What Are Zellige Tiles? Ideas and Common Uses

Suppose you’re looking for a way to add personality and pizzazz to your home’s interior design. In that case, you may want to consider a tile installation with Zellige tiles. 

But what are Zellige tiles? In this article, we will discuss the installation process and some ideas for how to use Zellige tiles in your home. Read further to learn more about these unique and eye-catching tiles!

What Are Zellige Tiles?

Zellige tiles are hand-made Moroccan tiles that date back to the 13th century. They are made from natural clay and come in various shapes, colors, and sizes. “Zellige” comes from the Arabic word “polished stone.” 

These beautiful tiles are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as homeowners look for ways to add personality and style to their homes.

You can use them on floors, walls, backsplashes, countertops, and fireplaces. When choosing zellige tiles for your home, you must consider the overall design aesthetic.

Zellige tiles are a great option if you want a unique and stylish way to add personality to your home. They are beautiful, versatile, and easy to work with, making them an excellent choice for any home project.

Zellige Tile Installation

Suppose you’re interested in adding Zellige tiles to your home. In that case, the first step is to find a qualified installer, or you can complete this project yourself. 

An installer is best because Zellige tiles require a unique installation process that’s different from traditional tiles. Once you’ve found a qualified installer or have decided to do it yourself, the next step is to choose the tile you want and have it shipped to your home.

When the tile arrives, you will begin by preparing the surface. That may involve removing old tile or making repairs to the surface beneath. Once the surface is ready, you can then start laying the tile.

The process is similar to traditional tile installation, but there are key differences. 

First, Zellige tiles are not always perfectly square or flat. That means the installer will need to fit the tiles together snugly without leaving too much space between them. 

Second, Zellige tiles are installed with a unique adhesive for movement. That helps to prevent cracking and breakage as the tile expands and contracts with temperature changes.

Once the tile is installed, you can use a traditional grout or a special Moroccan-style grout. This grout is made from ground-up limestone mixed with water to create a paste. The paste is then applied to the joints between the tiles and allowed to dry. 

This grout is not as commonly used as traditional grout, but you can find it at some specialty tile stores.

Zellige Tile Ideas

There are endless possibilities for what you can do with Zellige tiles in your home. As we mentioned, they are often used on floors, walls, backsplashes, and countertops. But there are many other ways to use them as well. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Use Them to Create a Unique and Stylish Fireplace Surround

One of the most popular ways to use Zellige tiles is to create a unique and stylish fireplace surround. You can use the tiles to make a beautiful and eye-catching design that will make your fireplace the focal point of any room. Then, match the color of your tiles to the rest of your decor for a cohesive look, or use contrasting colors to make your fireplace stand out.

Create a Backsplash in Your Kitchen or Bathroom

Another excellent use for Zellige tile is to create a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom. That is a great way to add personality and style to these spaces. You can use Zellige tiles to create a backsplash that matches the rest of your decor, or choose an eye-catching design. 

A backsplash is a great way to protect your walls from spills and splashes, and it can also be a beautiful design element in any room.

Create a Statement Wall in Your Living Room or Bedroom

If you want to make a statement in your living room or bedroom, consider using Zellige tiles to create a statement wall. That is a great way to add interest and personality to any wall. Choose a bold color or pattern for your tiles and use them to create a stunning accent wall that will be the focal point of any room.

Go with neutral grays or white tiles for a more subdued look, or go with brightly colored tiles to make a statement. You can also use colorful tiles to create a gradient effect by using different colors of tiles in the same design.

Use Them to Create a Unique and Eye-catching Floor Design

You or your installer can also use zellige tiles to create striking, eye-catching floor designs. For example, you can use them to create a border around your floor or create a design in the center of it. You can also use them to create a path leading from one room to another.

Give Your Bathroom a Touch of Luxury

If you want to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom, Zellige tiles are the perfect option. You can use them to create a beautiful and elegant design that will make your bathroom feel like a spa.

Choose tiles in neutral colors for a calming effect, or go for something bolder to make a statement. Either way, you’ll love how Zellige tiles add personality and flare to your bathroom. Then, with some creativity, you can use them to create any look you want.

Add Character to Your Entryway

Your entryway is the first thing guests see when they come to your home, so why not make it memorable? Zellige tiles are a great way to add character to this space. 

You can use them to create a beautiful, welcoming design that will make your guests feel at home. Choose tiles in colors that match the rest of your decor, or go for something bold and unique. Either way, you’ll love the way Zellige tiles transform your entryway.

Add Them to Your Floors or Walls

You can also use these tiles on floors and walls. They are a beautiful and durable option for these surfaces. You can use them to create a unique look in any room. 

So, choose a color or design that compliments the rest of your decor, or use them to make a bold and eye-catching statement. Zellige tiles are a great way to add personality and style to any room or area in your home.

Create a Statement Wall

Zellige tiles can make for a truly eye-catching accent wall. For a more subtle look, choose neutral-toned tiles in a light shade. Or, go bold with brightly-colored tiles in a geometric or abstract design. 

Or what about a mix of both light and dark tiles? There are endless possibilities for creating a stylish wall with Zellige tiles.

Create a One-Of-A-Kind Coffee Table by Tiling the Surface With Zellige Tiles

If you want to add a touch of luxury to your home, consider using Zellige tiles to create a one-of-a-kind coffee table. You can use any color or design of tile to make the ideal surface for your coffee table. 

Give Your Kitchen Counters a Unique Look by Using Zellige Tiles

If you want to give your kitchen counters a unique look, consider using Zellige tiles. You can use any color or design of tile to create a beautiful surface for your kitchen counters. 

Add Some Flair to Your Home Office by Tiling the Desk With Zellige Tiles

If you want to add some flair to your home office, consider using Zellige tiles to tile the surface of your desk. You can use any color or design of tile to create a beautiful and unique surface for your desk. Create a workspace you’ll love spending time in by adding some personality and style.

Create a Work of Art for Your Home

One of the great things about Zellige tiles is that you can use them to create a unique and colorful piece of art for your home. But, of course, you can use any color or design of tile to make your work of art. 

So what are some excellent places in your home to display this one-of-a-kind art piece? Perhaps in the entryway, living room, or even the kitchen? Wherever you decide to show it, you’ll love the way Zellige tiles add flare and style to your space.

Use Them Outdoors

You can also use zellige tiles outdoors. Use them on your patio, porch, or deck to create a stylish, sophisticated look. 

Create a Custom Mirror Frame With Zellige Tiles

If you are looking for a way to add something for others to covet to your home, consider using Zellige tiles to create a custom mirror frame. 

You can use any color or design of tile to create a beautiful and one-of-a-kind mirror frame. Doing this can add a touch of luxury and style. And your uniquely-designed mirror frame can potentially be the room’s focal point.

Use Them to Add Patterns and Color to Your Pool or Spa

Adding pattern and color to your pool or spa is a great way to make it stand out. Zellige tiles are a beautiful and durable option for doing just that. You can use them to create a unique look that will make your pool or spa the envy of the neighborhood.

Use Them to Update Old, Worn-Out Tile

If you have old, worn-out tiles in your home, you can use Zellige tiles to update them. Doing this is a way to give any room in your home a fresh, new look. 

Use Zellige tiles to cover up old tiles in your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home. Doing this is a quick and easy way to update the look of any room without having to do a complete remodel.

Starting Your Zellige Tile Project

Now that you know Zellige tiles and some ways you can use them, it’s time to start your tile project. Whether you want to add a bit of style or a subtle touch to your home or update old, worn-out tiles, Zellige tiles are a great option. And with so many colors and designs, you’re sure to find the perfect tile for your home. 

But before you begin, you need the perfect tools. Click here to see the tiling tools you need to get started. Then, check out our tiling ideas for more tile inspiration.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your Zellige tile project today! And be sure to use the right tools to get the job done.