Moroccan Rug Guide
At Kechmara Designs, we pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of the history and intricate design processes behind our rugs and home accessories. With so many styles out there, finding the perfect rug to suite your needs can feel a bit daunting, so we would like to share with you the different styles of rugs we showcase, as well as some history behind the styles in an effort to make the decision process a bit easier for you. Please feel free to reach out to us with any additional questions regarding our rugs and we will be happy to help assist with you.
A single-knot weave of wool, cotton or a combination of fibers is characteristic of the Azilal rug. Typically more colorful than the Beni Ouarain, the Azilal rug is a vibrant, exciting and often very detailed art form, featuring geometrics and often repeated waves of patterns in a range of colors, including eggplant, red, saffron and vibrant turquoise hues.
As practical products, the rugs woven throughout Morocco and the Atlas Mountains tend to have varying degrees of depth and density, closely related to the need for warmth in each of the regions. The Beni M’Guild weavers tend to produce the most dense, heavy rugs due to the harsh climate. The thick pile and more simple, tone-on-tone designs distinguish the Beni M’Guild artwork from more elaborate designs of other Moroccan weavers. Subtle patterns and symbols can be found among the saturated blues, oranges, reds, browns and deep aubergines of these rugs.
Boujad rugs hail from the region of Haouz in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. They are made with soft wool and natural dyes, and tend to feature pinks and oranges with irregular geometric patterns and designs that reflect the whim of the weaver. These vintage pieces tell the true story of Morocco and its people - they are woven with history and are a wonderful piece of 'folk' art to be passed down for years to come. Each piece has been carefully selected allowing us to offer some of the most unique Boujad rugs online in Australia, sourced directly from artisans in rural Morocco.
Talsint is located in the Figuig provence, north east Morocco. Here, their carpets are made by the Berber woman using traditional berber knots - typically with strong colors of red, purple and orange. Talsint rugs are known for their beautiful and irregular lines. The common diamond pattern seen on these rugs is a berber symbol for fertility.
Traditionally used as blankets, Beni Mellal rugs originated in the Middle Atlas Mountains in northern Africa. Their beautiful designs caught the eyes of tourists and interior designers alike and they have since found their way into homes as rugs.
Typically woven of natural ivory wool with a geometric black or brown pattern, the Beni Ourain style is characteristic of the nomadic Berber tribe. Often selected for bedding in this cold region, the Beni Ourain is a versatile product, suitable to be displayed underfoot, as a wall adornment, or as a heavy blanket. Known for its thick pile construction and double-knotted weaving technique, this style is among the most durable and comfortable rugs as well. Symbolism is significant in this weaving technique. Some rugs can include depictions within the patterns that symbolize fertility, femininity and nature, to name a few.
The largest region surrounding the imperial city of Marrakech is called Rehamna. It is on these vast plains that different weaver groups create these eye-catching rugs. The Rehamna style rug is commonly known for being scattered with motifs, directional lines and chess-board elements that create a sort of bordering edge. This style will add a strong modern element to any room.