When you think of Moroccan rugs, it conjures up ideas of terracotta homes and streaming sunshine. However, such a classic style of rug is versatile and perfect for all year round – not just summer.
A Moroccan rug can help to transform a room with intricate designs, tufted ends and bold hues. Here are our favourite styles and variations to best suit your interiors.
What is a Moroccan rug?
Moroccan rugs are a type of rug that have been weaved or adopted a weaving technique used traditionally in Morocco. They are handmade by Berber tribes across North Africa and the Sahara and are often used for practical purposes.
However, their unique style and charming patterns and dyes have made them a popular interior feature across the world. Every tribe has a distinct style depending on their access to natural plants, vegetation, and minerals for dyes, knotting patterns, and the climate of that area of Morocco.
How is a Moroccan rug made?
The current mass-producing Berbers tend to use loop pile construction to make the rugs you see today. The outcome of this, whether handmade or partly constructed using a machine, it’s still considered hand-knotting. The appearance of these rugs is something very similar to the traditional typing and weaving rugs that have been made for centuries.
Wool is generally sourced from sheep from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains and carefully cleaned to remove natural oil and accumulated dirt.
This wool is then spun by hand, twisting each fibre together to form a yarn that is hard wearing and strong. These fibres are then knotted to create the rug, and finally dyed using natural processes.
Is a Moroccan rug suited for winter?
Some often mistake Moroccan rugs to not offer much insulation due to the warmer climate of North Africa. However, in mountainous regions it can drop to sub-zero temperatures.
Moroccan rugs are tightly woven and if they are made from wool they will offer a good deal of insulation. Especially on hardwood or tiled flooring.
Their hardwearing nature means they are perfect for insulating high traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways.
Our favourite Moroccan rugs
Here’s a list of our favourite Moroccan rugs to add to your interior. Love the Moroccan aesthetic? Check out our guide to turn your home into a Casablancan dream.
The Boho One
Moroccan rugs are made to be used by all, so a more budget friendly option needs to be included in this list. We chose our ever favourite Boho Moroccan Rug.
Don’t let this fool you into thinking this style is any lesser, with the striking monochromatic boho feel it is a statement piece nonetheless.
Made from artificial polypropylene means it is better on your wallet, yet the thick pile it allows makes it lush and warm.
The Nomad Rug
If you’re after a more typically bright Moroccan style rug, we have options that are colourful and conjure up the wonderful sights of the bazaars of Marrakesh.
This Nomad rug in red multi coloured hues will brighten up any space, and is perfect for high-traffic areas to add a touch of interest.
It has a distinct pattern which is very similar to traditional tribal styles of the original Moroccan rugs. With the bright tassel and soft to touch finish, this is a stand out design to bring into your home.
The Contemporary One
To move to the other end of the spectrum, the traditional style of rug has been reimagined over the years. Moving from the colourful chevron shapes to bring it into modern dats with contemporary shapes.
Abstract faces and lines are a distinct interior trend of recent years, and this contemporary boho style Moroccan rug shows how the traditional can be turned on its head. While still keeping the characteristics that made it so loved to start with.
This piece is a soft to touch machine made shaggy rugs with a thick pile. Made from 100% polypropylene which benefits from being anti shed, very durable and easy to clean.
The Geometric Rug
Once again, this piece is one that harks back to a traditional take on the Moroccan rug. In a charming red, geometric pattern, this Moda Trellis Rug is one that we love in any decor.
In a flat weave style, this is a particularly durable piece that has been power-loomed to offer a practical and easy to clean style.
Flat weave rugs typically won’t shed. Even with high traffic, friction from furniture and general wear, the fibres in flatweave rugs will stay put and look great. This means less mess and maintenance for you to worry about too!
The Simple Classic
The Moroccan rug is a classic in any terms, but opting for one with a simple style can see it being a long standing piece in your home.
Choose a style like this Zig Zag Rug for a style that is unique and instantly recognisable as a Moroccan rug, without being contrasting for in a modern styled room.
Featuring a boho geometric zig zag design in natural tones, with a tassel top and bottom hem and textured finish. This is handwoven with 80% wool 20% cotton, this high quality rug is incredibly long-lasting when properly cared for.
Thoughts?
So will you be bringing a touch of Morocco into your home? Let us know in the comments!
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