Tips on Buying Authentic Moroccan Rugs

capetocasa

Last Updated:

Some people might think buying a Moroccan rug is an easy task, but it can actually be pretty complicated.

If you’re not familiar with the process of choosing a Moroccan rug, or the different Moroccan rug types that are available, you could end up buying a piece that’s not really worth your money.

In this blog post, we’ll go over everything you need to know before making a Moroccan rug purchase.

  • We’ll discuss the different materials and techniques used to make rugs in Morocco, so you can make an informed decision.
  • And we’ll give you some tips on how to find the best Moroccan rug deals and where to find them. So read on for all the information you need to buy a beautiful Moroccan rug!

Very much like Moroccan rugs, Moroccan poufs are some of the most popular pieces of furniture in the world. They’re colorful, comfortable, and can add a touch of luxury to any room. Check out our post about Moroccan poufs.

moroccan rugs

How much does a Moroccan rug cost

Stating the obvious: Moroccan rugs aren’t cheap at all, especially when buying them online. That’s why it’s best to buy one when you visit Morocco.

While all authentic Moroccan rugs are expensive, you must decide how much you want to spend on a rug depending on whether it’s vintage or not.

In all cases, it will cost you a little fortune for sure.

price-of-Morocco-rugs
Berber woman preparing a blue Moroccan rug

The good news is that Moroccan rugs are an investment that is worth making. Having a unique piece of furniture that you’re proud of in your home gives you a kind of self-satisfaction.

At least this is what I feel, being obsessed with unique pieces.

Vintage Moroccan rugs are certainly not budget-friendly as they can range between $2000 and $5000, depending on how old they are.

However, new Moroccan rugs cost between $500 and $2000 given the size, material, patterns, and origin.

One important thing you should keep in mind is that the negotiated price does not include shipping if you are not planning to take it with you on the plane.

You may use it as a bargaining chip to reduce the price by including shipping in the final price.

Best places to buy a rug in Morocco

There are a lot of places to buy Moroccan rugs, but if you want the best quality and selection, then you need to go to not only one but multiple rug dealers in Morocco.

The main idea here is to well investigate to find the right rug for you and your needs.

There you can find any size, style, or color of Moroccan rug that you could imagine!

So, if you’re looking for a beautiful and authentic Moroccan rug, be sure to check out these top shops in both Marrakech and Fez.

Moroccan Rug Shops in Fez

  • Coin Berbere: Located in Bouzidi Idrissi Freres 67 Talaa Kebira Haddadine
  • Ali’s Art Gallery: Located at 17, Souiket Dahbane Sagha Fez Medina

Moroccan Rug shops in Marrakech

  • Vintage Moroccan Carpet: A 2-min walk from the Ben Youssef Madrasa
  • Chez Lahna: Located at 19, Derb N’khel Rahba Lakdima Marrakech Medina
  • Artisant Du Sud (Rugs + Custom wool rug made to size): Located in 100, Rahba el Kadima Sidi Ishak Marrakech Medina

Custom-made Moroccan rugs

Moroccan rug shops have hundreds if not thousands of pieces and they are not lazy to unpack every single one to show it to you. But sometimes you just can!t find one to you your liking. Whether is the size, the pattern, or the colors, so many things make up the rug you dream about.

morocco-rugs-online-handmade
Custom-made Moroccan rug_View on Etsy

If you are one of the unlucky ones. Hopefully not. You can order a custom-designed rug.

So many rug dealers in Morocco provide this service like Artisant Du Sud shop in Marrakech.

How it works is that you describe the patterns you like, and the colors and define the size. If you have a picture that would be great but if you don’t no worries.

They are experienced and they come across custom-made rug requests all the time.

Depending on the size, the complexity, and the number of women working on your handmade Moroccan rug, it could take from 1 to 6 months of meticulous work to finish.

If you have an urgent need specify it I’m sure they can help. Plus, the rug will be shipped to your door. So, don’t worry about coming back for pick up.

What are Moroccan Rugs Made of?

The art of weaving and rug making in Morocco is something that is inherited, not studied.

It’s passed down from generation to generation and this is how it has been for centuries.

moroccan-rugs
Moroccan rugs are made of natural wool

Berber Moroccan rugs are usually made of natural sheep wool. Processing the wool is a strenuous process, done by hand.

The wool should be cleaned, dyed, and made into different thicknesses then sold for different uses including clothes and rug weaving.

Stripes of cut clothing and synthetic material are also used to make some Moroccan rug types such as the Boucherouite rug.

What to look for in a Moroccan rug

Authenticity: Authenticity would be the first thing to look for in a rug. When buying a Moroccan rug in person it is easy to get the feel of whether it’s authentic or not.

A genuine Moroccan rug is undoubtedly handmade but many machine-made rugs are supposed to look like handmade ones.

To identify a real Moroccan rug, check for imperfections in knots and size, and fading wool colors. A handmade Moroccan rug isn’t supposed to be perfect.

  • What is the Rug Made of: Is it made of natural wool, cotton, or fabric?
  • Where is it made: The origin of the Moroccan rug will tell you a lot about it.
  • The Age: How old the rug is might be important if you’re looking for a vintage Moroccan rug. The vintage ones you find on the market now are between 20 to 30 years old. The older it gets the more expensive it becomes.
  • The Price of the rug: The price of the rug is decided based on the materials, origin, and age.
  • Shipping options: Buying a Moroccan rug online requires shipping. One of the best practices for buying a Moroccan rug online is to choose the option with shipping included.

Want to buy a Moroccan rug online?

Beni Ourain Carpets: The Moroccan-based online shop on Etsy sells amazing Beni Ourain Moroccan rugs with shipping included.

Boutique Maroc: Boutique Maroc in the UK is another small online shop that has a lovely collection of Moroccan rugs from different regions, Beni Ourain, Azilal, Ourika, and many more.

Coco Carpets: With a large collection of Moroccan rugs and pillows, the U.S.A-based shop Coco Carpets is known for its authentic vintage rug pieces. Shipping in the US is free.

We Berber: Another great Moroccan shop on Etsy, WeBerber is located in Khmessat town near Casablanca. They have their own team to create custom rugs.

What do you think about our Moroccan rugs post, was it helpful? Did you find your dream rug yet?

About capetocasa

1 thought on “Tips on Buying Authentic Moroccan Rugs”

Leave a Comment