Shop The Look: Zellure Verdal Green 2x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile
Zellige tile made our list of the top 2024 tile trends, and it looks like it’s here to stay! Learn about the origin of zellige tile and how zellige-look ceramic compares to authentic zellige.
Plus, discover our new Zellure collection, featuring ceramic tiles that beautifully embody the appearance and character of true zellige.
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for a special discount code!
All About Zellige Tile
The origin of zellige tile has been traced back to a specific style of North African mosaic work called “zellij,” which began in Morocco around the 10th century. At that time, zellige tiles were made from a special blend of local unrefined clay, which was hand-kneaded, hand-glazed, and fired in a kiln.
Shop The Look: Zellure Alabaster White 2x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile
Zellij was typically fabricated in 10-centimeter glazed squares and then cut into specific shapes by hand and laid in various geometric mosaic patterns. This process created a finished product with a variety of sizes, tones, shades, and depth, all of which contribute to a sense of character. This truly one-of-a-kind character is one of the primary reasons for zellige’s continued popularity.
Past and Present
Zellige tile has been around for more than 1000 years and frequently decorated mosques and other important buildings. This type of tile was highly versatile, used for fountains, floors, lower walls, pools, and more. It could often be found in star and lozenge (elongated hexagon) shapes, but today, you’ll see more rectangular zellige tiles. In addition, the original zellij tiles were usually white, blue, and green. While you can still find zellige tiles in these colors today, they come in many other shades as well.
Glossy, striking, and perfectly imperfect, this Moroccan-style tile continues to be a popular choice for interior design elements like accent walls and backsplashes. Zellige tiles create a sense of movement without busyness thanks to their organic texture.
Purchase Recommendations
Shop The Look: Zellure Nimbus Gray 2x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile
Authentic zellige tiles are handmade, resulting in slight size variations, edge chipping, pitting, and cracks. It’s usually recommended to purchase 10% more tile than you need to fill the space where it will be installed, but with zellige tiles, it’s wise to order 20% to 30% more than necessary due to their variations.
While zellige’s “defects” may seem like a problem to some, their imperfections are often viewed as positive features that contribute to their charm. The tiles are handmade and full of character, and no two are exactly alike.
When Should You Choose Zellige-Look Ceramic Tile Over Authentic Zellige Tile?
While only authentic zellige tiles are handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces of art, zellige-look ceramic has many advantages that may make it a better option for you. Below are a few considerations to help you make up your mind.
Cost
Shop The Look: Zellure Ashen Gray 2x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile
It may not come as a surprise that authentic zellige tiles are expensive–they are handmade, after all! Many zellige tiles cost $20 per square foot or even more. To keep the cost manageable, you might choose to use authentic zellige in smaller spaces: a portion of your kitchen backsplash or an accent wall in a small bathroom, for example.
Of course, another option is to choose the ceramic tile lookalike. Modern technology enables ceramic to imitate the look of many other materials. Zellige-look ceramic tile, although not handmade, features texture and color variations similar to those seen in authentic zellige. It rings up at about half the price, making it more budget-friendly.
Durability
In general, zellige-look ceramic tiles are more durable and water-resistant than authentic zellige, especially considering the fact that true zellige tiles often have pits and cracks.
Options
Ceramic offers a wider range of color, size, and shape options than authentic zellige.
Accessibility
It’s usually easier to find and purchase ceramic-look zellige than to obtain authentic zellige.
Ease of Installation
Ceramic is easier to install and much more DIY-friendly. Meanwhile, authentic zellige usually requires professional installation due to its natural size variation.
Introducing the Zellure Collection
One of our newest collections at Tilezz.com is the Zellure collection, which features ceramic tiles that mimic the look of authentic zellige.
Shop The Look: Zellure Celadon Blue 2x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile
Zellure tiles embody the timeless charm of handcrafted Moroccan zellige, offering a unique blend of natural variation, artisanal texture, and vivid glaze. Each tile reflects a commitment to craft and authenticity, making it the perfect choice for adding elegance and warmth to any space.
The Zellure collection contains five colors, which you can see throughout this blog post: Alabaster White, Ashen Gray, Nimbus Gray, Celadon Blue, and Verdal Green.
These tiles measure 2” by 16”. There is also a bullnose option available in each color that measures ¾” by 16”. Bullnose tiles are typically used as trim pieces, and you can learn more about them here.
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Shop The Look: Zellure Verdal Green 2x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile
The Zellure collection is made in Brazil, has a glossy finish, and is suitable for wall applications. Click here to shop the collection.
Find the Tile That Suits Your Style at Tilezz.com!
Whether you love the look of zellige tile, terrazzo tile, subway tile, or another style, you’ll find tile that suits your preferences at Tilezz.com. We’ve made it easier than ever to shop for tile online with our fast delivery, insured shipments, and easy returns.
View our full product range here, or visit our blog for DIY installation guides and interior design inspiration.
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Discount Code
It can be difficult to pick between multiple flooring options without being able to see how they look in your space, but we can make it easier! Just use code XJF6RNZY5BJJ to get 30% off when you purchase four or more samples.
Please note that this code does not apply to full-size tiles and can only be used with samples.
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