What Are Zellige & Bejmat Tiles?
Zellige tiles are a traditional Moroccan tile renowned for its intricate designs and vibrant colours. Making these tiles is arduous, requiring natural clay from the region of Fez to be mixed with water, shaped by hand, dried and then kiln-fired. Olive pits aid the firing process. The result is a beautiful and durable tile that can create stunning mosaics and patterns in homes worldwide.
Traditional Zellige tiles offer endless possibilities for adding character and charm to any space, from monochromatic ivory hues to bold red-and-black Navajo-inspired designs. Components in interior design have a timeless appeal that transcends the passage of time and trends. The exquisite Zellige and Bejmat tiles come from the extensive tapestry of Moroccan artistry. These tiles perfectly combine traditional design components with contemporary design sensibility, making them more than just decorative items. The Bilden Journal travelled on a fascinating journey through the development, production, and modern uses of Zellige and Bejmat tiles.
A collection of zellige tiles can add a unique touch to any space in your home. These handmade, glazed terracotta tiles come in various colours and finishes, from soft pastels to deep greens. They are known for their imperfect beauty, with irregular shade variations and drippy glazes that create a sparkle. Whether you're looking to create an entryway or add a statement wall in your living room, zellige tiles offer endless possibilities for customisation and design. Check out our tile laying patterns guide to learn more about incorporating zellige tiles into your home decor.
Do you want to take a glimpse into the history of Zellige tiles?
Zellige Tiles
Zellige tiles are a type of handcrafted terracotta tile renowned for its unique and intricate designs. These tiles, made from natural clay, are shaped and fired in a traditional kiln to produce a durable and long-lasting product. The beauty of zellige tiles lies not only in their intricate patterns but also in the variations in colour and texture during the firing process. They make each tile unique, adding character and charm to any space. Zellige tiles are perfect for adding a touch of Moroccan-inspired style to your home or business, whether you use them as a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom or to create a feature wall in your living room.
Within the heart of Morocco, around the 10th century, Zellige tiles initially emerged. Islamic architecture has long featured small, delicately crafted mosaic tiles. The name Zellige, derived from the Arabic verb 'zalij,' which means 'to piece together,' perfectly captures the intricate artistry required. These tiles typically have geometric designs and bright, hand-painted colours. They added a sense of opulence and spirituality to the walls, floors, and fountains of palaces and mosques.
Zellige and Bejmat tiles have Moroccan heritage, but Bejmat offers a different approach. These rectangular ceramic tiles are handcrafted and created from a distinctive clay mixture. Bejmat tiles' imperfections, defects, and differences give them natural, unfinished beauty. Moroccan homes have employed these tiles for centuries to produce rustic, earthy ambiences that blend perfectly with the surrounding environment.
The Art of Manufacturing
Zellige tiles require meticulous handcrafted Techniques to get the recognisable mosaic effect. Artisans meticulously shape the clay, glaze it with vivid colours, and then burn it. The tiles' toughness and sparkling brilliance are improved by firing. The end product is a beautiful interplay of light and shade, with each tile's geometric designs and colours telling a different tale.
Bejmat tiles are evidence of the craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. These handcrafted tiles individually exhibit the marks of human Bejmat tile
Contemporary Elegance
The historical roots of Zellige and Bejmat tiles transcend trends, making them sought-after components in modern home design. Their range of attributes is limitless:
1. Timeless Elegance: Zellige tiles still add elegance to contemporary decor. Their complex designs and jewel-like hues evoke a sense of luxury that can completely transform an environment.
2. Rustic Charm: Bejmat tiles have found a place in contemporary homes for their raw and authentic aesthetic. They are used as backsplashes in kitchens, accent walls in bathrooms, and even flooring to add character and individuality to spaces.
3. Blend of Cultures: These tiles serve as a bridge between cultures, effortlessly merging Moroccan heritage with diverse design styles. They complement both traditional and minimalist interiors, adding depth and character.
4. Sustainability: Handmade production processes and using natural materials align with the growing demand for sustainable design choices.
In conclusion, Zellige and Bejmat tiles are living testaments to the enduring appeal of artisanal craftsmanship. They weave together the threads of history and modernity, tradition and innovation, and have the power to transform any space into a work of art. Whether you seek opulence or authenticity, these tiles are a testament to the timelessness of design. At Bilden Home & Hardware Market, we curate a selection of these exquisite tiles, allowing you to infuse your interiors with the magic of Moroccan craftsmanship. Explore the beauty of history in every tile and let your home become a canvas of artistry.