The Berber rug, what is it? All you need to know about berber carpets

Straight from Morocco, the authentic Berber carpets are handmade, according to a know-how transmitted from generation to generation. They are the fruit of the work of the wool of sheep. The manufacturing process is long and careful. Several months are necessary for the manufacture of a single carpet.

The Berber carpets know a real success in terms of interior decoration, where they blend wonderfully with all styles. The Beni Ouarain Berber carpet is the perfect illustration, with its graphic lines and its beautiful modern black and white colors. Stylish, cozy and comfortable, it fits perfectly in a Scandinavian, bohemian chic or even industrial decor.

Let’s start with the basics! The Berbers are an indigenous ethnic group from North Africa. We owe them very colorful patterns and many works of art. Berber-inspired rugs have one thing in common: they are very colorful and patterned. They are carpets with patterns that inspire cheerfulness and, contrary to what one might think, do not give a “loaded” effect. Feel free to browse our selection to see which rug would look great in your living room. You might be surprised by the variety of rug designs.

Get away from it all!

When you look at Berber rugs, there is a part of dream, of escape. The colors please the eyes and we enjoy admiring the diversity of models, the boldness of the patterns and the diversity of colorful moods and dimensions. Let your heart go out to you to choose your multicolored carpet. Then consider the room in which you want to place this potential carpet. In any case, take the time to make the right choice, listen to your heart and ask the opinion of your family. It’s a good way to have a good time… Until you reach the final moment: ordering the ultimate Berber carpet. In case of questions, a customer service is at your disposal.

History of the berber rugs

Kabyle carpet

The origins of the Berber art carpet go back to the Paleolithic era (see Barbatti’s book, below). For centuries, carpets have been made according to the same traditions, on the same types of looms. The different models and ornaments all have a symbolic origin related to religion, beliefs and the imagination of Berber culture. They have been passed down through the generations from mother to daughter. The authentic Berber carpets are unique pieces handmade for domestic use and in the purest tradition. This tradition has been threatened since the turn of the century by the progressive sedentarization of the large nomadic tribes, but at the same time there has been a revival of the forms of expression and the materials used (rugs of lirette).

Traditionally, the carpets made by young women are then integrated into the dowry at the time of the marriage. It is common for these carpets to be used very little and stored by the families for the value they represent. They can be sold according to the economic hazards that the household faces. Traditionally, Berber carpets are made of wool. The two types of wool carpets most represented are the Beni Ouarains (black geometric patterns on a white background and fairly thick wool) and the Azilal (more colorful and shorn of wool).

The less wealthy families who could not buy wool took, from the middle of the twentieth century the habit of recycling the fabric of their used clothes in carpets. These are the “Bou Charouet’” which means word for word “the father rags” and refers to carpets made with scraps of fabric recovered from used clothes and linens, also called poor man’s carpets.

A Berber carpet, just for you!

The Berber carpet is a must for every home. And this, whatever the style you want to evoke. Thanks to the diversification of patterns and colors, you will surely find the carpet best suited to your home. In any case, our Berber carpets have been specially designed to satisfy you and to embellish your living room. Endowed with an exceptional quality and an impeccable finish, you will be immediately seduced, from the first glance. As far as durability is concerned, our rugs are made of robust and selected materials. And best of all, it is that the cleaning is carried out in any facility and in any speed.

A wide variety of Berber rugs for the home

There is not one but several styles of Berber rugs. Many colors and patterns are offered among our selection. Choose a graphic rug or a multicolored rug; a rug with bangs or a flat rug according to your desires. Whatever model you choose, you will be transported directly to distant lands.

If the Berber carpet is a traditional carpet, don’t panic, it fits perfectly into even the most modern interiors. Moreover, in a contemporary style house, putting an oriental carpet allows you to play skillfully on the contrasts. If your home is rather classic in style, the ethnic carpet enhances a sober place with its exoticism.

Comfort with the Berber carpet

The common point of the Berber carpet is that they allow a cocooning atmosphere. This is due to their very soft material. With a cotton Berber carpet whose softness is no longer to be proven, you can even walk barefoot. Very comfortable, it can also be transformed into carpet of play. You will not fail to place it near the sofa or bed to enjoy all its qualities.

A shaggy rug, which means nothing other than “long pile”, also offers an exceptional surface height, sometimes up to 35 mm! With a height like that, the whole family can sit down to read, watch TV or simply rest. It is clear that this cozy model invites relaxation and you would be wrong to deprive yourself of it.

The ethnic rug to sublimate the living room

With a carpet as beautiful, soft and trendy as the Berber carpet, it would be a shame not to display it for all to see! What better place than the living room to display your magnificent acquisition. Everyone will contemplate the beautiful designs and finishes of your rug with admiration.

Place your ethnic model in the center of your living room. This is a great place for a beautiful frame like this. A handmade rug is a good choice in that it adds a special charm. How about layering several rectangular rugs in your living room? That way, you can mix and match styles for a very original result. With the varied selection, you have many possibilities of design for your living room.

How to maintain a Berber carpet?

If you want to keep the beautiful look of your berber rug even longer, it is necessary to take good care of it. Keep in mind that the maintenance will also depend on the type of rug. Rugs with bangs and shaggy rugs, for example, should be cleaned gently. You will need to vacuum in the direction of the pile and especially at low power.

The selection of machine washable berber rugs is so large that you won’t spend so much time cleaning your rug. If you want to save time, you can choose from synthetic or natural fiber rugs. And when you can’t wash it in the machine, the vacuum cleaner will take over or the cloth. As you can see, it is possible to get your carpet back to like new condition without having to worry about it. The other tip if cleaning is not your forte is to bet initially on a small carpet, this way you will have more peace of mind.

The Berber carpet is not a carpet like others. Resulting from a unique know-how, it invites to the escape. But above all, its strength is to put beauty in all rooms, as it is deployed in materials, colors, patterns and diversified formats. This is clearly a carpet with an inimitable style to put in every home!

How to clean a Berber carpet and give it a new look?

The Berber carpet is a piece of choice in an interior. Originally from the East, it has been able to impose itself in Western decoration, where its success continues. To keep its majestic appearance, it is necessary to provide appropriate care.

How to clean a berber rug to restore its brilliance? Our advice.

Your Berber carpet has lived a little? Follow these tips to keep it looking new!
If the Berber carpet comes from a specific manufacturing process, its maintenance also requires adapted and regular care.
Focus on a beige Berber carpet! Indigo blue is very present in Berber carpets
Cleaning a Berber carpet without damaging it
The Berber carpet requires specific care to maintain its beauty over time, over the passages. The regular cleaning in the rules of art allows the carpet to keep its shape, its softness and its colors.

Dusting a Berber carpet

The Berber carpet is of course exposed to dust, which is retained in its fibers and dulls its beautiful colors. Fortunately, it is of course possible to get rid of it, by simple means. It is recommended to dust your carpet at least once a month. Ideally, you should take advantage of sunny days to work outside.

It is possible to dust your carpet simply by shaking it, if its size allows it, because large carpets can be very heavy. The ancestral method consists of tapping the entire carpet for several minutes using a specific tool: the carpet beater.

The Berber carpet also supports the passage of the vacuum cleaner, under certain conditions however. To begin with, you must make sure to respect the direction of the pile (pass your hand in one direction and then in the other to feel the difference). Then, it is preferable not to use too strong a suction, so as not to pull out fibers. Finally, it is absolutely necessary to equip the vacuum cleaner with a suitable nozzle rather than a brush that could mark and damage the carpet.

In the very first moments after its acquisition, it is even recommended to pass it regularly to rid the carpet of its excess of wool. It is indeed likely that you will find small pieces of wool scattered around the carpet or even pilling. Don’t worry, this is perfectly normal.

Beyond the fact of removing dust and chasing away dust mites, airing your carpet allows the fibers to regain their initial appearance, well swollen. Because the Berber carpet is well supplied with wool, soft, fluffy and warm under the feet.

Washing a Berber carpet

In addition to this regular maintenance, it is recommended to do a more thorough cleaning, at least once a year. This is the time to wash your Berber carpet, preferably by hand of course, or possibly with a shampooer.

If you wish, you can entrust your carpet to a professional. But if you prefer, you can do it yourself. It is recommended to use suitable products and to scrupulously respect the recommendations of use, for the good of your carpet and for your safety.

You will find dry shampoos, which penetrate the fibers after being sprinkled on the carpet. The cleaning process ends with a vacuuming to remove the residue.

If you opt for a “wet” shampoo, remember that the Berber carpet should not be soaked. Apply the shampoo directly to the carpet, sparingly, but insisting on areas that need a deeper cleaning. At this stage, a shampooer can help you. Once completed, the carpet should be air dried and vacuumed before it can be put back in place.

It is possible to do without solvent, for a more natural method. It is to use baking soda, ecological, inexpensive and very effective. Learn more about it.

Removing a stain from a Berber rug

If by accident your carpet should be stained, it is important to act as soon as possible to avoid that the stain does not soak into the fibers.
Again, in this case, the services of a professional can be useful.

However, here are some useful tips.
If possible, place your carpet in a bedroom, hallway or under the coffee table in the living room, but avoid placing it under the dining room table. This will greatly reduce the risk of food-related stains.
Avoid walking on the carpet with your shoes on, this will prevent unsightly marks or mud stains.

When a stain appears, try to limit the damage by cleaning with water. Don’t scrub, but dab gently. White vinegar can be very effective against the stain, without damaging your carpet. It works on many different stains. Similarly, baking soda is again a great ally for removing a stain from a Berber carpet.

The authentic Berber rug is a very chic decorative accessory, born of remarkable craftsmanship. It is a durable product, which can be kept even while changing its interior decoration. Of very high quality, it is often passed on from generation to generation. A regular soft maintenance as well as an annual deep cleaning will allow to prolong its original aspect.

The Berber carpet has become a must in our interiors for several seasons, but do you really know how it is made? Find out the 6 steps of the making of a Berber carpet which answers to a chronological and rigorous production chain!

Step 1: The purchase of wool
wool for berber carpet
The wool determines the aesthetic aspect of your carpet! The quality differs depending on the region. The dense, very soft and silky wool of the M’rirt carpet makes it a high quality and expensive carpet.

Step 2: Washing the wool
washing the wool Berber carpet
It is essential to wash the wool before weaving! Whether it is a handmade high-end wool or a machine-knotted wool, this living wool is often dyed. It can still release stray residues when the rug is cleaned.

Step 3: Cutting the wool
Berber carpet artisanal
After an intense cleaning, the wool is cut according to the size that we want to give the carpet. Short or long wool, flat or soft carpet: your choice!

Step 4: Preparing the loom
During the preparation of the loom, the Berber weavers work on two important elements: t’di and immerguel. The wool threads are knotted on t’di, these long cotton threads represent the structure of the carpet. The size of the carpet is determined when the loom is prepared. The immerguel is the structure that stretches the carpet during weaving. Essentially composed of metal and wood pieces, the immerguel is historically the same for decades.

Berber carpet weaving
Step 5: Weaving
weaving carpet berbere
The weaving is composed of simple but repetitive gesture. Each wool thread previously cut is knotted one by one by hand. A meticulous and long work which requires patience and a great rigor. The weaver gives life to the carpet by drawing inspiration from her personal life and her emotions to compose a carpet with the desired shapes and colors.

Step 6: Washing and drying in the sun
Once woven, the carpet is cleaned again. A simple washing or a washing that uses techniques that allow to modify the final aspect of the carpet. Drying in the sun solidifies the wool and makes it resistant.