Moroccan Rug

What is a Moroccan rug?

A Moroccan rug stems from a centuries-old weaving tradition. Amazigh women in the Atlas Mountains have been making these rugs for centuries, originally for their own use at home and later also for trade. Two main techniques coexist: the knotted Berber rug with a thick, soft pile, and the flat-woven Moroccan kilim without a pile, which is thin and can be used on both sides.

Each tribe and region developed its own style. Berber tribes such as the Beni Ouarain and Beni Mguild weave in the Middle Atlas. The Beni Ouarain are known for an ivory-white base with geometric lines; the Beni Mguild also use this ivory-white base, but likewise produce coloured rugs with dark base colours, which is the most obvious visual difference between the two. In the High Atlas, near the Azilal region, colourful, free-form patterns emerge. Around Beni Mellal, the Boujaad is woven, featuring warm shades of pink and ochre. This regional distinction cuts across both weaving techniques.

Colours, symbols and technique

The following table provides an overview of the two techniques:

Traditionally, Moroccan wool is not always dyed: the natural materials and colours range from ivory to dark grey. Where dyeing does take place, it has traditionally been done using plant-based dyes such as madder for red, indigo for blue and, for yellow, sometimes saffron. The patterns are often symbols of fertility, protection or family history, passed down from weaver to weaver. These symbols are usually most prominent in older and vintage rugs. Take a look at the Berber rug or the Moroccan kilim.

Incidentally, the following applies to both techniques: if you are laying the rug on underfloor heating, check with the underfloor heating manufacturer to see whether rugs are permitted. A thin kilim allows heat to pass through; a thickly knotted Berber rug, on the other hand, traps heat.

How do you choose the right Moroccan rug?

First, decide on the size based on the space available, then choose the style to suit your interior. Measure the desired area:

• 3-seater sofa: 200 x 300 cm is the standard choice.
• Corner sofa or large dining set: 240 × 340 cm or 300 × 400 cm.
• Bedroom: 170 x 240 cm next to a double bed.
• Hall or kitchen: a runner or a rug measuring up to 150 x 200 cm, preferably a kilim because of its low pile.

Colour and style are dictated by the décor. A colourful Azilal suits a bohemian interior, provided you combine it with understated, plain furniture so that the patterns stand out. An ivory-white Beni Ouarain or a simple, single-colour kilim suits a Scandinavian or minimalist interior. A graphic Moroccan kilim with clean lines works well on a wooden or concrete floor.

What determines the price?

Prices range from €468.95 to €2,917.00, and the main factor affecting the price is the size. Within the same weaving technique, the following rule applies: a 150x100 cm Beni Ouarain such as the Hugo or Paolo costs €468.95, whilst a 285x185 cm rug such as the Fleur costs €1,749.95. Large 300x200 cm Boujaad rugs are priced at around €1,649.95.

Why order from Houseify?

We offer free delivery throughout the EU, a 30-day returns policy and a standard warranty. We check every Moroccan rug before dispatch.

As each rug is handmade by weavers in Morocco, no two are exactly the same.

• Free delivery to all countries in Europe.
• 30-day returns policy, from any country.
• A 2-year statutory guarantee on all rugs, and a 10-year Signature guarantee on our own Signature Berber collection; the terms and conditions can be found on the guarantee page.

As well as Moroccan rugs, you’ll find in the a wider range of rugs other types of rugs to compare them with, including in terms of material, colour and the room they’re for.