Not All Moroccan Carpets are the Same: The Berber Handicraft Difference

Moroccan carpets

Ever found yourself wondering why some Moroccan carpets feel luxuriously plush while others seem... basic? Let’s talk about what makes a truly exceptional Moroccan rug, and why these differences matter when you’re investing in a piece for your home.

All types of moroccan rugs

Quality You Can Feel

Let’s start with what you’ll notice the moment you touch one of our rugs: the wool. We source premium Atlas Mountain wool, known for its long, strong fibers that create that incredibly soft, plush feel under your feet. Many other Moroccan rugs use cheaper, shorter-fiber wool that pills easily and loses its shape over time. Explore our wool rug collection to experience this difference yourself.

The Knot Count Difference

well hand knotted vintage moroccan rug

This is something that most sellers will not tell you: the density of the knots in a Beni Ourain or Moroccan rug matters a lot.
Our craftsmen can create around 2100 knots in a square foot which is 20 000 per square meter thus giving that dense and luxurious pile that mimics the feel of walking on clouds. 
Most of the ordinary Moroccan rugs on have 50% fewer knots number per square knot foot
resulting in a thinner, less durable rug that starts showing wear paths quickly.

Original Designs vs. Copies

We create our designs, drawing inspiration from traditional Berber symbols while innovating new patterns. Unfortunately, it’s become common in the market to see our unique designs copied and mass-produced with lower-quality materials and craftsmanship. When you choose our Berber rugs, you’re getting an original piece, not a replica. Check out our custom Moroccan rugs for one-of-a-kind designs.

The Time Investment

colorful Moroccan rug

Quality can’t be rushed. Each of our Berber rugs takes 3-4 weeks to complete, with artisans carefully selecting wool qualities for different parts of the design. Many other manufacturers rush production to 1-2 weeks, using uniform wool quality that doesn’t consider the rug’s specific needs.

Real Durability

A well-made Moroccan rug should last generations. Our dense weave and premium wool means your rug will maintain its shape and beauty for decades. Lesser-quality rugs might look similar at first, but they’ll start showing their true nature within months – losing shape, developing bare spots, and failing to bounce back after furniture compression.

The Investment Worth Making

High quality wool moroccan rug

Yes, our rugs cost more than regular Moroccan rugs. But consider this: would you rather buy a rug that needs replacing in a few years, or invest in one that:

  • Maintains its plush texture for decades
  • Features original designs, not copies
  • Uses the finest Atlas Mountain wool
  • Has superior knot density for better durability
  • Is crafted by artisans who take pride in their work

The Truth About Moroccan Berber Rugs

Pink beni ourain rug on a beautiful living room

Not all the Moroccan rugs are the same. The difference lies in the details such as the type of wool used, number of knots per square inch, the design, and the hours put into it. These aren’t just marketing points – they are the real factors that define whether the rug you bought will be a valuable asset or a simple interior detail. Your home deserves the best.

 
Discover also our guide about the difference between handmade and machine-made rugs!

Moroccan Rugs FAQ


  • Yes, always. Every rug we offer is woven by hand on traditional looms in the Atlas Mountains. No shortcuts, no machines — just real artisans keeping their craft alive. The tiny variations in pattern and weave? That’s the beauty of a handmade piece, not a flaw.
    Meet the Makers

  • Think of it like this:

    • Berber rug → any rug woven by Morocco’s Berber tribes.
    • Moroccan rug → the wider category, covering Berber, kilim, flatweave styles.
    • Beni Ourain rug → a specific type, ivory wool with minimalist diamonds, soft and timeless.
      Each name tells part of the story.

  • Easily. That’s why designers love them.

    • Quiet luxury → ivory Beni Ourain rugs under walnut tables and linen sofas.
    • Dopamine décor → bold Azilal or Boujaad rugs that pop with color and texture.
    • Minimalist homes → clean checkered rugs for crisp or engraved textures without playing with colors like our Scale collection, for modern rooms.
      One tradition, endless styles.

  • Yes. They’re made with natural wool, hand-spun yarn, and small-batch dyes. When you buy from us, you’re supporting cooperatives, fair wages, and keeping Moroccan traditions alive.

  • Decades. With a little care, your Berber rug will outlast trends and maybe even become a family heirloom. Wool is naturally strong, stain-resistant, and soft underfoot — built for real living.

    • Shedding: A little at first. It’s just loose wool fibers working themselves out. It calms down with time (around 2 weeks).
    • Smell: You might notice a faint lanolin scent — that’s the natural oil from sheep’s wool. It fades quickly and reminds you it’s the real thing.
  • Absolutely. at your desired size, colors, even the motifs. We’ll weave it from scratch and ship it to you. Custom means it’s yours alone.
    Start creating your rug

    • Vacuum gently (no roller brush).
    • Rotate it every few months.
    • Dab spills with mild soap and water.
    • Send it to a wool rug specialist if you want a deep clean.
      Simple care, long life.

    Our complete care guide