Digging Deeper into Moroccan Rugs - What to Know

Moroccan rugs are regarded in the modern world as accent pieces, a part of interior design that’s simply unique and valuable. One can argue that how Moroccan rugs are used today is a testament to the undeniable value of each piece, especially in an age of everything instant and digital. 

We’ve previously covered what makes these pieces worth investing in, and to further dig deeper into their roots, we talk about the most popular types of Moroccan rugs—and how each one of them came to be: 

 

Beni Ourain Rugs

Beni Ourain rugs are some of the most popular Moroccan rugs, loved by many interior enthusiasts and professionals all over the world. They’re made from sheepskin wool, handmade by Beni Ourain tribes living in the Atlas mountains. They’re traditionally used as beddings, tailored to suit the harsh winter seasons. It keeps them warm, and the wool is arranged in various geometric patterns that make them unique. 

In the modern world, the same function remains valuable for many—they remain to be the best part of approaching winter days. Keeping you warm, cozy, and extremely comfortable, these Moroccan rugs will be worth every penny.

Azilal Rugs

For people on the hunt for more ornate and bold details, Azilal Moroccan rugs are a perfect choice. They’re also made with various Berber motifs, handwoven by female artisans of tribes in the Azilal province. They’re also plush and heavy but come in geometric finishes that make use of vegetable dyes. 

These patterns are native to various rural regions of Morocco and are increasingly becoming a crowd favorite due to the knotted designs. Artistic, vintage, and rustic, the Azilal pays homage not just to unique heritages, but art in itself.

Kilim Rugs

Unlike the Beni Ourain and Azilal rugs, the Kilim Moroccan rugs are often mistaken as Turkish rugs. They’re vintage rugs that are flat and light, a far cry from the shaggy and warm details known to popular Moroccan rugs. Kilims have no heap nor the same softness, but this is exactly what makes them extremely unique—their surfaces allow more room to incorporate color and design. 

They’re best for people living in warmer climates, serving as an oriental piece you can display in the living room floors or walls. They are handwoven by craftswomen as well, and they make use of harmonious colors that add a modern and unique touch to any room.

Investing in the Right Moroccan Rugs for Your Home

People seek Moroccan rugs for a reason—they simply add art and culture to any space, all without taking away from its true origins. They’re also incredibly versatile and practical, used to add warmth to your tiles, bring in a sense of comfort, or even create a splash of design and color. The best rug will be the one that blends well into your needs and tastes. From the three discussed above, which one feels the most like you?

Thankfully, Atlas Weavers offers you the best and authentic Moroccan rugs, including the Beni Ourain, Kilim, and Azilal. As a fair trade artisan project, we make sure to pay homage to the people who created these incredible pieces. Choose the right rug for you today!