Moroccan rugs are typically tapestry styled rugs that have been hand-woven in various regions of Morocco and they usually vary in style according to the region in which they were made. Weaving is an art that is often passed down from one generation to the next and each artisan has their own unique weaving techniques. As the rugs are being woven, many artisans also include a form of symbolism and their folklore relating to their region into their work. If you are considering buying a Moroccan rug for your home there are a few things to be aware when choosing the rug.

Size Matters

It is important to choose a rug in the correct size to ensure it will enhance the space where it will be placed. For example, if the rug is too small it will look lost among the furniture and other items around it. If the rug is too large, it may look out of place and these types of rugs often have patterns that may overpower the room if it is too large. When placing the rug in the center of a room, it should touch the edge of the furniture and expand out just far enough to allow floor space on the opposite side of the furniture.

Urban or Rural

Moroccan rugs are available in two basic types; rural and urban. The rural type of often comes from the Marrakech or Atlas Mountains areas and is typically an expression of Moroccan tribal traditions. Rural rugs usually have weaving or intricate knotting on the back instead of a backing. Artisans of rural rugs choose the color, theme, and design so they cannot usually be custom ordered.

Urban types of rugs tend to have more sophisticated patterns that are influenced by their trade with the Mediterranean. Unlike the rural rugs that have intricate knotting on the back, urban rugs typically have a stiff backing made from wool and cotton yarn. Urban rugs can typically be ordered in the buyers choice of size, colors, and design.

Quality Materials

When determining the authenticity of a Moroccan rug, one of the best signs of authenticity is hand-knotting. The quality of a Moroccan rug is typically determined by the number of knots per inch. The more knots per inch, the finer the weave. A standard quality rug has a looser weave and the design isn't typically as intricate as those in higher quality rugs. Higher quality rugs also use quality yarn, such as wool, whereas a lower quality may use a synthetic blended yarn.

Whether you are shopping online for your rug or visiting a market in Morocco for a rug, it is important to have a budget in mind before you begin shopping. The prices vary greatly depending on the seller, the area of origin and the materials used. It is also important to ask the seller about the materials that were used, including the type of wool and the types of dyes used (rural rugs are often made with natural dyes). Synthetic dyes are sometimes used because they retain their color longer the natural dyes.

For more information, see companies like Rug Guru. 

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