Moroccan Living Room : Exploring the Roots of an Iconic Lifestyle

Traditional Moroccan Living Room

At the heart of Moroccan homes, the living room is the vibrant center of daily life and the physical expression of a deep culture of hospitality. Serving as a gathering place for families, a setting for celebrations, and a refuge for quiet reflection, the Moroccan salon embodies an art of living passed down from generation to generation. But where does this iconic furniture come from? Over the centuries, it has been shaped by the intersection of Mediterranean, Eastern, and African influences—now inspiring eco-friendly, modular creations in tune with contemporary lifestyles.

Mediterranean Roots: Ancient Heritage and Influences

The story of the Moroccan salon finds its origins in the rich cultural tapestry of the Mediterranean. As far back as Antiquity, Romans arranged their reception spaces to encourage conversation and comfort. This spatial and social organization endured through time: much like the Roman patio, the Moroccan riad is structured around a central courtyard, where light, freshness, and intimacy take precedence.

From Roman Houses in Volubilis to the Moroccan Salon: Architecture of Togetherness

The ruins of Volubilis, an ancient Roman city near Meknes, showcase homes built around an atrium—an open courtyard at the heart of the house. Facing this space was the triclinium: the main, beautifully adorned reception and dining room, featuring long benches encircling small, three-legged tables.

Centuries later, a remarkably similar layout appears in traditional Amazigh homes, built around a central courtyard and a welcoming area called tamesrit—which, over time, evolved into the seddari, the modern Moroccan salon.Whether crafted from intricately carved wood or reinterpreted in a minimalist, modern style, the Moroccan salon—often arranged in an L or U shape—remains the centerpiece of the home, a living reflection of a constantly evolving architectural and social heritage.

Andalusian Influence: Sophistication and Craftsmanship

The arrival of Andalusian families in Morocco after the fall of Granada in 1492 brought a refined art of living. They enriched local traditions with their expertise in interior design, woodworking, stucco, and textiles. The Moroccan salon inherited the Andalusian patio, a meticulous eye for detail, and a love for textile design—delicate embroidery, intricate geometric patterns, and subtle color palettes.

The Traditional Composition of the Moroccan Salon

A classic Moroccan salon is defined by a harmonious, established arrangement designed for comfort and warm hospitality:

• A wooden base: the structural foundation, often carved or painted, showcasing local woodworking skill.

• The mattress (or foam): densely padded and covered in fine fabrics for optimum comfort.

• Cushions: generous in size, varied in shape and pattern, lining the benches to create a welcoming atmosphere.

• L or U-shaped layout: benches along the walls create a cozy, convivial cocoon.This setup is typically complemented by a large central coffee table (mida) and small side tables—a nod to the Roman tripods.

  
  

Distinct Regional Styles

Each region of Morocco brings its own aesthetic to the salon:

• In Fez, fine woodwork and delicate embroidery are celebrated.

• In the North, Andalusian marquetry and scalloped arches are prominent.

• In Marrakech, colorful painted wood (zouak) enlivens interiors.

  
  

SaMaD: Moroccan Design Salon

To meet today’s needs—space optimization, mobility, and responsible consumption—the Moroccan salon continues to evolve. It keeps its essence while adopting:

• Clean, adaptable design

• Sustainable, innovative materials

• Modular furniture

  
  

  

  SaMaD black by SCG designer

  
  

In a world seeking flexibility and sustainability, SaMaD—Moroccan Design Salon—sets a new standard. It reinterprets the solid wood base with an eco-conscious, modular approach, marrying ancestral craftsmanship and ethical design. This fusion makes the Moroccan salon a symbol of free, sustainable living.

From the Roman patio to the Andalusian courtyard, and all the way to the Moroccan riad, the Moroccan salon embodies a profound cultural blending—where the art of hospitality and the beauty of craft come together. Today, it’s being reinvented without losing its soul: modular, responsible, and elegant, it tells the story of a people through the spaces they inhabit. This vibrant tradition is ready to inspire interiors around the world.