Stepping into a Moroccan rug shop is a magical experience. You leave the bustling souk behind and enter a quiet, cavernous space, piled floor to ceiling with woven treasures. The air smells of wool and mint tea, which will inevitably be offered as the shopkeeper begins to unfurl carpet after carpet, each one a unique work of art.
It's a dazzling process, but it can also be overwhelming for a first-time buyer. How do you know if you're getting a good quality piece? How can you tell the difference between various styles? And how do you know if you're paying a fair price?
Arming yourself with a little knowledge beforehand can transform this potentially intimidating experience into a confident and rewarding adventure. Here’s what to look for when buying a rug in Marrakech.
Before You Enter the Shop: Do Your Homework
Preparation is the key to a successful purchase.
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Know Your Measurements: Before you even leave for your trip, measure the space in your home where you want the rug to go. Bring these dimensions with you. It’s heartbreaking to get the perfect rug home and realize it doesn’t fit.
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Know Your Style: Have a general idea of the type of rug you’re looking for. Do you love the minimalist, monochrome look of a Beni Ourain? Or the vibrant, warm colors of a Boujaad? Knowing the names of a few styles will help you guide the seller. (Or browse online for inspiration in the MyRugy Rugify Your Image collection to see what’s possible!)
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Set a Budget: Decide on the absolute maximum you are willing to spend before you start negotiating. This will keep you grounded during the excitement of the haggle.
In the Shop: The Key Quality Checks
Once the mint tea is poured and the rugs are being displayed, here are the key things to look for to assess the quality of a piece.
1. The Material: Wool vs. Synthetics
An authentic Berber rug is made of wool.1 Some newer, cheaper pieces may mix in synthetic fibers like polypropylene, which do not have the same durability or feel.
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The Feel Test: Wool has a substantial, slightly oily or lanolin-rich feel. It is resilient and springs back when you press on it. Synthetics can feel plasticky and lighter.2
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The Burn Test: For vintage pieces, you can ask the dealer to perform a burn test. They will pull a loose thread from the rug and light it. Wool smells like burning hair and extinguishes itself. Synthetics will melt like plastic and smell of chemicals.
2. The Dyes: Natural vs. Chemical
This affects the rug's character and value, especially in vintage pieces.
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Natural Dyes (from saffron, indigo, henna, etc.) tend to have more subtle, earthy, and nuanced tones. The color may be slightly uneven or "abrash," showing beautiful variations. This is highly prized by collectors.
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Chemical Dyes are much more uniform and can be brighter or more garish (like a hot pink or neon orange). Most newer rugs use chemical dyes, which is not necessarily bad, but they don't have the same depth as natural ones.
3. The Knots: Look at the Back!
The true story of a rug's quality is on its underside. Flip it over and look at the weave.
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Knot Density: Generally, a higher density of knots per square inch indicates a higher quality, more durable, and more time-consuming rug to make. The weave on the back should look tight and consistent.
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Handmade Imperfections: Look for small, charming irregularities. A truly handmade rug will never be perfectly symmetrical. The pattern might be slightly off-center, or the edges might not be perfectly straight. These are not flaws; they are the signs of human hands and the mark of authenticity.
4. The Condition (For Vintage Rugs)
If you are buying a vintage or antique piece, inspect it carefully for stains, holes, or worn-out areas. Some wear is expected and adds to the rug's character, but be aware of any significant damage that could affect its longevity.
Getting it Home: The Logistics
Don't worry about how you'll fit a giant carpet in your suitcase. Virtually all reputable rug dealers offer reliable, tracked international shipping. While it's an extra cost, it's often well worth it for the peace of mind.
Buying a rug in Marrakech is an adventure in itself. But if you find yourself more fascinated by the how than the what, remember there's another way to connect with this incredible art form. An experience like the MyRugy workshop allows you to step away from the negotiation and focus purely on the craft itself, giving you the ultimate appreciation for the skill and story woven into every single knot.
