The Ultimate 5x7 Moroccan Rug Buying Guide

Nov 07, 2025 0

When you think of incorporating some art and culture to your home decor, you'll find that fine Moroccan rugs can give an impressive appeal for homes, resorts, hotels, restaurants, and office spaces. The city of Marrakech, where ancient traditions and modern influences meet to create a captivating tapestry of culture, is renowned for its vibrant souks and an array of exquisite handmade crafts. If your travels have you stopping in Marrakech you’ll find the souks are popping at the seams with rugs. Marrakech has long been a paradise for rug enthusiasts, offering an abundance of choices that showcase the rich heritage of Moroccan craftsmanship. Whether you're an interior design aficionado or simply seeking a unique piece to adorn your home, the journey of buying a rug in Marrakech promises an unforgettable experience.

For a long time, Moroccan rugs have been a one-of-a-kind option that can give your space the highest degree of luxury and culture. The majority you’ll find in shops are made by one of the forty-five distinct Berber tribes in the country, making it an ideal destination for buying Berber rugs in Morocco. Each one has a unique style and every Moroccan Berber rug is handmade on a loom. It’s most often done by women in their free time. Rugs first and foremost are used in homes or for celebrations.

5x7 rugs are a staple for home decorators, offering just the right size to enhance medium-sized rooms without overwhelming them. At Rug Source, we offer a wide selection of 5x7 rugs in a range of materials, styles, and textures from timeless Persian and Oriental patterns to minimalist neutrals and bold modern designs. This size works beautifully beneath a small dining table, centered in a home office, or layered beneath a coffee table in your living room. Our 5x7 rugs are available in hand-knotted, hand-tufted, and machine-made constructions, using high-quality materials such as wool, cotton, jute, and synthetic blends. Explore Rug Source’s collection of 5x7 rugs and find the perfect piece to elevate your space.

But, do you have any idea why they are so desirable, their origin, and how they are made? The world of rugs can feel a bit intimidating and comprehensive for a beginner. Rug enthusiasts started specializing in this industry somewhere sometimes back. Therefore, there must be practical guides, especially when it comes to luxury styles.

Regardless of the category of rug style you choose, what its purpose serves (transitional rug, area rug, outdoor rug, as a coverlet), where it goes (kitchen, dining room, entryway, living room), a significant amount of information still needs to be clearly understood before dealing with the style. In essence, a Moroccan style rug refers to textile floor coverings woven by Morocco’s indigenous traditional people. The rug's prominent role in Morocco is to allow utmost utility, tons of people worldwide like collecting and using this rug style for pure decoration. Its primary material make-up constitutes wool. So, you'll find it super soft, comfy, and comes with high piles. The unique orderly patterns with relaxing colors are what makes it different from the Moroccan hand-knotted wool rugs.

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Moroccan Rug Weaving: The Timeless Art of Tradition and Craftsmanship

History of Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan rugs were first woven in Morocco by the Berber women in Northern Africa and Sahara back in 622AD. These rugs were greatly valued and primarily used in palaces and sacred places. The daughters and granddaughters of Berber women watched and learned the art of weaving the Moroccan rugs since childhood. For that reason, they crafted these tribal rugs for specifically domestic uses such as bedding and flooring. In fact, the designs of the rugs have been handed down by generations of weavers.

After some time, the Eastern tribes like Beni Ourain started to make these Beni rugs professionally and used them as gifts or awards for high-class families. These nomadic crafters obtained wool from the Atlas mountain sheep and wove it to form yarn. The camel’s hair also served as a perfect option for the sheep wool. These artists could sometimes dye the wool or leave them in their original undyed plain color. And for sure, this neutral Moroccan rug looked very beautiful during those days.

Interestingly, the crafters had a superstitious belief that the rug's elegance could attract evil spirits. In order to keep the rugs safe from the evil spirits, the architects burnt the edges of the Moroccan rugs. To date, the accessibility of these highly desired rugs is at an all-time high.

Characteristics of Moroccan Rugs

From Moroccan rugs comes the great inspiration for the history and culture of the traditional people. Typically, the rugs are differentiable using their colors and patterns. This makes it easier for you to know which tribes made which rugs. Moreover, every tribe boasted a distinct culture that their usage would portray. Let's look at some of the common characteristics to note.

Thickness

With Morocco's distinct climate, thicker rugs were made for colder places at high elevations like the mountains. Besides, thinner and flat-weave cloaks were used in hotter places found at low elevations like the Sahara desert.

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For instance, the Beni Ourain tribe used sheep wool to weave a thicker Moroccan rug. This distinct rug was made to keep them warm while in the chilly climate of the Atlas Mountains. Lighter and thinner Moroccan rugs are made to help cope up with the Sahara Desert’s hot climate.

Size

The movement of Moroccan tribes from one place to another largely influenced the sizes of woven rugs. Rug sizes usually ranged from 5-7 feet in width and from 3-10 meters in length to ensure ease and comfort of traveling, but they can usually be customized if you have a small space for example that you need to fit a particular piece into.

Colors and patterns

Moroccan-style rugs are incredibly unique - no two rugs are looking alike. They are hand-woven by expert women of the tribe who use their hands to incorporate symbolic languages and personal experiences in the rugs. The ultimate aim is to narrate the maker's stories.

Additionally, the tribe forms a vital detail of these rugs. And these tribes deliver various types of Moroccan-style rugs.

Common Moroccan Rug Designs

Antique Moroccan rugs are one of the commonest and most captivating art pieces across the world. Their thickness, weaving styles, and design patterns mainly intend to give essential varieties in the world of rugs. Some of the most famous types of vintage Moroccan rugs include:

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Beni Ourain: These rugs are made from pure wool in the middle Atlas Mountains with 17 different Berber tribes known as the Beni Ourain. Usually, these rugs have simple and orderly patterns yet elegant. A genuine old-fashioned Beni Ourain rug should have a cream color, not snow white. The rug contains hints of henna-black or brown hues and many symbols associated with the tribe. More importantly, you'll find this type of rug soft and fluffy to feel.
Azilal: These rugs originate from the high Atlas Mountains and boast bold and bright colors with irregular patterns. They are tangled, thinly peeled rugs created from the natural wool fiber. What's more, the rugs maintain a natural wool color. However, you can make colorful abstract designs from either dyed wool fibers. Moreover, these rugs are true inspirations from the lives of women living in the Azilal region. The most common themes for this rug include marriage, maternity, birth, and farming. Even though they use a different weaving technique, these rugs are still elegant, soft, and very comfortable.
Boucherouite: The Boucherouite is the most unique and impressive type of Moroccan rug available. That's because of the materials used to make them. Since wool was declining and hard to obtain, other scraps of fabric materials like cotton, nylon, and lurex were used. Their main aim was to provide excellent warmth in cold places that lack wool or where the people couldn't afford it. Additionally, this rug’s style doesn’t have a specific pattern meaning that they can be symmetrical or geometric. Still, they are exceptionally soft and feel cozy while giving a vibrant color.
Boujad: Boujad rugs from the Central Plains areas are identical with their deep red, purple, pink, and orange tints. The Berber tribes practice typical knotting by using a tighter knot that requires less wool. The wide array of geometric patterns with colors crafted from natural dyes of leaves, flowers, berries, and henna. Therefore, these rugs are very colorful and trendy that will impress every eye.
Beni Mguild: These rugs are made using fluffy, thicker weave, making them an excellent choice for use during colder periods in the western parts of the Atlas Mountains. Besides that, these rugs are knotted on a vertical loom with deep tints of brown, red, purple, and blue. Depending on the season, these rugs are often flipped to use the fluffy side for colder seasons and the flat surface during warmer periods. With this versatility, the Beni Mguild rug is quite a blessing for you.

What Materials are Moroccan Rugs Made From?

Typically, the ancient Moroccan rugs were made from pure sheep wool in different piles and thickness depending on the region. The rugs made from thicker piles of wool were made for the colder and snowy Atlas Mountains. On the other side, lighter flatweave rugs are made to suit the Sahara desert’s hot climate.

Nowadays, most kinds of Moroccan rugs are produced in large quantities using various materials like nylon, cotton, and olefin together with wool.

Why Are Moroccan Rugs Popular?

With varying intricacies like tassels, minimalist appeal, multicolor, it is the dynamic color, art designs, and bold geometric patterns are the most features that make these rugs so popular. They have been passed down for many generations now and continue to be the hottest trends in decoration for many interior designers.

Furthermore, many collectors like them for their incredible striking beauty, ease, and distinct primitivism give a childish-like appeal. More importantly, they blend with any room décor in an elite curated style. You'll also find them pretty soft and cozy materials that give a comfortable feel on your skin.

Perfectly blending a Moroccan rug into your space is a true artform. A particular designer will ensure that in a certain room that their rug matches fine details like the placemats, tablecloths, table linens, shower curtains (if in a bathroom), poufs, outdoor furniture, dining furniture, duvet, chandeliers, wall art, and everything in between.

How to Clean a Moroccan Rug

Like any other fabric material, keeping a Moroccan rug is pretty essential. When it comes to cleaning your hand-woven traditional rugs, the process is very effortless, and you can do it in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Find a cleaner place where you’ll wash the rug.
Step 2: For better cleaning results, hang the rug on a close line and vacuum it to remove any dirt or dust particles.
Step 3: After that, lay the rug on a clean surface and pour water on it. Sprinkle a laundry or mild detergent soap on the Moroccan rug and wash it gently using your hands to create foam on the surface. This will make cleaning easier and ensure that your rug stays in good shape for long.
Step 4: With clean water, rinse the rug thoroughly.
Step 5: Hang the Moroccan rug on a line outside your house and let it dry in the sun to retain freshness. Make sure you don't dry it in a dryer machine as it may cause wrinkles or damage to the rug.

Tips for keeping your Moroccan Rug Clean

Regular vacuuming of the rug to keep it shiny and dust-free
Dusting a little baking soda to remove any odors
Spray a tiny amount of vinegar on the rug to prevent damage from your feline friends

How Are Moroccan Rugs Made?

In Morocco, the hand-spun rug makers are named after their tribes. A loop pile construction is what the current mass-producing Berbers use to make these rugs. The outcome of the hand-knotting process provides something similar in appearance to the traditional way of tying and weaving rugs.

The process starts by acquiring the wool from the sheep from the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Then the wool from the sheep gets cleaned and scoured as it may contain natural oils.

After that, the wool is spun using the hands. This process transforms the wool, twisting the fibers together to form yarn. The wool is then spun to form fibers that are excellent for weaving.

The next part involves knotting the rug. Here, you’ll get to see the talented and experts weave and knot the fibers to make incredible rugs. And before finishing the knotting, natural dyes are used to color the pattern formed.

Are you wondering how long does it take to make the Moroccan rugs? Well, the making process involves different tasks until the final product comes out. It takes multiple busy weavers many days, specifically 2 to 3 weeks, to thread the wool and tie every pile of knots. In the end, the outcome is a beautiful piece of art.

How to Tell a Moroccan Rug is Authentic

Moroccan rugs can be extremely high-end and one of the most expensive pieces of art for home decorations and fashion. So, it is essential to know tell-tell signs that the rug design you’re about to buy is authentic to avoid any future disappointments.

Learn How to Authenticate a Moroccan Rug Using the Following Tricks:

The rug should be made from 100% sheep wool or cotton threads; say no to any rug made from synthetic materials.
Check for softness; make sure it is incredibly soft to touch
Good quality wool must have a sheen
Understand the city or tribe that make the Moroccan rug
Look for uniquely handmade rugs, not machine made
Try to burn the rug’s string. If it ignites, it’s fake. Please don't buy it!
What about the price? Authentic Moroccan Berber rugs are often expensive for a small size. Therefore, be wary of cheaper rugs and do your own due diligence.

Tips for Shopping in the Souk

Buying a rug in Marrakech can be a really fun experience, but it also can be overwhelming. The first rug I bought was nearly 20 years ago from a rug shop in Fez. I later learned I had paid WAY too much for this rug but what did I know? I was 19 and all I wanted was that rug. For a long time, it was the only “adult” thing I owned.

Bargaining is Expected: Do not, I repeat DO NOT accept the price offered to you in the shop. There are some, but very few, shops that have fixed prices. Bargaining here is part of the game. The salesmen knows you aren’t (well you shouldn’t) accept his first offer. Many people are afraid of going too low. Fear not. You should eventually expect to meet somewhere around 50% of the original price. If you know you are already out of your league at 50% off the original price - move on. There are some shops where bargaining is not on the table. They will be upfront and tell you this to begin with. If you’ve agreed on a price you really shouldn’t back out. When you finally do commit it’s in really bad form to then change your mind and walk away. Wait to agree completely until you are 100% sure. For those people who find bargaining very uncomfortable, remember you’re not going to offend the salesperson, even if they act offended. You don’t have to be rude but also don’t be afraid to make a deal that works for BOTH of you.
Play it Cool: Love a rug? Don’t let the shopkeeper catch on to it or you’ve lost one of your biggest bargaining chips. Instead, act nonchalant. Even look at more rugs so that you can eventually come back to the one you really want. Also, don’t be afraid to walk away. But, if you appear very interested and just HAVE to have a specific rug the salesperson is not going to be as flexible with pricing.
Narrow Down Your Choices: Sometimes it can get a little (ok a lot) overwhelming when you start looking at rugs. There are SO many to choose from that after a while they can all start to blend together. Have an idea of colors that you do or do not like. If for example you’ve seen a few orange rugs and hate them, let the vendor know you don’t want to see any more rugs with orange. Start by narrowing down the rugs you do like. The vendor will pull out rug after rug and lay them on the floor. When you’ve reached a point where you’re not sure anymore stop them. Ask to remove the rugs you do not like and set the ones that are “maybe’s” to the side. Keep in mind that the rooms you are viewing the rug in is likely to be a lot bigger than the room the rug will go in at home. Having open conversation and dialogue will not only help you find the rug that you want but will also help the vendor uncover which rug is the right fit.
Beware of Fakes: If you walk into a shop and are told a carpet is an antique Moroccan rug don’t automatically trust it, especially if you don’t know the difference. There is a whole industry of “aging” carpets that will be sold as antiques. If you really want to buy an antique you need to be sure to do your research, so you know what you’re getting. Chances are also pretty good you won’t find rugs here that date beyond the 1920’s or 1930’s. Even in the best condition, they’ll have natural fade and the fabric will be frayed. Remember rugs are used for practical, not decorative purposes. If you don’t know what you’re buying and don’t have a lot of experience with antique rugs I would encourage you to be very careful. Like with anything if you don’t know what you’re buying you can’t really judge the value of that item. For your purchase, you might consider something that you simply love vs.
Test the Material: Authentic Moroccan rugs are made from wool. One way to tell if you’re getting a real wool rug or a synthetic is to hold up a lighter to one of the loose edges. If it doesn’t light or put itself out its made of wool. If it ignites it’s synthetic.
Shop Around: I could get lost in rug shops for hours and if you’re not sure what you want you should too. But, don’t ask for prices until you find something that you do like. If you’re in a shop and are having a hard time deciding set aside a variety of items that you do like and start asking prices. If you’re really unsure what rugs will cost go to a fixed-price shop first. There are typically artisan centers in larger cities. For example, the Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech will have all varieties of artisan goods for a fixed price.
Be Aware of Scams: If I had a quarter for every good-hearted tourist that has bought into this I would have my own rug shop. I get it, you want to help. You want to support the people making these rugs, who most of the time are women. The women are getting a pittance of the sale. You might say “oh it’s ok I’ll pay more because it will make a difference,” no I’m sorry but it likely will not. The women get a fixed price (trust me it’s not much) for their rugs and whether it sells for that price (not likely) or 100x more, they make the same amount.

Moroccan Rug Price Range

Many people tend to ask this, what is the price range for an authentic Moroccan rug? Well, the answer may not that easy as you may think. Similar to their Persian and Turkish counterparts, the reason is that there are plenty of variables that generally influences the price. Some of these variables include style, design, the material used, age, and place of making.

People ask me this all the time and it’s impossible for me to answer this question. Age, style, design, condition etc. etc. are all variables. A small rug may only cost you 750-1000 dirham. However an average price ranges in the 3500-6000 dirham range. An older vintage Berber rug or larger sized rugs can range from 10,000-25,000 dirham and more.

Here is an example of a price range you can expect to pay:

Rug Size	Price Range (Dirham)	Price Range (USD)
Small Rug	750-1000	$75-$100
Average Rug	3500-6000	$350-$600
Vintage Berber or Large Rug	10,000-25,000+	$1000-$2500+

If you’re planning to shop for a rug don’t go empty-handed. You will want to have an idea of the size of the rug you want or need. This is very important. Keep in mind sizes are done in metric and most rugs are not made in the same dimensions as western rugs. You also should have some ideas of colors and designs that you like. A Pinterest search will pull up hundreds of different Moroccan rugs. Familiarize yourself with some of the names of styles you like. Also, have an idea of your budget and what you want to spend.

It’s easier to pay for things with cash than a card as there’s often a surcharge for using a credit card. If this is the case make sure to work in the charge to your final price. Shipping a rug from Morocco is possible and while you can handle this yourself by visiting the post office it can be a frustrating process that takes quite a bit of time. If you can work shipping into the deal with your rug it will be much easier for you.