Our Moroccan Tiles collections are carefully selected so that we have a large variety of floors, walls and external tiles for you to create from.
If you don't see what you are looking for please do not hesitate to get in contact (we have a lot more tiles up our sleeve).
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Moroccan Tiles FAQs
Offering a luxuriously timeless touch to any project, authentic Moroccan tiles continue to be made by hand using centuries old techniques. These stylish handmade tiles feature an opulent range of vivid colour options and celebrate texture and technique in their rustic yet sophisticated aesthetic. Our range of Moroccan tiles includes elaborately detailed pattern tiles, classic handmade tiles and more to help you create that perfect designer look in your next project.
What are Moroccan Tiles Called?
Specific varieties of Moroccan tiles are often referred to as Zellige or Bejmat tiles. These elegant handmade tiles feature a wonderfully tactile texture as a result of the handcrafting process, creating a warm aesthetic in the home that is full of charm and character.
What are Moroccan Tiles?
Moroccan tiles are a traditional form of tile art originating in Morocco. These handmade tiles are created using centuries old techniques that have been passed down from one generation to the next, dating back as far as the 10th century. Skilled Artisans often start learning this trade at a very young age, practicing the creation of different forms of authentic Moroccan tiles such as Zellige and Bejmat. Inspired by mosaic tile art prominent in the Byzantine and Roman empires, these elegant tiles continue to be used in interior design and architecture to create a dynamic look that combines texture, pattern, shape and colour for a rich and sophisticated look. For more information on the history of Moroccan tiles, see our blog post here.
Different Types of Moroccan Tiles
Aside from the traditionally handmade Zelige and Bejmat tiles, our Moroccan tile collection includes other exciting options to choose from. These include handmade look tiles as well as stylish ceramic tiles in an impressive variety of shapes, colours and patterns.
What are Zellige Tiles?
Also known as zillīj, zelige or zellige, these tiles are a traditional style of Moroccan tile art that is traditionally created using individual hand cut chiselled mosaic tiles that are set by hand in a base of plaster. These designs often used a combination of bright, deep colours ranging from rich shades of blue, turquoise, burnt orange and more. Traditionally seen in Arabesque or Moorish architecture, this style of tile design has been modernised over time with modern interpretations of Zellige tiles showing classic square shapes in a wide variety of colour options.
Why are Moroccan Tiles so Popular?
Traditional Moroccan tiles offer a unique yet timeless look in the home thanks to their luscious, tactile surface finish and their distinct style. Being a handmade tile option, Moroccan tiles will add a rich and elegant quality to any style of interior design making them a classic choice.
How are Moroccan Tiles Made?
Moroccan tiles are created using a combination of clays that are most often sourced from Fez or Meknes in Morocco. These areas are well known for their high quality raw materials. The natural clays are soaked in water in order to achieve a soft and pliable consistency before being formed by hand into the desired shape. Should colours and glazes be included in the tile’s design, these are applied prior to the kiln baking process which will then result in a hardened, almost glass-like layer over the tile.
How to Lay Moroccan Tiles
Being a handmade tile option, Moroccan tiles will require an experience hand to lay successfully. As each tile is unique from the next, performing a ‘dry lay’ is a crucial step when laying Moroccan tiles; this process involves laying out the tiles on a sheet or other protective surface to create your desired look and pattern prior to applying tile grouts and adhesives in order to ensure you are satisfied with the final look and pattern. The tiles can then be laid using traditional cement based grouts and suitable adhesives in your selected style and tile layout. Certain types of Moroccan tiles will require spacers when laying; due to the irregular tile shape of these handmade tiles, the spacers recommended are usually of a wedge shape.
Do Moroccan Tiles need to be sealed?
As a general rule of thumb, glazed Moroccan tiles will not require sealing as the hardened glaze will act as a protective barrier over the tile. An un-glazed Moroccan tile option however will require sealing as the natural clays used in the tile’s creation are porous and will require protection.
How to Clean Moroccan Tiles
Most Moroccan tiles can be kept tidy with a wipe down or mop using warm soapy water. As these tiles feature a textured surface finish, it is important to ensure any dirt or built-up grime is kept out of the rivets of the tile. Harsh and abrasive cleaning products are best avoided on Moroccan tiles as they can damage their surface. For detailed information specific to different tiling materials, visit our Resources page.
Are Sample Tiles a Good Representation of What I can expect in my Order?
The tile sample pieces we offer have been carefully selected to offer the closest representation of what you will receive in your tile order however, it is important to keep in mind that Moroccan tiles will feature variations in their colour, thickness, texture, shape and finish as a result of the hand crafting process. Each individual piece is unique from the next so you can expect some differences between tile samples and the final product. In the case of tile options that are machine made but designed to emulate the look of an authentic handmade tile, you will also notice variations in the tiles.
