While Morocco might not be known as world’s weaving capital, local rugs boast some of the most beautiful patterns , deeply inspired by the country’s culture and traditions. Moroccan carpets are well known in the world of interior design thanks to their stunning tribal designs, developed through decades of learning and swapping knowledge between weaves. Because of their simple forms, vintage Moroccan rugs are a great addition to almost any style, from modern to traditional. However, as all bold rugs they can be difficult to work with. Once you manage to fit them into your interior, the results can be extremely rewarding. Similarly to Persian rugs, Moroccan carpets can be divided into particular styles, each completely original and special. In order to show you the beauty and diversity of Moroccan rugs, we decided to prepare a small guide to all different styles of carpets that can be found in Morocco.
Traditionally, all Moroccan rugs are made using local wool, famous for its durability and softness. This particular blend results in a high quality rugs, able to withstand years of intense exploitation, as proven by numerous tribes using them. In some cases modern carpets from Morocco utilize cotton or cotton base, but this is mostly done to lower the costs of production. Needless to say, traditional Moroccan rug will always be handmade.
Depending on the tribe and place of making, Moroccan rugs can be divided into seven separate categories. Each type has something drawing the eye, be it its color scheme or an original pattern.
Beni Ourain carpets are possibly the most popular type of Moroccan rugs and also most easily recognizable one. Known by their classic patterning and regional palette of simple diamonds they are eagerly used by interior designers and bloggers in their spaces. Such balanced geometric design produces elegant and harmonious whole that manages to capture the eye, moving it over the entirety of the rug. Beni Ourain rugs look best in minimalist interior, when surrounded by simple forms and colors, which is why it is so popular in the west.
Beni Mguild rugs share some similarities with Beni Ourain carpets, as they also have a very intricate geometric diamond pattern. However, what differs them is their color scheme. Beni Mguild always consist of on a single color background in the shade of either magenta, red, blue, or purple. Usage of such precious dues certainly raise their price, but such an array of colors is worth every penny to see.
The Azilal rugs, while seemingly simple, have a fascinating aura of mystery to them. Their patterns often include specific sets of symbols that are supposed to ward off evil spirits and attract those good ones. Their color palettes usually consist of a light colored backgrounds in the shades of white or beige, and colorful design, which almost look like a drawing of a child. This innocent allure if what makes them stand out amongst other Moroccan rugs.
Rehamna rugs are interesting because of their similarity to some of Persian carpets, suggesting that they might have been developed as a form of copy or were simple inspired by them. Rehamna rugs can be easily recognized thanks to their characteristic red and magenta coloring. Such color palette perfectly highlights their elegant designs, helping to draw the eye.
Boujad rugs seem to be less concerned with the rules of order and balance. They often include a pattern consisting of floating geometric shapes, squares, rectangles or diamonds, but their forms are slightly distorted, creating a very unique image. Their color palettes often consist of a color combination of orange and magenta, with some elements of lighter pink. Such original combination of strong hues might not suit the tastes of everyone, but this also makes them a great additon to interiors which need a little life or a pop of color to them.
Ourika rugs differ from the rest of Moroccan rugs thanks to their upbeat, almost bubbly designs. Their color schemes include numerous hues, from pinks to blues, as they are often made using recycled thread on a white wool ground. Patterns of Ourika rugs often feature familiar geometric motifs, but their weavers do not pay much attention to the conventional rules of beauty and elegance. Their casual and uncomplicated vibe is what makes Ourika rugs so interested in the eyes of collectors and carpet dealers.
Boucherouite carpets are another example of how re-using recycled materials can create something spectacular. This category of Moroccan rugs embraces any non-traditional weaves and infuses it with the spirit of local traditions. As mentioned above, material used to weave them consists mainly of recycled thread and fabrics. While some might think usage of such materials can lower the price of Boucherouite rugs, this could not be farther from truth. Their prices can range from low to extremely high, due to not only the pattern, but also color combination. This makes Boucherouite carpets seem much like a masterpiece of abstract expressionism, gaining the interest of collectors and interior designers alike.
Moroccan rugs are more than just floor coverings or decorations. They are silent witnesses of their country’s history and culture, which they tell through stunning patterns and color schemes. It would be difficult to find a type of rug more influenced by past than Moroccan rugs. With their presence in our homes we have a very unique opportunity to learn something new about the world, something that we were not aware of previously.
Doris Leslie Blau’s grand collection of contemporary rugs and antique carpets is famous all around the world. Pieces from our collection are often featured on pages of top interior magazines in the industry, such as Elle Decor or Architectural Digest. Our mission is to deliver only the highest quality rugs right to your doorsteps. If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious experience, be sure to browse our website to find more wonderful carpets.