Is Zellige Tile a Passing Trend? Here's What Interior Designers Say

Whether you’ve stumbled upon a swanky new hotel or scrolled through your favorite designer’s Instagram, chances are you've seen zellige tile. The traditional Moroccan clay material has been around for centuries, but has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is thanks to the tile's beautiful raw texture and its tonal range, which can instantly transform a bathroom or kitchen.

However, design trends come and go, which begs the question: Is zellige tile just having a moment right now, or is it here to stay for the long run? Ahead, we tapped experts for their take on the longevity of zellige tile and how to use it so it feels timeless, rather than trendy.

What Is Zellige Tile?

Originating from Morocco, traditional zellige tile is meticulously handcrafted with clay from the region, lending it a unique texture.

"We call it the 'jewel of the tile world,' but there is absolutely nothing perfect about zellige," says Deborah Osburn, artist and founder of Clé Tile. "Every single tile is unique. Some may be thicker than others and some may have irregular edges, and there will likely be pits and dings and hairline crazing. And it's all beautiful."

Each tile is fired and glazed by artisans one at a time, which is what causes these intricate, unique details to occur. Everything—from the fuel that's used to the spot in the kiln where each tile sits—has an impact on the final appearance.

"The subtle variation in the glaze and texture add visual depth and a unique warmth that's rare with other hard materials," says Aubrey Butcher, interior designer at Gilded Heights and founder of Riad Tile.

Osburn finds that while there are many zellige-esque tiles that try to capture this alchemy, nothing is quite like the original. "You can’t create its magic with a machine—authenticity is key," she adds. "If you're looking for a tile with a uniform color and consistent sizing, then zellige is not for you."

Is It a Passing Trend?

On the whole, designers agree that zellige tile is here to stay—and not just a passing trend.

"It’s been used for centuries, and I think its appeal is only growing as people lean into natural, handcrafted materials," says Barbi Walters, owner and principal designer of Lynden Lane. "There’s something about its texture and depth that brings soul to a space in a world full of AI."

Plus, while the Western world has more recently indulged in the material, history shows that zellige tile never really left the zeitgeist.

"It’s so great to see that Americans have finally caught on to the charms of zellige, but I want to scream, 'It’s about time!' " Osburn says. "Of course, there's nothing new about it; it’s been made the same way for centuries, but it needed to find its footing here."

Ultimately, it's craftsmanship that gives zellige tile its timeless appeal. "They tell a story," says Eddie Maestri, principal and creative director of Maestri Studio. "There’s something about the irregularity that feels timeless and grounding. It doesn’t look over-designed or overly perfect—and that’s what makes it last."

How to Decorate With It

There are a myriad of ways to decorate with zellige to make it look timeless and chic—regardless of how often it's popping up on your feed. Maestri, for one, likes to let the tile breathe.

"Lately, I’ve been playing with wider grout lines to emphasize [the tile's] handmade nature even more—it’s such a small shift, but it makes a big difference in how it reads in a space," he says.

For a bolder look, Maestri suggests a tonal palette, or pairing zellige with natural stone that has prominent veining. "That mix of organic movement and refined texture creates a balance that feels both thoughtful and effortless," he says.

Osburn also likes using natural, unglazed zellige—which is often overlooked compared to its glossy counterparts. "It’s the quintessential neutral with an understated, organic elegance," she says. "And, of course, terracotta is always timeless. The patina it earns transcends any aesthetic."

Opting for a mix of colors is another way to bring in character, as is traditionally done in Morocco with "complex geometric patterns, stars, polygons, and vibrant colors like cobalt, blue, green, yellow, and black," says interior designer Nicole Hollis.

Checkerboard, two-tone, and even monochromatic designs can also do the trick. "Zellige is like paint for an artist—it gives you the ability to create your own design, however that looks," says Osburn. "The key is to make it feel curated and not cookie-cutter. If, for you, that means putting it on a ceiling, then put it on a ceiling…. please."