How to find perfect Moroccan Rug – Buying Guide

Moroccan Berber Rugs

THE ART OF CHOOSING THE PERFECT MOROCCAN RUG

HOW TO FIND PERFECT (MOROCCAN) RUG

Rugs are our passion — a craft we’ve mastered through real experience. We’ve driven tens of thousands of kilometers across Morocco, meeting nomads and Berber families along the way, learning directly from the Berbers and Nomads  who have been weaving these extraordinary rugs for generations. It’s an honor to share that knowledge with you, so you can feel confident and inspired when choosing your own rug. A Moroccan rug is much more than just a decor item — it’s a mood-setter, a storyteller, and often a lifelong companion. If you’re looking for true quality and longevity, an authentic Moroccan rug is a timeless investment.

Genuine nomad rugs are for those who appreciate the authenticity and timeless design, and who value quality, sustainability and individuality. The kind you fall in love forever. A genuine handmade rug not only lasts — it retains and even appreciates in value.

The appreciation for handwoven rugs and carpets is growing rapidly around the world. More than ever, a rug reflects its owner’s personality, values, and aesthetic. It’s no longer just a decorative element — it’s the soul of a space.

FINDING THE PERFECT RUG IS NOT JUST A PURCHASE — IT’S A THOUGHTFUL PROCESS

The right rug can transform a room. It sets the tone, adds depth, contrast, and character — and helps create a harmonious, soulful environment. A well-balanced room invites to calm down and be present, encourages creativity and imagination.

The first step is to consider the purpose of the rug. It should be proportionate to the space. Too small, and it can make a room feel disconnected and unfinished. Choose a rug that’s slightly larger rather than too small, so it draws the furniture together and grounds the space.

The material and craftsmanship determine how a rug looks, how it wears, and how it ages. Does it become dull quickly? Or does it develop a beautiful patina over time? Can it withstand everyday life — and perhaps even be passed down to future generations?  When you choose a rug that’s been professionally handcrafted using high-quality materials, you’re investing in beauty and durability. Such rugs are easy to maintain, age gracefully, and bring warmth and elegance for years to come. They’re also a responsible choice. A high-quality natural wool is fresh and shiny. Wool that is dyed with natural colors and hand-spun is deep in colors and enduring in every day life.

Do you prefer a new one or a vintage piece. Both offer stunning, one-of-a-kind options. It’s important to note that the quality of rugs (especially new rugs) can vary significantly. The most affordable ones might become a nuisance in daily life — they often shed a lot of wool and are loosely woven, which makes them more prone to wear and tear.  Also there’s a big ethical question mark in new rugs these days.

Moroccan rugs come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and styles — many of them named after the Berber tribes that originally wove them. You’ll find everything from subtle, minimalist designs to more abstract, artistic, and bohemian expressions. The key is to find one that speaks to you. Often, when you see the one, you just know.

When choosing a Moroccan rug, always favour natural, chemical-free materials. They are more durable in use and kinder to the environment. One of the best examples is unprocessed wool, which naturally contains lanolin – a type of grease that protects the wool and repels dirt, so it’s easy to keep fresh and clean even in public spaces. That’s why wool is the preferred material for many when investing in a long-lasting, beautiful rug. Vintage rugs and those made from recycled textiles are also excellent choices. They not only have a smaller carbon footprint but are often easier to care for. Boucherouite rugs, for instance, can usually be water-washed in home, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways, kitchens, and children’s rooms.

HOW TO FIND PERFECT MOROCCAN RUG WHEN YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY HIGH AND LOW QUALITY RUGS FROM EACH OTHER?

The difference between a high- and low-quality rug comes down to craftsmanship and materials. In premium rugs, the weaving is tight, and the wool is well-spun. Poorly spun wool lacks twist, leading to shedding, rapid wear, and an overall low-quality feel. In cheaper rugs, the weave may be so loose that your finger could push through, and knots can unravel or fall out completely. Weight is also an indicator of quality — a tightly woven, carefully knotted rug contains more material and is noticeably heavier.

While the front of the rug reveals design and wear, it’s the back of the rug that tells the real story. Handmade rugs show irregularities and the unique mark of the artisan in their weave. Machine-made rugs, by contrast, look mechanically perfect and lack soul. The underside of rug provides valuable information about the rug’s age, crafting technique, and even the tribe/region. The underside is also essential when assessing a rug’s true quality—sometimes it tells a clearer story than the top itself. While the surface often receives the most attention, especially when rugs are being aged or evaluated, the real secrets of authenticity lie beneath. In genuinely old rugs, the underside polishes over time through use, and the knots harden with age. In newer or less worn rugs, the back remains soft, and the wool yarn tends to feel slightly fuzzy. In Morocco, two main knotting techniques are used: the symmetrical knot and the Berber knot. The Berber knot is technically more demanding. Some rugs combine both techniques. Beni Ouarain rugs are particularly known for exclusively using the Berber knot. This makes them easily identifiable and guarantees their authentic origin.

THE ART OF BERBER RUGS: TRADITION, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND IMAGINATION

Berber rugs are made by the Berber (Amazigh) women of different tribes/regions. Berbers call themselves Amazigh which means free men, and there’s this certain ”Amazigh symbol” a.k.a the free men.

Each Berber tribe and family has its own distinctive style and have a rich cultural heritage passed down through generations. There are multiple Berber tribes/regions and the rugs are named after them. Tribes and families have their own often recognizable styles making rugs. Berber rugs are made out of long-tailed Berber sheeps wool. The higher sheep lives the better wool is. The Berber rugs are woven using wool from long-tailed Berber sheep, which graze freely in the Atlas Mountains. The higher the altitude, the finer the wool — and that wool is among the highest quality in the world. Often compared to cashmere, it’s exceptionally soft, warm, glossy, and luxurious.

Because these rugs are crafted freely and without influence from the Western design world, each piece is one of a kind. Every rug reflects the spirit and imagination of its maker and that’s why we call them pure art.

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