Morroccan Rugs by Colour

Morocco is a country full of natural wonders and culture with a long and storied history. Many of the plants and minerals there provide pigments that the Moroccan people have spent centuries perfecting using as dyes. From saffron for yellow, wild mint for green, pomegranate for yellow, henna for orange, poppies for red and more, the variety is vast. This skill put them on the map and people from all over the world wanted items made with materials dyed in Morocco. 

Moroccan rug colours have always run the gamut from crisp whites to deep blues, vibrant greens, bold pinks and saturated blacks. For many years the more traditional, neutral Moroccan rugs featuring classic diamond and zigzag motifs were the most popular, like our Beni Ourain Rug – Carre, making appearances in high end hotels, interiors from prestigious designers and in many celebrity homes. Today the bold and brightly coloured rugs are making their way to the forefront of interior design. A perfect example is the uniquely Moroccan upcycled, shaggy Boucherouite rugs hand-knotted using strips of wool, cotton and other discarded clothes hence their often bright, multicoloured designs like our Bonbon rug.

When choosing the colours to use in a Beni Ourain rug or Kilim rug design the weaver can choose based on look, but each colour is also deeply rooted in the symbolism of Islam and the culture of the various regions of Morocco. In Berber communities the colours used have different meanings; the blue symbolizes the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean; the green represents nature and the green mountains; the yellow represents the ‘Free People’, the Amazigh; the red is the color of life, and also the color of resistance. The colour choice is therefore often influenced by the story the weaver is telling with her design. This adds a beautiful depth to each piece that you do not get with more generic, synthetic, machine made rugs.   

The variety of colours used and the way they are combined to create intricate, beautiful designs plays a major role in the growing popularity of handmade Moroccan rugs around the world. This is a trend that is worth jumping on. Wool Moroccan rugs are durable, stain resistant and fire resistant and they are easier to care for than people think. Visit our Rug Care guide to learn about how to care for your rug and enjoy it for years to come.