Product details

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A Wash of Mediterranean Blue: Medina Cornflower Blue Square Handmade Moroccan Zellige Tile

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

Cornflower Blue is a soft, characterful mid-blue that glows against brass and pale timber. Each 10 x 10cm square is hand-glazed in Fez, so the colour pools and lightens across undulating faces - the hallmark of genuine Zellige.

Bring a coastal, sun-warmed feel to bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces. Glazed terracotta for interior walls and light-traffic floors; seal before and after grouting.

Specifications

Product Name: Medina Cornflower Blue Square
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: Cornflower Blue (a soft, characterful mid-blue)
Shape: Square
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: Looks beautiful stacked, brick-bonded or laid in herringbone. 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

Is cornflower blue a traditional Moroccan colour?

Absolutely! Blue is perhaps THE most traditional Moroccan colour after white. Cornflower blue specifically appears throughout Moroccan history—in mosques, palaces, and riads. The colour has spiritual significance and practical benefits, keeping spaces feeling cool. This particular shade has been perfected over centuries. You'll find similar blues in Chefchaouen, Morocco's famous blue city.

Will the blue colour fade?

No, the colour is fired into the glaze, not applied on top. Traditional mineral pigments are permanent when properly fired. Centuries-old Moroccan buildings still display vibrant blue Zellige. Proper sealing and maintenance preserves appearance but the colour itself won't fade. UV exposure doesn't affect fired ceramic colours. This is proven durability over generations.

How much colour variation should I expect?

Significant variation is normal and desirable in handmade tiles. Cornflower blue might range from lighter sky tones to deeper blue-violet. Each tile unique due to hand-glazing and firing. Glaze pooling creates darker areas; thin coverage shows lighter. These variations create the living, breathing surfaces that make Zellige special. Uniformity would indicate machine-made imitation.

Does blue work with warm colour schemes?

Beautifully! Cornflower blue is warm enough to work with terracotta, wood, and cream. The slight violet undertones prevent coldness. Traditional Moroccan design combines blue with warm colours constantly. Think French Provincial—blue and yellow, or Mediterranean—blue and terracotta. The handmade variations add warmth through texture. Many find blue adds refreshing contrast to warm palettes.

Can I mix cornflower blue with other blues?

Yes, though traditionally Moroccan designs use single blue shades with white. Mixing blues creates beautiful depth—lighter and darker creating gradient effects. However, handmade variations within cornflower blue provide natural tonal range. Test combinations as different blues may clash. Many prefer the cohesion of single colour with its natural variations.

Is blue Zellige practical for kitchens?

Very practical with proper installation and sealing. The colour naturally hides water marks and minor stains. Blue has been used in working Moroccan kitchens for centuries. The traditional glaze is durable when protected. Many find blue adds cheerful energy to cooking spaces. The handmade variations camouflage everyday use beautifully.

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