Berber rug or Rozen Kilim?

When the Bohemian Chic Interior adventure began, our passion was for Berber rugs . We loved Beniouara rugs, new or old, of course, much like everyone else six years ago. But it was the antique rugs woven in the High and Middle Atlas Mountains that truly captured our hearts. The still-nomadic Berber tribes carried them with them before the widespread settlement. The natural sheep's wool was hand-spun. Before selling 10,000 rugs, our budget was modest. So, we initially chose handcrafted Boucheroites rugs made from recycled fabrics. The reasonable price and ease of care of these Moroccan rugs suited our household of two young children, a dog, and a couple of cats. Soon, with the success of our rug sales on Instagram @boehmianchicinterior, came the large antique Boujaads and the sometimes immense Beniouarains made of virgin wool.

The magic of travel and encounters led us to stray from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains a few times to discover the crafts of Eastern Europe. A new atmosphere, new loves. Moldovan rugs, known as Rozen Kilim, entered our lives. Rarer than Moroccan rugs, they also possess a unique charm.

Here are some photos and arguments to help you choose between a Beni Ouarain, the archetype of the Berber rug, and a Kilim with a rose, the Moldavian rug from the East.

Comfort and softness of the Moroccan rug

The Beniourain rug is thick, very thick. The wool is dense and silky. Walking barefoot on this rug is like walking on a cloud. Even the newer, more contemporary ones are still knotted on large wooden looms in Berber women's cooperatives, perpetuating an ancient craft. You can easily abandon the sofa to settle down close to the floor and fall asleep. The Moldovan Kilim is also made of wool. But the weaving technique has made it more spartan, more robust. You'd have to be a bit of a fakir to fall asleep comfortably on it. But of course, you'll know how to add a few soft, comfortable, and colorful cushions. A bit like in the child's room on the cover photo, you can see that a woven oriental kilim doesn't necessarily mean discomfort!

Maintenance and durability of the Moldovan rug

We've lost count of the heartbreaks caused by a night of heavy drinking and a Beniouara rug stained red—which, of course, stains. We've saved countless dogs, cats, and babies from unpleasant consequences following a urinary accident on this large beige rug. A special thank you to Perrier and San Pellegrino for their amazing properties that work wonders for cleaning human (mostly infants...) or animal urine from a wool rug. The beautiful braided fringes of the black and white Beniouara rugs are sometimes nibbled by adorable, Instagrammable, but mischievous little puppies. Some city dwellers have learned the hard way that fine particles, exhaust fumes, and tire wear are also the unfortunate realities of large Haussmannian apartments within city limits. The Moldovan rug withstands all of this with ease. And it's not made of polypropylene or any other artificial material. The woven boiled wool is robust and durable. Also note that it is not flammable and does not release toxic substances. In terms of fire protection, a Moldovan or Berber wool rug is classified as class 4. This is the complete opposite of a synthetic wool carpet or that "superb" modern Scandinavian rug from a major retailer.

The colors and floral patterns of the Moldovan rug versus the black and white diamonds of the Berber rug

Do I need to spell it out for you? It's a matter of mood and temperament, you might say. The Beni-Uaran rug exudes restraint, yet it can sometimes be the only thing you notice in a large living room. Strangely enough, the exuberant floral patterns of the Moldovan rug sometimes seem less pretentious. The patchwork of floral motifs adds a Bohemian touch that has nothing to do with the geometric patterns of large black and white wool living room rugs with diamonds. The Moldovan rug is an antique rug, not yet an Oriental rug. It's a vintage rug that will always be in perfect condition because it's restored by true artisans in Moldova who have preserved the art of hand-weaving. Moldovan rugs were originally wall hangings. They are often large rugs that work very well when partially covered by a sofa or other furniture. The weaving technique creates a rug that doesn't show wear. The legs of your coffee table will not leave a hollow in it, as can be the case with a thick knotted wool rug.

And what about the carpet budget?

In the medina of Fez, which we love more than any other (follow my gaze), they would tell you: "It's Kif Kif".

At Bohemian Chic Interior, it's a similar approach, and we strive to maintain reasonable and fairly similar prices per square meter for these two contrasting styles. This way, you can choose based on reasons other than budget.

Which do you prefer? The Moldovan rug or the Berber rug?