Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan Style Rug

A Moroccan style rug is a type of textile floor covering that is traditionally woven bythe people of Morocco. These rugs not only serve a practical purpose by addingwarmth and texture to an area, but they are also beloved by many around theworld who collect them solely for the purpose of decorating their home. This rug is crafted from wool, making it incredibly cozy and comfortable to the touch. Itstufted design features a unique, neat pattern and calming colors, setting itapart from other Moroccan hand-knotted wool rugs. You’ll adore its high pile,too!

Explore the History of Traditional Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan rugs are unique and luxurious, providing an exquisite touch to any area in your home. Woven by Berber women from Northern Africa and Sahara since 622AD, these rugs have been highly treasured, with their original purpose being to adorn palaces and other holy places.From an early age, Berber women passed down the skill of weaving Moroccan rugs to theirdaughters and granddaughters. Generally, these tribal textiles were utilized inthe home for bedding and flooring. Moreover, the designs of the rugs were keptalive through the centuries by skilled weavers.Over time, the Beni Ourain people developed a mastery of rug-making as a craft and awardedthese gorgeous Beni rugs to families of high social standing. The intricatedesigns were created using wool harvested from sheep grazing in the Atlas Mountainsand camel’s hair for added texture.The neutral colors of these Moroccan rugs were beautiful even in their original undyed woolstate, though some artists chose to dye them for a change of hue.The creators of the Moroccan rugs had a superstitious understanding that theirworks of art might draw the attention of evil spirits. To protect their rugs,they would burn the edges as a matter of precaution.Currently, access to these sought-after rugs is as easy as ever. To ensure we areselecting the highest quality items, here are some key factors that we consider.

Characteristics of Moroccan Rugs

The traditional people of Morocco have long been inspired by their exquisite rugs. Distinguished by their rich colors and distinct patterns, it’s easy to
recognize which tribe crafted which rug.Furthermore, each tribe showcased its own unique culture that they expressed throughcustoms. To better understand, let us explore the shared trademarks.

Thickness

The climate of Morocco is a unique one, and as such, rug makers needed to make thicker rugs for cold, high altitude areas such as mountains. Conversely, for warmer, lower elevation places like the Sahara desert, light and flat-weave cloaks provided the best insulation.One type of Moroccan rug is the Beni Ourain, which is woven from sheep wool to provideextra warmth in the cold climate of the Atlas Mountains. Conversely, in theSahara Desert’s warm climate, lighter and thinner Moroccan rugs are produced tohelp keep the inhabitants cool.

Dimensions

The migrations of Moroccans often shaped the dimensions of their woven rugs. Generally, rug sizes are 5-7 feet wide and 3-10 meters in length, making them easy to transport. Nonetheless, custom sizes are possible if a specific area needs to be filled.

Colors and Patterns

Moroccan rugs possess a rare level of uniqueness not found in any other type of rug. Each one is carefully crafted by skillful female artisans of the tribe, using their hands to weave in visual imagery and individual stories. The intention is to relay the creator’s narrative through the piece.The intricacies of Moroccan-style rugs are enriched by the details from differenttribes that produce them. These tribes offer an extensive variety of thesekinds of rugs.

Popular Moroccan Rug Designs

Vintage Moroccan rugs are a sought-after form of art with a rich and captivating history. Their design and weaving techniques provide an endless array of patterns and textures. The most well-known varieties of antique Moroccan rugs include:

Beni Ourain Rugs

These Beni Ourain rugs have a distinctly simple yet elegant style, crafted by the 17 different Berber tribes living in the Atlas Mountains. All of them are crafted from pure wool, making them highly durable and very beautiful.A classic Beni Ourain rug will typically feature a creamy hue, rather than stark white.There may also be subtle hints of black or brown tones, and symbols thatreflect the culture of the tribe. Above all, this type of rug has a wonderfullyplush and inviting texture.

Azilal Rugs

These rugs originate from the high Atlas Mountains and boast bold and bright colors with irregular patterns. They are tangled, thinly peeled rugs created from the natural wool fiber. What’s more, the rugs maintain a natural wool color. However, you can make colorful abstract designs from either dyed wool fibers.Azilal rugs are exquisite pieces of art, capturing the stories and lives of the womenliving in the region. From marriage and childbirth to farming, a wide range ofthemes are expressed in their unique weaving technique. Despite this, theirtexture remains soft and comfortable, creating a perfect addition to any home.

Boucherouite Rugs

The dazzling Boucherouite rugs of Morocco stand out from any other type of rug. These vibrant and eye-catching pieces are created from a variety of materials, including cotton, nylon, and lurex. Wool, once a traditional component, has become more scarce, and artisans have had to find creative ways to work around that. This has led to a unique and truly remarkable type of rug!The goal of this rug design was to bring warmth and comfort to those in places with limited access to wool or for those who couldn’t afford it. Without any specific pattern, these rugs can be arranged in a variety of ways, be it symmetrical or geometric. Despite this, they remain incredibly soft and indulge in vibrant colors which offer both comfort and coziness.

Boujad Rugs

Boujad rugs from Central Plains areas are renowned for their vivid colors, including deep reds, purples, pinks, and oranges. The intricate knit patterns that are characteristic of these rugs are crafted by the Berber tribes, using a tighter knot that requires less wool.Rugs featuring an assortment of geometric designs, created with beautiful naturaldyes including leaves, flowers, berries, and henna, absolutely captivate theeye with their vivid and trendsetting colors.

Beni Mguild Rugs

These thickly-woven rugs, with their fluffy texture, are ideal for keeping out the chill during winter months in the western Atlas Mountains. In addition, they are crafted on a vertical loom to produce beautiful hues of brown, red, purple and blue.Reversing the sides of the Beni Mguild rug depending on the season can be incrediblyuseful; its fluffy side is perfect for keeping warm during colder weather,while the flat surface can be utilized during warmer temperatures. Truly, thisrug can be a great asset to your home.

Mrirt Rugs

The luxuriousness of fibers of high-quality wool, combined with the intense shades, is what makes Moroccan rugs from Beni M’rirt, located in the Middle Atlas, so exquisite. The tribe refers to their creations as “shadow carpets”, crafted with shadows of wool and vegetable colors, instead of patterns.The excellent quality wool used in Mrirt carpets provides a sturdy and durablematerial that is resistant to stains, sound reduction, and flame retardant.Experience the comforting, soft feel of a Mrirt rug – crafted from 100% natural wool, itwill create an atmosphere of warmth and well-being.

Zanafi Rugs

Zanafi rugs are renowned for their simple aesthetic, crafted from 100% organic wool and adorned with geometric patterns. The beauty of these pieces is further enhanced with the fringes on the sides, and may be dyed in a variety of colors.Rugs from the village of Zanafi in Ouarzazate offer a unique quality – they are double-sided! Despite the extreme temperatures of the area, with scorching heat in the summer and freezing cold in the winter, these rugs have stood the test of time. An authentic Zanafi rug is sure to bring life to any space.

Taznakht Rugs

Taznakht rugs have become increasingly popular in recent years because of their wide range of styles and colors. Whether you’re looking for something neutral and simple or something more bold and complex, you’re sure to find the perfect rug for your space. Many of these Moroccan rugs feature a three-dimensional design, created through the combination of embroidery, knotting, and flat weaving techniques. Popular designs often include diamond and triangle shapes.

Kilim Rugs

The nomadic tribes of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco are renowned for their flat-woven kilims. Woven with vibrant colors and intricate designs, these kilims are lightweight and highly durable, making them suitable for both interior and exterior use. Whilst they may not be as fluffy and thick as wool rugs, they are made to be easily packed away and carried by the wandering tribes.

What materials are Moroccan rugs made from?

Often, the rugs crafted by ancient Moroccans varied based on the area in which they were made. For example, those created in the cold, snowy regions of the Atlas Mountains were usually constructed from thick piles of wool, while lighter, flatweave rugs were crafted for areas with hot climates, like the Sahara desert.Now, many Moroccan rugs are being mass-produced with a combination of materials includingwool, nylon, cotton, and olefin.

Why are Moroccan rugs popular?

The intricate tassels, minimalist aesthetics, and dynamic color palettes of these traditional rugs have encouraged their popularity for generations. Designers have been particularly drawn to their bold geometric patterns and unique art designs, making them one of the hottest trends in home decor.In addition to their remarkable attractiveness, simplicity, and primitive quality, whichattracts many collectors, these items create a playful atmosphere thatperfectly complements any type of home décor. Furthermore, their soft andcomfortable texture gives a pleasant sensation on your skin.Creating a harmony between your Moroccan rug and the rest of your space requires a specialkind of eye. A professional designer will ensure that all aspects of the roomcome together to form a cohesive design, from the rug to the smallest detaillike placemats, table linens, duvet coverings, and more. They’ll also make surethe colors and textures blend perfectly with the furniture, wall art, and evenoutdoor furniture. With a professional designer, you can be sure that yourMoroccan rug will become a beautiful addition to the room.

How to clean a Moroccan rug

Taking care of a Moroccan rug is a straightforward task. A few simple steps are all that’s needed to maintain the beauty and durability of your hand-crafted traditional rug. With the proper cleaning and care, your Moroccan rug will shine for years to come.

Step 1: Locate an area that is suitable for cleaning the rug. Step 2: Hang the rug on a clothesline and vacuum it to ensure the best possiblecleaning results. This will help to remove any dirt or dust particles. Step 3: Begin by laying the Moroccan rug on a flat, clean surface. Then, add water tothe rug and sprinkle a small amount of laundry detergent or a mild soap overthe fabric. Using your hands, gently massage the fibers of the rug to create afoam on the surface. This process will make cleaning the rug easier and help topreserve its color and shape for long-term use. Step 4: Once done scrubbing, use clean water to give the rug a complete rinse. Step 5: Take your Moroccan rug and hang it on a line outside. Sunlight will help torevive its softness and shine, so leave it hanging until it’s completely dry.Avoid using a dryer machine, as the heat may cause wrinkles or damage the rug.

Tips for keeping your Moroccan rug clean

• Tomaintain the rug in its best condition, it is important to vacuum it frequently to eliminate dust and help it keep its shine. Sprinkling a small amount of baking soda to eliminate any unpleasant aromas. • To keep your rug safe from your cats, apply a very small amount of vinegar to it.

How are Moroccan rugs made?

In Morocco, the carefully crafted rugs are made by expert artisans from different tribes. The modern Berbers employ loop pile construction for mass-production, which is similar to the traditionally employed tying and weaving process. The outcome of the hand-knotting technique gives rugs a distinctive appearance. The production of the wool begins in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, where the wool is obtained from the sheep. Then, the wool is scoured and cleaned to remove any natural oils it may contain.

Once the wool has been collected, it is manually twisted to make yarn. This intricate process transforms the wool into fibers that are perfect for weaving. The fibers are then expertly spun to create a strong and durable material.

At the next stage of the rug-making process, skilled artisans expertly knot the fibers to form beautiful, intricate patterns. To complete the intricate design, natural dyes are added to add colors and bring the rug to life.

Have you ever been curious about the length of time it takes to produce a Moroccan rug? The intricate process requires a variety of steps to be completed before the final product is ready. Talented weavers must spend multiple days creating the designs, spinning the wool yarn, and knotting each pile – the entire venture typically takes around two to three weeks. In the end, all of their hard work pays off in the form of a magnificent masterpiece.

How to tell a Moroccan rug is authentic

If you’re looking to purchase a Moroccan rug for either fashion or home decor, it’s essential to know the tell-tale signs that what you’re buying is real. To ensure you’re not disappointed in the future, we have a few tips and tricks that you can use to authenticate Moroccan rugs.

• When buying a Moroccan rug, make sure it is crafted from natural fibers like sheep wool or cotton threads.

• Ensure that it has a soft texture and a sheen.

• Uncover the city or tribe who made it and opt for a handmade rug over a machine-made one.

• To determine if the rug is genuine, burn a string from it; if it catches fire, it’s likely a fake.

• It is important to note that authentic Berber rugs may be pricey, so be wary of cheaper options and do your research before making a purchase.

Moroccan Rug Price Range

Many people often inquire about the cost of an authentic Moroccan rug. However, the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. Similar to their Persian and Turkish counterparts, there are many variables that can affect the price, such as the style, design, material used, age and place of origin. Thus, accurately determining the cost can be quite difficult.
Morroccanrugs.com offers a vast inventory of Moroccan rugs that can give you insight into the cost of the best quality rugs on the market. Shop with us to find out more.

Final Words

If you desire to take your space to the next level, get yourself a luxurious Moroccan rug! These delicate works of art are handcrafted and boast a wealth of styles, from minimalism to that new-age boho look. Not only will they add to the aesthetic of your home, but they guarantee a level of comfort and sophistication that will be sure to make an impression. Upgrade your interior decor today with a high-quality Moroccan rug!
The artwork found in Moroccan style rugs is truly one-of-a-kind and beyond a mere decoration. Featuring intricate patterns, fascinating designs, and vibrant colors, these pieces of art can bring an extra level of character to any home. We hope our guide has helped you gain a better understanding of the mesmerizing allure that these rugs have to offer.