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Zellige tile is a handcrafted Moroccan tile made from natural clay, traditionally kiln-fired and glazed by artisans. Each tile has a slightly uneven surface and irregular edges, giving it a one-of-a-kind, organic look. If you’re browsing for “zellige tile near me,” it typically refers to these beautifully imperfect tiles known for their rich texture and depth provided by Country Floors.
It usually is, yes, and here’s why. Zellige tile isn’t mass-produced. It’s made by artisans who still use old-school methods, and that kind of craftsmanship takes time. You’re paying for more than just tile; you’re buying something with history and soul. That said, it’s often used in smaller areas like backsplash tiles, feature walls, or showers, so you don’t always need a massive budget to work it in.
Technically, you could, but you probably shouldn’t unless you’ve got a steady hand and experience with uneven tiles. Zellige tile isn’t machine-cut, which means the edges are wonky (in the best way). That also makes it tricky to line up and grout evenly. Your best bet? Visit Country Floors showroom near you, talk to someone who's installed it before, and go from there.
Not really! The glazed surface of zellige tile repels water pretty well. The challenge, if any, is keeping the grout clean, not the tile itself. Just use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner and skip the harsh stuff. Oh, and make sure the grout is sealed. If you’re in a humid place or doing a full zellige tile shower, good ventilation helps keep things looking fresh.
Yes, and you actually need it more than with most tiles. Since zellige tile isn’t uniform, grout helps fill in those tiny gaps and keeps everything in place. You’ll usually want a tight grout joint (1/16" or so) and a color that blends in. Pro tip: let the unevenness show! It’s not supposed to look perfect. That’s part of what makes it beautiful.
Let’s be honest, a zellige tile isn’t for everyone. Here’s what to consider:
Still, if you love texture and authenticity, nothing else really compares.
They can be, especially when they’re used as floor tiles in wet areas. Most zellige tile is glazed, which adds a bit of slickness. On walls, no big deal. On shower floors or entryways, it’s smart to use a matte version or choose a smaller size that gives you more grout lines for grip. When in doubt, ask a local tile expert what’s best for your space and climate.
The tiles themselves usually don’t need sealing if they’re glazed, but the grout definitely does, especially in places like shower wall tiles or behind stoves. If you’re using unglazed or lightly glazed handmade zellige tiles, a sealant might help protect the finish. Our tile showroom or any installer near you can recommend the right product based on your layout.
You can, but don’t just go at it with a regular drill. Use a diamond-tipped bit, go slow, and protect the surface with painter’s tape. Zellige tile is strong, but it’s still handmade and can crack if you rush it. If you’re hanging something in a zellige tile bathroom or kitchen, measure twice and go carefully, or better yet, have your installer handle it.
There’s nothing quite like a hand-glazed, magical zellige tile. Made by hand, glazed in rich tones, and shaped with slight imperfections that give each piece its own soul, this tile tells a story before it even hits the wall. Originating in Morocco, it took place in palaces, mosques, courtyards, and homes across centuries. Today, it's making a strong return in contemporary spaces, from city lofts to Mediterranean-inspired kitchens.
Zellige tile (pronounced "zell-ij") is a traditional Moroccan tile crafted from non-refined natural clay. Each piece is hand-molded, kiln-fired, and individually glazed, which means no two tiles are exactly alike. That makes Zellige special because every tile has its own soul. Their uneven surfaces and varying shades are exactly what make them so visually rich.
If you're wondering what is zellige tile, think of it as a tile that embraces imperfection as beauty. It’s about character, texture, and depth. When installed, the almost feast-like variation in color and glaze catches the light differently on each tile, creating an organic shimmer that changes throughout the day.
Because of its natural texture and durability, zellige tile adapts beautifully to a wide range of spaces. It can work in small-scale projects like a powder room wall or bring life to large-scale commercial tile projects.
A zellige tile kitchen backsplash brings authentic charm to any style, traditional, rustic, or clean-lined modern. A white zellige tile layout gives a bright, classic finish, while blue zellige tile introduces color by calming the space with the shades of the ocean. Many homeowners choose zellige tile kitchen backsplash installations to blend handmade texture with everyday practicality.
A zellige tile bathroom feels calm, grounded, and handmade, because it is. These tiles look right at home behind a natural stone sink, along a full wall, or across a zellige tile shower. Thanks to their glossy glaze and surface variation, they reflect light in a way that softens every corner of the room.
Want to create a textural focal point? Use zellige tile to cover a fireplace surround, a living room accent wall, or even a hallway niche. The character it brings, visually and tactilely, makes a grounded and confident statement.
Color plays a major role in the feel of zellige tile. Some hues bring calm, others make a bolder statement. You can stay monochromatic or mix tones to create natural variation.
White Zellige Tile: Clean, timeless, and perfect for low-contrast styling. Perfect for a farmhouse kitchen design or a luxurious bathroom.
Green Zellige Tile: Earthy and grounding, often paired with wood and brass finishes. Create a home bar with it, or a book nook.
Blue Zellige Tile: Cool and moody, excellent for both modern and traditional schemes.
Checkerboard Pattern: For visual rhythm and old-world charm, alternate high-contrast colors.
Many designers even combine shades to create custom zellige mosaic tile applications for bathrooms and backsplashes.
Most installations feature square zellige tiles, often in a 4x4 size. The uniform shape keeps the layout grounded, while the irregular finish adds movement. For smaller spaces or detailing, zellige mosaic tile styles help create borders, trims, or creative layouts.
Since no tile is identical, the resulting surface feels organic and naturally textured. Narrow grout lines help the tiles visually flow from one to the next. These subtle shifts are part of what makes handmade zellige tiles so unique.
Each zellige tile is shaped and glazed by hand, continuing a Moroccan tradition that goes back hundreds of years. These aren’t mass-produced, machine-cut tiles; they’re made from sun-dried clay, fired in olive pit kilns, and glazed by artisans who understand how to turn earth into design.
When you choose handmade Moroccan tiles, you're bringing centuries of craft into your home or workspace. They don’t just look natural, they are made from nature.
Caring for zellige tile is relatively simple. Wipe with a soft cloth and use a pH-neutral cleaner for daily upkeep. In areas exposed to water, such as showers or backsplashes, sealing the grout lines helps extend the life of the installation.
The glaze helps resist surface stains, though lighter tiles may show wear over time, something many people love for its patina and aging effect.
Wondering how to get your hands on zellige tile near me? You don’t have to search far. Country Floors offers access to premium Moroccan tile collections, with tile showroom locations where you can see, touch, and compare the tiles in person.
Getting hands-on with finishes and colors is essential, especially with a product like zellige tile, where every piece is a little different. Speaking with a local tile expert can also help guide decisions based on climate, location, and surface type.
From its artisanal roots to its contemporary relevance, zellige tile continues to inspire designers, homeowners, and builders alike. It’s not just a tile; it’s texture, tradition, and craftsmanship baked into every square.
Whether you're planning a small backsplash or outfitting an entire bathroom, zellige tile offers more than looks. It offers a connection to history, to place, and to human hands behind every piece.
