Prices of Berber rugs

We're talking about Beniouara rugs here. A timeless classic of Moroccan craftsmanship, the Beniouara wool rug remains a star in many Western interiors. For the uninitiated, it can be difficult to understand the price differences observed for these marvels. Are there real differences in quality between sellers? Or is the price simply a reflection of a more or less deliberate pricing policy, unrelated to the quality of the Berber rugs being sold? Of course, we're biased here. But I'll try to help you get a clearer picture of the prices charged here, there, and elsewhere.

Beniouarain Berber rugs: price of old and price of new

Rugs are like real estate. There are new ones and there are old ones. Dear reader, if you know me, you know my love for antique rugs and their history. But it's true that 90% of Beniouarain wool rugs are new and remain a highly sought-after investment. Antique Beniouarain rugs, especially the long-pile ones, are rare and magnificent pieces. The wool is often genuine hand-spun wool. Note that they are not white but rather a very light blond. They have the exact color of Atlas sheep. Each rug is unique and, of course, has its price. Generally, between €150 and €180 per square meter. But the purpose of this article is to guide you on the prices of new Beniouarain rugs.

Prices in Beniourains per square meter

All the sellers have their cooperatives and partners in Morocco. At Bohemian Chic Interior, we often choose the wool and pay for the weaving. Sometimes we take batches that are offered to us, of course. Prices are always per square meter. So, it's very likely that when you buy a rug, the price you see from a seller is fairly proportional to the price per square meter, with only slight variations.

Beniouarain at less than €100/m2:

Let's address this issue immediately. These rugs exist, but they're a disgrace. Major retailers sell them, and they're not wool. We're talking about acrylic rugs made in Eastern European factories, all in the name of a "Berber style." Shame on those who complain about fake Rolex watches from the souk while shamelessly copying crafts from around the world!

Berber rugs from €100 to €150/m2:

Generally, it's closer to €150 than €100. A 3m x 2m rug will appear at less than €900. Often less than €800.

This is close to the price you'd find in the carpet souks of Marrakech, Rabat, or Fez. At around €120/m², it's likely the carpet arrived in your Western country through a, shall we say, unofficial channel. Because even though Moroccan handicrafts are exempt from customs duties, the formalities and importing through the official (and only legal) channels aren't free. Also, keep in mind that unlike micro-entrepreneurs, established sellers have VAT to pay (20% in France). At the higher end of this price range, the wool is often very beautiful. In any case, that's what we strive to offer at BohemianChicInterior. At the top of this range, as I write this, everyone seems to be finding something they like. Yes, we make a bit of a profit, and there's no shame in that. And no, we're not squeezing poor people dry like in colonial times! Thanks to the internet and Instagram, our suppliers know the prices we charge!

Berber rugs from €150 to €200/m2:

When we started the Bohemian Chic Interior adventure six years ago, €200, even €250 per square meter, seemed to be the norm for new Beniouara wool rugs. Believe me, they weren't any more beautiful then than they are today. I've even noticed that the artisans have adapted and now offer a weave that remains traditional but is a bit different from the very classic black diamonds on a white background with the fringe on only one side. Let me be clear: it's more a question of business strategy and profit margin than quality. However, the story, the service, and the delivery time also matter... Buying a rug for €180 per square meter that's still in Morocco and will take three weeks or more to arrive, when the same rug is available in 48 hours via Colissimo, has always struck us as odd.

The price is forgotten, the quality remains.

"The price is forgotten, the quality remains," or "Buy chip, buy twice," as one of my best surfer friends says. Obviously, you've probably noticed that we're not exactly impartial in this article. But I sincerely hope it helps you see things more clearly. Spending almost a month's minimum wage on a rug isn't within everyone's budget, we're well aware of that. But if you've read this far, then maybe you'll call me at 06 27 40 73 24 (Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM). Honestly, I value your voice almost as much as your money. We'll talk about rug prices, but also about decor, atmosphere, and a thousand other things, I hope.