The Different Types of Moroccan Rugs: From Beni Ourain to Azilal

Moroccan rugs are among the most sought-after textiles in the world. Handmade by Berber artisans across the Atlas Mountains and beyond, these rugs are as diverse as the regions and tribes that create them. Each style carries its own story, weaving technique, and cultural symbolism.

Whether you’re shopping for your first Moroccan rug or looking to expand your collection, understanding the different types of Moroccan rugs will help you find the perfect match for your home.

1. Beni Ourain Rugs: Minimalist and Timeless

Perhaps the most iconic Moroccan rugs, Beni Ourain rugs are woven by tribes in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Known for their creamy wool base and bold black diamond patterns, they embody simplicity and elegance.

• Materials: 100% natural sheep wool, thick and plush.
• Design: Neutral tones with geometric black lines.
• Best for: Minimalist, Scandinavian, or modern interiors.

Their timeless style makes them one of the most versatile Moroccan rugs, easily blending with both classic and contemporary spaces.

2. Azilal Rugs: Colorful and Playful

Azilal rugs come from the Azilal province in the High Atlas Mountains. Unlike the neutral tones of Beni Ourain, Azilal rugs are known for their vibrant colors and bold, abstract motifs.

• Materials: Soft wool, sometimes mixed with cotton.
• Design: Bright reds, blues, yellows, with free-form geometric or symbolic designs.
• Best for: Bohemian or eclectic interiors craving a lively focal point.

Azilal rugs often feel like modern art pieces, each one unique, full of creative energy, and often inspired by the personal stories of the women who weave them.

3. Boujad Rugs: Vintage Charm

Originating from the Haouz region near Marrakech, Boujad rugs are vintage treasures full of rich, warm tones, think pinks, reds, purples, and oranges.

• Materials: Hand-spun wool, medium pile.
• Design: Geometric patterns with soft, faded palettes due to natural dyes.
• Best for: Vintage-inspired interiors or homes that want an authentic, timeworn piece.

Because many Boujad rugs are decades old, they often carry an aged patina that adds unmatched character.

4. Boucherouite Rugs: Eclectic and Sustainable

Boucherouite rugs are a testament to Moroccan creativity. Made from recycled textiles, clothes, and scraps, these rugs are eco-friendly and bursting with color.

• Materials: Cotton, wool, nylon, and other recycled fabrics.
• Design: Playful, multicolored, often abstract.
• Best for: Accent rugs, kids’ rooms, or as wall hangings.

Their affordability and unique look make them especially popular with young homeowners and design enthusiasts seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.

5. Kilim Rugs: Flat-Weave Versatility

Unlike high-pile rugs, Kilim rugs (also known as Hanbel or Zanafi) are flat-woven, lightweight, and highly durable.

• Materials: Wool or a wool-cotton blend.
• Design: Striped or diamond motifs in bold contrasts like black and white.
• Best for: Dining rooms, hallways, kitchens, or layered over neutral rugs.

Kilim rugs are practical, easy to clean, and perfect for high-traffic areas—making them a favorite in modern U.S. households.

6. Beni M’Guild Rugs: Deep Colors and Dense Weave

Hailing from the Middle Atlas, Beni M’Guild rugs are known for their dense pile and jewel-toned palettes. Historically, they were woven to withstand the cold mountain winters.

• Materials: Thick wool, tightly knotted.
• Design: Deep blues, purples, and reds with geometric designs.
• Best for: Cozy spaces like bedrooms or living rooms.

Their rich tones and luxurious texture give them a regal presence, perfect for creating warmth.

7. Mrirt Rugs: Luxurious and Modern

Sometimes called “the new Beni Ourain,” Mrirt rugs come from the Mrirt region in the Middle Atlas. They combine traditional techniques with a modern twist.

• Materials: High-quality wool with a dense knot count.
• Design: Similar to Beni Ourain but with more intricate or colorful patterns.
• Best for: Modern homes seeking luxury and sophistication.

Mrirt rugs are prized for their durability and refined look, often compared to fine Persian carpets in craftsmanship.

8. Zanafi Rugs: Bold and Graphic

Zanafi rugs are flat-woven by the Zanafi tribe in the High Atlas. They’re instantly recognizable by their bold, black-and-white diamond motifs.

• Materials: Wool, flat-weave.
• Design: Graphic, monochromatic, with strong contrasts.
• Best for: Contemporary or monochrome interiors needing a statement piece.

Zanafi rugs are lightweight and versatile, often used as both floor coverings and wall tapestries.

9. Tuareg Rugs: Desert Elegance

Though not wool, Tuareg mats are woven by Saharan tribes using palm fibers and leather. They reflect desert life and are rare finds in the global market.

• Materials: Palm reed and leather strips.
• Design: Brown tones with geometric tribal symbols.
• Best for: Rustic or earthy interiors, patios, and unique collectors’ pieces.

Their durability and natural charm make them exceptional conversation starters.

Conclusion: Find the Moroccan Rug That Matches Your Style

From the minimalist Beni Ourain to the colorful Azilal, the recycled Boucherouite to the regal Beni M’Guild, Moroccan rugs come in countless varieties—each with its own soul.

By understanding these different types, you can choose a rug that not only fits your home’s aesthetic but also carries the heritage of Moroccan artisans into your space.

Explore Izyls’ curated collection of authentic Moroccan rugs and find the piece that speaks to your style and story.