11 Best Materials To Pair With Zellige Tile For A Stunning Kitchen Or Bathroom

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Looking for something a little bit different for your kitchen backsplash or bathroom feature wall? Zellige is a handmade Moroccan tile with a shiny irregular surface that glistens in the light. These tiles work perfectly with most contemporary home designs because they come in a wide range of colors, from earthy brown to vibrant blue. Plus, each tile is unique, with slight variances in size and shade. They look just as good in large blocks in any room you want to use them, or you can use them to create bespoke patterns. However, with so many different options comes a conundrum. Which materials pair best with zellige tiles? The aim is, after all, to create a stunning aesthetic you won't want to change in a few years.

In almost all cases, you should be pairing natural-vibe zellige tiles with metal, wood, or stone. It's the perfect way to bring a room's design together. While these tiles are generally natural in hue, most are finished with a glossy glaze that looks great with accents made from warm metals like brass, copper, or gold. You might also consider complementing a luscious zellige tile backsplash with a natural stone countertop — think marble, granite, or quartzite. Or if you want to create some contrast in your home design, install a matte finish limestone or ceramic countertop.

If you want to create a spa-like bathroom or a kitchen prep area befitting a TV chef, consider pairing your zellige tiles with brass fixtures and accents. Brass cabinet handles, faucets, mirror frames, and lighting pair well with light and dark colored tiles. Paler shades work best to elevate the space and ground the opulence of the materials. Since zellige is a handcrafted product, it breathes a sense of uniqueness into the room — though expert installation is recommended for a luxe finish.

Similar to brass, copper complements imperfect zellige tiles well, but instead of creating an atmosphere of traditional luxury, it engenders a more rustic luxe vibe. Copper develops an attractive green, blue, or brown patina over time. Using copper accents with this tile type boosts the natural elements in your design, making a kitchen or bathroom feel warm and inviting. Plus, there are potential health benefits to including copper indoors — the metal is naturally antimicrobial.

Gold is another warm-toned hue that works well when paired with zellige tiles in bathrooms and kitchens. Similar to brass, soft gold looks particularly good with this type of tile. While gold is undeniably elegant, gold accents are best used for a modern take on luxury. For example, install them in a room — whether it be for cooking fine meals or soaking in the tub — that basques in the stillness and tranquility of quiet luxury. If you want something sleeker and more dramatic, pair gold with black zellige tiles.

Both zellige tiles and limestone are traditional materials in Moroccan design, so it makes sense they would suit one another. Generally, they are paired to create a sense of humble luxury. The result is a room that feels homey and comfortable, but subtly shows it is built with quality in mind. It works nicely in bathrooms or kitchens with a muted, earthy design palette. The application options are endless. Limestone can be used for floors, walls, furniture, accents, and so much more.

Natural stone is a great partner for zellige tiles, with each material offering unique style and functional benefits in the bathroom or kitchen. Granite is well-known for its strength and heat resistance, making it a great option for kitchen countertops. It is also a great choice if you need a durable, easy-to-clean surface in the bathroom. When pairing granite with zellige tiles, consider breathtaking white granite countertop patterns to transform your kitchen like Thunder White, Bianco Antico, or Blue Flower.

You need to, of course, consider the pros and cons of marble, quartz, and granite when choosing the right countertops. In the bathroom, the choice between these materials generally concerns aesthetics, but in the kitchen, you need to consider the potential impact of heat, utensils, and spills. In either room, marble works well with zellige tiles because — simply put — it looks stunning. However, marble is sensitive to chemicals. Keep in mind that over time, the stone can undergo visual changes that can enhance the character of the design or ruin it.

Because zellige tiles are handmade, they have a slightly uneven surface. The finish, however, is glossy. Mount the tiles next to refined matte-finished ceramic floors, countertops, and fixtures — or accessories like vases, lidded jars, candle holders, or even wall art — to create a texture contrast that you're sure to adore. It's the ultimate sleek and contemporary vibe. Plus, the chic look and functional benefits of a matte finish ceramic make it a rising bathroom tile trend you won't want to skip.

Natural wood is one of the best materials to pair with zellige tiles in your kitchen or bathroom because it brings a sense of natural coziness to the interior design. One of the main attractions of zellige tiles is their authentic craftsmanship. Natural wood accentuates the imperfections of the handmade aesthetic, which ties the design together. Some timber options that work well with zellige tiles, depending on the glaze color, include cedar, oak, or walnut.

Just like with other natural stone options, mixing quartzite and zellige tiles together in one space provides luxurious character. Quartzite is favored by designers for its visual impact. Indeed, designer Peggy Haddad of Peggy Haddad Interiors said to Real Simple: "Together, they create balance; nothing feels flat, but nothing competes either. It's a combination that will age beautifully." Plus, quartzite is a practical choice in kitchens or bathrooms. It's not porous, so it will resist stains, and it's scratch, chip, and heat resistant.

If you're looking for a sleek, contemporary material to incorporate into a design with rustic zellige tiles, consider stainless steel. This is a pairing most often found in kitchens, where stainless steel countertops or appliances sit beside a zellige tile backsplash. However, the idea can also be used in the bathroom, where you can pair stainless steel shower or vanity fixtures with zellige tile walls. Either way, the combination imbues a room with natural elegance.

The earthy tones of terracotta pair beautifully with the rustic gloss of zellige tiles. They're the perfect material pairing for a bathroom or kitchen design inspired by nature. The warm tones create a sense of comfort. You can't get more rustic than, for example, a kitchen boasting terracotta floor tiles and an azure-hued zellige tile backsplash. Similarly, use terracotta as a base material on floors and even walls, and use bright zellige tiles as accents for an earthy bathroom trend that's gaining popularity. Hang some humidity-loving houseplants to complete the look.