The Moroccan wedding blanket isn't breaking news. In fact, that's what makes it so interesting to me. This exotic yet versatile piece has gone beyond the realm of flash-in-the-pan styling gimmick and is appearing in the home of the Regular Jane. It offers an unexpected way to inject interest to a space while maintaining a subdued palette—and you know I love me some neutral texture.
Also called Handira, these textiles are the traditional cape-like nuptial garments of the Berber women. Because a bride's female relatives weave and adorn her blanket by hand over a period of several weeks, vintage ones in perfect condition can run upwards of a thousand dollars. However, retailers like Anthropologie offer mass-produced Handira inspired by the originals for considerably less.
Moroccan wedding blankets lend themselves most obviously for use as bedspreads. However, I adore them as wall hangings, sofa throws, or rugs, too. Remodelista shared a terrific DIY for a Handira headboard, and artisans frequently fashion less-than-perfect fragments of older blankets into pillows or cushions. I'm secretly a little thrilled that this trend is sticking around!
Resources for Moroccan wedding blankets: Anthropologie. Etsy seller Bring Your Own Sunshine has some great ones, as does The Boucherouite Shop. Also check out The Loaded Trunk and Calypso St. Barth. Finally, Hivernage has great Handira pillows, and they're selling that big Handira floor cushion for 50% off! Images: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
I love these, such great accent pieces!