Moroccan Tiles: History, Sizes, Designs, Prices and Maintenance

If geometric patterns or intricate floral designs have caught your fancy, congratulations! You have officially stepped into the world of Moroccan Tiles. Available in ceramic, porcelain and vitrified (double & triple fired), the true glory is reflected in the vibrant colors and geometric/ floral designs. Triple fired vitrified tiles go through a third round of firing which makes them favored for their sleek shine and brighter colors. Double fired vitrified tiles are commonly more economical. However, the options in terms of design remains the same. Moroccan tiles are versatile enough to last you a lifetime and elegant enough to evolve with your soft furnishings.

History & Evolution of Moroccan Tiles

Traditionally, the town of Fez has been the hearth of innovation for tiles since 700 AD. Their unglazed ceramic tiles had uneven edges and thickness, thus leaving behind gaps made them fragile. By the 1970s, improvements in inkjet printing introduced finishes and sizes.

Sizes and Use of Moroccan Tiles

Today, Moroccan tiles are available in 6x6 inches, 8x8 inches, 1x1 feet and 2x2 feet in 8-10 mm thickness.
Suited for indoor and semi-outdoor use, Moroccan tiles can be used beyond backsplashes and flooring. 6x6 and 8x8 inch make exceptional raisers. Residential areas commonly opt for ceramic Moroccan tiles. For commercial spaces, I recommend vitrified tiles for their heavy duty nature.

Shapes of Moroccan Tiles

Square and rectangular ones like these are a classic. Hexagonal Moroccan tiles are for adventurous souls.

The honeycomb design features two distinct finishes: wood and slate. Use this in the bathroom to separate wet and dry areas or simply separate a hallway from an indoor lounge. 

Prints and Variety in Moroccan Tiles

We know the most enticing part in moroccan tiles is the prints. 

If you have been browsing, this is the first few sets of designs that you’d see. This is a fleur-de-lis pattern.

The symbol signifies purity: may or may not be surrounded by this arch. The signature of European royalty, these are called quatrefoils. Rounded or straight: each version has its own charm. The palette for such designs leans heavily towards black & white, shades of grey, ivory, and even sage green or beige.

Another popular print is this. The combination of floral elements with graceful arcs is divine. This works exceptionally well with fusion design style since the use of white, reddish tones, indigo, citron, and teal is so predominant.

If the motifs are solid like these, they are hydraulic cement tile designs.

Each design has a different mold designed by the artisans. Very similar to how Athangudi tiles are created till date. Due to the overlap in the design, you might find some exceptional Athangudi-inspired Moroccan tiles too. If your chosen tile has a mix of diamond, hexagons, star shapes in this fashion, they are Tastir tiles.

Another geometric variant is this. Jaali designs date back to purely Islamic origins. They made jharokhas or partitions back in the day. Today, we see them all
over in architectural accents. Black and white, gold, dull metallic accents are some options.

Black & white Moroccan tiles are a humbling blend of minimalism and oodles of ethnic charm. A catalyst at its core, the simplicity of the geometric designs fares well against numerous styles and therefore resonates through and through. Leaving behind an eclectic resonance in your interiors, they make for a truly charming addition in any space: residential or commercial.

Finish and Installation of Moroccan Tiles

Most Moroccan tiles are glazed with a satin matte finish. Glossy or powder matte finishes are not that unusual. However, they are restricted to certain
specialty designs. Think, wall tiles or ornamental wall treatments.
For all these designs, a 2 or 5 mm grout line is a must for a seamless finish. You can easily find spacers, adhesives, and both cementitious and epoxy grout. You can even get tinted or iridescent grout to make the surface stand out.

Novelty Collection & Imported Moroccan Tiles

Geometric, geometric florals and shapes, in certain combinations, make up 99% of all the Moroccan tiles that are out there. However, we’ll let you in the secret vault.

This is a carpet tile. They create the effect of a rug on your flooring to bring an extra artistic touch to your home. You need a combination of four corner tiles, borders along the sides and a set of full-bodied center pieces. With a tight paper joint, you can highlight vintage finds in your living areas.

Another trending tiles are these mix and match patterns. We recommend these boxsets of Moroccan tiles for kitchen backsplashes, powder rooms, bathroom suites. You’d find 2 to 3 designs that you can use like this or this. The palate has the right amount of contrast and small elements that make the space cohesive in minutes.

Rustic grid layouts like this have a faux grout line. They create the illusion of multiple smaller tiles. Well received in large-scale renovations, achieving the look of mosaic art becomes easy while eliminating the laborious bits of the process. Available in 2x2, 3x3 and even 6x6 squares, you can go all out with rustic grids. 

Please note that these are statement pieces designed to be used sparingly in your home.

Maintenance of Moroccan Tiles

All Moroccan tiles require a simple wipe down with a soft towelette once a day. For delicate glazes, I recommend a microfibre towel. For deep cleaning, non-abrasive tile cleaners are easily available in the market. Stay away from cleaners that contain bleach or acid. They can seep under the tile and eventually lead to chipping or breakage.

FAQS

What is the price of Moroccan Tiles?

They start for as low as 60 rupees per square feet. Depending on the design or glaze work, price can vary.

Are Moroccan Tiles Trendy?

Respectfully, no. Given that the art has survived wars, famines and droughts, they are officially timeless. Some special prints or layouts see an upsurge based on industry trends, as is the case with most materials.

What are some timeless options for Moroccan tiles?

Black and white Moroccan tiles, checkered boxsets, and metallic accents are some popular choices. Modern minimalist options like these charcoal and gold ones are seeing traction in the market as well.

Are Moroccan tiles durable?

Extremely! When cared for properly, they can last for as long as 10-15 years.

Hope that answers all the questions that have been keeping you up all night. We’ll see you in the next one. Keep Browsing the moroccan tiles here.