Wondering if arabesque tile is timeless – or outdated?
You’re not alone. This is a common question among designers and homeowners who are considering using arabesque pattern tile as a wall or floor covering.
After all, arabesque pattern tiles were ultra-trendy just a few years ago (peaking in popularity during the years of 2016-2021). During this time, the modern farmhouse aesthetic, popularized by interior designers like Joanna Gaines, frequently incorporated arabesque tiles into kitchen backsplash and bathroom designs. Arabesque tiles added a touch of soft, rustic charm that was a core feature of the modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Modern Farmhouse Style Kitchen with Floating Lanterns Waterjet Mosaic Tile Backsplash
In addition, an increased interest in global and Mediterranean-inspired designs during the latter half of the 2010s, brought elements of Moroccan, Turkish, and Spanish decorative arts into contemporary U.S. homes. Arabesque tiles, with their origins in traditional Middle Eastern and southern European art and architecture, became a detailed, eye-catching design element to feature in global-inspired interior designs.
However, the arabesque tile style has a long, enduring history that transcends any recent interior design trends.
The Origins of Arabesque Decorative Patterns
Arabesque designs (characterized by a linear, recurring pattern of geometric shapes or curvilinear lines) first appeared in Islamic art and architecture over 1,000 years ago, likely during the 10th century. Scrolling, interlacing ornamental motifs, including stylized leaves, flowers, and vines, are often incorporated into traditional arabesque designs. An arabesque pattern can be continuously repeated as often as desired. According to surface pattern designer and historian Bärbel Dressler, “The Arabesque pattern style has a complex structure, which usually consists of a single design, or tile, (not necessarily square) which is reflected and rotated and seamlessly repeated to cover a surface.”
Stone relief with arabesques of tendrils and palmettes in the Umayyad Mosque of Damascus, Syria. Photo Credit: Jan Smith from Brisbane, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Vegetal and geometric arabesque pattern designs are an important part of Islamic culture and history. Between the 10th century and present day, arabesque mosaic tiles and decorative art have been used in mosques, palaces, and other important structures in various countries throughout the Middle East, Central and South Asia, and southern Europe including Morocco, Spain, Turkey, Iran, and India. Historically and culturally significant buildings with arabesque style art and tilework include the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul, Turkey; the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco; the Taj Mahal in Agra, India; and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan, Iran.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, Isfahan, Iran. Photo Credit: J.salehifar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The repeating geometric or vegetal arabesque patterns in Islamic art and architecture are often seen to be symbolic of a vast and expansive universe created by God. Other interpretations indicate that arabesque designs signify both “the infinity of God and the impermanence of earthly objects.”
According to art historian Wijdan Ali, “In an arabesque composition, every space is filled, and the pattern can extend endlessly, symbolizing eternity. One leaf or flower grows out of the other without beginning or end; as such, this design is capable of almost endless variation without losing its effectiveness.”
Floral arabesque Iznik tile from Turkey, circa 16th century. Photo Credit: Louvre Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Arabesque Designs in European Art & Architecture
Arabesque stonework appeared in Europe by the mid-15th century. The Alhambra in Granada, Spain (built between 1238 and 1358 and considered a masterpiece of Moorish architecture) features intricate arabesque mosaic tiles and arabesque tapestries. Arabesque tilework and decorative art was also used in the Mudejar style architecture in Spain, which blended Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles with Islamic ornamental motifs.
Wall arabesques in Patio de los Leones in the Alhambra of Granada, Spain. Photo Credit: Jebulon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
By the 15th century, arabesque designs had also begun to appear in European decorative arts (including frescoes and textiles). Floriated or foliated scrolls (aka floral scrolls and scrolls with leaves shown in varying degrees of profusion along the stems) were a defining feature of Italian Renaissance arabesque designs. Birds, human figures, and even beasts were often included in western arabesque designs.
Spanish or Italian Silk & Metal Thread Textile with Birds, Leaves and Arabesques. Circa 14th century. Photo Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Some art scholars believe that western style arabesques were influenced more by ancient Greek and Roman grotesque designs than Islamic art and architecture. However, the appearance of arabesque patterns in Islamic art and architecture has itself been attributed to Hellenistic craftsmen working in Asia Minor, whose own work was informed by the artistic traditions of ancient Greece.
Nonetheless, the term “arabesque” is thought to be a French word (originating in the 17th or 18th century) for “intricate ornament” that is derived from the Italian word arabesco, which means something like "ornament in the Arabic style.” Arabesque patterns were sometimes used in French neoclassical architecture (such as monuments in the English Gardens of the Palace of Versailles, designed by Richard Mique) during the 18th century.
During the 19th century, prominent designers like William Morris employed floral arabesque elements in textile patterns. Morris, a founder of the British Arts and Crafts movement, was inspired by Islamic arabesques and Renaissance scroll patterns.
Arabesque Mosaic Tiles in the 20th-21st Centuries
Throughout the 20th-21st centuries, arabesque designs have appeared in decorative art and architecture in Europe and North America. A popular contemporary arabesque motif for textiles and wall and floor coverings is the arabesque lantern shape, a sinuous, curvilinear shape inspired by traditional Moroccan lanterns. This pattern is especially popular in tilework and has cycled in and out of fashion over time. Arabesque lantern tiles were used for the Bueller family’s kitchen backsplash in the 1986 classic movie, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. They were also a frequent feature of modern farmhouse style kitchens, which were popular during the latter half of the 2010s.
Signature elements of modern farmhouse style kitchens and bathrooms include covering materials such as shiplap, reclaimed wood, and natural stone. Marble arabesque lantern tile is often incorporated into luxury modern farmhouse homes (typically used as a framed feature tile over the stove or kitchen backsplash).
Kitchen with Farmhouse Sink & Arabesque Marrakech Tile Backsplash
Today, arabesque lantern mosaic tiles and other arabesque pattern tiles are often incorporated into Moroccan, cottage, and coastal style kitchen designs to accentuate arches and other architectural curves and provide visual interest and symmetry. Contemporary arabesque pattern tiles are less ornate and more streamlined than the traditional arabesque designs of the past. They tend to feature curvilinear lines in simple, repeating motifs (such as interlocking Moroccan style lanterns or quatrefoil clovers). Tiles featuring intricate arabesque floral and leaf motifs, including Turkish Iznik style tiles, are less common these days. However, they are still occasionally used to add a traditional, global-inspired look to North American interiors.
Contemporary Arabesque Tile: Trendy, Outdated – or Something Else Altogether?
While arabesque tiles fall in and out of fashion, especially as a kitchen backsplash tile, they’re never really outdated. In fact, we believe arabesque pattern tiles are a timeless choice for a kitchen or bathroom backsplash. Because of their rich history and classic curvilinear design, they never truly go out of style. Contemporary arabesque tile designs include 3D arabesque tiles and mixed material arabesque tiles that incorporate luxe accents such as mother of pearl and antique mirror glass along with natural stone.
Butler’s Pantry with Antique Mirror & Carrara Venato Marble Mosaic Tile Backsplash
Mosaic tiles like arabesque pattern tiles are functional art for your home or business. The profound, enduring history of arabesque tiles make them a beautiful, timeless covering material that emphasizes the design principles of symmetry, harmony, and unity. Arabesque lantern tiles can also be used to accentuate or complement any curves and arches that appear in the architecture of your home. The sleek, symmetrical curves of arabesque pattern tiles can also help soften a kitchen or bathroom design. Colorful glass arabesque tiles can add visual interest and movement to a backsplash or accent wall.
Interested in adding arabesque pattern tile to your own home? Check out our curated collection of arabesque pattern tiles or visit our Pinterest page for elegant arabesque tile design ideas.
