Moroccan tile backsplashes offer a gorgeous way to bring colorful, geometric patterns into the home. With their intricate designs and brilliant hues, Moroccan backsplash tiles infuse spaces with an exotic, artistic flair. These tiles have a long history, stemming from traditional architectural designs in Morocco and throughout the Islamic world. Today, Moroccan tiles continue to increase in popularity as a backsplash option that provides visual drama, culture, and tile durability to kitchens and baths.
An Introduction to Moroccan Tiles
Moroccan tiles, also known as zellige tiles, are handmade from natural clay in a centuries-old process. Traditional Moroccan tiles feature bold geometric patterns and shapes, usually in intricate arrangements. These complex designs often incorporate stars, diamonds, and octagons in repeating motifs. Vibrant colors in brilliant blue, green, yellow and terracotta hues commonly accent the patterns.
The mathematically-based designs of Moroccan tiles reflect an Islamic preference for artistry using geometry and repetition. Intricate mosaics in architecture, woodwork, textiles and tilework avoided depicting people, animals or religious imagery. Moroccan tiles provided visually pleasing adornments aligned with Islamic principles.
From a practical perspective, the geometric shapes of Moroccan tiles allowed for fewer cuts, simplifying installation. The patterns seamlessly fit together, creating elaborate unified displays. While labor-intensive to create, the repeating shapes efficiently covered walls, courtyards, floors and other surfaces.
Beyond aesthetics, Moroccan tiles served to bring cooling effects to hot and arid climates. Light colors deflected heat, while water evaporation from the porous clay surfaces provided natural air conditioning. This combination of beauty, spirituality and functionality made zellige tiles a quintessential aspect of Moroccan design.
Crafting Moroccan Tiles
Moroccan tiles begin as natural clay, formed into the desired shapes. After an initial firing, artisans brush bold hues onto each piece by hand. The tiles are then fired a second time, locking in the colors. Finally, the fired tiles are arranged and set into plaster to create elaborate mosaic walls and backsplashes.
The unique textures and slightly irregular shapes stem from hand-forming and hand-painting each piece. Slight color variations, glossy finishes and raised contours reflect the human touch. This artisanal appeal makes Moroccan tiles distinct from mass-produced ceramic tiles.
Common Moroccan tile shapes include:
- Octagons – Eight-sided shapes often laid in offset rows for star-shaped negative space
- Hexagons – Six-sided shapes covering surfaces in honeycomb patterns
- Diamonds – Overlapping diamonds create starburst motifs
- Squares – Combined with other shapes in complex mosaics
- Triangles – Frequently used as accents and borders
Colors range from bold primaries to saturated jewel tones:
- Brilliant blues and greens frequently form backgrounds
- Intense yellows and oranges call attention to central medallions
- Deep reds and purples provide accents
- Turquoise blue-greens add vibrancy
While traditional tiles followed established geometries and colors, contemporary Moroccan tiles offer more variety. Modern takes include floral patterns, abstract shapes and muted color palettes. Yet even with added diversity, Moroccan tiles maintain signature ornate designs.
History & Origins of Moroccan Tiles
The origins of Moroccan tiles date back over five centuries. Zellige tiles first appeared in the Islamic dynasties of North Africa and Moorish Spain between the 10th and 13th centuries AD. Intricate mosaics adorned the architecture, reflecting cultural values for mathematical perfection in design.
When Muslim Moors were expelled from Spain in 1492, the zellige-making techniques spread across Morocco. The town of Fez emerged as a center of mosaic tile production. Fez had access to fine clay deposits, allowing artisans to develop the unique tiles. By the 17th century, Fez became the capital for intricate mosaic tilework.
In the centuries that followed, zellige tiles ornamented Moroccan palaces, mosques, mausoleums, homes and other structures. The tiles expressed religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and artistic individuality. Regional variations in color and design reflected local styles, yet all shared the mathematically-based arrangements.
While the patterns appear random, they follow deliberate rules for placement and orientation. Each shape strategically fits with surrounding tiles, creating harmonious unified displays. This thoughtfully engineered order brought both spiritual meaning and visual pleasure.
Beyond Morocco, zellige tiles influenced architecture and design in the Middle East, South Asia and Spain. Similar mosaic styles emerged in locations extending from Turkey to India. The shared mathematical principles produced regional variations on the complex Moroccan theme.
Today, zellige tiles still come from Morocco, following centuries-old techniques. A newer, mechanized process allows for large-scale production for global export. Yet despite modern technologies, Moroccan tiles maintain their signature intricate patterns and brilliant colors that made them a design staple across centuries and cultures.
Using Moroccan Tiles for Kitchen Backsplashes
Moroccan tiles lend themselves beautifully to kitchen backsplashes. As focal features behind countertops, their vivid colors and mesmerizing designs make dramatic style statements. The ornate shapes and patterns introduce movement and visual texture as backdrops to appliances, cabinetry and kitchen activities.
For homeowners seeking to add culture and artsy elegance, Moroccan backsplashes present engaging focal points. They reflect age-old handcrafting fused with contemporary interior design. A Moroccan backsplash tile can transform a basic builder-grade kitchen into a work of art.
Benefits of a Moroccan Backsplash
Moroccan backsplash tiles offer unique advantages:
- Visual Interest – Intricate shapes and colors provide constant visual appeal
- Durability – Clay composition resists moisture, stains and daily wear
- Easy Maintenance – Ceramic tiles clean easily with warm water and soap
- Design Versatility – Patterns and colors support any style from traditional to modern
- Cultural Richness – Handcrafted tiles add global flavor and artistic heritage
- Focal Point – Bold tiles draw attention as an accent feature
- Easy Installation – Modular mosaic tiles require no special skills
For do-it-yourselfers as well as design pros, Moroccan backsplash tiles check all the boxes. Their blend of exotic artsiness, durability and easy upkeep makes a winning combination.
Popular Design Styles
Moroccan tiles as backsplashes complement a range of kitchen designs:
Traditional Kitchens – For ornate spaces with carved woodwork, bronze finishes and elegant windows, Moroccan tiles provide harmonious accents. Warm metallics, rich neutrals and hints of jewel tones enhance the sophisticated ambiance.
Rustic Kitchens – In cozy farmhouse or Tuscan-style kitchens, Moroccan tiles add artsy flavor. Soft terra cotta colors and muted blue-greens give a timeworn look befitting rustic rooms.
Transitional Kitchens – For kitchens straddling traditional and contemporary, Moroccan tiles bridge styles seamlessly. Crisp white cabinetry allows vivacious backsplashes to take the spotlight.
Contemporary Kitchens – In sleek modern spaces, Moroccan tiles inject energy and global allure. Brilliant blues and chartreuses pop against polished surfaces and stainless steel.
Eclectic Kitchens – For personal and artistic kitchens, Moroccan tiles provide the perfect personalized accent. Choose colors and patterns that express individual style.
Whatever the kitchen design, Moroccan backsplash tile offers an adaptable finishing touch. The varied colors and ability to cover all or part of a wall allow for customized installations.
Tile Layout Patterns
Moroccan backsplashes come alive through creative tile layouts. While uniform grids work, playing with varied orientations adds dynamism. Some eye-catching options include:
- Harlequin pattern of irregular diagonal diamonds
- Mirrored pattern with tiles flipped vertically and horizontally
- Arabesque layout creating rhythmic curves
- Overlapping circles for undulating movement
- Borders that frame full tile walls or tile inserts
- Geometric medallions as artistic focal points
Installing tiles in Moroccan-inspired patterns brings added depth. Gaps between tiles also highlight the three-dimensional shape of each piece, emphasizing the handcrafted uniqueness.
For homeowners less interested in pattern play, uniform layouts still showcase the tiles’ inherent beauty. Tight staggered rows project color and design in understated ways. Simple layouts direct all attention to the tiles themselves.
Installing Your Backsplash
While professional installation is recommended for flawless results, experienced DIYers can tackle Moroccan tile backsplashes. The modular designs allow for straightforward installations. Here are some tips:
- Use cement or fiberglass mesh backing panels for easier mounting.
- Level the surface and secure the backing evenly on studs.
- Dry lay the tile pattern before applying adhesive.
- Mix small batches of adhesive at a time to prevent premature drying.
- Apply adhesive in thin layers, cover only sections being actively worked on.
- Avoid getting adhesive on the tile faces for easier cleanup later.
- Use spacers between tiles to create consistent grout lines.
- Clean excess adhesive immediately as tiles are set.
- Once tiles are set, wait 24-48 hours before grouting.
- Grout in small sections, wiping away excess grout immediately.
- Polish and seal tiles after another 24 hours of curing time.
With some patience and care, Moroccan backsplash magic can happen right in your own kitchen.
Designing a Cohesive Look
To help Moroccan backsplash tiles shine, choose complementary materials and finishes. Simple cabinetry and countertops allow the tiles to claim the spotlight. Clean-lined shaker cabinets or sleek slab fronts work well. White, black or natural wood finishes keep the focus on a vibrant backsplash.
For countertops, quartz or solid surface materials provide streamlined bases to overlay with colorful tiles. Countertop edges can even utilize smaller Moroccan mosaic tiles to tie spaces together.
Beyond cabinetry and counters, select appliances, lighting, hardware and accessories to complete the look:
- Stainless steel appliances support tile colors with mirrored surfaces.
- Pendant lights or sconces illuminate backsplashes with focused light.
- Bronze or black metal hardware and fixtures reinforce rich colors.
- Decor like turquoise vases, yellow citrus fruits or green plants pick up on brilliant backsplash hues.
With cohesive elements, Moroccan tiles take center stage while everything else provides an ideal supporting backdrop.
Moroccan Tile Backsplash Ideas
To spark additional ideas, here are some stunning ways to implement Moroccan backsplash tile:
- A small stone-clad niche with a vibrant Moroccan tile interior for storing oils and spices
- Metallic candle sconces mounted directly on a Moroccan backsplash as integrated lighting
- Moroccan subway tiles as a border along the tops ofwalls behind counters
- A vibrant Moroccan herringbone patterned backsplash on one focal wall
- Contrasting countertop edge tiles for a unifying detail
- Mosaic tiles framing range hoods or extending up to vent hoods
- A Moroccan scalloped arch shape over a professional-style stove
- Hand-painted Moroccan tiles with custom names, dates or monograms
With limitless ways to apply them, Moroccan backsplash tiles open up exciting design possibilities.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Moroccan backsplash tiles:
What colors are available?
Moroccan tiles come in vibrant hues like cobalt blue, emerald green, golden yellow, rich orange, eggplant purple and more. Turquoise and terracotta earth tones are also popular options.
How durable are Moroccan tiles?
The clay composition and ceramic finish makes Moroccan tiles very durable and water-resistant. They hold up well to stains, moisture and impact.
Do the tiles need sealing?
Sealing is recommended after installation to protect from stains and enhance water resistance. Annual resealing maintains the benefits.
Can the tiles be cut?
Moroccan tiles are handcut as needed during installation. A wet saw with a ceramic blade cuts individual tiles cleanly.
Are the tiles expensive?
Prices range based on type from $5-$50 per square foot. Smaller mosaic tiles are typically more affordable than large format tiles.
Should tiles be professionally installed?
For best results, hiring a professional tile installer is recommended. But experienced DIYers can also tackle the job with care and patience.
How are Moroccan tiles made today?
While some artisan tiles are still made by hand, most modern production uses molds for shaping and mechanical processes for glazing and firing. But hand-painting adds unique finishing touches.
Can the tiles be used outdoors?
Moroccan tiles are suitable for backsplashes but not outdoor installations. The porous clay absorbs moisture that can deteriorate tiles in exterior settings.
Discover the Allure of Moroccan Backsplash Tiles
Moroccan backsplash tiles offer timeless beauty rooted in centuries of culture and craftsmanship. Their mesmerizing patterns, brilliant colors and artistic heritage make them an ideal focal feature. In both traditional and contemporary kitchens, Moroccan tiles bring energy, beauty and global spirit to everyday spaces. An intricately tiled backsplash provides a jewel box effect, transforming cooking areas into galleries showcasing age-old artistry. With limitless colors and layout possibilities, Moroccan backsplash tiles let homeowners and designers create custom works of art. Embrace the vivid allure of Moroccan tiles to make kitchen backsplashes focal points that fascinate, inspire and delight.