Buying a Moroccan Rug : What to know before you shop
When I think about souvenirs from Morocco, I don’t picture magnets or postcards. What stays with me are the rugs, bold, handwoven pieces that carry stories from the Atlas Mountains to the heart of my living room. Buying a Moroccan rug is more than a transaction; it’s an adventure. It’s about stepping into buzzing souks, learning the language of colors and knots, and bargaining your way to something truly one-of-a-kind. But as magical as it sounds, finding the right rug can be tricky. Without a little knowledge, it’s easy to come home with a piece that looks authentic, but isn’t.
Two Mindsets of Rug Buying
Travelers usually fall into two categories when it comes to rug shopping. Some accept they’ll probably overpay, after all, a few extra dirhams mean little compared to the joy of owning a handmade piece. Others see it as a challenge, a sparring match where buyer and seller test each other’s patience and endurance.
Both views have some truth, but neither captures the full picture. The best approach is somewhere in the middle: respect the craft, enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
If you want real value, skip the glossy boutiques in Marrakech and Fes. Instead, venture into smaller towns or rural markets, where rugs are closer to their source and prices feel more honest.
The Dance of Negotiation
Shopping for a rug in Morocco is rarely quick. You’ll wander through narrow alleys, sip endless cups of mint tea, and spend hours comparing patterns and prices. In Meknes, I once spent an afternoon going back and forth between shops, learning a little more each time. By the end, I walked away with a rug I still treasure. Did I truly get the best price? Hard to say. But the experience itself was worth it.
And here’s the truth: the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. Understanding the basics of Moroccan rugs helps you avoid common pitfalls, and makes the process far more enjoyable.
Three Things to Check Before You Buy
1. The Knot Count
Moroccan rugs are hand-knotted on traditional looms, usually with wool. Flip the rug over the back never lies. Machine-made rugs look too perfect, with every knot identical. Handmade ones show slight variations. As a rule, look for at least 120 knots per square inch for good quality.
2. The Colours
Natural dyes bring out tones that feel balanced and alive. A genuine vegetable-dyed red is rich like a tulip, while a synthetic red is harsh, almost neon. Bright orange or hot pink? That’s usually chemical. To test, bend the rug slightly: natural dyes reveal subtle variations, while synthetics look flat and uniform.
3. The Fibres
Wool and silk smoulder when touched with flame, while synthetics burn fast. In smaller towns, asking to test a strand this way shows you’re serious. In more touristy areas, sellers are so used to it they’ll have matches ready before you even ask.
The Art of Haggling
Bargaining in Morocco is theatre. A seller may warmly offer you tea, then suddenly exclaim, “You offend me with that price!” Don’t let it throw you. It’s part of the ritual. Smile, laugh, and stand your ground. Sometimes replying, “No, you’re insulting me!” resets the mood and brings you closer to a fair deal. Remember: the back-and-forth is as much part of the story as the rug itself.
Buying Online
Not everyone has the time or patience for the souk experience. Thankfully, today you can buy authentic Moroccan rugs without leaving home. Many artisan cooperatives now sell online, ensuring fair pay and quality.
At Izyls, we work directly with Moroccan weavers to bring their craft to the world. From timeless Beni Ourain rugs with their minimalist charm to colourful Boucherouite creations made from recycled fabrics, each piece is authentic, handmade, and ready to transform your space, no bargaining required.
Practical Info
To buy an authentic Moroccan rug, you can either purchase one online from artisan cooperatives or trusted curated vendors like Izyls, who work directly with Moroccan weavers and deliver worldwide, or travel to Morocco and buy in person from souks and local markets. If purchasing locally, ensure your rug is photographed and marked before shipping via the shop’s service, Morocco’s postal service (Amana), or an international carrier like FedEx or DHL. For U.S. customers, Moroccan handicrafts such as rugs are generally exempt from import duties under the USA–Morocco Free Trade Agreement.