10 Reasons to Try a Moroccan Rug
A very short history of Moroccan carpets. Authentic Beni Ourain carpets have been made by hand by the people of the Beni Ourain tribes in the Atlas mountains of Morocco for generations. Originally used as warm, comfy bed covers, these handwoven carpets are much plusher and softer than your average area rug. They are made from the wool of sheep kept at high elevations, which yields an especially thick, warm fiber in rich cream to beige tones.
The rugs tend to be decorated with geometric or abstract designs. Since the mid-20th century, they have gained in popularity worldwide and are now being mass produced by companies from West Elm to Rugs USA. If you take a look at one up close, the difference between the real deal and a mass-produced carpet will obvious: The latter tend to have more regular patterns and whiter white areas (rather than cream or beige), while the former have natural variations and a much plusher, softer feel.
Now the reasons for trying a Moroccan rug.