Bejmat vs Zellige: What's the Difference?

If you're researching Moroccan tile for your next project, you've likely come across two terms that seem to overlap: bejmat and zellige. The short answer is that bejmat is not a separate material, it's a specific shape within the zellige family. Understanding how the two relate will help you choose the right look for your kitchen, bathroom, or backsplash.

What Is Zellige?

Zellige is the umbrella term for handmade Moroccan tile. Each piece is cut and glazed by hand using techniques passed down through generations of artisans, which is why zellige has natural variation in color, texture, and shape from tile to tile. That variation is not a flaw, it's what gives a zellige installation its depth and handmade character.

Zellige comes in many shapes: squares, hexagons, arabesques, and more, in dozens of colors. You can browse the full range in our Zellige tiles collection, which includes over 80 colors and finishes.

What Is Bejmat?

Bejmat is a specific shape of zellige, long and narrow like a brick, rather than a square or hexagon. It's laid in stacked rows or herringbone patterns, creating a linear, rhythmic look that reads as more rustic and architectural compared to standard square zellige.

Because bejmat is made using the same handmade glazing process as the rest of our zellige range, it carries that same subtle color and texture variation piece to piece. You can see our full range of colors and finishes in the Bejmat tiles collection.

Bejmat vs Zellige: Key Differences

Shape Zellige spans many shapes, squares, hexagons, and more. Bejmat is specifically the elongated brick shape.

Pattern Square zellige tiles are typically laid in a grid. Bejmat tiles are laid in stacked rows or herringbone, which creates visible linework and movement across a wall or floor.

Look and Feel Square zellige tends to read as clean and classic. Bejmat has a more textured, rustic feel, closer to traditional brick or plank flooring, but with the glossy handmade glaze of zellige.

Best Uses Square zellige works well for backsplashes, shower walls, and accent walls where you want a more uniform grid. Bejmat is a great choice for flooring, stair risers, and accent walls where you want visual rhythm and a more textured look.

Which Should You Choose?

There's no wrong answer, it comes down to the look you want. If you're after a clean, classic grid of color, our square zellige tiles are the way to go. If you want texture, movement, and a more architectural feel, our bejmat tiles are worth a close look.

Both are handmade using the same traditional glazing methods, so whichever shape you choose, you're getting the same quality and character that defines authentic Moroccan tile.

Not sure which one is right for your space? Order a sample pack from either collection to see the color, glaze, and texture in person before committing to your full order.