Moroccan rugs, also known as Berber rugs, are unique hand-woven pieces that convey rich symbolism and tradition. Each one has its own unique and beautiful design based on the various Berber tribes that reside in Morocco. The dyes and materials used for these rugs depend on the availability of resources in the regions they are made, so they are undoubtedly one of a kind. 

People do not just use Moroccan rugs as floor mats. Some households use furniture coverings or even blankets. It has also grown in popularity; these rugs are in homes across the globe. Regardless of your purpose, there are some essential things to consider when buying this type of rug online.

Research the rug you want to purchase

Consider all the details of the rug, such as its size, shape, colors, and materials. First, take note of the dimensions of the cloth. Sometimes, the actual size of the rug may differ from what you might see in photos. Convert the measurements to the standard used in your country if necessary. 

Also, you should research the specific tribe design that you want. Decide whether you’re after the intricate patterns of rugs from the Azilal tribe or prefer the lightweight ones from the Kilim tribe.

Second, ask for photos that show the entirety of the rug and from different angles. It is much better if the picture is well-lit so that you can see the colors. You want to make sure that you’re investing in a rug that perfectly fits your needs.

Aside from carefully screening the rug, you must also vet the seller. Check their social media and their official website for details on their offerings, contact information, and reviews from other customers. Note how quickly they respond to questions, as well, and the amount of information they can provide about the rugs.

Ask the seller about the rug’s history

Check if the seller knows their products by asking them about the rug’s origins. Ask if it was made for home use or the commercial market. Sometimes, the quality of the carpet would depend on this. You want to make sure you are picking an authentic Moroccan rug. 

Traditionally, Moroccan rugs were hand-woven and produced by the women of a household. These were typically for home and not commercial use. Hand-woven, these textiles were traditionally used as mattresses, floor and seating covers, and blankets. 

Since they were for home use, the women used to weave tales into the rugs. These are usually scenes from their own life, though they incorporated other stories as well. Each rug takes about a month to create, and are rich sources of tradition and symbolism. When you get a traditional rug like this for your home, you could ask the seller to talk about the stories depicted on the cloth.

Conclusion

Moroccan rugs can be quite pricey, and the larger it is, the more expensive it will be. Be sure to plan and save up to get that perfect rug you want. You can also opt to get cheaper rugs that still have your chosen design in mind. However, nothing will beat a Moroccan original. 

If you need help picking out a Moroccan rug that best suits your needs and budget, Atlas Weavers can help. We are a fair-trade artisan project and a premier supplier of authentic Moroccan rugs. We believe in preserving the rich tradition of the Berber people and bringing a facet of that into your home. Browse our shop or get in touch to learn more.

Moroccan rugs have dominated the interior decoration market over the last few decades, and for good reason: they are rare and vibrant carpets that are made by tribal women who weave their stories and culture into each piece. While there are several different Moroccan rugs available, such as the well-known Beni Ourain variation, the Azilal variation makes more use of aboriginal patterns and colors.

The history and beauty of Azilal rugs make them a worthy addition to any home. They instantly add a rustic touch to any living space, making it a comfortable and warm place to spend time in. Here are three reasons you should buy an Azilal rug and bring a piece of Morocco to your abode:

They’re Unique and Original

Azilal rugs are pieces weaved in Azilal, which is central Morocco’s provincial capital in the Atlas Mountains. These rugs are crafted by the tribal women of this region, who honor their ancestry and its traditions by weaving its symbols into each rug. In fact, each rug is so unique and gorgeous that its popularity has gone far and beyond the mountains to surpass more popular Berber rugs. 

Each rug is distinct and individual, as it recounts the unique story of its weaver. The techniques are also unique to the Berber women in Morocco, which allow them to freely design the rug according to their own imagination while complying with Berber tradition. Buying an Azilal rug will make sure that you have a truly special and remarkable piece in your house that is comfortable, stunning, and unlike any other in the entire world.

They’re Authentically Handmade

A real Azilal rug is one that is handmade by Berber women. Unlike the decorative rugs offered in major homeware stores, they aren’t mass-produced, as each one is weaved with dedication and love. The weaver delicately works with virgin wool to create special knotted or braided lines while embellishing it with bright colors. Each rug tells the story of the weaver’s life, whether it’s their everyday activities or the story of their ancestors. They are also handmade to last a lifetime—something that can’t quite be found with mass-market rugs.

The Azilal have strong and dedicated traditions, especially when it comes to weaving these rugs, and the techniques are passed on through generations to create a unique and durable Azilal rug. You’ll be sure to have a sturdy and decorative piece that is comfortable to walk on, making it an exceptional carpet to purchase for your domicile.

They’re Colorful Additions to Your Home

Azilal rugs are different from other Moroccan rugs because they are distinctively bold and bright, utilizing patterns that authentic Moroccan rugs are widely recognized for. As they’re exclusively made by the region’s skilled artisans, they double as abstract works of art that are an important representation of Moroccan culture.

The vibrance of these rugs come from the spontaneity of its creators, where they freely express themselves through vivid colors and distinct shapes. This passion led to the creation of the striking geometric designs that propelled Moroccan rugs to its well-deserved popularity. Azilal rugs are heavily decorated with the ancestral myths of the Berber people, making them colorful and captivating additions to your residence.

Conclusion

These gorgeous rugs are uniquely handmade and colorfully designed, capturing the brilliant spirit of Morocco in a few square feet of fabric. They are a quick yet enchanting way to brighten up any living space while adding a vintage or rustic touch. Buying an Azilal rug, a rare and prized piece is sure to liven up your home.

If you’re looking for Azilal rugs, let us know at Atlas Weavers! We are a fair trade artisan project in the USA that works with women in Berber communities to offer authentic Moroccan rugs. Each rug bears the rich tradition and culture of the Berber people, bringing a Moroccan touch to Western living spaces. Get in touch with us today for your very own Berber rug!

You may be thinking about spicing up your home through new and interesting furnishings, like authentic Moroccan rugs. These are beautiful works of art that tell the story of its weaver, and it is also a piece of Morocco that you can set up in your home. However, with current conditions, it may be more difficult to look for rugs in person, which brings your search to online retailers.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when buying your next Moroccan rug online. You’ll want to make sure you have enough space for it in your home and that you buy it from a reliable retailer. Here are some tips to keep in mind when browsing for a Moroccan carpet:

Have an Idea of What You Want

While there are Moroccan rugs from different tribes that bear different designs, it’s a good idea to have a rough notion of what kind of Moroccan rug you like. Visualize what design looks best with your furniture or the design of your rooms. Think about the size and material you prefer. Large-sized rugs are optimal for open living spaces, while small-sized rugs can accent a smaller room. Knowing the specifications of the kind of rug you’re looking for will help you narrow down your search.

Educate Yourself

There are different Berber tribes that produce these rugs, and each rug is made in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. It’s a prized artifact of their culture, so it’s important to pay due respect to its artisans by doing some research on the style of rug you prefer and the history behind it.

As you’re looking for an authentic Moroccan carpet, remember that each one comes with its own story. The care and skill that is put into each rug will reflect in the price tag, so expect prices that are higher than your typical major homeware variety.

Figure Out Its Function

When selecting your Moroccan rug, determine how you want it to function in your home. If you’ll be walking on it all the time, make sure that it comes with an underpad. This will help extend the lifespan of your rug while making it more comfortable to walk on. If you have children, this will also make the rug more comfortable to play on.

If you are considering a rug for high-traffic areas, select a rug that will maintain its appearance despite regularly being stepped on, like a low-pile flat-weave rug or a kilim rug. If you prefer a softer rug that will be positioned in a low-traffic area, a shaggy rug is most ideal.

Additionally, since these are handmade and of the highest quality, these are sturdy enough to pass on to future generations. If you want this rug to uniquely reflect you and your family, you may even consider having a rug made to order.

Find a Place to Put It

Lastly, make sure that you have a great place to put your rug. A Moroccan Berber rug is a great addition to balancing other design aspects of your home, especially if it’s mostly made of modern furniture. If you want a more muted aesthetic, a Beni Ourain rug will instantly elevate the ambiance of your home.

If you want to change things up a little, you can even put it up on your wall. This will add a unique and interesting element to your room while presenting it like the work of art it truly is.

Conclusion

A Moroccan rug will make a fantastic addition to any home. They are stunningly handcrafted by the highest-skilled artisans and weavers while bearing its own unique story. Not only are they sturdy and durable, but its beauty can be passed onto future generations, making it ideal for a family heirloom. With these tips in mind, you’ll find the perfect Moroccan rug for your home.

Atlas Weavers is a fair trade artisan boutique in the USA that supplies authentic Moroccan rugs. We offer a wide variety of beautiful and long-lasting rugs that showcase the rich tradition and culture of the Berber people. Visit our website today to find your next rug!

Moroccan rugs have taken the furnishing world by storm over the last few decades, but they’ve actually been in existence for centuries. They’ve gotten so popular that big-name homeware companies have begun producing their own Moroccan rugs by employing local craftsmen and the Berber tribes who reside in the Moroccan Atlas. However, these have strayed considerably far from the original rugs.

These carpets are rich with Moroccan art, craftsmanship, and culture. It tells the story of its weavers and its people, and the patterns are representative of symbols that are integral to its history. Here are a few things you should know about Moroccan rugs:

The Origins of Moroccan Rugs

These colorful carpets date all the way back to the 2nd century, BC. They were first found in the High and Middle Atlas mountains that run through the country and were originally crafted out of virgin sheep’s wool by the women of nomadic or semi-nomadic tribes. These rugs did more than cover their floors—they also served as blankets, mattresses, and seats. Each rug is weaved with the story and experiences of its crafter, and are replete with the symbolism of its respective regions.

One of the most famous Moroccan rugs are the Berber-style carpets. These are weaved with the distinct Berber knot and feature symbols that were found in Moroccan parietal art. Zigzag lines are a prominent characteristic of these rugs, and these refer to serpent symbolism that is widely present in their culture. Other symbols, such as the diamond, the fish, and the trellis, are reminiscent of femininity and fertility.

Where to Get Authentic Moroccan Rugs

The most reliable way to find authentic Moroccan rugs is to contact a trusted seller who directly sources carpets from Morocco. Most homeware brands carry synthetic rugs that are similarly priced to the actual handcrafted carpet, which can make it even more difficult to discern real from fake.

The best way to get genuine Moroccan rugs is to go directly to Morocco where there are plenty of carpet peddlers. However, these sellers may inflate the prices, so you may need sharp bargaining skills. Conversely, there are hawkers or curbside sellers who will try to sell you rugs at a very low price. These tend to be rugs that were made in different countries and out of artificial materials.

How to Tell a Moroccan Rug from an Imitation Rug

Sometimes, it can be difficult to identify real Moroccan Berber rugs from imitation ones. However, one of the easiest ways to tell is to scrutinize the details of the knots. Real Berber rugs are handmade, so some asymmetry is to be expected. The knotting on the other side of the carpet should be crooked.

Additionally, if the reverse side of the rug is made of hard plastic, that’s a clear sign that the rug is made of synthetic material.

Authentic Berber rugs usually have fringes or tassels on one side as these are used to finish off the carpet. However, Berber artisans have begun to put tassels on both sides given its popularity among its customers.

Genuine Moroccan rugs are always handmade and are weaved with 100% undyed virgin wool. This gives it a yellowish tinge. Fake Moroccan rugs often mix materials together, like wool and synthetic. If you have an allergic reaction to the carpet, it may be fake; pure wool has hypoallergenic properties.

Conclusion

Moroccan rugs are stunning additions to your home that are abundant in color and culture. If they are properly taken care of, these rugs will not only endure the test of time—they can easily become a family heirloom to pass onto future generations, too!

Looking for authentic Moroccan rugs of all kinds, from Azilal rugs to Beni Ourain? Check out our catalog at Atlas Weavers, a fair trade project where we offer carpets in various designs and sizes that are beautiful and long-lasting. Pass on the Moroccan tradition by visiting our website and adding one to your home today!

Morocco is a country well known for its fusion of African, Arab, and Jewish traditions. From the food to the architecture, customs to textiles, this country has perfected a distinct mix of cultures. One manifestation of this combination is the Moroccan rug. 

These rugs date back to the mid-nineteenth century and are an offshoot of Turkish rugs. A difference between them is Turkish rugs are elaborate, while Moroccan ones are geometric. Both, though, are synonymous with quality and beauty. Today let us take a closer look at these rugs.

Azilal rugs - single-knotted and intricate

Vintage Azilal rugs contain stories, literally--these wool rugs are sought-after as much for the narratives depicted on the patterns as they are for the pictures themselves. 

These rugs have bold colors and detailed patterns and are from the Atlas mountains. An Azilal carpet has a cream or white base woven with brightly tinted wool. Weavers extract the colors from flowers growing in the region.

Boujad rugs - warm hues and geometric shapes

A red, orange or pink Moroccan rug is most likely a Boujad variant. These rugs have the knotting technique practiced by the Berber tribes, but with a tighter knot. 

This method requires less wool, which allows for more intricate geometric patterns. As with Azilal rugs, weavers get the colors in Boujad rugs from flowers. They may also use berries and plants, such as henna. 

Beni Mguild - jewel-toned and reversible

These rugs are by the Beni Mguild tribe of the Middle Atlas region. They make their carpets on a vertical loom, and they often use shades of purple, red, blue, and brown. These rugs usually have a diamond-patterned body.

A Beni Mguild rug is reversible; one side is flat, while the other has a thicker pile. You can use the smooth side during warm months, and turn over the rug to use the other surface during cold weather.

Beni Ourain - light and minimalist

Scandinavian and minimalist-themed homes would use Beni Ourain rugs in focal points of the house. The tribe of the same name is responsible for this type of Moroccan rug. 

It is understated yet beautiful, with shades ranging from white to sandy cream. Each rug has soft black and brown geometric designs; the patterns are often mismatched and sometimes asymmetrical, adding to its rustic charm.

Boucherouite - bright and tactile

This type of rug is incredibly vibrant and textured. Boucherouite rugs are a riot of color, and they use scraps of fabric and old clothing. It is an adaptation to the lack of access to wool and is a beautiful example of sustainability.

Kilim - lightweight

In contrast to Boucherouite rugs, Kilim rugs are flat and light. These are also from the Berber tribes in the desert, so they are pile less and portable. Thin rugs are great for hot climates, and you can repurpose these into wall hangings or room dividers.

Conclusion

Moroccan rugs represent vibrant communities, recreated through gorgeous patterns and designs. Give your home a splash of color, buy these rugs, and learn a thing or two about global cultures.

Get high-quality rugs from Atlas Weavers. We are a premier supplier of authentic Moroccan rugs, and we aim to bring the rich Berber culture to the world. Browse our gallery or contact us today to learn more.

The weaving of beautiful rugs for the home is a staple of Moroccan culture and stems from the many traditions from the various Berber and Arab tribes. Each has its own unique traditions, techniques, and ancestral influences. As such, these pieces can differ from region to region, from tribe to tribe, and family to family in their usage of dyes, weaves, loops, knots, and patterns.

Because of their beauty, Moroccan rugs have seen great popularity for use outside Morocco in the last hundred years. Unfortunately, it can make it difficult to determine which carpets are authentically handwoven, and which are mass-produced.

When choosing a carpet for your home, it is important to familiarise yourself with how they are made to avoid buying overpriced fakes that have no true value compared to an authentically-woven piece. Here are four tips in determining the authenticity of a Moroccan rug:

1. Watch out for the “vintage” rugs

The word is loosely used to describe many Moroccan rugs, but it is highly unlikely that all the pieces on the market today are vintage. The original purpose of many of these carpets was not to mass-produce them for profit but to decorate one’s home.

Many of them are washed, chemically treated, or sun-faded to give them the look and feel of a truly vintage or mid-century product. It is not uncommon for new carpets to be beaten and mistreated to give them that vintage feel that puts them in such high demand.

2. Figure out if the rug you’re buying is a copy

It is not uncommon for mass-produced copies of a truly rare Moroccan rug to appear on the market after it is featured in a book, magazine, or museum. If you are not sure about the reliability of the vendor to which you are speaking, it will be best to do a reverse Google image search of the piece that’s being sold to you.

3. Ask about its history, and be aware of the little nuances in culture

There has been a rise in carpets marketed by dealers as coming from the Beni Mrit tribe, which actually does not exist. Mrit is just a trading town in the Middle Atlas mountains where women come to sell their woven wares, and “beni” is a word meaning “sons of.”

Sellers tried to capitalise on the name of the actual tribe Beni Quarain to give the rugs from Mrit a more exotic appeal. In reality, none of these carpets was truly authentic and was all likely made recently or mass-produced.

While it is difficult to understand all the little nuances in Moroccan culture to tell if your rug is authentic, it is best to familiarise yourself with the market so that you know what you receive is the product you actually wanted.

4. Mind the ethics of the seller

The mass production of these counterfeit Moroccan rugs has caused a rise in river pollution from the harmful chemicals used in the fake ageing process. As such, it is important that your seller actually sources their rugs from the Berber people.

A good seller will tell you when the carpet was obtained and about the family that they obtained it from. This not only ensures environmentally ethical practices were used in the creation of the carpet, but it also ensures that the Berber people are properly compensated for the cultural artefacts for which they are responsible.

Conclusion

Morrocan rugs are a beautiful addition to any home. When they are authentically made, they are handcrafted with the weaver’s personal language of weaving, containing symbols and patterns deeply rooted in the family’s ancestral history. Most importantly, such pieces are created with love, which is why it is important to make sure that the products you buy are authentic.

Are you looking for a trustworthy supplier of authentic Moroccan rugs? We’re here to help. Visit our website today, and find the best product for your home!

Moroccan style showcases eclectic and exotic elements, such as vivid hues and intricate designs and patterns. If you are someone who does not shy away from boldness and extravagance, then incorporating the style of beautiful Morocco into your living space might be perfect for you. To ensure that your living room looks lavish, here are some of the best tips you can design your authentic, astonishing Moroccan space:

1. Choose a striking color palette

What makes Moroccan style distinguishable from other aesthetics is that it features bold, rich colors. To create a Moroccan-style living room, the first thing you need to do is to decide on a prominent color scheme.

You may go with gold or silver accents and striking jewel tones. On the other hand, to keep your space neutral-looking but with some surprising pops of colors, add eye-catching shades to your space dominated by cool, neutral hues.

2. Add patterned and colorful tiles

Installing an ornate mosaic tile work to your living room makes your space exude an authentic Moroccan vibe and choosing tiles with unique accents will make your living room a celebration of patterns and colors.

Some strategic areas in your living room where you can place some tiles are around your fireplace, near your mantle, and on top of your coffee table. You may consider doing the tile work yourself or hiring a team of skilled professionals to ensure its quality.

3. Incorporate materials with woven textures and fabrics into your living room

Textures set the look and feel of your living room. To add some style and cozy feel to your space, place some materials with woven fabrics and textures in the form of Berber rugs, blankets, pillows, or poufs. Not only this can make your living room showcase Moroccan style but also this can make your space extra cozy. You may go for materials that come in neutral tones to balance out the boldness of your rich Moroccan color palette.

4. String up lanterns and lights

One of the greatest ways to create a warm, welcoming ambiance for your traditional Moroccan-style living room is by hanging some lanterns and string lights.

These lights and lanterns come in a wide variety of designs, sizes, and shapes you can choose from so you won’t have a hard time creating a Moroccan aesthetic. But to make your living space truly Moroccan, you may consider buying some metal lanterns with a gold or copper frame and clear or jewel-toned accents.

5. Add authentic Moroccan rugs to your living room

Adding a Moroccan woven rug to the room completes the look of your Moroccan-themed living space. Since Moroccan rugs come in a diverse variety of color combinations, textures, and patterns, you can easily choose the perfect one that matches your unique style, vision, and preference from an online shop or a brick-and-mortar store.

Conclusion

Creating a Moroccan-styled living room can be challenging. But with the right color scheme, light fixtures, textures, and decorative rugs, you can design a space that truly celebrates the Moroccan spirit.

Give your living space a modern look with high-quality Moroccan rugs from Atlas Weavers. Get in touch with us to place your order!

Berber rugs are rugs woven by hands by the Berber people living in the Sahara and North Africa. These are rugs in both traditional and modern designs, which come in different fabrics, textures, knitting patterns, and dyes. Berber rugs are highly durable home furnishings that do not easily break. It can last for more than a decade in your home, even when exposed to dense traffic areas.

If you are looking for a quality home rug with a touch of tradition and culture, you can always choose a Berber rug, and you will not be disappointed. Finding a quality rug, especially a vintage one, can be intimidating and complicated. Nowadays, a lot of markets offer low quality, fake tribal rugs in the market, and for a beginner, it is not something easy to distinguish.

Here are some tips from the experts on how you can find your perfect and genuine vintage Berber rug.

Do not be fooled by antique washes

Because of the recent demand for vintage rugs, some weavers in Morocco started to produce fake and antique washed rugs. These are the rugs that are made to look ‘aged.’ Weavers often achieve it through washing, fading, raking the mats, and more. Be wary of these tactics.

Check the age

When we say vintage, these rugs refer to the rugs produced before the 1900s. That means that different families have used these rugs in different Berber homes. During that time, rugs are not in demand or sold outside of Morocco, so families stitch their rugs.

You should expect these rugs to be damaged. Some might have some unraveling, sun fading, drops of candle wax, henna stains, and more. These are ordinary damages to see in a vintage rug, and professionals can restore these.

Observe the colors

In the early 20th century, colored dyes do not yet exist. Weavers use vegetable dyes to produce colors for their rugs. Most of the vintage rugs created then were in the deep hue colors of blue, tangerine, amber, and aubergine. These are the colors sourced from natural resources.

If you see Berber rugs in colors aqua, blush, baby pink, or pastel colors, that is one sign that is a fake vintage rug. Those colors were not yet available during the early Berber rug creation. You might see Berber rugs of these colors woven nowadays to cater to the Western market’s needs, but it is not vintage.

They are quality rugs of high value

Women often weave vintage Berber rugs for their homes. You should expect that these are carefully crafted with pride. They are detailed, not symmetrically perfect, and may often have special touches. These are home rugs designed to last a lifetime. Quality vintage rugs are limited. That is why they often come at a great price.

Conclusion

Knowing whether the vintage rug you are eyeing is authentic or not may require a professional and knowledgeable eye. Still, we hope our notes above help you distinguish the authentic from the fake ones. To ensure you get genuine and quality vintage rug, buy only from a reputable rug store.

Are you looking for a convenient way to find your authentic dream Berber rug? Why not look up our store and check our Atlas Berber rugs? We offer various sizes and designs, and we work closely with rug retailers and interior designers to make sure you get the quality rug you need.