We can tell you guys LOVE Zellige tile. Is it the pretty, shell-like finish? The imperfect edges that add so much character? Or is it the shift away from flat, uniform tile? Whatever the reason, we are here to let you know that we love Zellige too! Read on to see why Zellige tile should be in your life!
We can tell you guys LOVE Zellige tile. Is it the pretty, shell-like finish? The imperfect edges that add so much character? Or is it the shift away from flat, uniform tile? Whatever the reason, we are here to let you know that we love Zellige too and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Read on to see why Zellige tile should be in your life!
Design by Scout & Nimble | Photo by Emily Sewell
Design by Amber Interiors | Photo by Jess Isaac
What is Zellige Tile?
Zellige tiles are glistening, gorgeous clay tiles that are available in tons of colors and shapes. Zellige is well known for its grout-free appearance, imperfect edges, beautiful shine, and overall handcrafted quality. We’ve seen it popping up more and more on Instagram and Pinterest and we can’t get enough. From backsplashes to shower tiling, Zellige is making its mark on contemporary design.
Design by Franziska Freiermuth
Design by Scout & Nimble | Photo by Emily Sewell
Where Does Zellige Tile Come From?
We are all about well-crafted beauty and Zellige is the epitome of craftsmanship. It originated in Fez, Morocco where a certain type of clay is mined. This clay is cleaned, shaped, dried, glazed, and fired by hand. The art has been passed down by master artisans for generations and only true Zellige tiles are this meticulously crafted.
A key feature of Zellige is imperfection. If your Zellige tiles look perfectly carved and level, they aren’t true Zellige. These imperfections are what make Zellige so charming. Lifted edges and lighter or heavier glazes are what create the gorgeous shine and charming texture of this tile. No two tiles will look the same because each glaze depends on the pressure applied to the brush, the color mix of the glaze, and the time spent in the kiln.
Design by This Old Hudson
Design by This Old Hudson
How to Install Zellige Tile
The sensitive nature of Zellige tiles means that these are not the types of tile you want to DIY - unless you’re a contractor. Uneven edges mean grouting these tiles can be difficult, however, if you hate cleaning grout, these are the tiles for you. Zellige looks best without grout so let your preferred contractor do the hard work while you sit back and enjoy your new tile feature.
Design by Kate Walker Design | Styling by Greenhouse Interiors | Build by Cahill Building Group | Photo by Armelle Habib
Design by Sarah Solis | Photo by Shade Degges Photography
Zellige is not like your standard kitchen tile that has smooth edges and a clean finish on the end. If you’re installing your Zellige tile in a spot where the edges will not be hidden by a cabinet, consider having your contract add an extra layer of drywall to create a recess where the tile is placed. We did exactly this at our Stone Bluff Project and it makes the transition from tile to the rest of the wall so seamless.
The Zellige tile in #SNStoneBluff has been installed! Shop the Admiral Pendant. The cabinets are Sea Salt by Benjamin Moore.
The grout has not been applied, but this checkered Zellige in our #SNStoneBluff project already looks AMAZING!
What Tile is Best for My Home?
Zellige is, to put it simply, the prettiest tile we’ve ever seen. Depending on your style and the color of tile you choose, Zellige can look modern or classical. Play with color in your home by selecting blue, green, pink, or black Zellige. Colored Zellige can be rich or mild, dressed up or dressed down. It’s all in how you pair it with other finishes.
Design by Homme Boys
Design by Clements Design and Waldos Designs | Styling by Amy Chin | Photo by William Abranowic
Design by Kim Spradlin Wolfe | Photo by Becky Kimball
Design by Design Hutch | Photo by Victoria Gold
Where to Buy Zellige Tile
Because Zellige is in such high demand, it comes with an equally high price tag. While there is no replica for a true, expertly-crafted Zellige, there are alternate look-alikes that we love. For the real deal, shop from CleTile. CleTile carries authentic Zellige in a wide range of colors and tile shapes. Tile Bar carries an incredible Zellige alternative and you can get it in five beautiful finishes. The best way to find that perfect Zellige alternative is to search for glazed ceramic tile online or at your local tile supplier.
Design by huit | Photo by Chad Mellon Studio
Design by Sarah Solis for The Modern Lodge
Are you in love with Zellige? We can’t blame you. The beautiful color, glamorous shine, and rich history has us obsessing! For more gorgeous examples of the tile of the year, check out our Hillside Retreat Kitchen Reveal or our blog covering our current style obsession, Modern French Country. What color Zellige can you see yourself using in your home? Let us know in the comments and keep an eye out for Stone Bluff Reveal.
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