Tadelakt Is the Key to a Warm, Organic Bathroom Aesthetic

Sometimes, the latest interior design trend is the best way to solve a decor dilemma—smart home appliances, updated materials, and popular color schemes can really elevate a space. But other times, looking to the past provides the answers you need to update your home and truly make it shine. If you’re looking to give your bathroom a refresh this season, you might be better off opting for traditional over trendy. Enter tadelakt.

Tadelakt is a waterproof plaster finish that first appeared in ancient Morocco, and is now gaining traction here in the U.S. With a beautiful, organic texture that can be dyed to match any decor scheme, tadelakt just might be the secret to the upgraded bathroom design you’ve been looking for.

The material allows for seamless application, and boasts a texture that’s similar to Italian plaster. But because of its waterproof finish, it can be used inside a bathroom in place of tiles on the walls for a rich, sophisticated look.

If this isn’t a material you’ve heard of before, you’re not alone—here’s everything you need to know about the Moroccan material, plus expert tips for integrating it into your own home.

What is tadelakt, and why is it gaining popularity?

Tadelakt dates back thousands of years to ancient Morocco, where it was used to finish bathrooms and saunas (thanks to its waterproof qualities!). Its name means “to rub in” or “massage” in Arabic, a testament to its application process, which is carried on by artisans to this day. Made of natural lime plaster, each treatment is carefully tended to and one of a kind.

“Tadelakt is a waterproof lime plaster, and it has been commonly and traditionally used in Moroccan architecture for the longest time,” says Mehreen Baldoni, creative director of Mehreen Baldoni Interiors. “Due to its waterproof nature, tadelakt/lime plaster was generally used in baths, sinks, interior and exterior walls, ceilings, roofs, and floors.”

Largely due to its water-resistant properties and bespoke, burnished look, tadelakt suddenly seems to be everywhere here in the states—and has made its way into countless applications. According to Baldoni, the material also fits seamlessly into many of today’s trending interior design styles.

“For the present-day interiors, tadelakt can fit into many concepts, may it be to achieve a modern-day, clean-lines Scandinavian-type interior look, or to more organic, earthy, and warm designs,” she says. “Last, but not least, and where it all began, it is perfect for Moroccan-style interiors that ooze maximalism.”

What should you know before you choose tadelakt for your home?

As with any material or finish, it’s important to be aware of tadelakt’s benefits and drawbacks before you rush into a reno. Delving into the positives first, Baldoni says that she loves tadelakt for its durability and versatility—plus its rustic, earthy look that’s unmatched in other materials.

“It can be molded into various shapes, designs, colors, not to mention interior styles,” says Baldoni. “That makes it a popular contender in the ever demanding and evolving world of interiors. Tadelakt is bold and adds character in any space it is used in, especially when it has been dyed in a different color other than white.”

It can also be applied seamlessly, so you don’t have to worry about grout lines (for both aesthetic and upkeep purposes!). Plus, it naturally resists mold and mildew, making it lower-maintenance than many other materials often used in bathroom design. And, because each batch of the product is custom, the application will always be completely unique—who doesn’t love bespoke design?

Despite its numerous upsides, there are limits to what can be paired nicely with tadelakt. Baldoni suggests avoiding wallpaper with large, bold patterns so as not to detract from the material’s texture. Tadelakt can easily lose its appeal if overwhelmed by other features.

Aside from the aesthetics, there are also some practical things to keep in mind before deciding to install tadelakt in your home. For example, slight wear and tear is to be expected for this organic product. Over time, this may require you to replace a large section of the wall (or the entire surface) depending on the extent of natural damage.

“Over the years, tadelakt is prone to cracking, which usually adds to the rustic charm of the interiors it’s used within,” says Baldoni. “The delicate nature of tadelakt is however true up to a certain extent because as the crack widens and looks uninviting, the whole area will need to be replaced since you cannot repair tiny parts of it.”

One way to prevent damage is to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which may harm the material’s waterproof surface, says Baldoni. Instead, use black soap—a specialty product made from olive and vegetable oils—to keep tadelakt in top condition, and invest in other natural cleaning products of your choosing if you’d like to do more upkeep.

When it comes to repair and replacements, tadelakt isn’t as expensive as some imported marbles— but it’s not the most budget-friendly option either. Aside from the material itself, it’s important to get the production process right, so there’s no cutting corners during the lead-up to your renovation.

“Tadelakt is more expensive than entry-level tile or solid surfaces,” says Baldoni. “One also needs to ensure the lime plastering is done by experienced individuals who know what they’re doing. Mixing, polishing, and adding dye to it to create the color of your choice and waterproofing requires skill. If not done properly, it can produce a bad quality product and look.”

Though homeowners need to be aware of its limitations, if properly installed and maintained, tadelakt can last for years. The result is a one-of-a-kind finish that only comes from investing in the work of master artisans.