Although there's no "right" or "wrong" way to style your home, when you're buying an investment piece, like a Moroccan rug, there are factors to consider that will save you time and money. Below, we'll walk you through how to find the right Moroccan rug by weave, style, and function in seven easy steps. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or a classic neutral, this guide outlines the whole Moroccan rug buying process so you'll feel confident picking a rug that complements your space.
Common design mistakes
Chasing after trends: Choosing a piece without thinking about how you want your space to look and feel over time can leave you disappointed.
Not measuring: Knowing your room’s dimensions is essential for selecting the right-sized Moroccan rug. We recommend leaving at least 12 to 24 inches of visible flooring around the edges for a balanced frame.
Forgetting texture: Never hesitate to mix different textures and finishes—it's the key to avoiding a flat, one-note room.
Skipping rug pads: This simple fix protects your floors from scratches and helps prevent slipping, bunching, and premature wear.
Clashing colors and designs: Too many conflicting patterns or colors can make a room feel busy and overwhelming.
Ignoring lighting: Lighting, whether natural, ambient, warm, cool, or overhead, easily affects how colors appear. Depending on the time of day or the bulbs you use, your Moroccan rug and other finishes may look different.
1. Set the mood
Before you begin decorating, ask yourself this question: How do I want this space to feel? With the right Moroccan rug, you can shape the mood of a room by making this large, focal piece work for you and the goals of your space.
For cozy rooms:
Choose plush or shag rugs with a thick pile you can truly sink into. Our Moroccan shag rugs—like Rosé, Rainforest, and Desert Rose—offer soft, thick textures that will have your feet thankful.
For busy, tidy rooms:
• Go with Kilim rugs; these flat-woven rugs have a tight weave and flat surface, which makes them easy to clean.
• If you want a Moroccan Kilim that's cool to the touch, we suggest going with this Red Kilim, or a flatweave like our Blue Kilim, Berber Echo, and this vintage-inspired Kilim.
• Prefer a bit more warmth and texture? Try a low-pile rug, like our Yellow Moroccan Kilim.
Remember, the best Moroccan rug is one that feels right in your space. whether it's by bringing you joy through texture as you walk over it, or calm when you see it in your room.
2. Select the right color palette
Psychology of color
Color psychology explores how different colors influence our mood and psyche. While everyone reacts to colors in their own way, it’s still useful to consider the atmosphere you want to create so you can choose designs that support the feeling you envision for your space.
Neutrals (white, beige, cream, ivory)
Perfect for creating a light, airy, and minimal mood, these Moroccan rugs anchor bold furniture and art while working beautifully for layering or in low-traffic spaces. Shop beige Moroccan rugs.
Earthy tones (olive green, terracotta, rust)
These rugs create a mood of stability and natural grounding, pair effortlessly with rattan, wood, and stone, and add a warm sense of comfort to any space. Shop olive green Moroccan rugs.
Cool tones (grey, blue, purple)
These rugs bring a sense of serenity, balance, and sophistication, allowing you to layer calming shades for added depth. Perfect for studies, offices, or modern interiors. Shop blue Moroccan rugs.
Cozy tones (red, pink, yellow)
Designed to bring warmth, confidence, and energy, these rugs create striking contrast when paired with cool-tone accents and are ideal for communal or dining spaces. Shop red Moroccan rugs.
3. How lighting affects rug color and texture
Another important thing to consider, apart from your room’s mood and color palette, is lighting, as it can significantly affect how your Moroccan rug’s colors and textures actually appear in the space.
• Warm lighting (incandescent) enhances rich tones like terracotta, beige, and gold, creating a cozy and inviting glow.
• Cool lighting (LED or daylight) sharpens blues, grays, and ivory, making it a great fit for modern or minimalist decor.
• Natural light shifts throughout the day—colors look cooler and crisper in the morning, balanced at midday, and warmer and deeper by sunset.
Consider the placement and number of windows in your room, as well as the color temperature of other light sources, to create a cohesive and intentional look.
4. Next comes the pattern
Here are some common Moroccan rug patterns to consider when choosing a rug based on your lifestyle and interior design style:
Geometric motifs
Ideal for city apartments and open spaces, these geometric rugs feature sleek, bold shapes that complement modern furniture and serve as conversation starters, adding visual interest to minimalist rooms. Shop Abstract Moroccan Rugs.
Boho textural design
Perfect for families, pet owners, and anyone who values practicality, these textured area rugs offer dynamic, cozy, and forgiving designs for high-traffic areas, with earthy or distressed finishes and abstract patterns that help hide wear.
Traditional motifs
Common in traditional and vintage Moroccan rugs, and versatile enough to work with both vintage and modern spaces alike.
5. We can't stress this enough: measure your space
Rug sizing, like most decor decisions, depends on your room’s proportions and your personal styling preference. In general, the larger the room, the larger the rug should be.
Begin by measuring your space to understand its dimensions accurately. We recommend choosing a Moroccan rug that leaves about 12 to 24 inches of visible flooring around the edges for a balanced look, and since we offer made-to-order rugs, you can rest assured that we accommodate every size in the book.
As a rule of thumb
• When rugs are too small, they can feel disconnected from the room and furniture layout, appearing to “float” in the space.
• When rugs are too large, they can feel overwhelming and may even become a tripping hazard if they curl up against baseboards or furniture.
• When in doubt, test it! Did you know we can show you how our rugs will look in your space? Simply email us a photo of your room or a demo room. You can expect to hear back from us within 1–2 business days. Our team may ask a few quick questions or request additional photos to better understand your space and style.
• Want more tips? Whether you’re unsure about rug sizes or just getting started, our Moroccan rug size guide has everything you need to choose the perfect rug.
6. Functionality is just as important
Another important factor in choosing a rug is the room's function.
Is this a space for hosting guests or dining with others, or a quiet study or bedroom with less foot traffic? Depending on how you plan to use the room, we’ve listed a few key spaces and the Moroccan rug that works best for each.
Entryway
Decorate your busy entryways with Moroccan Kilim rugs for their durability, tight weave, and low-profile design.
Dining room
From pasta sauce splatters to wine spills, our Moroccan rugs can handle it all, and their low-profile design makes sliding dining chairs effortless for your guests.
Living room
Five-star rated for a reason, our thickest and coziest Moroccan area rugs elevate your favorite gathering space to the next level.
Bedroom
At the end of the day, nothing feels better than sinking your feet into a supremely soft Moroccan wool rug.
Choosing the right Moroccan rug size, style, and color doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. At Babakech Rugs, every rug—from mid cuntery modern to everyday classic staples—is made entirely by hand with intention, authenticity, and ease in mind.
Explore our full collection and discover the Moroccan rug that feels just right for your space.
