Product details

Product story

Arched and Atmospheric: Medina Cloudy White Belen Handmade Moroccan Zellige Tile

Authentic handmade Moroccan Zellige from Hyperion Tiles, your official Fired Earth stockist.

The rounded Belen profile meets the soft, grey-clouded Cloudy White glaze for a wall full of gentle shadow and shade. Each 10 x 10cm tile is hand-formed in Fez, its arched top and undulating surface catching light in a way that shifts through the day.

Perfect for scalloped feature walls, borders and half-moon patterns with a calm, muted palette. Glazed terracotta for interior walls and light-traffic floors; seal before and after grouting.

Specifications

Product Name: Medina Cloudy White Belen
Brand: Fired Earth
Collection: Medina
Material: Handmade Moroccan Zellige - glazed terracotta, made in Fez
Finish: Glossy hand-applied glaze with natural undulation and shade variation
Colour: Cloudy White (a soft off-white with gentle grey clouding)
Shape: Belen (rounded, arched-top profile)
Tile Size: 10 x 10 x 1.2cm
Coverage: Approx. 100 tiles per square metre
Sealing: Required - seal before and after grouting (porous terracotta body)
Suitability: Interior walls and light-traffic interior floors; not suitable for exterior use
Availability: Usually in stock; some formats on a short lead time

Installation & care

Installation & care

  • Adhesive & Grout: Fix with a suitable flexible tile adhesive and allow 2-3mm joints for the handmade edges. A pale, coordinating grout flatters the glaze.
  • Layout Options: Arrange as fish-scale, half-moon or scalloped borders. Mix tiles from several boxes as you work for a naturally balanced finish.
  • Cleaning & Sealing: Seal before and after grouting, then wipe clean with a pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh or acidic products that can dull the glaze.
Samples

Tone, glaze and veining all read differently in your own light. Cut samples are free — sample postage is £4.99 (£8 for Original Style) and we refund it on tile orders over £50 with the code we email you. Our family-run team is happy to check quantities and finishes with you on 01344 620211.

Delivery

In-stock orders are dispatched within 3–5 working days, with express options available. Special-order and made-to-order ranges carry their own lead time, shown on the product page and confirmed when you order. Pallet, slab, large-format and bathware orders travel on a specialist off-load service — we confirm the timescale and book a date that suits you before dispatch.

Delivery is calculated at checkout from your order and postcode (we do not offer showroom collection) and UK delivery is free on orders over £1,000 on most ranges. For pallet deliveries please tell us about access issues in advance — low trees or bridges, narrow roads or gateways, gravel drives, or no turning or unloading space — as a re-delivery charge may apply if we cannot complete delivery.

When your order arrives

Please check your delivery as soon as it arrives. Once goods are unloaded they become the responsibility of the receiver, so if anything isn’t right, contact us within three working days and we’ll put it right quickly.

Returns

Unused, complete orders can be returned within 14 days of delivery; as tiles are picked and packed to your quantity, a restocking fee of 20–30% applies depending on the range. Fired Earth ranges are returned through Fired Earth’s own returns process, and special-order items are non-returnable unless damaged on delivery or faulty. Ordering a free sample first is the simplest way to avoid a return.

Product Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Zellige different from regular tiles?

Everything! Zellige is completely handmade—hand-formed clay, hand-glazed, hand-fired. This creates unique characteristics: irregular edges, surface undulations, colour variations, and glaze depth impossible in machine-made tiles. Each tile is genuinely unique. The traditional techniques create luminosity and character that mass production cannot replicate. It's functional art with centuries of history.

Are irregular edges a defect?

Absolutely not—they're the hallmark of authentic Zellige! Perfectly straight edges would indicate machine cutting, not handmade craftsmanship. The irregularities create organic grout lines that are part of Zellige's distinctive appearance. This is what distinguishes genuine Moroccan Zellige from imitations. Embrace these variations as evidence of human craftsmanship.

How much variation should I expect?

Considerable variation is normal and desirable. Colours range across cloudy white spectrum—pure white, pearl, soft grey. Size variations of 2-3mm are typical. Surface undulations create different heights. Glaze pooling varies per tile. These variations create Zellige's living, breathing surfaces. If you want uniformity, Zellige isn't appropriate—it's about celebrating handmade character.

Is Zellige practical for modern use?

Yes, with proper installation and maintenance. Zellige has decorated functioning fountains and hammams for centuries. Modern sealers provide excellent protection. The glazed surface cleans well. Many restaurants and hotels use Zellige successfully. It requires more care than machine-made tiles but rewards with unmatched character and beauty.

Can I install Zellige myself?

Professional installation strongly recommended. Zellige requires specific techniques—soaking tiles, managing variations, appropriate cutting methods. Experienced installers know how to create beautiful installations from handmade variations. DIY installation risks disappointing results from this premium material. The investment in professional installation ensures Zellige's beauty is fully realised.

Will Zellige date or go out of style?

After 1000+ years, Zellige remains timeless. The handmade character transcends trends—it's about craftsmanship, not fashion. Cloudy white is particularly versatile, working with changing décor over decades. Quality materials with genuine heritage never truly date. Zellige adds lasting value through authentic character that ages beautifully.

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