How to Spot a Fake Moroccan Rug: A Complete Guide to Buying Authentic Handwoven Pieces

Moroccan rug represent more than a piece of floor covering they’re stories woven by hand, representations of heritage and affinities capturing the craft and expression that are as old as Moroccan artistry itself.

But due to the ever increasing demand, moroccan rugs are a high target for mass production fraud. At first glance they can seem somewhat identical, but a fake rug is lacking the character, touch and soul that epitomizes anything handwoven. Regardless of where you’re buying them, this is how to know whether a rug is the real deal.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Check the Back of the Moroccan rug

A genuine rug gives its origins away on the back. You should notice uneven knots and hand-woven patterns that do not match up perfectly. That’s the beauty of artisanal handmade work every knot is worth its price in stories, and comfier for it.

If the pattern on the reverse appears too perfect, uniform or machine-stitched, that’s a red flag. Machine-made rugs are often characterized by straight lines, even tension and a backing made from material like latex or polyester mesh.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Feel the Texture

Real Moroccan carpets are handwoven from 100% natural sheep wool, and occasionally with cotton foundation. The surface should be soft but firm not too slick, or artificial.

Fake Rugs True rugs are often made from wool, while fake ones generally use nylon, acrylic or polyester. Real wool will have a faint lanolin smell, natural bounce and a subtle luster that synthetic fibers cannot mimic.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Look Closely at the Fringe

On a real rug, the fringe is integrated into the warp threads of the rug it’s not something sewn onto it after construction. Once the rug is complete, the ends are hand tied off.

Stitched-on fringe is commonly added to fake rugs for decorative purposes. Test: If you give the fringe a soft tug and it feels like a distinct piece, you are probably holding a reproduction.

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Inspect the Patterns and Colors

Every authentic rug is unique no two are alike. You’ll notice slight asymmetry, organic motifs, and gentle color variations created by natural vegetable dyes. In contrast, fake rugs have perfectly mirrored patterns and overly bright synthetic colors that lack the warmth and depth of genuine craftsmanship. 

Purchase the rug in the photo here.

Learn More from Design Experts

A real Moroccan rug is more than décor it’s living heritage. To explore authentic Moroccan craftsmanship and interior ideas, visit Architectural Digest’s Moroccan décor guide.