7 attractive ways to style a shaggy Moroccan rug
One of the most captivating and enduring trends in interior design is the Moroccan theme, celebrated for its dynamic blend of colours, textured surfaces, decorative tassels, and an overall sense of warmth that it brings to any space.
We expect the Moroccan theme to gain even more popularity, especially with the growing emphasis on "texture" in interior design circles. This versatile style fits well within both expansive homes and cosy apartments. It also offers many Moroccan decor ideas that can breathe life into any room. Whether you're in a sprawling residence or a compact living space, the key to mastering the Moroccan theme lies in a passion for vibrant aesthetics and an appreciation for rich, warm hues.
We've put together an essential guide on how to elegantly incorporate Moroccan-style rugs into your home, transforming your space with a colourful Moroccan rug to create your own twist on traditional Moroccan decor. From elevating the ambience of your Moroccan living room to adding a tasteful and vibrant touch to the bedroom, explore our guide to Moroccan rug designs today. Read on!
Table of Contents
- #1. Don’t be afraid to mix and explore patterns
- #2. Stack layers on layers on layers..."
- #3. ...Or embrace a thinner Moroccan rug and decorate around it
- #4. Experiment with blue and white
- #5. Let there be light with stained glass lanterns
- #6. Decorate with elegant potted plants
- #7. Look for tassels and rough textures - especially from your Moroccan rugs!
- Your guide to Moroccan rug designs
#1. Don’t be afraid to mix and explore patterns
Image: Amara Tribal Moroccan Tassel Rug
The most striking thing about the Moroccan culture is the unique mix of both colours and patterns. No two designs are ever the same - so you have permission to mix things up a bit with your interior design!
Style your Moroccan rug with colourful mismatched pillows in your living room, knitted textures, and lots and lots of tassels.
Be sure not to shy away from vibrant wall art, too. Look for thick, messy brush strokes, layers of oil paint, and creative portraits of your favourite people - artists, celebrities, friends, and family members.
It could even be a fun DIY project for the weekend!
#2. Stack layers on layers on layers...
Image: The Elegant Nomad
Another unique aspect of the Moroccan look is layers. Whether it’s throw blankets, books on your coffee table, or even your Moroccan rugs - take advantage of different sized objects and decorations, and layer up!
The messier look, the better. It’s cosy, it’s cultural, and it’s a contemporary twist on modern interior design.
#3. ...Or embrace a thinner Moroccan rug and decorate around it
Image: The Elegant Nomad
At Rug.com.au, our Moroccan rugs come in a range of colours, styles, and sizes, including thin runner rugs with piled fabric and tassels.
If the layered look doesn’t catch your eye, consider investing in a Moroccan runner rug and decorating around it. Place a couple of pieces of furniture on the rug, then add lounges, pottery, pot plants, and more around the rug.
It will add a new dimension to your living room or dining room - just take a look at the lounge room above!
#4. Experiment with blue and white
Image: Aroma Fringed Moroccan Rug
Blue and white patterns are often associated with Greece - after all, the Greek national flag is blue and white! However, Morocco adds an alternative twist to the almost naval colour scheme with intricate patterns and designs.
Image: Love Happens Magazine
Consider complimenting your new Moroccan rug by decorating with blue lounges, white timber, and add fun patterns to feature walls, fireplaces, and even tiles. Your interior design will be transformed in a heartbeat, taking you to the centre of Casablanca or Rabat.
#5. Let there be light with stained glass lanterns
Image: Stradbroke Island
Looking for an attractive (yet affordable) way to complement your new Moroccan rug? Lanterns are an absolute must-have! Moroccan star lanterns are traditionally made with multicoloured embossed glass and hang from the ceiling - so you can say goodbye to expensive chandeliers and lighting.
Think tealights for your outdoor entertainment area, or purchase electrical Moroccan star lamps for the indoors. The soft, colourful lighting will make your indoor and outdoor spaces come to life.
#6. Decorate with elegant potted plants
Image: Love Happens Magazine
While Moroccan rugs are traditionally woven from thick sheep’s wool and are better kept inside, you can still add a touch of nature to your Moroccan-inspired interior design with lots of indoor plants!
Think large Monstera Deliciosa (otherwise known as “Swiss Cheese” plants) in bright patterned pots, leafy Epipremnum Aureum (otherwise known as Devil’s Ivy), or Spathiphyllum (Peace Lilies) in wicker or cane woven baskets. All of these plants are long-lasting and partial to the indoors, so you won’t need to care for them as much as your standard outdoor plants.
Alongside your colourful, shaggy Moroccan rugs, you’ll feel like you’re in a warm Moroccan oasis at all hours of the day.
Image: Charles Moroccan Shaggy Rug
Charles Moroccan Shaggy Rug in Blue See how we’ve styled our Charles Moroccan Rug above? An impressive, leafy indoor plant can add a touch of elegance you didn’t know you needed in your living room or study.
#7. Look for tassels and rough textures - especially from your Moroccan rugs!
Image: Kamahl Moroccan Rug
A common characteristic of Moroccan rugs and Morocccan interior design is lots of tassels and rough textures. Many of our Moroccan rugs are considered “shag” rugs, meaning they’re tufted and layered with lots of soft fabric. They feel amazing underfoot and look even more stylish.
When decorating around your new Moroccan rug, be sure to match it with tasselled pillows, pouffes, and throw blankets, so your Moroccan rug blends in perfectly with its surroundings.
Your guide to Moroccan rug designs
When it comes to rugs, there’s no one-size-fits-all type of Moroccan design. While many people expect Moroccan rugs to feature sand-coloured hues and rough textures that evoke the Sahara desert, most Moroccan rugs are made with vibrant colours and soft wool materials. This makes them the perfect fit for bohemian, eclectic styles or modern interiors looking for an extra splash of colour and beauty.
Common Moroccan rug designs include:
Beni Ourain Rugs
Origin: Atlas Mountains
Patterns: Characterised by simple geometric designs, lines, and dots. The patterns are often asymmetrical and include diamond shapes.
Colours: Primarily natural wool colours like ivory and black or dark brown for the patterns. These rugs prioritise simplicity and elegance.
Azilal Rugs
Origin: Central Morocco
Patterns: Azilal rugs are known for their abstract and sometimes whimsical designs. They feature a variety of shapes, symbols, and imagery that can depict stories or tribal traditions.
Colours: A base of natural wool with vibrant colours such as red, yellow, blue, and green interspersed within the designs. They are lively and add a pop of colour to any space.
Boujad Rugs
Origin: Haouz region
Patterns: Boujad rugs often display intricate designs with a mix of geometric and floral motifs. The patterns are dense and detailed, making each rug unique.
Colours: Warm hues dominate, including pinks, oranges, reds, and purples, creating a rich and cosy aesthetic.
Kilim Rugs
Origin: Across Morocco
Patterns: Kilim rugs are flat-woven without pile, featuring detailed geometric patterns, stripes, and sometimes symbols that hold specific meanings.
Colours: The palette is usually vibrant, with reds, greens, yellows, and blues, making them stand out.
Boucherouite Rugs
Origin: Rural Morocco
Patterns: Boucherouite rugs are unique in that they are often made from recycled fabrics and materials. The patterns are varied, often abstract or patchwork, giving each rug a distinct, eclectic look.
Colours: Since they are made from a mix of materials, Boucherouite rugs can include a wide range of colours, from bright and vivid to more subdued and pastel.
Zanafi Rugs
Origin: High Atlas region
Patterns: Zanafi rugs are identifiable by their woven patterns that include stripes and geometric shapes, often in a symmetrical arrangement. They can also feature fringe details.
Colours: Mostly neutral with black and white or grey, making them suitable for various decor styles.
Berber Rug
Patterns: Although "Berber" can refer to various tribes, Berber rugs typically feature tribal motifs, including lozenges, dots, and lines.
Colours: They often use natural wool colours, but modern versions can include brighter colours for a contemporary twist.
Whether you’re drawn to the minimalism of Beni Ourain rugs or the vibrant, eclectic look of Boucherouite rugs, there’s a Moroccan rug to suit every taste and interior design scheme.
Moroccan rugs can add colour and culture to your home decor
If you’re looking to transform your home decor with bright colours, fascinating patterns, tassels, and texture, then a Moroccan theme is the perfect choice for you!
Moroccan decor has character and it’s super simple to achieve. There’s no need to aim for matching colours or finishings - the more mismatched, the better! Over time, you can collect knick knacks and pieces as you find them, until you have a charmingly cluttered, wonderfully colourful home interior design.
The one essential?
A Moroccan rug!
Perfect to place underfoot in the living room, under your dining room or coffee table, or even splayed out on your bedroom floor, Moroccan rugs look high fashion wherever you place them. We stock an incredible range of Moroccan rugs online - from compact, neutral coloured rugs to eye catching shag rugs made from layers upon layers of fluffy sheep’s wool.
Find the Moroccan rug of your home decor dreams online today. We offer flexible payment options like Afterpay, so you can shop and decorate now, and pay later.
