Berber Rugs: The Complete Guide
A Berber rug is one of the most beloved woolen rugs in the world: warm, durable, and surprisingly easy to maintain. Berbers have been made for centuries by Berber tribes in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, from 100% natural sheep’s wool. In this guide, you will learn exactly what a Berber is, what the difference is between a hand-woven rug and a hand-knotted Berber rug, what to look for when buying, and how to keep your rug beautiful.
What is a Berber rug?
A genuine Berber is handmade from pure wool from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. Because the wool is barely processed, its natural wool fats remain maximally present — and these very wool fats make a Berber dirt-repellent and easy to keep clean. Berbers have a warm, serene appearance and therefore fit into almost any interior, from classic to modern.
Please note: there are many machine-woven imitations on the market. An original Berber rug is always handmade — either hand-knotted or hand-woven.
Hand-woven or hand-knotted: what's the difference?
Hand-woven Berber rugs (flat-woven)
A hand-woven rug is woven flat, without pile. This makes the rug lower in structure, reversible, and extra durable. Hand-woven Berbers lie firmly and flat — ideal under a dining table or to subtly connect the furniture of a seating area. Their mixed-color look gives them a warm appearance and makes them practical to use.
Hand-knotted Berber rugs
With a hand-knotted Berber rug, each knot is made by hand. This results in a rug with pile and body — a true “barefoot rug.” Available as single, double, and even triple-knotted, high-pile and low-pile, in solid colors and blends. Knotted Berbers improve acoustics, ward off rising cold, and combine well with underfloor heating.
Do you like flat-woven rugs with distinctive patterns? Then also check out our guide on Kilim rugs — Kilims are also hand-woven, but come from a different weaving tradition.
What to look for when buying a Berber?
- Material: opt for 100% natural wool. Wool that retains its natural fats is strong, dirt-repellent, and lasts for generations.
- Handicraft: an original Berber is always hand-knotted or hand-woven — never machine-made.
- Structure: flat-woven (low, reversible, lies flat) or knotted (with pile, more body) — depending on the location in the home.
- Size: measure your space. Berbers are available in all standard sizes, and custom sizes are almost always possible.
At Galerie Hamming van Seventer, Berbers can be custom-made: hand-woven Berbers in any desired size (including round, delivery time usually 6–8 weeks) and hand-knotted Berbers up to 6 x 20 meters, in any color and pile height. Read more about custom rugs.
Maintenance of your Berber rug
Thanks to the natural wool fats, maintenance is easy: regular vacuuming (without a rotating brush) is sufficient, and stains can usually be easily removed with water and a mild soap. For thorough cleaning or repair, you can contact our own cleaning and restoration department.
A Berber in your interior
Are you undecided between a flat-woven or knotted Berber, or between sizes and shades? With our rug visualizer, you can view a rug directly in your own space before making a decision.
Buying Berber rugs at Hamming van Seventer
Galerie Hamming van Seventer has been specializing in hand-woven and hand-knotted rugs since 1994, with galleries in Groningen, Amstelveen, and Hilversum. You will receive expert, personal advice without sales pressure — and with our free viewing service, we will visit you with a selection, so you can see at home which Berber fits best. View our opening hours and stores, or discover the collections of hand-woven Berber rugs and Berber rugs online.