebrating the handmade. You’ll never get a totally uniform finish, and that’s precisely the point.
Yes, laying them requires patience. Yes, some tiles will be chipped or slightly misshapen. And yes, you may briefly question all your life decisions during installation. But the final result? Glorious.
In Summary
So, what are zellige tiles? They’re imperfect, high-gloss, handmade wonders that bring texture, colour and warmth to even the most stripped-back of spaces. They’re as timeless as they are trendy – and when paired with modern materials, they strike a beautiful balance between old-world charm and contemporary edge.
If you’re considering them for your next project, don’t be afraid of the quirks – lean into them. Zellige doesn’t just finish a room – it gives it character.
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