ZELLIGE TILE STUDIO BRINGS CLARITY TO THE “ZELLIGE” CONVERSATION AT COVERINGS 2026
Las Vegas, NV, April 2026 — As “Zellige-inspired” and “Zellige-look” ceramic products proliferate across the tile industry, Zellige Tile Studio is using its presence at Coverings 2026 to help designers and specifiers better understand the defining characteristics of authentic Moroccan Zellige — and why the distinction matters.
Exclusively dedicated to handmade Moroccan tiles, Zellige Tile Studio partners directly with master artisans in Fes, Morocco, where the craft has been practiced for centuries. Each tile is individually shaped, hand-glazed, and kiln-fired, resulting in the organic variation in tone, texture, and dimension that cannot be replicated through factory pressing or machine cutting.
“At Coverings, we’re not just showcasing tile — we’re educating the market,” says Founder Owice Aittaleb. “Many products today are designed to look like Zellige, but authentic Zellige is not an aesthetic. It’s a craft, a process, and a cultural heritage.”
Zellige Tile Studio highlights four defining qualities that separate authentic Zellige from “Zellige-inspired” alternatives:
- Made by hand, not machine: each tile is shaped and glazed individually, creating natural variation rather than engineered uniformity.
- Sustains a local economy: authentic Zellige supports artisan communities and preserves centuries-old craftsmanship in Morocco.
- Perfectly-imperfect texture: subtle surface irregularities reflect light in dynamic ways, bringing depth and movement to a space.
- Character that deepens over time: handmade clay and glaze develop richness and patina, enhancing the material’s longevity and visual warmth.
While imitation products often prioritize uniformity and large-scale manufacturing, authentic Zellige offers nuance — tonal shifts, slight dimensional differences, and tactile variation that designers increasingly seek as they move toward more natural and artisanal materials.
Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Zellige Tile Studio brings more than 55 years of family heritage in Zellige design, production, and installation to the American design industry. The company maintains a U.S.-based warehouse with over 25 stocked colors in classic 4x4, 2x6, and 2x2 formats, supporting both residential and commercial applications.
Born in Morocco and now based in the United States, Owice Aittaleb bridges traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with contemporary American design needs. His work and the artistry behind Zellige Tile Studio were recently featured on the national PBS series Fork & Hammer, underscoring the enduring relevance of handmade materials in modern interiors.
At Coverings 2026, Zellige Tile Studio invites media, designers, and specifiers to experience the difference firsthand — to touch, compare, and understand how authentic Moroccan Zellige differs from “zellige-themed” alternatives.
Visit Zellige Tile Studio at Booth #978.
About Zellige Tile Studio
Zellige Tile Studio is exclusively focused on authentic, handmade Moroccan Zellige tile. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, the company brings over five decades of family heritage in Zellige craftsmanship to the U.S. market, supporting retailers with stocked inventory, custom solutions, and high-touch trade support. Learn more at zelligetilestudio.com.
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