Moroccan-Style Tiles: Pros & Cons
Hand-painted, encaustic cement and cement-look Moroccan-style tiles can be both on-trend and timeless
Sam Ferris
24 October 2018
Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry, including residential renovation, cabinet, and flooring design. I currently work for RVK Architecture, a professional design firm that delivers successful architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture solutions to public and private clients.
Houzz Contributor. I have more than seven years of experience in the design industry,... More
The Middle Ages may get a bad rap, but people in that period knew a thing or two about tile. Inspired by encaustic tile from the period, Moroccan-style tiles are one of interior design’s reigning trends of the last few years. If you’re trying to find your perfect patterned cement tile, these pros and cons are required reading.
Pro: They complement any style of home
Sure, Moroccan-style tiles might look better in certain types of homes than others, but designers and homeowners haven’t shied away from experimenting with them in a wide range of spaces. Here, the design team at Æ Interiors covered the range backsplash in this kitchen in soft, faded Moroccan-style tiles that lend a trendy touch to the rustic space.
Sure, Moroccan-style tiles might look better in certain types of homes than others, but designers and homeowners haven’t shied away from experimenting with them in a wide range of spaces. Here, the design team at Æ Interiors covered the range backsplash in this kitchen in soft, faded Moroccan-style tiles that lend a trendy touch to the rustic space.
Homes with Mediterranean influences are an obvious fit for Moroccan-style tiles. The team at Nau Builders made the range wall in this kitchen a subtle centrepiece amid the wood cabinetry and floors.
These are the elements of Mediterranean design style
These are the elements of Mediterranean design style
Moroccan-style tiles are also popular in contemporary design. This posh bathroom mixes a star-studded pattern with bright pink and turquoise accents.
You can also use Moroccan-style tiles in transitional spaces. They pair particularly well with wood textures, such as the floating shelves in this kitchen.
Pro: They’re versatile as accent pieces
The most popular spots for Moroccan-style tiles are undoubtedly bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes and fireplaces, but they aren’t limited to those spaces. If you want to incorporate this trend with a twist, try these three spots: wainscoting, stair risers and window frames.
The most popular spots for Moroccan-style tiles are undoubtedly bathroom floors, kitchen backsplashes and fireplaces, but they aren’t limited to those spaces. If you want to incorporate this trend with a twist, try these three spots: wainscoting, stair risers and window frames.
Wainscoting
Wrapping a section of your wall (typically up to 42 inches high) with vibrant patterned Moroccan-style tile creates a stunning mural effect. As this hallway shows, even a little tile can do the trick.
Avoid these design mistakes in your hallway
Wrapping a section of your wall (typically up to 42 inches high) with vibrant patterned Moroccan-style tile creates a stunning mural effect. As this hallway shows, even a little tile can do the trick.
Avoid these design mistakes in your hallway
Stair risers
You can transform your staircase into an accent piece by installing Moroccan-style tiles on the risers. This type of design will certainly impress guests, especially if the staircase is at your home’s entrance.
You can transform your staircase into an accent piece by installing Moroccan-style tiles on the risers. This type of design will certainly impress guests, especially if the staircase is at your home’s entrance.
Window frames
Try mixing different patterns of Moroccan-style tiles, or select a single pattern that forms a border if you prefer more continuity.
Try mixing different patterns of Moroccan-style tiles, or select a single pattern that forms a border if you prefer more continuity.
Pro: They can be timeless
It’s true that not all designs age well. Done right, though, Moroccan-style tiles can appear as timeless as natural stone. Farmhouse and rustic designs are prime picks when it comes to creating a space with longevity. Combining neutral, subtly patterned Moroccan-style tiles with ageless materials such as wood, travertine stone and Saltillo tile can help keep your design fresh for years to come.
It’s true that not all designs age well. Done right, though, Moroccan-style tiles can appear as timeless as natural stone. Farmhouse and rustic designs are prime picks when it comes to creating a space with longevity. Combining neutral, subtly patterned Moroccan-style tiles with ageless materials such as wood, travertine stone and Saltillo tile can help keep your design fresh for years to come.
Con: They’re high-maintenance
Concrete is naturally porous, and the surface of encaustic tiles isn’t protected by a glaze. As a result, Moroccan-style tiles are susceptible to staining. You should treat them like natural stone, which means routine sealing (some manufacturers recommend a seal prior to installation), cleaning up spills immediately and avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture.
If you’re set on this look but want less maintenance, shop around for porcelain and ceramic look-alikes. They don’t require sealing and generally hold up well to spills and water.
Here’s an alphabetical guide to tile terms
Concrete is naturally porous, and the surface of encaustic tiles isn’t protected by a glaze. As a result, Moroccan-style tiles are susceptible to staining. You should treat them like natural stone, which means routine sealing (some manufacturers recommend a seal prior to installation), cleaning up spills immediately and avoiding prolonged exposure to moisture.
If you’re set on this look but want less maintenance, shop around for porcelain and ceramic look-alikes. They don’t require sealing and generally hold up well to spills and water.
Here’s an alphabetical guide to tile terms
Wet zones may be off-limits for certain types of tiles, namely encaustic and hand-painted tiles. Prolonged exposure to moisture can damage the surface over time. Always check manufacturer usage guidelines before installing these tiles on a shower floor.
Con: They’re trendy
They may not be tomorrow’s version of mid-century linoleum and avocado green appliances, but there’s a good chance that many Moroccan-style tiles will look time-stamped in a decade. Still, as mentioned above, there are ways to make them look timeless.
Trends come and go, of course, so if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term and love the look of Moroccan-style tiles, go for it. But if you’re planning to sell in the next five to 10 years, there are safer tile options to consider.
Read more:
How to Infuse Moroccan Elements Into Your Decor
Tell us:
Have you used moroccan tiles in your home? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
They may not be tomorrow’s version of mid-century linoleum and avocado green appliances, but there’s a good chance that many Moroccan-style tiles will look time-stamped in a decade. Still, as mentioned above, there are ways to make them look timeless.
Trends come and go, of course, so if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term and love the look of Moroccan-style tiles, go for it. But if you’re planning to sell in the next five to 10 years, there are safer tile options to consider.
Read more:
How to Infuse Moroccan Elements Into Your Decor
Tell us:
Have you used moroccan tiles in your home? Share images and your ideas in the Comments below.
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would you mind sharing a company name?
Stunning!
I think that they are very beautiful and agree that tile which is traditional is timeless.
I'm glad to have access to the discussion regarding sealed vs. unsealed. Very helpful.
I loved the use in all of the houses pictured.