Berber carpet : how to choose it ?

You dream of a typical Moroccan interior decoration, and the desire to buy a Berber carpet has been tempting you for a while? These masterpieces often frighten decorating enthusiasts, because you have to understand how to maintain the carpet. You have the choice between the handmade Berber carpet, whose history and symbolism will give a real cachet to your interior, and the industrially manufactured Berber carpet, more easily washable. To help you choose your Berber carpet, here are our 3 tips.

TIP 1 : HOW TO RECOGNIZE A REAL BERBER CARPET

You see here and there carpets stamped "Berber carpet" and you wonder if they are authentic. To recognize a Berber carpet, you must check four points:

• The material: Berber carpets are always made of sheep's wool extra-virgin, without dye, with a very soft touch.
• The color: traditional carpets generally have bright colors (handmade pigmentation), but there are more sober models, in pastel colors.
• The knotting: it is an entirely manual operation, knotting upside down, hence the irregularities noted at the corners of the carpet
• The bangs: made on a loom, the bangs on one side is the signature of the Berber carpet.

Besides the typical traditional rug, many other pieces are inspired by Berber design, giving the "Berber effect" to your home.

TIP 2: CHOOSE YOUR BERBER CARPET ACCORDING TO ITS GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN

There are usually four types of Berber rugs: Azilal, Beni Ouarain, Boucherouite and Kilim.

The Azilal carpet, named after the city of Azilal in Morocco, is a typically feminine carpet. The Moroccan weaver gives free rein to his artistic sense, and imagines geometric patterns in bright colors. If you have a sober furniture, this carpet will bring the "pep's" touch to your decoration.

The Beni Ouarain carpet is the softest carpet among Berber carpets. Always two-tone (white/brown or white/black), this carpet seduces decorating enthusiasts with its diamond patterns. It will fit perfectly into your chic and uncluttered interior.

The Boucherouite rug takes its name from the word "cherouite" which means scraps of fabric or clothing at the end of its life. This eco-friendly rug recycles old fabric scraps into cozy, colorful rugs. Since it was necessary to compose with existing materials, the Boucherouite carpet is a unique product, with each weaving.

The Kilim rug is woven flat from knotted wool. It blends very well with warm and ethnic atmospheres.

TIP 3: DETERMINE THE BUDGET AND USE OF THE RUG

Your wallet often guides your choices, but don't forget that some rugs are more suited to your daily life than others. If your budget is manageable, opt for a Béni Ouarain. This oriental rug is quite bright, so install it in a low-traffic area. You should also consider the needs of your family (young children) and think about the daily use of the carpet. It is not uncommon to establish new rules, such as putting on slippers when entering the house, to preserve the quality of your carpet. A real decorative object, the Berber carpet immediately attracts the eye in your room.

Whatever your choice, you will find the Berber carpet that suits you.