MOROCCAN CARPETS AND RUGS

Owing to their exquisiteness and remarkable gorgeousness, Moroccan rugs have gained worldwide popularity over time. These Berber rugs are extremely comfortable and warm, possessing a fascinating allure that can transform the look of any home or office.

History of Moroccan tribal rugs

The ancient Berbers designed vintage Moroccan rugs to keep them warm in Morocco’s variable climate. As a nomadic tribe, they traveled in the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and Moroccan forests and began to weave Berber rugs to help them cope with the changing weather conditions as they moved.

These rugs later became famous among other peoples as well, and eventually, they were used as a medium to pass various tribal motifs down to future generations. This explains the intricate designs and patterns of a Berber Moroccan rug.

Motifs used are not mere designs but important native Berber symbols from ancient times. And even at present, many still believe Moroccan tribal rugs to be a method of preserving the tradition and culture of their Berber forefathers.

What materials are used to make Berber rugs?

Moroccan rugs add a special touch to interior décor. Their consistent texture, and harmonious colors that stem from the rich tradition give off a contemporary ambiance.

The making of each one of these rugs takes around two months of concentrated effort. Soft, natural wool materials gotten primarily from the sheep of the Atlas Mountains are used in the weaving. For the best quality, only select wool threads are used. After the selection, they are cleaned and naturally sun-dried. The twisted wool is then threaded to soften it and prepare it for use in the yarn.

A good amount of time and a great deal of care and effort are required from the yarning to the knotting procedure. That is where the impressive artistic talents of the locals can be seen.

Moroccan rugs are notable for their characteristic wide-range and vibrant multicolor scheme and the canvas of several striking color shades that allure. The motifs and patterned designs that are woven in are produced using natural dyes, and the wool trimming is done with scissors specially crafted for that purpose.

When the rugs are eventually finished, they are washed multiple times before being dried out in the sun.

Different styles of Berber Moroccan rugs

The popularity of Moroccan rugs led to the introduction of various new patterns and designs. Carpets were completely handmade in the past since there were no machines to help with the work. The softness and warmth of the remarkable Berber rug induced people to purchase more and more of them, and soon, vintage Moroccan rugs became a major trade in Morocco.

Beni Ourain rugs

These are the favorite for home decor when it comes to tribal Moroccan rugs. The charm, exquisiteness, and warmth of these rungs make them suitable for the home. But what is the history and origin behind these exotic rugs?

Let’s take a look into some of the frequently asked questions concerning Beni Ourain rugs. Like most other Berber rugs, like the Bohemian rug, the Boucherouite rug, and others, Beni Ourian rugs have an ancient and rich history.

What is the origin of Beni Ourain rugs?

The Berber tribes around the Atlas Mountains originally designed ancient Bedni Ourain rugs for use as blankets and bedspreads due to the region’s cold weather.

These tribes didn’t use their rugs for floor decoration as is done today. Rather, they used these rugs to protect themselves from the harsh and cold conditions.

Beni Ourain rugs were made by Berber women who were grateful for their families. They were made with love and deep emotion, and this was the initial inspiration behind gorgeous Moroccan tribal carpets.

What inspired the design ideas behind Beni Ourain rugs?

The embroideries and designs on these vintage Moroccan rugs were normally abstract and simplistic. In the production of Beni Ourain rugs, in particular, simplicity was essential. The key was to embroider simple designs and motifs meaningful and significant to the ancient Berber people.

Boucherouite rugs

Rich colors make home décor come alive, and that is exactly what the gorgeous Boucherouite rug presents. These Moroccan rugs are vibrant and eye-catching. They can transform any home décor, adding a pleasant and unique touch of warmth and charm, and are their designers’ pride.

There are several ways to decorate your home with a Boucherouite rug. These Moroccan tribal rugs add a special touch of elegance and authenticity. Now, let us look at how these charming Berber rugs are designed.

How are Boucherouite rugs made?

The Berbers are well-known for their Boucherouite designs. Interestingly, these rugs are made using the leftovers from the production of other Moroccan rugs. The torn, leftover pieces are intricately stitched together to produce another magnificent carpet.

That explains the uniqueness and enchantment of Boucherouite rugs. Their textures are nice and warm. Including these rugs in your home or living space will make a huge difference.

Tuareg mat rug

Moroccan Tuareg mats are produced using natural camel leather and reed. Expert carpet-makers stitch their mats with great precision, finishing them perfectly. These Moroccan rugs come in the natural colors of the camel and reed. Originally, Tuareg mats were not dyed; therefore, these vintage Moroccan rugs come in their natural colors.

Moroccan Kilim rugs

These captivating and magnificent Berber rugs are hand-woven and adored with diagonal designs and motifs in various rich colors. Kilim rugs come in different kinds representing various regions and Moroccan tribes, such as the Azemmour Kilim, Tifelt Kilim, Boujad Kilim, and many others.

From simple greys and reds to other vibrant colors, Kilim rugs contribute a contemporary feel to any interior and are sure to harmonize the entire décor in your rooms. Their soft and smooth texture is accounted for by the slit-weave technique that uses natural materials like quality natural cotton, wool, and animal hair from camels, horses, and goats.

Moroccan wedding blanket

The perfection in Moroccan wedding blankets’ texture brings with it an ambiance of purity, peace, softness, and elegance. Brides wear them as capes to bring good luck for the new couple, dispel evil spirits, and provide fertility.

Additionally, Moroccan wedding blankets can contribute to home décor or bed covers to add warmth and charm to the home. These Berber Moroccan rugs are made by harmoniously combining cotton and wool and feature fluffy fringes and lines on their surfaces. They are also adorned with glittery sequins.

Azilal rugs

These Moroccan tribal rugs originate from the Azilal region in the High Atlas, which is very mountainous and hard to access. Azilal rugs are not as popular in the West as Beni Ourain rugs.

These Moroccan rugs are hand-woven by Berber ladies and feature a creamy woolen background set with Berber patterns and motifs. These designs can be geometric or abstract in various bright colors, in contrast to the mainly black and white colors of the Beni Ourain rug. The Azilal rug is a unique decorative element for any room and contributes a touch of warmth and good taste.

The weavers of Azilal rugs express themselves through the yarn. Each symbol is significant, and the entire pattern conveys a particular ideology, story, or message.

Boujaad rug

These vintage Moroccan rugs contribute uniqueness to your interior, introducing a rich touch of Moroccan culture. Diamond shapes cover the middle, on a red background, and other geometric shapes surround them and create a warm balance.

The blend of colors and patterns is sure to make this one of the most charming art pieces in your home. The Boujaad rug tells of Berber civilization and ushers you into a realm of timeless beauty and art.

Moroccan runner rugs

These are hallway rugs that are hand-knitted and carry the same Moroccan charm, elegance, and tradition of all the other rugs. They are styled in a cozy fashion with Moroccan tribal patterns that will make your hallway exude a soft and historical ambiance.

These corridor rugs will contribute an eye-catching magnificence to your hallways, along with a peaceful allure and a bohemian flair. Moroccan runner rugs are tribal masterpieces crafted using vibrant colors and natural materials that are sure to fascinate your visitors.

Moroccan rugs for living room décor

Your living room is the heart of the home. As the family’s central meeting area, it strengthens the bond and provides a space where family members can relax together after a long day spent apart. Loved ones can also enjoy appetizers and snacks here before dinner is served.

Because of the important role that a living room plays, its decoration is highly significant. It requires a perfect blend of accessories that reflect the family’s persona and contribute warmth to the room. There is no better way to achieve all of this than with a choice Moroccan living room rug.

After deciding the best areas for rugs in your home, you now need to decide on the right sizes. While an extremely large carpet may engulf your space and make it tight, one too small may be lost among the other décor elements in the room.

Your furniture can usually help you decide best. If you so wish, you can choose a rug big enough for the entirety of your furniture to fit on. Otherwise, you can choose one that stops a few inches before your sofas. A perfectly sized rug in the right color will add a touch of perfection to your room and make a great conversation starter.

To create a beautiful home, you need a harmonious combination of textures, dimensions, and colors. So, let your imagination come alive. How about a vibrant and busily patterned rug in a living space of a neutral palette to make a statement? In a living room with elaborate heirloom elements and traditional art, you may want to pick a Berber rug in earthy tones and soft colors. That will create depth and warmth while allowing the other ornamental elements to dominate.

How does a tribal Moroccan rug complement other materials and fabrics? Your curtains, sofas, throws, and other furniture need to be in perfect harmony with the covering on your floor. As a lifetime décor investment, your carpet should normally lead the rest of your interior décor. However, you don’t need to keep things the same every single year. You can shake things up once in a while by layering with another rug or dhurrie. This is a smart way to add a bit of spice.

The thickness and texture of a Berber Moroccan rug also have to be taken into account. Note that light-colored and shaggy-haired rugs and thick and plush velvet carpets, like authentic Beni Ourain rugs, are more difficult to maintain and will work best for floors that are not often stepped on.

Also, don’t overlook the significance of lighting. Some fibers, such as viscose, are more reflective of light. Therefore, the amount of light in a room, either from the sun or from internal lighting, may transform the entire look of your space, as the sheen of the carpet usually surges or wanes with the intensity of light shining on it.

After you succeed in narrowing down your options, you will have to consider your budget. Hand-woven masterpieces designed by skilled local artisans through a labor-intensive weaving process are of great value. The finesse of a rug is measured by the number of knots per square inch of the rug.

Based on your budget, you may choose a distinctive hand-knotted rug for your floor. These pieces are unique and exclusive and will make possessions of great pride. There are variations in color and design because they are hand-crafted using various natural dyes and fabrics, increasing the allure. Our Artisan Originals features weavers that are the sole dictators of their designs. Each rug produced is a treasure trove of great skill and artistic ingenuity.

You may also go for reversible, loom-spun, flat-weave Moroccan rugs that are cheaper and lighter. And if you desire perfect symmetry, precision and consistency, machine-made rugs are the best option for you.

What to know before you purchase a Berber Moroccan rug

Below are some questions that you should get answers to before you go ahead to choose a Moroccan rug that is well-priced.

Is it machine-made or handmade?

Ensure that you know if the rug you are about to purchase is hand-woven or machine-produced. Moroccan locals normally make Berber rugs in their homes or small groups. The women of the region usually do the weaving. However, the advent of technology has seen factories that pro9duce Moroccan rugs within a shorter time. Such rugs do not possess the high quality of handmade ones, and so you must confirm the source of the rug you intend to buy.

Is it dyed or undyed?

You also need to confirm if the Moroccan tribal rug is dyed or undyed. Most Berber rugs, like Beni Ourain rugs, are made from undyed wool. Thus, there is no coloring on the rug. This offers a natural touch and beauty. Only Boucherouite rugs are usually naturally dyed. Thus you will have to ensure that your rug of choice is either undyed or dyed with organic colorings.

How old is the Berber rug?

Do you want a vintage Moroccan rug? Then you have to ascertain the age of the rug. Older rugs are normally more expensive, so you must ensure that the seller is truthful about the rug’s age so that you are not tricked. You will have to be very careful.

Cleaning your Moroccan rug?

Many people are scared of washing their Moroccan rugs as they feel that this will make them lose their authenticity or elegance. However, so long as you get the best in Moroccan quality, this will not happen.

Authentic Berber rugs are washable as long as a little care is taken while washing. Here are a few tips to help you wash your Moroccan rug.

Do it in a clean area

First, you need to prepare when the washing of your vintage Moroccan rug is done. Wet the area and ensure that there is no dust or dirt present.

Ready the rug

Now that you have prepared the area, you need to get your rug ready for washing. You will first need to remove the dust and dirt in the rugby, hanging it on a line and beating it till dust and dirt particles are gone. This will help you reduce the amount of dirt in the rug before washing.

Wet the rug and wash

Now, place the rug in the prepared area and wet it completely. You can now sprinkle a laundry powder or detergent such as Ariel or Tide (which have been proven to be safe for washing Moroccan rugs) onto the rug and rub gently with your hands to create a lather on the surface of your rug. You may also scrub with a soft brush. After complete washing, rinse your rug to remove the soap.

Downy therapy

To further soften your Berber rug, apply some Downy powder. Gently rub it all over the surface of the rug and then wash it off. Now, use more water to rinse all the chemicals out of the rug.

Sun-dry the rug

Dry your Moroccan rug in the sun as machine dryers are not considered safe for it. Depending on its size, it may take one to three days to dry in good weather. Ensure that it dries properly.

Now, you can have back your fresh and clean vintage Moroccan rug.

Where to buy Berber Moroccan rugs

Today, you don’t have to go all the way to Morocco to get an authentic Moroccan rug for your space. You need to contact the most trustworthy suppliers of Moroccan rugs, which you can do online.

A lot of people may have doubts about this, so let’s get those cleared.

How do I know that it’s an original Moroccan tribal rug?

A common grey area regards the authenticity of a rug purchased online. But it all depends on the supplier that you deal with. You also want to make sure that your vintage Moroccan rug has not been washed to achieve that vintage look.

A good rule of thumb is to look at the supplier’s reviews to make certain that it is a trusted source. Only by making sure that everything checks out can you be sure that the rug is authentic and that the supplier is trusted.

What if my rug gets damaged during shipment?

Ensure that your supplier guarantees a safe delivery before you pay. Some suppliers guarantee a quick replacement in the case of damage during shipment. Therefore, you want to make sure that you only go for such suppliers.