Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Berber-style rug?
A Berber-style rug takes inspiration from the traditional hand-woven carpets of the indigenous Berber tribes of North Africa, particularly those from Morocco. These tribal weavings have been made for centuries by artisans in the Atlas Mountains, originally created for use in Berber homes and tents, offering insulation and comfort in harsh mountain climates. Historically, authentic Berber rugs—often referred to as Beni Ourain carpets—were woven using the thick wool of mountain sheep and featured distinctive, symbolic patterns passed down through generations.
Berber-style rugs in modern interiors reinterpret these ancient designs in a more refined and versatile format. While traditional versions feature a deep, shaggy pile, the contemporary iteration typically involves a standard pile height and tighter knotting, making these rugs more suitable for practical, everyday use. They retain the hallmark linear motifs—usually black or dark brown against a cream or neutral ground—but are adapted into more controlled, accessible designs.
Today, these Moroccan carpets are hand-knotted using advanced techniques that honour the legacy of tribal weaving while introducing modern production standards. These rugs offer the rustic elegance of traditional Moroccan aesthetics combined with the durability and ease of maintenance required for modern living spaces.
- How Do I Choose a Berber Rug?
When selecting a Berber rug for your home, consider the room’s function, colour scheme, and overall design ethos. These carpets are inherently adaptable—they suit minimalist, bohemian, and even more classical interiors thanks to their neutral palettes and understated geometric detail.
Start by identifying the kind of texture and pattern that best complements your environment. Do you want something bolder with pronounced linear motifs, or something more subtle and minimal? If your space already has intricate architecture or bold décor elements, a pared-back Berber-style rug can serve as a grounding visual feature.
Consider also the pile height and materials. If you need something hardwearing for a hallway or family room, opt for a contemporary Berber rug with a standard cut pile and a denser knot. For more relaxed spaces like bedrooms or reading nooks, you might enjoy a slightly softer weave underfoot. Our in-stock collection at London House Rugs offers an expansive range of options in varying sizes and styles—each one carefully curated to complement both modern and traditional homes. - What Materials Are Berber-style Rugs Made From?
These Modern Moroccan rugs are typically made from high-quality wool, appreciated for its durability, natural stain resistance, and tactile softness. Unlike traditional Moroccan carpets, which use hand-spun wool from sheep native to the Atlas Mountains, contemporary versions may use New Zealand wool or blended fibres to achieve a more uniform appearance.
Wool remains the fibre of choice due to its sustainability, insulation properties, and rich texture. In certain designs, cotton may be used for the warp or weft structure, but the surface pile is almost always wool to retain the original essence of Berber weaving. This material allows for both longevity and comfort, especially in high-traffic areas. Some modern variants also incorporate undyed or naturally dyed fibres to retain the organic feel of the original rugs while maintaining eco-friendly production values.
- How Do I Choose the Right Berber Rug for My Space?
Choosing the right Berber-style carpet starts with evaluating the scale and lighting of your room. These rugs, with their neutral bases and distinctive linear patterns, can serve as a design anchor in almost any space. In smaller rooms, opt for lighter tones with subtle designs to avoid overpowering the room. In open-plan areas, you might select a larger format rug with bolder patterning to delineate zones while adding depth and texture.
The linear motifs found in these Moroccan rugs bring rhythm and subtle movement to a space without being loud or overbearing. This makes them a particularly effective option for those looking to introduce warmth and visual interest without straying too far from a restrained aesthetic. London House Rugs offers a broad variety of stock pieces, enabling you to find one that works with your existing palette, furniture layout, and lifestyle needs.
- What Should I Consider When Purchasing a Traditional Berber vs. Contemporary Berber-style Rug?
The main distinction lies in construction and maintenance. Traditional Berber rugs—often referred to as Beni Ourain—are made in Morocco using thick, hand-spun wool from sheep raised in the Atlas Mountains. These carpets are usually high-pile and luxurious, offering tactile softness and warmth but also requiring more care. Their luxurious, shaggy texture can trap dust and is more susceptible to staining if not professionally maintained.
Contemporary Berber-style rugs, by contrast, are designed for modern living. These are hand-knotted rugs that replicate the original motifs but with a flatter, more standardised pile height. They are easier to clean and better suited to areas with frequent footfall. While they retain the artistic charm of tribal weaving, their practical construction makes them a more affordable and functional alternative. On average, a traditional Moroccan carpet can be approximately 30% more expensive than a hand-knotted Berber-style rug due to the depth of pile, materials, and provenance.
- What Colour Berber-style Rugs Are Available?
While the most iconic Berber-style carpet features black or charcoal lines on an ivory or beige background, our collection includes an expansive colour range to suit varied interiors. Subtle greys, warm browns, dusty rose, sage green, and muted blues are all available in both linear and more abstract variations. These contemporary carpets maintain the traditional pattern structure but allow for greater visual adaptability.
Many of our modern Berber rugs use natural dyes or vegetable-based colourants, ensuring soft, faded finishes that age beautifully. These earth-toned hues are perfect for calm, layered interiors and blend seamlessly with both rustic textures and more polished furnishings.
- Are Contemporary Berber Rugs Easy to Clean?
Yes. Contemporary Berber-style rugs are specifically designed with practicality in mind. Their standard pile height makes them significantly easier to maintain than traditional high-pile Moroccan rugs. Regular vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning are usually sufficient for day-to-day upkeep.
Spills can be gently blotted with a clean cloth and natural soap. Thanks to the dense knotting and wool’s natural stain resistance, darker spills don’t penetrate as easily, making these carpets a smart choice for family homes or high-use areas. For more serious soiling, we recommend professional cleaning to preserve the integrity of the weave and the softness of the wool.
- Can Modern Berber Rugs Be Used Outdoors?
Generally, Berber-style carpets are made from wool and are best suited for indoor environments. However, at London House Rugs, we also offer bespoke and in-stock pieces woven from PET—a material made from recycled plastic bottles. This eco-conscious fibre is waterproof and UV-resistant, making it ideal for covered terraces, patios, or indoor-outdoor transitional spaces.
While you may not want to place a pure wool Berber rug in an exposed outdoor setting, PET versions are durable enough to handle rain, sun, and heavy use—while still maintaining the iconic Berber aesthetic.
- Do Berber Rugs Work Well With Other Décor Styles?
Absolutely. The minimalism of these Moroccan carpets makes them one of the most versatile floor coverings in modern interior design. Their soft textures and organic geometry make them a perfect companion to Scandinavian, boho, and Japandi interiors. They also provide a textural counterbalance to more opulent schemes, such as classic English drawing rooms or contemporary art deco.
These rugs don’t demand attention—they invite it. Their pared-back elegance allows them to harmonise with a wide range of colour palettes and furniture styles. Whether you're layering them over hardwood floors or pairing them with modern upholstery, they always feel grounded and considered.
- Can Underlay Be Used With Berber Rugs?
Yes, and it’s often recommended. Using a high-quality underlay not only prolongs the life of your Berber carpet by reducing friction with the floor, but it also enhances comfort and safety. Underlays prevent slippage on hard surfaces such as timber or tile and add a cushioned feel underfoot. For larger rugs or runners, underlay can also assist in keeping edges flat and corners grounded.
- What’s the Difference Between ‘Berber’ and a ‘Berber-style’ Rug?
The difference lies in origin, technique, and price. A traditional Berber rug is hand-woven in Morocco, usually by Amazigh (Berber) artisans using hand-spun wool and traditional looms. These are often characterised by a thick pile, asymmetrical design, and unique tribal symbolism. Each piece is deeply personal and culturally significant.
Berber-style rugs, on the other hand, are inspired by these originals but crafted using modern hand-knotting techniques, typically outside Morocco. They aim to replicate the visual identity—geometric patterns, neutral tones, and relaxed elegance—but with a more consistent, versatile finish suitable for contemporary homes. They’re also more accessible in terms of price and easier to maintain.
- Are Berber Rugs Suitable for High Traffic Areas?
Contemporary Berber carpets are exceptionally durable and well-suited to high-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. The wool fibres used in these rugs are naturally springy and resilient, helping the carpet retain its shape even under constant use. Their tight weave makes them less prone to matting, and regular maintenance helps them remain fresh and plush for years.
If you anticipate heavy wear, opt for a slightly denser weave and a more mid-toned colour to minimise visible wear. These considerations make these Moroccan rugs not just beautiful, but also highly functional for busy households and commercial spaces.
- What Sizes Do Berber Rugs Come In?
Our curated stock collection includes a wide range of sizes—from small accent pieces (120x180 cm) to generous room-sized carpets (300x400 cm and larger). We also carry hallway runners and oversized options for open-plan living spaces or large dining areas. While most Berber-style carpets are rectangular, round and custom shapes can occasionally be sourced depending on current inventory.
If a specific size is needed and not readily available, our team can advise on closely matching options or custom solutions.
- Why Choose London House Rugs?London House Rugs offers one of the UK’s most carefully curated selections of contemporary Berber-style rugs. Our pieces are sourced for authenticity, quality, and design versatility, making them ideal for both traditional and modern homes. With decades of expertise in hand-knotted carpets, we ensure every rug we offer is not only visually compelling but also structurally sound and built to last.Whether you're searching for a soft wool Berber for your living room or a practical PET version for a busy hallway, our team provides expert advice tailored to your interior scheme. We also offer home viewings, expert fittings, and a concierge-style shopping experience that prioritises your satisfaction.