Are you looking for a new authentic Moroccan rug for your home? If so, you may be wondering what style of Moroccan rug is the best fit for your room. There are many different options available, and it can be tricky to choose the right one to decorate your space. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of Moroccan rugs and help you decide which one is right for you!
Where do these rugs come from?
Morocco is a beautiful country located in North-Western Africa. The country is known for its beaches, traditional songs, delectable cuisine, rich history, diverse heritage, and of course exquisite handmade rugs. Moroccan rugs, also called Amazigh rugs, are known for their asymmetrical beauty. Morocco has traditional tribal rug designs, highly prized by Western collectors for their exotic beauty. Traditional Moroccan rugs were woven by indigenous tribes to be used in homes and tents for decorative purposes. Most of these rugs come from the regions around the Atlas Mountains.
Berber Rug
The Berber rug is one of the most popular types of Moroccan rugs. Berber rugs are named after the tribe that makes them such as Beni Ourain or Beni Mrirt. In the same way that Switzerland is famous for its watchmaking heritage, these tribes are famous for the high-quality soft and luxurious rugs they have produced over the centuries. Berber rugs are a living connection to Morocco’s ancient Moorish culture with its antique architecture of Medina, sculptures of Marrakech, and the royal soupçon of Andalusia.
Traditionally, Berber carpets are made from soft wool and have a neutral color base (ivory, grey, ochre) with black or brown geometric lines and pair well with minimalist decor and neutral tones. They are perfect for adding warmth and texture to any room while complementing your home decor. Berber carpets have the highest quality and durable construction, making them heirloom rugs that will last a lifetime.
The Beni Ourain
This is undoubtedly the most famous Berber rug in Morocco. Known for their excellent quality, the ultra soft texture of the Beni Ourain is achieved by selecting sheep from the highest altitude of the Atlas Mountains. The wool is untreated and unbleached, so it has a very natural look and the soft pile feels ultra plush beneath your feet. Beni Ourain area rugs often feature simple geometric designs with neutral color combinations. Many of these Berber carpets are handwoven on traditional looms by the Beni Ourain peoples from the Rif Mountains near Taza.
There is a reason why Beni Ourain rugs continue to lead in popularity. These rugs are easy to style and the neutral color combinations and simplistic patterns make a Beni Ourain the ideal base to compliment any type of decor. The handmade charm of a Beni Ourain injects much-needed tactility into home interiors.
The Beni Mrirt
Although similar to the Beni Ourain, the Beni Mrirt is the more luxurious rug of the two Benis. The Beni Mrirt is softer, denser, and defined by it’s double knotted Berber weaving technique. They are known for their bold geometic patterns, vibrant colours and opulent finish.
The Beni Mrirt rug is a Berber carpet that gets its name from the Berber tribes who weave it. The Beni Mrirt are an indigenous mountain tribe located in the Middle Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. This region is famous for producing some of the finest Moroccan rugs.
The Beni Mrirt rug is a great choice for anyone looking to elevate their space with a classic, very luxurious and durable Moroccan rug.
The Boujad
Another popular type of Moroccan rug is the Boujad rug. These rugs are known for their vibrant colors and are characterized by the use of free and asymmetrical shapes, inspired by tribal symbols and the weaver’s creativity. These rugs are living works of art and are diverse in color composition and weave. This makes each Boujad rug unique and no two are ever the same.
Boujad rugs are handmade in and around the town of Boujad, in Morocco. As with all rugs, the Boujad rug represents the weaver, where her story is expressed in the rich geometric patterns, and varying colors, often pinks, reds, and purples. Over time these rugs soften in color resulting in extracting some of the natural Lanolin oil contained in the fibers to produce a beautiful finish.
Rarely reproduced, Boujad rugs are desirable collector’s items. Considered a true Moroccan magnum opus of rugs, authentic Vintage Boujads show the wisdom and elegance that only comes with age. This makes Boujad rugs a true centerpiece in any room and the pride of your home.
The Boucherouite (Boucher) Rug
Boucherouite is a Moroccan term for “rag”. Typically, these colorful accent pieces are hand-knotted from a variety of recycled materials and textiles. Boucherouite carpets are essential decorative items and, if you’re looking for something to brighten up your home, then a Boucherouite rug is for you!
Boucherouite rugs have proven themselves to be very successful mainly because they feature bold designs, unique patterns, bright colours, imperfection, and authenticity. The motifs represent the creative talents that Moroccan women have developed according to their imagination and historical context.
These chunky, funky, colorful, and fun rugs are a fun way to make a child's bedroom glow! You can even choose Boucherouites for creating romance in your hallway or bathroom in an unexpected way.
The Azilal Rug
The combination of bright colors used in Boujad rugs combined with the interesting patterns found in Beni Ourain rugs is a dead giveaway for an authentic Azizal Rug. Azilal rugs are woven by hand and sourced in the Azilal region Morocco. They are usually horizontally woven using a gridded line of knots.
The bold geometric tribal designs are almost always used on a cream or white background. The indigenous patterns using traditional nomadic Berber tribal motifs and color palettes make Azilal carpets truly one-of-a-kind. This is a unique modern artwork that will make any room in your home incredibly beautiful. The finished product is a luxurious, handmade item that you will be proud to own for many years to come.
Kilim Rugs
Moroccan Kilims are another popular option. These flat woven tapestry rugs are hand-knotted from wool and cotton and typically feature geometric designs and three-dimensionality by varying the knotting techniques.
Kilim, a word of Turkish origin, denotes a pileless textile of many uses produced by one of several flat weaving techniques that have a common or closely related heritage and are practiced in the geographical area that includes parts of Turkey (Anatolia and Thrace), North Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia, and China.
There are regional differences in styles, design, and color. For example, the kilims woven in the warm south of Morocco use abundantly brighter colors such as yellow and saffron, shades less visible in the north. In addition to colors patterns and symbols also differ from one region to another. For instance, Moroccan Zanafi Kilim rugs such as the ones we carry in the store, stand out with their original weaving technique often out of two colors (black and ivory) of yarn and ornamented with 3D geometric details and fringes on their sides. The luxurious flat weave of Zanafi Kilim rugs means that they pair well with minimalist decor in neutral tones.
Vintage Moroccan Rugs
If you are looking for a more unique option, you may want to consider vintage Moroccan rugs. Each one is carefully cleaned and repaired by experts. Vintage Moroccan rugs are perfect for adding a touch of history to any room! If you are looking for a vintage Moroccan rug, be sure to keep an eye out for those that feature Berber designs. These vintage rugs are often more expensive than other types of Moroccan rugs, but they are well worth the price!
How much should you pay for a Moroccan Rug?
This is a difficult question to answer, as there are so many factors to consider. The styles, size of the rug, the materials used, the design, and the age of the rug all play a role in determining its value. In general, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1200 to $10,000 for a Moroccan rug.
One of the reasons why Moroccan rugs are so expensive is because they are entirely handmade using weaving techniques that have not changed in decades. Each rug is a work of art with intricate patterns, and it takes the perfected skill of several women and around a month of weaving to create one area rug. Additionally, the materials used in these rugs are often very expensive. Wool and cotton are both high-quality materials, so it makes sense that rugs made from these materials would be more expensive. These rugs are worth the investment, as they will last for many years!
Finding Authentic Moroccan Rugs
When shopping for Moroccan rugs, it is important to find a reputable dealer. There are many inauthentic replicated Moroccan rugs on the market, so you want to make sure that you are getting a genuine product. Here are some tips to determine if a rug is authentic or not:
- A good way to tell if a rug is authentic is to look at the materials used. Authentic Moroccan rugs are usually made from wool or cotton, so if the rug you are considering is made from another material, it is likely a fake.
- Another way to tell if a rug is authentic is to look at the design. Authentic Moroccan rugs feature traditional designs, while fake rugs often have more modern designs.
- Pay attention to the product description. Due to great demands for these carpets, you will find fake rugs being sold by even major retailers under the name “Berber style carpet or Moroccan style rugs.”
- Hand-knotted rugs will also have slight imperfections. A simple test is to flip the rug over and check the knotting pattern on the back. The knotting on the back should be irregular. If it looks too symmetric and "perfect" it is most likely machine-woven and mass-produced.
It is important to remember that not all Moroccan rugs are created equal. There are many different types of rugs, each with its unique characteristics. You should take the time to research the different options before making a purchase.
At Mararamiro we hand pick and source only authentic hand-knotted carpets that are easily distinguishable from machine-made reproductions.
How To Care For Your Moroccan Rug
Once you have your Moroccan rug, it is important to take care of it properly. These rugs are delicate and should be treated with respect. Here are a few tips for keeping your rug in good condition:
- Vacuum regularly to remove everyday dirt.
- Blot any spills immediately and spot clean with a gentle detergent. For dried residue, scrub with a gentle brush to loosen, then vacuum.
- To ensure your Moroccan rug will look great for years to come, we recommend using a good quality underpad. This will help reduce wear and tear and also make your rug feel even more plush under your feet.
- Avoid exposing your rug to direct sunlight. The sun can cause the colors of the natural dyes to fade over time.
- Have your rug professionally cleaned at least once a year. This will keep it looking its best!
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your Moroccan rug will last for many years! These rugs are a beautiful addition to any home, and they are definitely worth the investment.
Choosing The Right Moroccan Rugs For You
So, which type of Moroccan rug should you add to your shopping bag? The warm tones of a Beni Ourain or Berber styles are perfect for adding a touch of color to any room. Boujad rugs are perfect for those who want a more vibrant look. Kilim rugs are perfect for those who want a more subdued look. There are some Boucherouite out there that are just stunning masterpieces of modern art. No matter which type of rug you choose, you are sure to add a touch of beauty to your home!
Now that you know more about the different types and styles of Moroccan rugs, you can start shopping for the perfect one for your home!
