Moroccan Zellige Tile: Why It's Everywhere Right Now and What You Need to Know Before You Buy
If you've been seeing zellige in luxury kitchens, baths, fireplace surrounds, and boutique hotels, you're not imagining it. It's having a moment in high-end interiors because it brings something most modern tile can't: depth, light play, and character that reads instantly as custom.
House of Anouar ships authentic zellige from Morocco and makes the buying process straightforward—clear quantities, realistic timelines, and quotes that don't leave you guessing.
What makes zellige "real"?
Authentic Moroccan zellige is handmade and hand-cut. It's not perfectly flat and not mechanically uniform. That's not a flaw—it's the material.
If you want factory precision, zellige will feel unpredictable at first glance. If you want a surface that looks elevated and textured in both natural and artificial light, it's hard to beat. "Is this just hype?"
Zellige emerged in the Islamic world around the 10th century as a way to express beauty and spirituality through geometry rather than figurative imagery. This sacred tile is know as the face of God. Across Arab culture, its intricate patterns covered mosques, riads, fountains, and courtyards, casting shifting reflections of light and shadow that turned everyday spaces into living artworks and a testimony to the perfection of creation. Today, that same depth and pattern language has moved beyond palaces and prayer halls into modern interiors, showing up in kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, fireplaces, and entryways and bringing a sense of story, warmth, and heritage into contemporary homes.
Trends move fast, but designers keep returning to materials that add dimension without needing extra decoration. Zellige photographs beautifully, feels tactile in person, and elevates arid and lifeless spaces into a home full of life. That's why this enduring tile keeps showing up and is here to stay.
Your most common Zellige questions
1) Is your tile authentic?
Yes. Our tiles are 100% authentic and shipped from Morocco.
2) How long does delivery take?
Delivery typically takes about 5 weeks from the time of order.
If you're working with a contractor timeline, build around that. It makes the whole project calmer.
3) Do you offer discounts for larger quantities?
Yes. Larger quantities receive better pricing. When we provide a quote, the discount is already included.
4) Can you make a custom order for me?
Yes. For larger orders, mixed colors, or a streamlined checkout, we can create a custom listing (often through Etsy).
5) What sizes do you carry?
We carry 4×4 inch and 2×2 inch tiles. The cost is the same for both.
If you're deciding: 4×4 reads more modern and calm; 2×2 gives more texture and detail.
6) Will the tiles be perfectly uniform?
No. Expect variation in glaze, tone, and edges. That variation is part of authentic zellige—and one of the reasons it looks high-end when installed well.
7) How much extra should I order?
A good rule is 10–15% extra for cuts, waste, and future repairs. If your layout has lots of corners, niches, or tricky cuts, plan a bit more.
8) What should I know about installation?
Zellige needs an installer who understands handmade materials. You can absolutely do it yourself, but it helps to lean into the imperfect, organic look and trust the process.
Here are the essentials to know:
- Soak the tiles before installation. Submerge the tiles in clean water for about 30 minutes before setting them. This helps with adhesion and reduces dust from the clay body.
- Lay tiles edge to edge. Traditionally, zellige is installed with minimal or no visible grout joint, tile to tile. That tight layout is what creates the soft, organic surface and subtle shadow lines.
- Blend the color variation. Open all boxes and bundles of tile before you start, and pull from multiple stacks at once. Place tiles so the natural variation is randomly distributed rather than in patches.
- Dry lay first if you can. For feature areas (like a niche, backsplash, or fireplace surround), lay tiles out on the floor first so you can adjust color placement and any standout pieces before committing with thinset.
- Choose grout thoughtfully. A subdued grout color that’s close to your tile color usually looks best and keeps the eye on the tile, not the grid. High-contrast grout will emphasize any irregularities.
- Expect and embrace imperfections. Small chips, variation in thickness, and slightly uneven edges are normal. They’re part of what makes an authentic zellige surface feel alive.
- Use the right setting materials. A high-quality thinset suitable for your substrate (and a waterproofing system in wet areas) helps support the tile over time. Follow your installer’s or manufacturer’s guidelines for exact products.
If you or your installer haven’t worked with zellige before, it’s worth planning extra time for layout and adjustment, the material rewards patience. It’s a work of art afterall.
10) Do you sell samples?
Yes, and they're worth it if you're choosing between colors or finishes. Zellige changes depending on the light in your space, and photos only go so far, so it’s a good idea to order a sample to know what you’re signing up for.
11) What if something arrives damaged?
We pack carefully, but international shipping can involve occasional breakage. If anything arrives damaged, message us promptly with photos and we'll resolve it.
12) Will the color match the photos exactly?
Lighting and screen settings vary. If you're matching to a specific slab, paint, or finish, we recommend ordering a sample first.
Why House of Anouar
House of Anouar was created to make sourcing authentic Moroccan zellige simpler and more transparent for customers outside Morocco. We focus on the details that matter:
- we’re a small business that keeps it local and truly authentic
- authentic tile shipped from Morocco
- clear quantity guidance
- realistic delivery expectations (typically 5 weeks)
- custom orders when you're ready to proceed
Request a quote
We can also create custom shapes and decorative zellige panels upon request—get in touch with us for a custom quote for any bespoke project.
To provide an accurate quote, please send:
- your square footage (or dimensions)
- your shipping location
- the tile color(s) and size you're considering