Why Use Stunning Moroccan Tile In Your House

by John Laporte on May 4, 2010

Moroccan tiles have been used throughout the Islamic world for more than one thousand years, but it has only been recently that the west is catching onto the dazzling designs that can be put into your home. The tiles are known for their durability, vibrant colors and intricate decoration that can lend your home an air of exoticism.

Throughout the centuries the Moroccan tiles have been made exclusively by hand. These days there are some mass produced tiles that are on the market, but the industry has largely withstood modernization and most tiles are still produced using the same techniques that have been handed down over generations. The careful training that it takes for the artisans to become proficient in the production of the tiles means that every tile is high quality and long lasting as well as being very beautiful.

The tiles have been used in the Islamic world for a very long time and they are often referred to as Moorish tiles, Spanish tiles or Arabesque tiles. The main colors that are used in the different styles of tile are turquoise, blues, yellows, whites and oranges.

One of the great things about the tiles is that not only are they beautiful, but they are also very strong. That means that you can safely use these tiles in high traffic areas such as floors and they will be able to withstand the force they are placed under. You will quite often see these tiles used with terracotta pavers in flooring and in wall designs in bathrooms and kitchens. They can also be used very effectively in outdoor dining and entertainment areas, swimming pools and spas. The can be very effective acting as window borders that make the windows stand out.

There is more than one kind of Moroccan tile that is available. One of the popular types is the chiseled tile and these are made through a process that involves double baking of the tile. First the tile is baked, then the tile is painted and has designs chiseled into it by hand, following this it is baked again at a very high temperature in order to seal the tile and make it stronger. They are often painted with burgundy, yellow or blue and will be paired with terracotta filler tiles around the home.

The glazed Moroccan tiles are different to the chiseled tiles, but also extremely attractive. They are first baked and then the artisan paints fine floral or geometric designs on the tiles, which are then re-baked to seal the tile. These tiles are very intricate and involve a lot of skill and precision in the artist. Since most of these are still made by hand you are getting a unique piece of art with each tile.

Mosaics are also widely employed in Moroccan designs and they use small tiles to create interesting designs that are stunning and unique. Mosaics are usually placed on floors, fountains or walls in traditional Moroccan houses and they are becoming a popular option for bathrooms, foyer areas and outdoor entertaining areas.

If you are interested in having Moroccan tiles put into your home, then you can either buy the tiles yourself to do the job personally, or you can hire experts in the use of Moroccan tile to do the job for you. The end product will give you an exotic and beautiful area of your home that feels unique and creative.

Moroccan tiles are super fashionable and a must-have decoration for every home. Check out our fabulous online guide to top Moroccan tiles now for the ultimate inside scoop.

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