The Moroccan handmade tiles soaring in popularity

If you haven’t heard talk of Moroccan Zellige tiles then you’ll soon hear the name come up. Zellige is an Arabic word meaning ‘little polished stone’ and Zellige tiles typically come in a single colour, but have variations in tone, shine, and depth, giving a randomised, textural and characterful look.  

The Tile Depot’s range of Zellige tiles, Tiles of Ezra, is a collection of authentic handmade Moroccan tiles that feature the beautiful variations present in hand-crafted ceramics. Created through traditional methods passed down through the centuries, Tiles of Ezra Zellige tiles are a sustainable, 100% handmade collection of artisanal designs.

 Zellige tiles date back to at  least the 10^th Century in Morocco and have been having a notable modern-day comeback since around 2018, where their imperfect handcrafted features began to add a striking organic texture to modern interiors.

An ancient form of tile manufacture created by artisans using centuries-old techniques, every single handmade Zellige tile is unique, with variations in shape and size, thickness, tone, and surface texture, often including other irregularities in the glazing such as chips and dimples. 

“It is these imperfections and raw character that are part of the charm of this product. The varying thicknesses add drama and texture, and they are immeasurably tactile. They add an indescribable atmosphere to a space, and they are a tile that evokes an emotional response,” says Renwick.  

Tiles of Ezra is an ethical brand, and every step of the manufacture is by hand: they’re hand-moulded, hand-cut, and hand-painted, and the Mosaics are hand-assembled, which means they have a very low ecological impact. 

Their organic hand-made form and low ecological impact all adds to their appeal, particularly as decision making based on the sustainability of products and the creation of healthy interiors becomes increasingly important.

Like most ceramic tiles, handmade Zellige tiles are remarkably resilient, and some of the oldest known Zellige tiled walls in Spain are over 800 years old, and still in phenomenal condition.   

But not all Zellige is created equal, with the Tiles of Ezra range using the finest quality materials and being "One of the only Zellige companies operating globally that manufactures lead-free tiles" (Tiles of Ezra)

“Georgia Ezra of Tiles of Ezra works closely with these artisans to develop glazing colours that speak to contemporary design no two tiles are the same - beauty is found in the inconsistencies.” 

They also offer customised mosaics created by hand specifically for your project by artisans in Morocco, and The Tile Depot can assist clients to choose the tile colours, design and mosaics.

Traditional Zellige was ornate and multi-coloured, but in contemporary spaces there is a trend towards singular colours, and increased demand for customised mosaics that add a traditional flavour to interiors.

As often described by Georgia Ezra herself: “They’re an experiential product – they really add a unique sense to a place, and evoke an emotional response that tends to be quite calming.”

In a recent project by Abbey Lang Home (pictured above and below) Tiles of Ezra zellige tiles were used to add colour and pattern to a soothing, classic architectural aesthetic.

Discover Tiles of Ezra Zellige tiles from The Tile Depot