{"id":1812,"count":132,"description":"

What is a Moroccan rug?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

Colours, symbols and technique<\/h2>\n

The following table provides an overview of the two techniques:<\/p>\n\n\n
Technology<\/th>Feature<\/th>Ideal for<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>\n
Berber (hand-knotted)<\/td>Thick, soft, with a rich texture<\/td>Scandinavian, Japandi, bohemian<\/td><\/tr>\n
Moroccan kilim (woven)<\/td>Thin, graphic, double-sided<\/td>Modern, minimalist, under the dining table<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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<\/a> or the Moroccan kilim<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

How do you choose the right Moroccan rug?<\/h2>\n

First, decide on the size based on the space available, then choose the style to suit your interior. Measure the desired area:<\/p>\n