10 Reasons to Try Moroccan Rugs

You’ve seen them staring at you on the floor of some of your favorite family photos, or even in a luxurious, modern hotel. Moroccan rugs have become an obsession among the design crowd, and if you’re not already up to the trend, here are 10 reasons to consider giving it a try. But first, there is some background.

Moroccan carpets have a short history. Authentic Beniuran rugs have been handmade by the Beniuran tribal people of the Atlas Mountains of Morocco for generations. Originally used as a warm and comfortable bedspread, these hand-woven rugs are more luxurious and softer than regular rugs. They are made from sheep’s wool grown at high altitudes, and this wool fibre is particularly thick, warm and has a rich cream to beige hue.

Rugs are often decorated with geometric or abstract designs. Since the middle of the 20th century, they have gained popularity worldwide and are now mass-produced by companies ranging from West Elm to Rugs USA. If you look closely, the difference between an authentic rug and a mass-produced rug is obvious: the latter tend to have a more regular pattern and whiter white areas (instead of cream or beige), while the former have a natural texture. Variation and a more luxurious, softer feel.

Now let’s talk about the reasons to try Moroccan rugs.

1. Stylish and classic. From Houzz to the Parker Palm Springs hotel (pictured), Moroccan Beni Ourain rugs can be found everywhere, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, this “trend” has been going on for a long time, and I think “new classics” is a better term for these beloved rugs.

2. Super warm and cozy. Made in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, these carpets are designed with warmth in mind. Having a big one in your bedroom will make your feet very happy, especially on a cold winter morning.

3. It’s comfortable to sit up. Can I recommend a Beni Ourain for a nursery? When you have a small rug, you’re sure to spend a lot of time on the floor – these rugs are so soft that it’s like sitting on a floor mat. Your knees will thank you!(Want to know about spills and wear?Don’t worry, we’ll cover that in the next point.)

4. Surprisingly durable. These rugs have been around for generations, and the natural fibers are very durable, and spills are easy to clean up if treated promptly. I wouldn’t put one in the entrance hall because dirty boots would step on it, but other than that, they can really stand up to anything.

5. Suitable for all colors and patterns. Using a Beni Ourain rug is as easy as putting on a pair of your favorite pair of blue jeans. Its neutral tones and subtle patterns can be paired with bright or subtle colours, florals, stripes, geometric prints… And any other color combination you can think of!

6. Very cool. The space feels a bit boring and instantly adds a cool touch to any room with Moroccan rugs. Favored by fashionistas everywhere, it creates a laid-back vibe without the scary meaning of a ’70s recreation room shag rug.

7. Authenticity is unique. Beni Ourain rugs are hand-woven, so each rug is unique. Each rug is slightly different in color, pattern, and shape, which makes it a great way to personalize your home – even if these rugs are stylish (see point 1), no one will have a rug that is exactly like yours.

8. Layered like a dream. Layering a Moroccan rug on top of another natural fiber rug, such as jute or sisal, can take your Moroccan rug a step further. It’s a great way to use smaller rugs in large spaces, and layering will give your Moroccan rug a more traditional vibe – especially useful if you want to incorporate it into a traditional or transitional space.

9. Bring together an eclectic room like no one cares. As mentioned earlier, Moroccan rugs are undeniably cool to match with a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, but beyond that, they have a one-of-a-kind way to catch the eye and harmonize the whole room. You can fill a room with all sorts of miscellaneous things, but nothing in common, put a Beni Ulan rug in the middle of everything and it will suddenly work. If you like an eclectic style, you’ll need one of these rugs.

10. All price points are available. If you’re salivating over an authentic Moroccan rug, but a real rug is a bit out of your price range, you don’t have to feel left out. Retailers from West Elm (whose carpets are shown here) to Pottery Barn are launching their own versions of these popular rugs, some of which are of quite high quality. I recommend that you check it at the store before you buy it so that you can evaluate the quality for yourself.