Moroccan Rugs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Overview
    One of the main reasons why people love Moroccan rugs is their diversity, from colourful Kilims to the vibrant Boucherouites. Each type tells its own story of origin, design and purpose. These carpets are made by local artisans using natural dyes extracted from plants. Some carpets are woven, while others are knotted. A Moroccan rug is an authentic piece of art and culture. Made by hand, each rug features unique patterns and colours. Moroccan carpets come in different colours, patterns, textures, sizes, shapes and designs. The West's current fascination with Moroccan tribal rugs extends back to the 1950s when designers embraced bold geometries and even bolder palates as counterpoints to form–follows–function interiors. Each Rug is woven by hand using natural dyes and materials. Rugs are made in rural areas and are not mass-produced. Each Moroccan rug takes months to complete, and each piece has its distinct pattern. These rugs are perfect for any room in your house, including living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and even outdoor spaces like patios and porches.
  • Vintage Moroccan Rugs

    Vintage rugs are very different from modern rugs. Modern rugs are made to last for decades, while vintage rugs are often made to last for generations. These rugs are not mass-produced, and many are unique works of art. Vintage rugs are usually made by local artisans using techniques passed down through generations.

    Vintage rugs were usually made in the early 1900s. They were made using natural dyes and materials. These rugs are very colourful and often made with wool, cotton, silk and other natural fibres. Vintage rugs are not necessarily older than 50 years. Some people call any Moroccan rug made before 1950 vintage, while others say anything made after 1970 is considered modern.

  • History of Moroccan Rugs

    Morocco is an ancient country located in North Africa. Its history dates back thousands of years. 

    Morocco has many different tribes and ethnic groups and many types of rugs, with each tribe producing them differently. 

    The country's population is a mix of Arabs and Berbers, with Berbers making up the majority in the countryside.

    Rug design is an ancient art form. It is also a very important industry in Morocco. The Berber tribesmen were the first ones to create rugs. They used sheepskin and camel hair. Later on, carpet makers started using cotton and silk. Rugs are still handmade today.

    The Berbers were the first to weave them, and they continue to do so today. Some rugs are made using the same techniques as they did hundreds of years ago. Others are modern creations, and each piece is unique because of the different tribal influences. Women pass down the stories of their cultures through weaving these beautiful works of art.

    As the centuries passed, weaving patterns became more complex and elaborate, and the colours became brighter and bolder. Today, the craftsmanship and artistic quality of Moroccan rugs are unmatched.

  • Types of Moroccan Rugs

    With its rich history, diverse culture, unique architecture and vibrant art scene, Morocco offers an exciting destination for travellers. 

    The country's varied geography includes mountains, deserts, plains and coastal areas. You'll also find fascinating cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca and Tangier. 

    Each region boasts its unique character, making your trip even more memorable.

    Thickness

    Rugs are woven materials that cover floors and other surfaces. Rugs come in various shapes, sizes, colours and textures. They are usually made of natural fibres like wool, cotton, silk, linen and cashmere. There are different types of rugs, including Persian carpets, Turkish kilims, Chinese tapestries, Tibetan prayer flags, Indian shawls and African tribal rugs. Different regions have specific styles of weaving. Some examples of these regional styles are Afghan carpets, Pakistani rugs and Egyptian rugs.

    Size

    Rug sizes vary greatly depending on the region. Some regions in Morocco produce large area rugs while others produce smaller ones. Rugs are made from wool, cotton, silk or other natural materials. Sometimes rugs are dyed before weaving to create different colours.

  • Berber Rugs Explained

    The word "Berber" refers to any member of an ethnic group native to North Africa. The Berbers were originally nomadic tribes who lived in tents and moved around the region. Many Berbers still live in tents, but many reside in cities.

    The Berber tribe is the largest ethnic group in Morocco. They are also called Amazighs because they speak Arabic and Berber languages. There are other smaller tribes like the Tafilalt, the Sous, the Oulad Ayoun, the Zemmouri, the Benslimane, the Ait Atta, the Tarifit, the Nefzouat, the Imrassa, and the Hassaniya. Each tribe has its own culture and tradition.

    There are many Berber rugs, including Beni Ourains, Azizal, Boucherouite and other styles. These rugs are often colourful and lively, and they are made out of recycled materials. Some are also made of natural fibres like cotton, silk, linen and wool.

    Since the 8th century, Berbers have lived in the Atlas Mountains, and they continue to weave beautiful rugs. Today, the skills are passed down through generations.

    Why are Moroccan-style rugs popular?

    Rug design is an exciting concept. A rug is not just a simple fabric but an artistic expression of the owner's personality. 

    Many people decorate their homes with rugs that reflect their personalities. Some people even get matching sets of rugs for different rooms.

    Collectors love them because of their incredible striking beauty, easy care and distinct primitivist design. These rugs are perfect for any room décor and add warmth and style to any living space. They're made out of plush material that feels great on your skin. Our collection will blend perfectly with any room decor. They're also very soft and comfy.

  • Each Moroccan Rug Is Made From The Finest Raw Materials

    Moroccan carpets are made from wool, silk, cotton or other natural fibres. Often, rugs are designed to serve specific purposes, like providing comfort, warmth, decoration, protection or privacy.

  • Moroccan Rug Patterns & Styles

    Moroccan-style rugs are world-famous for their unique interior decor; they are often decorated with geometric patterns, animal motifs and floral designs.

    Each rug is made using natural dyes and is decorated with intricate patterns. Some of them are even dyed using plants that grow in the desert.

    Patterns may represent significant life events or reflect the region's culture.

    Many rugs feature intricate geometric patterns. These patterns were inspired by nature, culture, and religion. Many tribes in Morocco and other parts of Africa practice rug weaving using natural materials. For example, many carpets woven in the Sahara Desert region are made from camel hair. The patterns found in these rugs are primarily geometrical shapes. The designs are usually repeated throughout the carpet. Some rugs feature animal motifs.

    Many different tribes in Morocco produce rugs. Each tribe has its style and design. The most famous tribes are the Azkals, Benis, Bouchers and Tuaregs.

  • Rich Colours Speak A Language Of Their Own

    Moroccan rugs are not all patterns. Some of the most striking examples feature almost monochromatic colours. These rugs often lack the complex designs found in other types of textiles. But what these rugs lack in design, they make up for with brilliant colour and subtle variations. Traditionally, dyes were sourced from local vegetation or mineral sources, including Indigo from the Henna plant, madder root, saffron, turmeric and henna.

    Some colours like Tyrian Purple and the rich reds from cochineal come from shell. Beni Mguil is known for utilizing Indigo to create deep blues and purples.

      1. Red is often associated with danger, aggression and blood; it also represents passion, energy and life force or even love, romance, truth, loyalty, and trustworthiness
      2. Blue is often associated with calmness, serenity and tranquillity.
      3. Yellow is often associated with light, knowledge, happiness and hope.
      4. Green is often associated with growth, renewal, nature and fertility.
  • Hand Woven Rugs vs Hand Knotted

    Rug weaving is an ancient art form. It's often associated with nomadic tribes and rural communities. These days, there are many different types of rugs, including kilims, shaggy rugs, flatweave rugs and tapestry rugs. Rugs are usually made using natural fibres like wool, cotton, silk or linen.

  • Moroccan Style Rugs By Type

    One of the most common misconceptions regarding Moroccan rugs is that there are just a few different types. There are dozens, if not hundreds, in actuality. Each of Morocco's Amazigh (Berber) tribes produces its Moroccan rug types, and there are over 40 of them. There may be more than one style created within the tribes.

    Beni Ourain Rugs

    Beni Ourain is an ancient Berber tribal group. Their name means "Weavers of Beautiful Textile". They weave beautiful rugs using natural, bloomed wool. The designs are often inspired by nature, especially flowers and birds.

    These rugs are very popular because they are handmade and unique. Unlike many mass-produced rugs, Beni Ouren rugs have tiny details that give them character, soul and deepness.

    Beni Ourain rugs are made using raw sheep wool, they shear them "live" and leave them unprocessed. The resulting carpet is incredibly soft and plush; the soft wool of the "shaggy" style brings even more warmth and comfort to the room. A dark-coloured rug, for example, can lead guests in a long hallway, while a lighter-coloured rug can add brightness to a living room.

    These rugs are available in many different styles, including runners, wall hangings and throws, which are great for adding texture and pattern to your living space. They come in many colours, including white, cream or beige, with black accents like straight lines or zigzag patterns, slight variations in line thickness, colour imperfections and geometric designs. These small details cannot be seen in a mass-manufactured rug.

    A Beni Ourain rug is great if you love bold colour combinations. These rugs are often made using natural dyes and are very durable. If you prefer a softer feel, opt for a Beni M'zab rug. Both styles are perfect for adding a splash of colour to any room. They're perfect for those looking for a natural-looking rug at a price point that won't break the bank.

    Beni Maghreb Rugs

    The Beni Maghreb tribesmen make Beni Maghreb rugs in Morocco. These tribal groups were nomadic herders but settled down and became farmers. The Beni Maghreb rug-making tradition is centuries old, and the artisans still follow the ancient techniques passed down through generations. The designs are inspired by nature and often depict scenes from everyday life. The colours represent the different seasons and the patterns reflect the area's culture.

    Beni Maghreb rugs are often flipped during the hot summer months to keep cool inside the house. These rugs are usually thicker and heavier than other types of rugs because they are made of thick wool. The Beni Maghreb also tends to use more complex designs.

    Beni Mrirt Rugs

    Beni Mrirt is a newer style of handmade Moroccan carpet that has emerged recently. These carpets are super soft underfoot and feature designs inspired by the highly fashionable Benet Oumaima rugs. They're made using traditional Berber knotting techniques, thick piles and high-quality wool.

    Taznakht Rugs

    Tazinakht artisans produced beautiful carpets using natural dyes made from plants like henna, pomegranate, madder, saffron, alum and the weaving technique was perfected. 

    These rugs were renowned for their quality and beauty and are highly sought after. They are very thick and soft, making them perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. If you're looking for something different, this rug is worth checking out!

    Boucherouite Moroccan Rugs

    Morocco is well known worldwide for its beautiful and unique handmade rugs, made primarily of wool, with the weaving reflecting tribal independence and age-old traditions and beliefs. They were designed to be used while travelling and were often used as saddle covers. They were also created as very practical household items. These carpets are usually woven for everyday use. However, they still display tremendous creative energy and vitality.

    Boucherouite rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Each pattern/design is unique and comes in its shade of blue.

    Kilim Rugs

    Kilims are lightweight and perfect for warm weather because they are made using a pileless technique. They are available in various sizes, shapes, colours and materials. Some examples of kilims include those featured below.

    Kilim rugs are pieces of art. Each design is unique and the pattern of the dyes used are vivid. Kilims are flat woven, meaning they appear thinner and not as soft as other types of wool rugs. Kilims have no pile. What they do have is beautiful patterns and colours. 

    Kilims are generally less expensive than other types of Oriental area rugs and also, in warm weather, can serve as indoor/outdoor garden rugs. Kilims can add an inherent sense of modernism and drama to a room, especially when paired with contemporary furniture. With distinct layouts that arise from the orientation that they were woven in, kilims often feature simple harmonic bands of colour.

    These area rugs are easy to clean and resist water, stains and repeated usage. Kilims are great for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and halls. They are a great addition to any decor because they add warmth and personality to any space.

    Vintage Kilim Rugs

    Vintage kilims are works of art that bring a touch of elegance and charm to any room. Their designs are often inspired by nature and the culture of each region. Moroccan kilims are usually woven using wool, cotton or silk.

    Azilal Rugs

    Azilal is a region in Morocco famous for its intricate tribal designs.

    The Azilal are rug producers famous for their vibrant patterns. The rugs are also very durable and resistant to stains. You'll find them in many different sizes and shapes.

    Each rug uses simple geometric shapes like circles, squares, diamonds, triangles and rectangles. The designs are usually filled with bright colours like yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, pink, white and black. The design is then woven together to create a beautiful piece of art.

    Azilal rugs are often considered eclectic, colourful pieces of art, often used as wall hangings in a modern home, bedroom or living room to display their beautiful designs. This type of rug was first produced in the Azilal region of Morocco in the late 20th century and gained popularity in the West only recently.

    The wool tends to be more refined, and the local natural dyeing techniques produce vibrant colours. The patterns are typically woven onto a natural coloured wool background.

    These rugs have quickly become one of the most coveted types of Moroccan-style rugs and suit mainly classic or bohemia-styled interiors.

    Their colours are often inspired by nature. The base of the rug is mostly a light cream or white colour and is then woven with bright colours of the local flora. These colours are dyed into the wool before weaving begins.

    Boujad Rugs

    Boujad carpets are made using a mix of natural fibres and synthetic ones. They are very colourful pieces of art, with many different shades of blue, red, green, yellow, orange and purple.

    Boujad rugs come from the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. They have a unique tribal style with geometric patterns and bright colours. They are made using natural dyes and are very soft to the touch. Boujad rugs are often woven by women and are considered an excellent investment due to their high resale value.

    The designs are made of a mixture of wool and silk threads, and the pattern is woven with a unique technique. The weavers pull the knots tighter, making the rug denser and more robust.

    The Boujad carpet is not just an ordinary carpet; it is a unique piece of art. Each rug tells a story through its design and colour choices.

    Zemmour Rugs

    Zemmor rugs are an ancient form of carpeting. Woven initially out of wool, cotton, or silk; today, Zemmour rugs are still produced in the same regions of Morocco that have been producing them since antiquity. While many patterns are similar to those found in other types of rug, each piece tells its unique story about the artisan who made it.

    Aït Bou Ichaouchan Rugs

    Aït Bou Ichaouchan rugs are made in an area called Taza. These rugs are distinctive because they are produced in the easternmost corner of the country. Their design is very distinct from those found elsewhere in Morocco. The patterning is often quite simple and geometric, and the colours tend toward bright shades like red, orange and yellow. Symbols and images are sometimes included on the rugs, representing important events in Moroccan history.

    Tuareg Rugs

    Tuaregs are nomads who live in the Sahara Desert. They make their living through trade and agriculture. The Tuareg people are also called "the last true nomads" because they still live the same way their ancestors did thousands of years ago. They are well known for their colourful blankets and rugs, woven using natural fibres like wool and camel hair. Their designs are very simplistic, featuring primarily straight lines and geometric patterns. The colours are muted, and there is an emphasis on the natural beauty of the materials.

    Moroccan Rug Costs

    Many factors influence the price of a rug. Moroccan rugs are made using centuries-old techniques and designs, making them an ideal choice for contemporary interiors. Handmade, each piece is unique and will bring a touch of exoticism to your space.

    These factors include the type of material used, the size, the design, the age and the production location. For example, the price of a rug made from silk will vary depending on whether it is a large area rug or small piece. You may also pay more if you buy an antique rug or less if it is brand new. You should consider all of these factors when making your decision.

  • Weaving & Knotting

    Traditionally, they are handwoven using simple looms and made in a rudimentary style that resembles prehistoric designs. These rugs often feature a single narrow guard border or no border. Lozenge shapes, zigzag and horizontal lines and hook, star and other nomadic unique patterns can be seen in some tribal designs.

    Most Moroccan rugs contain symmetric knots, with a few featuring asymmetric or Berber knots.

  • Why Choose London House Rugs?

    We are rug experts at London House Rugs. We've spent over four decades honing our craft and building long-term, ethical connections with weavers across the East. 

    A London House Rug has undergone rigorous sourcing, manufacturing and finishing processes to ensure its quality and beauty.

    We understand that there is an artistry to rug making and that design elements like patterns, colours, and shapes are essential to the weavers and their tribes. Our collection has a massive assortment of new and antique carpets in various sizes.

    Each rug is designed by an artist living in Morocco. Each piece is unique, and the designs are inspired by nature.

    We source all our collection directly from the Atlas Mountains, the Saharan desert and the souks of the medina of Marrakech. Our collection includes everything from antique, vintage, new and made-to-measure rugs.

    We collaborate with individuals and businesses to design, manufacture and locate carpets for various applications. Please look at some of our recent projects to get a sense of the wide range of services we provide, including everything from a single hearth interior rug for your own home to a hundred handcrafted carpets for a hotel rollout or an area rug for your dining room.

    We can help you locate an appropriate rug for your room because we have over 40 years of experience and offer free UK delivery.