Arabesque Tiles (Design Ideas)

Here we share our gallery of arabesque tiles including kitchen backsplash, bathroom shower and flooring designs.
Arabesque is the design of the tiles; it is an extremely ornamental design containing flowing lines intertwined with each other. Arabesque originates from Arabic and Moorish design, often being a part of scrolls. This design looks organic and had rhythm in its patterns of foliage as well as plain lines.

Now, arabesque tiles take from that idea and style and create tile shapes that can be used as flooring, wall covering and backsplash. These shapes are distinctive and get that from the Middle East, and the arabesque design itself. These tiles are quite ornamental as they radiate movement and rhythm with their delicate curved pattern.

Since arabesque tiles are more determined by their shape than anything else, they come in a various amount of materials. Glass, ceramic, and porcelain mosaic tiles are commonly used when making arabesque tiles.

Arabesque Tile Backsplash

A backsplash is the focal point in most of the kitchens and can be the make or break point for the aesthetics. Often it is the best place to add accent and unique colors and patterns to catch the eye without overwhelming the space. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a functional piece to the kitchen. The backsplash protects the walls in the most used area of the kitchen, offering a cleaner area.

Backsplashes are most commonly done with mosaic tiles. These can be glass, ceramic, porcelain, etc. Typically ceramic or porcelain tiles will need professional installation – and with flooring it is recommended – but for something small like backsplashes you can save a few bucks and complete the project yourself if you have the time and capabilities. This is because thicker tiles will be heavy, but the mosaic tiles will often be small and lighter weight, some even come with a netting on the back for an easy install.

Arabesque tile backsplash can range from $10 to $20 per square foot due to their decorative qualities. Prices vary with the sizes and materials. Installation can also be an added price whether it is professional, or buying the supplies that will be needed to install it yourself.

There is a rise in use of the arabesque tile patterns in recent years for kitchen backsplash. This is because the desire for texture and movement call to the consumers. While this is trendy now, it is good to beware the changing styles and keep in mind the colors that you choose so the backsplash can speak through the pattern and last for years to come. Lucky with backsplashes though, they are relatively easy to swap out if vibrant is something that is on the consumers’ wish list right now.

This kitchen uses gray backsplash to add contrast to its white Shaker style cabinets.

This white kitchen cabinet design is offset by the use of beige granite countertops, beige wall paint and light color Arabesque tile backsplash.

This kitchen has a white tile Arabesque backsplash above the stove top that matches the cabinetry and marble countertops.

Arabesque Tile Shower

You can also use Arabesque tiles in the bathroom shower with appealing results. This tile has a large variety of color options that makes it easy to match with other finishes and decor.

Arabesque tile used in the guest bathroom with matching mosaic tile mirror.

This bathroom shower features floor to ceiling Arabesque tile with a white octagon floor tile and faux marble tile for contrast.

This ensuite bathroom features an interesting wall alcove with Arabesque tile and a Moroccan inspired theme for its design.

Arabesque Floor Tile

Flooring is an integral part of every design and can greatly impact the aesthetic of the space. Flooring can either stand out and be the focal point in the design, or blend to a cohesive look within the space. Adding an arabesque pattern can do either of these two things. Being a focal point with an ornamental design like this is a piece of cake, taking the beautifully shaped tiles and putting them in a unique pattern or choosing vibrant colors, there are even painted tiles that can make for a beautiful floor design.

If there is already another focal point (commonly the backsplash) the arabesque shaped tiles can be selected in a calm neutral stone finish to correlate with the other finishes in the space, grays and beige (and a mix of the two being greige) will be a great addition while not overwhelming the space with pattern, color and texture. Instead it uses its natural beauty and simply is.

Flooring like this is most commonly done with ceramic, or porcelain tiles. Typically ceramic or porcelain tiles will need professional installation – and with flooring it is recommended due to the weight and intricacy. This is because thicker tiles are needed for flooring than backsplash applications.

These pieces also all come separately, which will require proper spacing and cutting of each tile to get the desired look for the flooring. These can range from $15 to $30 per square foot due to their decorative qualities, weight and size needed for flooring. Prices vary with the sizes and materials, but commonly porcelain or ceramic is used.

Installation can also be an added price whether it is professional, or buying the supplies that will be needed to install it yourself, it is highly recommended to use a professional when it comes to installing stone flooring, especially with a tricky pattern such as arabesque.

For more bathroom floor tile ideas visit our gallery page.