Boucherouite rug, the cheap Berber rug
Among woven Berber Kilim rugs, we particularly love those known as Boucherouite rugs. These Moroccan rugs are made from strips of colorful fabric cut from old clothes. These brightly colored rugs with geometric patterns are found in Morocco and are often quite inexpensive. While Berber rugs were once considered the rugs of the poor, they have now become fashionable and are a popular choice for bohemian interior design. If you're looking for an affordable way to add a splash of color to your home, a Boucherouite rug might be the perfect option.
What is a Boucherouite rug?
Berber kilims are rectangular ethnic rugs knotted by Moroccan women in rural areas. They can be found throughout the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, in the Azilal region, and also inland and along the Atlantic coast. For Berber weavers, it's a way to earn a dowry or simply to use their free time productively between planting and harvesting seasons. Wealthier (or less impoverished) families buy sheep's wool for this purpose. Others simply recycle old clothes by cutting them into strips of fabric, which are then hand-knotted into wonderful, multicolored Boucherouite rugs. This Moroccan rug is a far cry from Scandinavian design! A Boucherouite, or Boucharouette, can be a modern or vintage rug. When authentic, it is always a product of local craftsmanship, handmade and patiently knotted by a Moroccan weaver.
The Boucherouite rug is a fairly rudimentary kilim; the number of knots per square centimeter is low, close to one. But this is precisely what gives it its charm. The patterns are generally quite simple and can consist of geometric shapes or animals. Boucherouite rugs are usually very colorful, as they are made from old clothes in a variety of hues. Boucherouite rugs are generally quite affordable, as they are made from recycled fabrics.
Possible materials for a Boucherouite rug
As a general rule, Boucherouite kilims are made from recycled fabrics. They therefore reflect the material of the garments that were upcycled to create the Berber rug. Most often, this is cotton or linen. However, if a polypropylene dress was cut into strips, then you will have polypropylene in your rug. The same applies to nylon, viscose, polyester, any synthetic material, as well as lace, velvet, and even leather.
Why are Boucherouite rugs so popular?
Boucherouite rugs have become very popular in recent years, as they fit perfectly with the bohemian chic trend. They add a touch of color and style to any room and are quite affordable, making them accessible to a wide audience. Furthermore, Boucherouite rugs are easy to care for and machine washable. Perfect for adding character to a child's bedroom or a student studio, these kilims are now quite sought after, especially vintage ones. These Berber kilims are also often smaller than large wool rugs, making them ideal as bedside rugs or hallway runners in modest yet charming interiors. After all, not everyone lives in a castle, a mill in the Perch region, or a large Norman farmhouse.
Where can I find a Bouchererouite rug?
You can find Boucherouite rugs in the souks of Morocco. No need to trek to remote mountain villages in the High Atlas. In Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, or Fez, you'll easily find Boucherouite rugs. There's no shortage of choice, but that's also what makes selecting difficult. Haggling is an activity that some enjoy but others find off-putting. You can also find them online, but beware of counterfeits or new Berber-style Boucherouite rugs offered by large retailers. The new Boucherouite rugs from these large retailers are very good, but if you read the descriptions carefully, you'll understand that behind the "European manufacturing" lies a rather sad industrial reality, and, in a way, the exploitation of North African know-how and culture. What a shame to produce Berber-style rugs in Romania when traditional Romanian rugs are so beautiful and original! If you want to be sure you are buying an authentic Boucherouite rug, it is best to do so in Morocco or from a reliable dealer.
How to care for a Boucherouite rug?
Boucherouite rugs are easy to care for, as they are machine washable. However, be aware that machine washable doesn't mean you can do anything. As with any textile, avoid being too harsh, or your rug may fade. You can also clean them by hand with a little mild soap and warm water. Do not use harsh chemicals, as they could damage the fabric. Boucherouite rugs are generally quite durable, but they can lose their shape if left to dry in the sun. The origin of the fabric strips that make up Boucherouite rugs can vary considerably. Therefore, if you want to maintain a "shaggy" rug, it is not recommended to vacuum these rugs at high power, as you risk fraying the fabric. It is much better to hang the rug on a balcony and beat it to remove the dust. The best way to clean a Boucherouite rug, if you have the opportunity, is to lay it face down on fresh snow. Freshly fallen snow has an almost miraculous effect on carpets, which are perfectly clean in less than an hour. Furthermore, a short stay at around zero degrees Celsius will rid you of dust mites in a completely ecological and natural way.
Choosing your Boucherouite rug
In interior design, I like to explain that there are no rules. Or if there are, it's best to break them. If you like various shades of brown, beige, and taupe, then obviously a very colorful Boucherouite rug won't appeal to you at first glance. I hope this article has given you some decorating ideas and brightened your day. I would be delighted if your next Boucherouite rug came from my collection of Berber rugs . Sometimes, when discovering contemporary or antique Moroccan rugs, we start by wanting a black and white Beniouarain with a diamond pattern and braided wool fringes. I also love it when you're looking for a cozier, bohemian style. Admit it, the multicolored patchwork of a Boucherouite rug brings more cheer than a somewhat cold, all-off-white interior. Feel free to write to me or contact me directly at +33 6 27 40 73 24. All our rugs can be paid for in installments. They have been imported to France where we store them. You can have them delivered free of charge via Colissimo anywhere in France. Your Boucherouite kilim could be in your chic and bohemian decor the day after tomorrow!