To say you love "Moroccan rugs" is like saying you love "European food." The term covers a vast and wonderfully diverse world of distinct styles, techniques, and traditions. Each rug is a reflection of the specific region and Amazigh (Berber) tribe that created it, with its own unique color palette, symbolic language, and weaving style.
From the minimalist, monochrome designs of the mountains to the vibrant, abstract expressions of the plains, Moroccan rugs offer a style for every taste. Understanding the key differences between these types will not only help you choose the perfect one for your home but will also give you a deeper appreciation for the rich artistry behind them.
Here is a guide to some of the most famous and sought-after types of Moroccan rugs.
1. Beni Ourain
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Origin: From the Beni Ourain tribes in the remote Middle Atlas Mountains.
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Key Characteristics: This is arguably the most famous Moroccan rug style, beloved by modern interior designers for decades. Authentic Beni Ourain rugs are characterized by their thick, plush, luxurious pile made from the high-quality wool of the region's sheep. The background is typically a creamy, natural white or ivory, adorned with simple, minimalist geometric patterns—most often black or dark brown diamond shapes. They are the epitome of tribal chic.
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Best For: Minimalist, Scandinavian, mid-century modern, and contemporary interiors.
2. Azilal
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Origin: From the Azilal province in the High Atlas Mountains.
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Key Characteristics: Azilal rugs share the creamy, natural wool background of Beni Ourains, but they are far more playful and colorful. The patterns are often more abstract, featuring single-knot lines that allow for more intricate and free-form designs. You'll see vibrant colors like saffron yellow, magenta pink, and indigo blue used to create bold, symbolic, and often asymmetrical patterns that tell a story personal to the weaver.
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Best For: Bohemian and eclectic spaces that need a pop of color and artistic, one-of-a-kind character.
3. Boucherouite (The "Rag Rug")
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Origin: Woven by women in poorer, more rural areas of Morocco where wool was not always readily available.
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Key Characteristics: Boucherouite rugs are a testament to the weaver's resourcefulness and creativity. They are "rag rugs," made from a dazzling array of recycled materials—scraps of old clothing, bits of yarn, cotton, and even shiny synthetic textiles. There are no rules, resulting in a vibrant, chaotic, and joyful explosion of color and texture. Each one is completely unique and abstract.
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Best For: Adding a wild, colorful, and truly unique statement piece to any room. They are fantastic in kids' rooms or artistic, maximalist spaces.
4. Boujaad
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Origin: From the Haouz region, between the Middle Atlas and the Atlantic coast.
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Key Characteristics: Boujaad rugs are known for their warm, rich color palettes, often featuring shades of magenta, pink, orange, and red, created with natural vegetable dyes. They typically have a shorter, looser pile than Beni Ourains and are known for their highly expressive, often asymmetrical geometric patterns. They feel more rustic and have a deep, soulful character.
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Best For: Warm, bohemian interiors where you want to add a sense of history and vibrant, earthy color.
5. Kilim
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Origin: A technique rather than a specific tribe, found throughout Morocco and the world.
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Key Characteristics: Unlike the other rugs on this list, Kilims are flat-woven, meaning they have no pile. The pattern is created by passing different colored weft threads through the warp, creating a textile that is more like a heavy tapestry. They are lighter, reversible, and often feature intricate, repeating geometric designs.
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Best For: Use as a lighter floor covering, a decorative wall hanging, or a throw. They are perfect for layering over other rugs.
Learning to identify these beautiful rugs is the first step to appreciating them. The next is understanding the immense skill it takes to create them. Whether you are buying a vintage Boujaad or learning to weave your own small textile at a workshop like MyRugy, you are participating in a rich, living tradition of artistry.
If you’d like to bring the magic of Moroccan weaving into your home, explore the MyRugy Craft Box and start your own creative journey—no experience needed!
