Zellige Tiles - Buying Guide

Zellige Tiles - Buying Guide

What Are Zellige Tiles?

Even if you’ve never heard the name before, you’ve almost certainly seen zellige tiles. These iconic, colourful, high-gloss tiles appear throughout Morocco, North Africa and southern Spain — including the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada.

Loved for their irregular surfaces, organic variation and naturally imperfect charm, zellige tiles bring instant character to any space. Unsurprisingly, they’ve become a favourite among interior designers, appearing everywhere from stylish apartments to boutique hotels.

If you're looking to recreate the look in your own home, explore our collection of our zellige tiles, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms and feature walls.

How Are Zellige Tiles Made?

Traditional zellige tiles are still handcrafted in Morocco by skilled artisans, following a centuries-old process:

  • Clay and water are combined and shaped into moulds.

  • The tiles are dried in the sun.

  • They’re fired in a kiln to remove moisture and form a hard base.

  • A glaze is applied, and each tile is fired again at a higher temperature.

From colour variation to glazing quirks, every step introduces unique imperfections — and it’s exactly these irregularities that give true zellige tiles their beauty.

But handmade Moroccan zellige can be expensive, slow to source, and tricky to install. That’s where our zellige tile come in.

The Benefits of Our Zellige Tiles

Our collection captures the essence of real zellige but offers all the advantages of modern manufacturing.

✔ Easy Installation

Made from ceramic or porcelain, our tiles can be fitted by any professional tiler — or even as a DIY project. Traditional zellige requires specialist installation.

✔ More Affordable

Unlike Moroccan originals, which are often made to order at high prices, our zellige tiles are in stock and ready to ship at affordable prices.

✔ Durable & Easy to Maintain

Our tiles feature robust, wipe-clean glazed surfaces. Authentic zellige can stain easily due to porous glazes.

✔ More Consistent

You still get charming, wavy edges and variation — but without the inconsistent thickness that makes real zellige tricky to lay and uneven to live with.

Where Can You Use Zellige Tiles?

Zellige tiles work beautifully in both modern and rustic interiors. They’re suitable for any area where you’d traditionally use wall tiles, such as:

  • Kitchen splashbacks

  • Bathroom walls and shower areas

  • Fireplaces and chimney breasts

  • Feature walls

  • Outdoor walls

You can browse our full range of zellige tiles to find the perfect style for your project.

Some types can even be used on floors, providing they’re durable enough — our Souk Emerald tile is a great example.

How to Install Zellige Tiles

Installing Our Zellige-Style Tiles

Because they’re ceramic or porcelain, installation is straightforward. A standard tiler will have no issues, and confident DIYers can follow our tile-laying guide for best results.

Installing Authentic Handmade Zellige

The process is more specialist and should only be done by a tiler experienced with traditional clay tiles. Key points include:

  • Ensure walls are as flat as possible.

  • Dry-lay tiles first to balance variations in shade and size.

  • Clean tiles before installation (authentic zellige arrives dusty).

  • Lay tiles edge-to-edge using wedges, not spacers — grout lines will vary naturally.

  • Sand any sharp edges before fitting.

  • Seal the tiles once fitted to protect from staining.

  • Order at least 15% extra due to variation and wastage.

Caring for Zellige Tiles

Both real and replica zellige are easy to look after:

  • Simply wipe with a damp cloth.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the glaze.

Do They Need Sealing?

Our zellige-look tiles: No sealing required.

Authentic Moroccan zellige: Usually yes — sealing prevents water absorption and staining.

Which Grout Colour Should You Use?

With zellige tiles, the tiles themselves should shine. Choose a grout colour that blends in rather than contrasts — this highlights the natural tones and texture.

Which Floor Tiles Work Best with Zellige Walls?

Since zellige tiles tend to be eye-catching, pair them with calm, understated floors. Think neutral stone-look tiles or soft, pale wood-effect planks.

Ready to Bring Zellige Style Into Your Home?

If you have any questions, we’re always happy to help.

And if you’re exploring zellige range, don’t forget to browse our collection and order free samples to see the beauty for yourself.

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