If you’ve spent any time scrolling through bathroom ideas or kitchen design inspiration lately, you’ve definitely seen zellige tiles everywhere. Those gorgeous, hand-crafted Moroccan tiles with their glossy glazed finish and perfectly imperfect character have taken over design feeds and become the go-to choice for creating a striking focal point in any space. But here’s the thing: while we absolutely love the look of zellige, there’s a fresh take on this classic style that might just be the smarter choice for your home, porcelain zellige-look tiles.

Key Takeaways

• Porcelain zellige-look tiles capture the handcrafted beauty of Moroccan zellige without the cost or maintenance.
• Unlike traditional zellige, porcelain is durable, water-resistant, and consistently flawless in color.
• Perfect for bathrooms and showers, porcelain zellige-look tiles handle moisture with ease.
• Enjoy endless color and pattern options with porcelain, all consistent and easy to match.
• Porcelain blends timeless zellige style with modern durability for lasting beauty and value.

What Are Zellige Tiles, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Zellige tiles (sometimes called zellij) are traditional Moroccan tiles that have been hand-crafted by skilled craftsmen for centuries.

Each tile is made from natural clay, hand-cut into various shapes, then coated with a colored glaze before firing in a kiln.

The result? Tiles with incredible depth, texture, and that signature irregular appearance where no two tiles look exactly the same.

Designer Barbi Walters, owner and principal designer of Lynden Lane, puts it beautifully: “It’s been used for centuries, and I think its appeal is only growing as people lean into natural, handcrafted materials. There’s something about its texture and depth that brings soul to a space.” [Source]

And she’s absolutely right. The way light catches on the uneven surface of zellige tile, the variations in color and shade from one piece to the next, the warmth and character they bring to bathrooms and kitchens, it’s no wonder everyone’s obsessed.

Traditional zellige comes in a stunning range of colors, from crisp whites and soft greens to rich brown and deep jewel tones.

You’ll find them in classic shapes like squares and rectangles, or arranged in intricate patterns like the classic checkerboard or Moroccan-inspired mosaic designs. [Source]

They’re perfect for creating a zellige tiles backsplash in your kitchen, clad walls in a modern bathroom, or even featuring as a shower accent wall.

The Reality of Real Zellige

Now, before you fall completely head over heels for authentic zellige tiles, let’s have a real talk about what you’re signing up for. Because while the craftsmanship and history are beautiful, there are some practical considerations that make many homeowners pause.

First, there’s the cost

• Hand-crafted by skilled craftsmen in Morocco, authentic zellige doesn’t come cheap.
• You’re paying for centuries of tradition and the time it takes to create each unique tile.

Then there’s the installation

• Remember how we mentioned those charming irregularities?
• The lack of flatness and uniform sizing means installation requires extra time, skill, and patience.
• Not every tile installer will have experience working with zellige, and the process takes longer than standard tile installation.

Maintenance is another consideration

• The glazed surface of zellige tile is gorgeous, but it can chip or crack more easily than modern tiles.
• Water can also affect the finish over time, especially in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms.
• Many homeowners find they need to seal their zellige tiles regularly to protect them.

The color variations you see online might not match what arrives at your house

• Because each batch is fired separately and every tile is hand-crafted, consistency can be unpredictable.
• One batch might have more depth in color, another might lean toward a different shade entirely.

Enter Porcelain Zellige-Look Tiles

This is where porcelain tiles completely change the game.

At Cavastone, we’ve watched the design world fall in love with zellige, and we’ve also heard the concerns from homeowners and designers about the practical challenges.

That’s why porcelain zellige-look tiles are such an exciting development in the tile industry.

Modern porcelain tiles can now perfectly mimic the hand-crafted appearance of traditional zellige, the subtle variations in glaze, the irregular edges, the way light plays across the surface.

You get all that gorgeous character and warmth without the drawbacks of the real thing.

Here’s what makes porcelain the smarter choice:

Consistency meets character

• Porcelain zellige-look tiles are designed to recreate those beautiful irregularities, but in a way that’s predictable and consistent.
• You’ll still get variation and texture, but you won’t have massive differences from batch to batch. What you see is what you get.

Installation is a breeze

• Because porcelain tiles are manufactured with precision, they’re much easier to install than authentic zellige.
• The flatness and uniform sizing mean your project will take less time and most tile installers will be comfortable working with them.

Built to last

• Porcelain is incredibly durable and water-resistant, making it perfect for wet areas like bathrooms, showers, and kitchen backsplashes.
• Unlike traditional zellige, porcelain won’t chip as easily, doesn’t require regular sealing, and will look fresh and beautiful for years to come.

More budget-friendly

• You get the high-end look of hand-crafted zellige without the premium price tag.
• This means you can create that striking focal point you’ve been dreaming about without breaking the bank.

Variety without limits

• Porcelain zellige-look tiles come in an incredible range of colors, from classic whites and soft greens to rich jewel tones and everything in between.
• You’ll find various shapes too, perfect for creating patterns, stripes, or even that classic checkerboard look.
• The Cavastone collection offers options that suit every design vision.

Where to Use Zellige-Look Porcelain Tiles

The beauty of porcelain zellige-look tiles is that you can use them anywhere you’d use traditional zellige, and even in places where authentic zellige might not be the best choice.

Bathroom walls and showers

• Create a spa-like modern bathroom with zellige-look tiles that can handle water and humidity without worry.
• Use them to clad an entire wall or create an accent area that becomes the room’s focal point.

Kitchen backsplash

• A zellige tiles backsplash brings instant character and warmth to your kitchen.
• The glazed appearance catches light beautifully, and cleanup is easy after cooking.

Accent walls

• Whether in a bath, bedroom, or living space, a wall featuring zellige-look tiles adds instant sophistication and visual interest.

Mix and match

• Try pairing zellige-look tiles with other materials in your space.
• They work beautifully alongside stone, wood, or even in a classic checkerboard pattern with contrasting colors.

Creating Your Perfect Space

At Cavastone, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between the look you love and the performance you need.

Our porcelain tile collection gives you both, the soul and character of hand-crafted Moroccan tiles with the durability and ease of modern porcelain.

Whether you’re designing a fresh, modern bathroom, crafted a stunning kitchen backsplash, or creating a unique focal point in any room of your house, zellige-look porcelain tiles offer the perfect solution.

They bring depth, texture, and timeless beauty to your space while being practical enough for real life.

Ready to explore the possibilities?

Visit our showroom to see our full range of zellige-look tiles in person, or browse our online collection to find the perfect color, shade, and style for your next project. Because great design should be both beautiful and smart, and with porcelain zellige-look tiles, you get exactly that.

Zellige Tiles Frequently Asked Qustions

What makes zellige tiles shine and look so glossy?

The signature shine of zellige tiles comes from the glazed coating applied before firing. Traditional zellige uses clay with a hand-applied glaze, but modern porcelain zellige-look tiles achieve the same luminous, glossy finish with superior durability. The porcelain version recreates that beautiful shine while being much easier to clean and maintain. When light hits the surface, porcelain zellige-look tiles reflect beautifully just like the originals, but with a finish that stays pristine longer.

How do I clean and maintain zellige tiles in my bathroom?

Here’s where porcelain zellige-look tiles really shine as the smarter choice. Traditional clay zellige requires gentle care with mild soap, avoidance of harsh chemicals, and regular sealing to protect against water and staining, a common maintenance headache in bathrooms. Porcelain zellige-look tiles, however, are incredibly easy to clean with just standard bathroom cleaners, never need sealing, and resist moisture damage beautifully. For busy homeowners, porcelain is the clear winner for bathroom applications.

What’s the most common way to set zellige tiles in a room?

The most common way to set zellige-look tiles is in a simple grid or subway pattern that highlights their handcrafted appearance. Porcelain zellige-look tiles are much easier to set than traditional versions because they have consistent sizing and flatness, making installation faster and more affordable. You’ll find them arranged in classic patterns like herringbone, chevron stripes, or Moroccan geometric designs. For bathroom ideas, porcelain versions work beautifully on walls or in showers where their water resistance makes them the practical choice for any room.

Can I use zellige tiles in a small bathroom or does the room need to be large?

Absolutely! Zellige-look tiles work beautifully in bathrooms of any size, and porcelain versions are especially perfect for compact spaces. In a small bathroom, a short accent wall or shower feature adds character without overwhelming the room. Because porcelain zellige-look tiles are more durable and water-resistant than traditional clay options, you can confidently use them in any size bathroom without worrying about moisture damage. Lighter colors and simple patterns work especially well in smaller spaces, while bold colors and stripes can create drama.

What variety of colors and patterns can I find in zellige-look tiles?

Porcelain zellige-look tiles offer an incredible variety that often exceeds traditional options! You’ll find a wide range of colors including classic whites, soft blues and greens, warm terracottas and browns, deep jewel tones, and earthy neutrals. Common pattern options include simple grids, chevron stripes, classic checkerboard designs, and Moroccan geometric patterns. The beauty of porcelain is that you get this entire variety with consistent color from batch to batch, no surprises when your tiles arrive. There’s a porcelain zellige style to suit any bathroom design or room aesthetic.

Are zellige tiles a short-lived trend or a timeless choice?

Zellige tiles are definitely timeless, not a short-lived trend! While traditional clay zellige has been used for centuries, porcelain zellige-look tiles give you that same classic beauty with modern durability. The handcrafted look, the way they shine in natural light, and the warmth they bring to a room make them a lasting choice. Porcelain versions ensure your investment won’t chip, fade, or require constant maintenance over time. They’re a smart design choice that will keep your bathroom or any room looking elegant for decades, combining timeless appeal with contemporary performance.

Connie( Owner, Cavastone Group )

Owner, Cavastone Group

With years of perseverance and pride in what we do we have become a very well known and positioned company in the Architectural and Design industry. The same perseverance, pride and attention to detail that made us become who we are, are the same qualities we strive to provide to all our customers.