Moroccan rugs have become increasingly trendy, with their soft textures, minimalist tones, and geometric designs adorning every interior home. However, the image that comes to mind is likely just one among several. The well-known design is classified as a "tribal" rug rather than an "urban" rug. Not to mention, these are area rugs that were designed and weaved by nomadic Berber tribes (also known as Amazigh tribes) from all over Northwestern Africa, with a concentration in Morocco.
In this article, you will enlighten your understanding with everything related to Moroccan rugs.
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Climate factors and tribal lifestyles heavily influenced Moroccan rugs' designs. The Atlas Mountains' harsh winters produced high-pile rugs for sleeping, while the parched Sahara created light, flat-weave textiles. Other rugs were created with the intention of being used as floor coverings or tent panels. Plus, rugs couldn't be longer than seven feet in semi-nomadic tribes since they had to be portable.
When it comes to differentiating between Moroccan rugs, I learned the latter by going out almost every day for seven years, combing through one massive pile after another in a Bazaar after Bazaar, rural village after village, and occasionally even in showrooms.
Beni Ourain: The classic patterns of simple diamonds and the regional palette of ivory easily distinguish Beni Ourain rugs. The minimalist theme creates graceful and harmonious rhythms that draw the eye and move it around the rug. The Beni Ourain is the Moroccan style best suited to a modern minimalist chic aesthetic.
Azilal: These rugs have a surprisingly seductive charm to them because, despite their apparent simplicity, every line, twist, and shape in the rug sets a motion. The most convenient way to describe an Azilal rug would be a palette of modern expressionism.
Beni Mguild has elaborate diamond patterns on a single hue background that varies from red to magenta to blue to purple. Zaiane rugs are extremely similar to Beni Mguild, however, they are more expensive among the elite.
Boujad: The shag rugs feature weird, floating geometric shapes, squares, rectangles, or wobbly-looking diamonds in a multi-color combination of orange and magenta, and sometimes pink. They have a lot of color and patterning and aren't for everyone. They're usually quite expensive, and the average customer would have no idea how to decorate with such a prominent design piece stealing the show.
Ourika: Colorful concentric diamonds fashioned from recycled threads on a white or ivory wool base are known as Ourika rugs. They're popular because of their welcoming, optimistic, uncomplicated fun feel.
Boucherouite: A fluffy rug type that includes any non-traditional weave made primarily of a mix of recycled thread and textiles. But don't be fooled by the weave. These area rugs, like any abstract expressionism work, can range from inexpensive to high in price based only on pattern and color combination. Nevertheless, there are some Boucherouite rugs out there that represent the best of modern art masterpieces.
