10 Unique Zellige Tile Trend Layouts To Try To Transform Your Space

Zellige tiles are the foundation for a stunning design. You just can't go wrong with glazed terracotta tiles, especially if they're handmade. The artisan way in which the tiles are shaped and sealed gives each piece a unique finish. Despite all coming from the same set, the tiles will slightly vary in color and texture. Using zellige tiles creates a dynamic design, whether it's for your bathroom floor or kitchen backsplash. However, if you're daring to be creative, laying the tile in unique patterns can instantly upgrade the terracotta pieces even more. We have 11 stylish zellige tile patterns, from simple zigzags to striking plaid.

Regular square and rectangle tiles might not be as dynamic as hexagon or scale-shaped tiles, but that can change based on how you lay them. Single grid and stacked layouts are simple. You can elevate things with a brick-style pattern, but even that has been done a million times. For something truly distinct, create eye-catching patterns with the tiles like herringbone or basket weave. Zellige tiles are a great element to get creative with and make stunning designs that will enhance your space.

If you want something distinct but subtle, try a diamond grid lay. It turns the straight grid pattern on its head — literally. The zellige square tiles are set at an angle, doing away with basic horizontal and vertical lines, and inviting diagonals to the party. This layout turns the average four-side tile into a rhombus. The slight tilt can make it seem like you splurged on fancy-shaped tile but it's all plain old 4-by-4s. A diamond grid is not only stylish but it also can make the room appear larger.

You've probably seen the checkerboard style before, where you alternate between two different colors of square tiles. It's a classic pattern that has survived several design eras, and it looks even better with zellige tiles, given the slight color variation of each clay piece. Join the checkered floor trend or create an accent wall. Typically, checkerboard patterns are done with contrasting hues, but if you prefer something more subtle, the style also works with similar shades, like dark and light brown. It complements zellige tile's organic look. Further, the tiles can be laid in a straight or diamond pattern to elevate the design.

If you like the checkerboard look but prefer rectangular tiles, create a similar style by alternating between two different colors of rectangle zellige tiles. It creates visual depth and contrast in your space. You can orient the clay pieces vertically or horizontally for this look. Both styles are chic. The deciding factor really depends on which way you want to draw the viewer's eye. Contrasting colors will create a striking design while similar shades tone down the pattern. You can even add a third or fourth color, offset the alignment, or lay the tile at an angle to add your personal spin.

Basket weave, also known as crosshatch, is a great way to add a timeless pattern to your floor or wall. It starts with smaller rectangular tiles that are stacked to form a larger square. Then, those squares are laid in an alternating vertical to horizontal pattern. It creates a woven design that plays with shape, size, and direction. It can be a busy pattern, especially if you use more than one color. However, since zellige tiles have varying tones, all you need is one color set for a dynamic design.

Herringbone is another unique tile layout people turn to when they want to switch things up. The rectangle tile is laid in a staggered zigzag pattern with the ends meeting at a 90-degree angle. The style creates the illusion of movement and space, making it the ideal tile pattern for any room in your home. It also creates the sense of intentional design, as this style is more complicated to arrange than, say, the checkerboard or diamond grid layout. Lay the herringbone pattern vertically, horizontally, or diagonally for a unique twist.

Chevron is a similar design to herringbone, but instead of staggered ends at 90-degree angles, both ends of the rectangle tile are cut at a 45-degree angle, so they link seamlessly. It forms a smooth zigzag pattern from one end to the other. This style leans more on the clean, minimalist aesthetic with its flawless symmetry and sharp angles. It is ideal for breaking up solid space and creating sleek patterns. However, you can offset the chevron layout and completely change the clean look into a bold one.

Stripes are a slightly bolder option. This is a fun and unique look perfect to pull off with zellige tiles. The pattern is versatile — create the alternating rows using different tile colors, shapes, or sizes. Each stripe can be one, two, or three rows thick or make each stripe a different size for a unique design. You can form vertical, horizontal, or diagonal stripes. Each style can increase visual appeal and create a different effect to make your space feel taller or wider than it actually is.

If you didn't think striped tiles could get any bolder, think again. Offsetting the pattern, breaks up the wall-to-wall look and creates more movement in the design. This style isn't for the faint of heart. It's great for adding a pop to small areas like the shower niche, bathroom backsplash, or mantel shelf. You can also just add one of two offset stripes to your zellige tile design to create a focal point instead of an entire accent wall or patterned floor.

Another play on stripes is to lay the zellige tile in different directions with varying rows of horizontal and vertical tile. It's a more subtle look but still a dynamic design. It's the perfect layout if you rather stick to one color tile and don't want anything cluttered. It's a pattern you can lay across multiple walls or the entire floor, and it won't overwhelm the space. Unless you opt to arrange the alternating rows diagonally, then you might want to save that for just the shower or backsplash, as it can get a little busy.

Plaid tile is not a style you see everyday, but for your zellige tile, it's a stunning look. The interlocking rows and columns is an eye-catching design. It plays well with the handmade tiles given their wave of color tones. This pattern features a different shade for the stripes, the interior rectangle that the stripes make, and for where the stripes overlap. It's a complex design, but well worth the effort, as you're left with a visually stunning layout that complements the zellige tile and the room.