Moroccan Tiles: Zellige, Bejmat, Cement Tile and Terracotta Explained

“Moroccan tile” can mean several different things. Some are glazed clay tiles cut by hand, some are patterned cement, and some are plain terracotta. Here is how to tell them apart and where each one works best. We make zellige and bejmat in our workshops near Fez, so that is where we start.

Zellige

Zellige is the best-known Moroccan tile. Local clay is shaped, dried, glazed and fired, then each tile is cut to its final shape by hand with a sharp hammer. The result is a glossy tile with soft, uneven edges and small variations in colour and thickness. Fez has been the centre of zellige making for centuries, and the city’s historic buildings, such as the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, are covered in it.

Traditional zellige is cut into small geometric pieces and assembled into star patterns. Today it is also made as simple squares, hexagons and rectangles, which is how most people use it in kitchens and bathrooms. Read our full guide to zellige.

Bejmat

Bejmat is the rectangular brick-shaped tile of Morocco, traditionally used on floors and courtyards. It is made from the same clay as zellige and comes glazed or unglazed. Our bejmat measures 2 x 6 inches and is often laid in herringbone.

Moroccan cement tile

Cement tiles, sometimes called encaustic tiles, are not fired. They are made by pouring coloured cement into a metal mould to form a pattern, then pressing it. They are thick, matte and patterned, and are mostly used on floors. They need sealing because the surface is porous.

Terracotta

Plain terracotta tiles are unglazed fired clay. They have a warm orange or pink colour and are used on floors and terraces. Our Unglazed Natural zellige and bejmat are a handmade version of this look.

Which Moroccan tile should you choose?

• For a glossy wall, backsplash or shower: zellige. See backsplash and shower ideas.
• For a patterned floor: cement tile.
• For a warm, traditional floor: unglazed bejmat or terracotta. See zellige floor tiles.

Order samples first

Zellige is glazed and cut by hand, so every glaze looks different in different light. Our sample box puts real tiles in your hands before you order. Every order ships from Fez, Morocco by DHL Express, and larger pallet orders can ship by sea.