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Look at your living room. Is this a place that really tells a story? Is it a space that wraps you in warmth and inspires you after a tough day? Or maybe it just became… functional? A collection of furniture that serves its purpose but evokes no emotion?
Now imagine something different. Imagine a living room that transports you thousands of miles away, to the heart of vibrant Marrakesh. For bold design lovers, the Moroccan-style living room is a never-ending source of inspiration. It’s the essence of travel, captured in textiles, colors, and shapes that can radically transform the atmosphere of any room.
You don’t need a major renovation or a fortune to capture this magical essence. The key is to understand the philosophy of this style and focus on a few key, strategic elements.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 12 key elements that are essential to achieving an authentic Moroccan look in your home.
Table of Contents
Why is a Moroccan-style living room a perfect choice?
Before we get into details, let’s consider why this style is so timeless and universal. This is more than just a trend.
- Warmth and coziness: This style prioritizes comfort above all else. Layers of textiles, soft seating, and a warm color palette create an atmosphere you want to linger in.
- Soul and craftsmanship: In an age of mass production, Moroccan style emphasizes authenticity. Hand-woven rugs, hand-forged metal lanterns, carved wood – each piece tells its own story.
- Sensuality: It appeals to all the senses. The softness of a rug underfoot, the play of light and shadow, the richness of textures, the scent of essential oils—it’s a holistic experience.
- Versatility: It blends perfectly with other aesthetics. Moroccan elements work beautifully in modern, minimalist, or eclectic interiors, adding character. This is the essence of modern Moroccan décor.
What is a riad and why is its style so desirable?
Let’s draw inspiration from the heart of Moroccan design: riad which means “garden” in Arabic. A riad is a traditional house built around a central garden courtyard, an oasis of tranquility. The 12 elements below are key to capturing that magical riad feeling in your own living room.
The riad style is more than just aesthetics. It shows craftsmanship, natural materials, and harmony with nature. It’s characterized by a wealth of detail, yet simultaneously maintains a sense of space and lightness. Its duality of luxury and ornateness on the one hand and simplicity on the other makes it so universal and timeless. Whether you prefer classic style or are interested in modern Moroccan décor, you’ll find something for yourself.
12 Key Elements of Moroccan-Style Living Room
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the 12 foundational elements that will bring the soul of Moroccan design right into your home.
A Berber Rug: The Foundation Under Your Feet
This is the absolute key element and the foundation for the entire Moroccan home design. Forget about thin, synthetic rugs. A true Moroccan-style room needs a rug with soul. The most popular is the Beni Ourain made of thick, natural wool, in a cream color with simple black or brown diamond patterns.
How to arrange it?
Invest in a single, large, high-quality rug that will become the heart of the living room. It will define the lounge area. Alternatively, colorful Kilim or patchwork Boucherouite rugs will add energy and an artistic touch to the space.
- With up to five times more material, this rug is exceptionally durable and stands up to everyday wear
- Its soft, low-shedding pile provides a cozy, cushioned feel underfoot
- The trendy design seamlessly enhances the Moroccan style living room
Poufs and Low Seats: Relaxing on the Lower Level
Moroccan hospitality and socializing revolve around communal dining and conversation, often on low seats. This creates an intimate and informal atmosphere, that is ideal for your new Moroccan-style living room.
How to arrange it?
Next to the sofa (which can also be lower and deeper), place a few classic, round, or square leather poufs. They are incredibly versatile: they can serve as footstools, additional seats, or tables. Complement them with large floor cushions.
- Made with genuine, high-quality leather, each pouffe is ethically handmade and hand-stitched by local Moroccan artisans
- It arrives stuffed and ready to use
- This pouffe can be used as a footstool, an extra seat, or a unique decorative accent
Zellige Tiles: A Mesmerizing Mosaic
These are the absolute foundation of the Moroccan themed living room. Zellige are hand-formed and glazed clay tiles that shimmer in the light with a thousand shades. Each tile is unique, and its imperfections create a vibrant, dynamic surface. In riads, they cover walls, floors, fountains, and columns.
How to arrange it?
You don’t have to cover the entire room in tiles. Use them as a spectacular backsplash in the kitchen, adorn the shower wall in the bathroom, or create a decorative wall panel in the living room. Even a small accent of Zellige tiles will instantly give your interior an oriental feel.
- Water and steam resistant can be used in kitchens and bathrooms
- A DIY-friendly product that's easy to apply and remove without special tools
- The decals won't fade in sunlight or warp from heat
Tadelakt: Walls That Tell a Story
Forget boring, flat white. The walls in Moroccan homes are alive. Traditionally, they are covered with Tadelakt plaster, which has a smooth, satin, and slightly irregular surface. They are waterproof and polished with river stones and olive soap. It is ideal for rooms with high humidity.
How to arrange it?
Tadelakt can be used to cover walls and floors in living rooms and even the surround of a bathtub or sink, creating a seamless, monolithic space. Modern textured plasters or paints with a similar satin finish are alternatives.
Alternatives: If you don’t want to choose Tadelakt, opt for textured paints, Venetian clays, or simply warm, saturated colors. Morocco’s color palette includes desert shades (terracotta, ochre, beige), the colors of spices (saffron, cinnamon, turmeric), and deep jewel tones (cobalt Majorelle blue, emerald green, ruby red).
Mashrabiya: Wooden Elements and Craftsmanship
Dark, carved cedar wood is everywhere in Moroccan interiors. It is used for doors, ceilings, window shutters, and furniture. Particularly distinctive are the openwork panels known as mashrabiyas, which filter light, creating a beautiful play of shadows, and provide privacy.
How to arrange it?
If you have space for your new Moroccan-style living room consider mashrabiya-style screen to divide a space, or a wooden mirror frame. Even a small, carved detail can add depth and authenticity to a room. You can also choose carved coffee tables, small cabinets, or mirrors and picture frames with carved oriental motifs.
The Magic of Light: Metal Lanterns and Lamps
This is the simplest yet most effective way to instantly create a Moroccan atmosphere. Hand-forged, openwork lanterns made of brass or silver, when lit, cast mesmerizing, lace-like patterns on the walls and ceiling.
How to arrange it?
Hang one large, spectacular lantern in a focal point of the living room, for example, above the coffee table. Complement the arrangement with smaller table or floor lamps with metal bases and fabric shades that provide a warm, diffused light.
- Exotic and elegant design that is inspired by Moroccan aesthetics
- Made from durable metal with a rustic antique copper finish and sturdy glass panels
- It can be used as a centerpiece in a living room or a charming accent on the porch
Reflecting Luxury: Ornate Mirrors
Moroccan-style mirrors are true works of art. Their purpose is not only to visually enlarge a space, but above all to decorate it. They have distinctive shapes (arch, “onion”) and ornate frames made of metal, wood, or mother-of-pearl.
How to arrange it?
Hang a single, large, striking mirror above a dresser or sofa. It will become jewelry for the wall and beautifully reflect the light from lanterns.
- Unique, and handcrafted design with hundreds of individual glass mosaic pieces
- Its elegant design allows it to be beautifully displayed in the living room
- Available in three beautiful Moroccan colors and styles
Abundance of Fabrics and Textiles
Velvet, silk, cotton with pom-poms – Moroccan interiors love textiles. Heavy, ornate curtains, bedspreads (especially the famous Moroccan wedding blankets, called Handira, with sequins), and pillowcases with fringe.
How to arrange it?
Don’t be afraid to mix patterns and textures. Layer pillows in different sizes and colors on the sofa and bed. Hang linen, or velvet , flowing curtains in the windows. Throw a wool throw over the armchair. Textiles are the soul of a Moroccan cozy interior.
- The elegant design and double-sided printing add an instant pop of color and style to any room
- Durable, elastic, and resistant to pilling, these covers stand up to everyday use
- They fit a wide range of home decor styles and look great on sofas, beds, or patios
A Touch of Oasis: Exotic Plants
Plants are the heart of every traditional Moroccan home. They bring life and color and purify the air, creating the feeling of a garden of paradise. Forget about a single, sad flower on the windowsill. We’re talking about creating a lush, green nook that will bring life to the living room, purify the air, and soothe the senses.
How to arrange it?
Instead of scattering plants throughout the room, create an impressive grouping of them in one or two spots, for example, in the corner of the living room or next to an armchair. Combine plants of varying heights and leaf shapes to create the impression of a natural, multi-level jungle. Some species that work well are palms (areca, kentia), citrus trees, banana trees, and ficus.
- The Ficus Audrey's elegant form perfectly complements Moroccan décor
- It’s very easy to grow on minimal watering and bright, indirect light
- This tropical plant naturally purifies the air, helping to create a clean, refreshing, and tranquil ambiance
The Social Centerpiece: Coffee Table and Metal Trays
In a Moroccan living room, a coffee table is more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a stage for the tea ritual. Characteristic features include low, carved wooden tables (often octagonal) or large, round trays made of embossed metal (brass, silver) set on folding wooden legs.
How to arrange it?
Combine these two elements for a classic, luxurious effect. Place a large silver tray on a carved wooden table. Create an atmospheric arrangement on it: small, ornate tea glasses, an intricate teapot, and a few candles, whose glow will beautifully reflect off the polished metal.
- Authentic craftsmanship from Morocco
- Made from Alpaca Silver, a rust-resistant blend of metals
- Its stunning design makes it a perfect gift for weddings or housewarming parties
The Art of Pattern: Hypnotic Geometry
The soul of Moroccan design lies in its intricate, repetitive patterns. From complex geometric grids (called girih) to flowing, floral arabesques, these hypnotic motifs create a sense of harmony and infinite beauty. You’ll find them everywhere: in fabrics, carved wood, and metalwork, and their presence weaves the entire style into a cohesive, rhythmic whole.
How to arrange it?
The easiest way to incorporate them is through textiles. Choose pillows, throws, or a rug with the characteristic Moroccan clover or symmetrical check motif. For the more daring, an accent wall decorated with a Moroccan pattern stencil creates a spectacular effect. Small accents, such as a mirror framed with bone inlay or an openwork screen, will complete the look.
- High-Quality, elegant design made from high-quality metal
- It features pre-punched holes and is lightweight, so it's easy and quick to hang with the included screws
- With a wide variety of sizes to choose from, it can perfectly fits for any space
The Finishing Touch: Small Moroccan Accessories
It’s the details that complete the whole and give the interior a sense of authenticity. Hand-painted ceramics from cities like Safi and Fez are another hallmark of Morocco. Colorful bowls, plates, and, of course, the cooking vessel, the Tagine, with its conical lid.
How to arrange it?
Place hand-painted ceramics, brass boxes, and decorative tassels on doorknobs on shelves and chests of drawers. Let the scent of incense, sandalwood candles, or an orange blossom oil diffuser waft through the air. Display beautiful ceramics on open shelves in the kitchen or on a sideboard in the dining room. A Tajine can be not only a cooking vessel but also a wonderful, sculptural decoration.
- This tagine's design infuses food with rich, authentic flavors, bringing the experience of Moroccan cuisine directly to your home
- Each pot is a work of art, ethically crafted by women artisans
How to combine riad style with modern Moroccan décor?
We’ve already learned about the 12 elements, so how do you apply them to your modern Moroccan-themed home?
The key to masterful design is balance, and this is called modern Moroccan décor. It’s a philosophy that subtly draws on tradition and combines it with the clean lines of contemporary design.
Neutral color palette: Instead of intense wall colors, choose white, beige, gray, or warm sand tones. This will highlight the rich patterns and textures of Moroccan accessories.
Less is more: Instead of filling the room with dozens of trinkets, choose a few, yet spectacular elements. One large lantern, one authentic rug, a few pillows – this will be enough to create the desired atmosphere.
Mix styles: In the Moroccan-style living room elements pair perfectly with simple, modern furniture, Scandinavian, or boho styles. A carved coffee table looks great next to a minimalist sofa, and a Beni Ourain rug perfectly breaks up the austerity of an industrial loft.
Your Personal Sanctuary
Creating a Moroccan riad-style interior isn’t just about following trends. It’s about creating a space that’s personal, warm, and soulful. It’s an invitation to slow down, celebrate craftsmanship, and surround yourself with beauty that has a story behind it.
Whether you decide on a complete transformation or just incorporate a few of the elements mentioned, remember that the essence of this style is to create your own private sanctuary. Experiment, mix things up, and find your own path to Marrakesh.
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