Unveiling Zellige: The Hottest Tile Trend of 2024

In the vast landscape of interior design, there's a rising star quietly making its mark: Zellige tiles, also known as Moroccan tiles or zilij, have swiftly claimed the title of the trendiest tiles of 2024. Their presence has become ubiquitous, adorning spaces from opulent villas in France to chic homes in Hudson and quaint cottages on Cape Cod. What sets them apart? A captivating allure rooted in their handmade, subtly imperfect charm. If you're contemplating embracing this tile of the moment in your home, there are vital insights you need to grasp—ranging from discerning authenticity to understanding why they may not align with the preferences of perfectionists.

1. Ancestral Ties to Subway Tile: Despite their seemingly disparate origins, Zellige and subway tile share a surprising lineage. While subway tile emerged in 1904 for the New York City subway system, Zellige traces its roots back to 10th-century Morocco. Remarkably, Zellige served as an early precursor to the enduringly popular subway tile, both embodying the essence of ceramic craftsmanship through firing and glazing.
   
   
   Above: “Moroccan Zellige tiles, sourced from Marseille,” in La Vie en Rose: A 12th-Century Poet’s Villa in St.-Paul de Vence, Restored for Modern Living. Photograph via Helen Cathcart.
   
   
   

2. A Treasured (Yet Fading) Artform: Crafting Zellige tiles is a time-honored tradition passed down through generations of Moroccan artisans, known as maâlems. Despite experiencing a resurgence in interior design, the art of Zellige production faces an uncertain future. The process is labor-intensive, involving the meticulous blending of natural clay from regions like Fez, hand-shaping, kiln-firing (often with olive pits), and hand-application of enamel glazes. Morocco's recent mandate for authentic Zellige tiles underscores the delicate balance between preserving tradition and adapting to modern constraints.
   
   
   Above: Remade in Maine: Jersey Ice Cream Co. Upgrades a Recently Built Rockport House. Photograph via Jersey Ice Cream Co.
   

3. Unique by Design: The hallmark of Zellige tiles lies in their inherent individuality—each tile is meticulously molded, cut, and glazed by hand, resulting in a captivating array of subtly distinct pieces.
   
   
   Above: Zellige tiles spotted on the vanity of designer Ilse Crawford’s Own London Flat. Photograph by The Modern House.

4. Gentle Care Required: While considering Zellige tiles for interior projects, it's crucial to acknowledge their handmade nature, which translates into imperfect, irregular shapes. When installed, these tiles exude a fluid or rippled appearance on walls, with protruding corners and edges adding to their charm. However, this unique texture demands delicate handling during cleaning, as fabrics may snag on the uneven surface.
   
   
   
   Above: Zellige Terracotta Weathered Tile in white—four subtly different shades—from Clé Tile.
   
   

5. Variation Amplified: Embracing Zellige's handmade charm means embracing variation in color. Unlike uniform factory tiles, Zellige tiles exhibit nuanced shades, resulting in an ombré or pointillist effect that adds depth and dimension to surfaces. Additionally, their glossy finish—a hallmark of Zellige—may deter matte enthusiasts.

6. The Appeal of "Natural" Zellige: For a more organic aesthetic, opt for unglazed Zellige tiles. However, meticulous installation is paramount to prevent cement residue, underscoring the importance of choosing the right grout and pre-wetting tiles before installation.
   
   
   Above: A backsplash of Zellige tiles in subtly different shades in House Call: 50 Shades of Weathered White in Hudson, NY, from Zio & Sons. Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons.
   
   

7. Expertise Required: Installing Zellige tile demands precision and expertise beyond DIY capabilities. Entrust this task to professionals well-versed in the nuances of Zellige, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.

8. Invisible Grout, Visible Elegance: Achieving a seamless finish with Zellige tiles necessitates minimal grouting, with experts recommending close placement and liquid joint cement application. While this eliminates visible grout lines, it may pose a challenge for those accustomed to traditional grouted aesthetics.
   
   
   Above: A backsplash of Zellige tiles in subtly different shades in House Call: 50 Shades of Weathered White in Hudson, NY, from Zio & Sons. Photograph by Martyn Thompson, courtesy of Zio & Sons.
   
   

9. Beyond Walls: While Zellige tiles are commonly found adorning walls and backsplashes, their versatility extends to flooring in low-traffic areas. However, their textured surface may pose durability concerns, particularly with regular foot traffic.

10. Imperfection as Authenticity: True Zellige tiles bear the hallmarks of handmade craftsmanship, evident in subtle imperfections and variations. These nuances serve as a testament to their authenticity, distinguishing them from mass-produced alternatives.
    
    
    Above: Black zellige tile as a backsplash in one of our favorite dark and moody kitchens of all time. Photograph by Laure Joliet, courtesy of Nicole Hollis.
    
    

In essence, Zellige tiles embody the timeless allure of artisanal craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Moroccan heritage. As they continue to captivate design enthusiasts worldwide, understanding the intricacies of Zellige production and installation is essential for unlocking their full potential within contemporary interiors.