Choosing cement tiles for decoration

zellige moroccan

moroccan zellige

moroccan tiles

Moroccan Cement tiles are a historic form of art that has gained popularity in recent years. At Artzellige Tiles, we've traveled to Morocco to find inspiration for our own designs. Take a look at our inventory and see how you can bring this age-old tile, once coveted by royalty, into your home.

Moroccan Cement Tiles

Crafted using regional clays and glaze pigments using time-honored handcrafted techniques. The signature Moroccan look is formed from complex geometric patterns and vivid jewel-toned colors. Tiles or zellij is a good sort of pattern mixtures, including squares, triangles and diamonds, which join together during a creating the amazing zellige design. Consistent with Islamic tradition, the principles of design did not leave the portrayal of living things, then geometric patterns rose in popularity to feature color and embellishment to architecture.

In the youth , the colours of tiles were limited, mostly to white and brown. Nowadays, you’ll find Moroccan style tiles during a big selection of colours , with brown, white, green, saffron, blue and black being the signature hues. These colors represent the four elements- fire, water, air and earth. Combined, they create for striking combinations.
The traditional geometric patterns Moroccan tiles are most documented for are often almost hypnotic and supply a kaleidoscope-like effect. Throughout history, they need acted as an inspirational backdrop for meditation and non-secular ceremonies.

Moroccan Zellige

Zellige, also spelled zellij and zelige, is a Moorish kind that heavily features in Moroccan architecture. Its design elements are based on geometric tiles that artisans set in a plaster base to create intricate patterns. They call it “the prince of tiles,” and you can view zellige inside ancient tombs, palaces, and temples throughout Morocco. Royalty and spiritual establishments long ago considered them a symbol of sophistication, wealth, and power.

Artisans, called Maallems, manufacture zellige. The zellige manufacturing process involves high-quality clay, water, dyes, hammers, and powerful hands to control and form the tiles. Before baking them in a special oven, artisans set them in the sun to dry. They use templates not just to determine the shape and style, but also for cutting.

Why Choose Cement Tiles?

Moroccan cement tiles are formed with cement, powdered marble, and pigments to create a design that is built into the tile itself. They are much less likely to chip, stain or fade compared to ceramic tile. It helps to preserve the beauty of the Moroccan style and stands the test of time in your home or business. Cement tile is also completely customizable. Once you discover a design or pattern you love, or a combination thereof, you can make it your own. Choose or even create an unexpected color and come up with your own custom pattern inspired by the beauty of traditional Moroccan mosaic tile.

If you want to see our Zellige here is our Cement tiles and Terracota and much more explore our website and contact us