An area rug is meant to complement and enhance the look and feel of a room. A popular, timeless design is the Moroccan Berber rug, most specifically the Beni Ourain rug. The handwoven, 100% wool carpet is durable enough to handle years of foot traffic. The simplistic designs and neutral colors will match any decor to complete the space.

Moroccan Berber rugs acquired their name from the Berber people who wove them by hand. The Beni Ourain tribe resides in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. Centuries ago, whether living in the cold mountains or the hot desert climate, tribes constructed these rugs more for utilitarian purposes than decorative. To combat the colder climate, the Beni Ourain tribes would have woven a thick, flat carpet to be used with the intentions of sleeping on, or as a blanket or even a burial shroud.

The Beni Ourain tribe has passed down their distinct designs for generations so that we can enjoy their beautiful craftsmanship. During the turn-of-the-century, designer Le Corbusier showcased the Beni Ourain Moroccan Berber rugs with his own furniture designs, displaying their usefulness and elegance. People were impressed that a tribal design could flatter his sleek inventions so thoroughly. Le Corbusier created an appeal that continues today.

Woven from sheep’s wool the geometric pattern is typically offered in a beautiful white or ivory tone intertwined with a darker, naturally dyed, brown or black pattern. Moroccan rugs are handcrafted from small to larger sizes and can be utilized in many different spaces. When deciding which size to purchase, allow for a border of floor to be visible. For hallways or entryways a smaller Berber will enhance the space. Consider larger sizes for bedrooms or living rooms. Remember when designing a living area, the carpet should sit several inches under the furniture. If it doesn’t it chances are the rug is too small for the room.

Many designers will caution not to wait until the end and hope to find the perfect rug that goes with everything in the space. Choose the carpet first, then the accessories to match, such as pillows, curtains and throws. The simplistic, neutral pattern of a Berber rug will create the foundation for the room. From there, add favorite accent colors, textures and patterns to establish a complimentary space.

An exciting benefit to remember about owning a Beni Ourain rug is they are individually handcrafted, so each rug will have its own slightly unique design. An authentic Moroccan rug is a tightly hand woven, 100% wool creation that is durable enough to last for years to come. A distinction the Beni Ourain tribe holds from other Moroccan tribes is they use only “live wool” to weave their rugs. This means the wool is removed from a living sheep and not after the sheep has died. This only enhances the fluffy, shaggy feel Beni Ourain Moroccan Berber rugs are renowned for. The neutral tones will compliment most color schemes, adding warmth and texture to any space while also allowing bold shades, from other accessories, to enhance the room.