We know that when you travel around Morocco you are going to be wowed by the rugs. From the time you arrive until the time you depart, you are going to see incredible rugs. They will be at the markets, in the shops, they will be under your feet at the gorgeous hotels or desert camps and they will be for sale everywhere. You will find them in Marrakesh, in Fez and in Casablanca, and even, off the beaten track in the desert and in the mountains.
We have one word of advice for you. Don’t buy the very first rug you see! You will fall in love with it, sure, but you are going to fall in love with many rugs along your journey. Rather, take your time, make notes of your favourite rugs as you may want to go back for them, and also, make notes of the size, colour and type of rug you want.
That all sounds quite clinical, and of course if you want to buy the first rug you see because you’ve never seen anything more beautiful, do it! There is nothing wrong with impulse. Otherwise, take your time and do a little research too.
You will find a few different types of rugs in Morocco.
There are Kilims, locally known as Hanbels. Kilims are fabulous, colourful, fairly light in weight and decorative. A Kilim can be used on the floor, as a wall hanging, or as a bedcover. They are flat-woven rugs, woollen but sometimes with mixed textiles, and have no pile, hence they are fairly light to carry. Kilims can be found in almost all countries as they have become hugely popular, but of course in Morocco they are local and therefore the prices are excellent.
There are knotted pile rugs. These are heavier and more luxurious rugs. They vary in thickness, woven beautifully and can be low, medium or thick pile. They come in a variety of colours and are quite beautiful and unusual.
Boucherouite rugs are also known as rag rugs. These are more contemporary rugs, or creative rugs, using recycled textiles and fabrics. They are often made where wool is not easy to find, and the weavers use bits of cotton, scraps of fabric and threads of silver or gold thread.
It’s the rug weaving techniques that make Moroccan rugs so beautiful. If you’re lucky, you can go to a weaving factory, or watch women weaving rugs with looms in their homes. It’s all by hand! There are different tribes in Morocco, and they all have their own tribal patterns and techniques. Sometimes the techniques are mixed, resulting in unusual and fabulous patterns and detail. It’s why we think you should take your time and do your research, because the more you learn about rugs, the more fascinating they become.
There are tribal rugs, aged rugs, vintage rugs, contemporary rugs, woollen rugs, woven rugs, recycled rugs and more! Don’t feel shy to bargain, it’s almost expected of you. And look down all the time. The rugs under your feet are always spectacular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Berber rugs are some of the most expensive rugs available on the market because they are of such high quality. The Berber people have been making rugs for centuries, and their skill and craftsmanship is unmatched. In addition, the materials used to make Berber rugs are of the highest quality, so it’s no surprise that they come at a high price tag. If you’re looking for a truly exquisite rug that will last for years, a Berber rug is definitely one to have.
Moroccan rugs are highly sought after and for good reason, they’re durable, stain-resistant, and have a beautiful aesthetic that can add a touch of luxury to any room.
When shopping for a Moroccan rug, it’s important to make sure you buy from a reputable source. Not all Moroccan rugs are created equal, and it’s important to select one that is made with high-quality materials. Look for rugs that are made with natural fibers such as wool or cotton, as these will be more durable and resistant to stains.
There are a few ways to test if a Moroccan rug is real. One way is to check the fringe. Often, fake rugs will not have a fringe, or the fringe will be made of synthetic materials. Another test is to check the pile. Real Moroccan rugs will have a deep and fluffy pile, while fake rugs will often have a thin and shiny pile. You can also perform an authenticity test by checking for inconsistencies in the design. For example, if two designs are supposed to be mirror images of each other and they’re not perfectly symmetrical, that’s often a sign that the rug is authentic.
Yes, Morocco is famous for its traditional rugs. The art of rug-making has been passed down through the generations in Morocco, and the craftsmanship of these rugs is highly respected.
Rugs from Morocco are known for their intricate designs and beautiful colours, and they often incorporate traditional symbols and patterns. In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Moroccan rugs are also prized for their durability and quality.
Prices for Moroccan rugs vary depending on the size and quality of the rug. In general, you should expect to pay between 3000 and 6000 dirhams for a good quality Moroccan rug. It is always best to negotiate a price before purchasing a rug.
When paying for a Moroccan rug, it is customary to hand the money directly to the seller. Be sure to have the correct change if possible, as merchants in Morocco do not usually carry large amounts of currency.
