One of the most common misconceptions regarding Moroccan rugs is that there are just a few different types. There are dozens, if not hundreds, in actuality. Each of Morocco's Amazigh (Berber) tribes produces its Moroccan rug types, and there are over 40 of them. There may be more than one style created within the tribes.
Beni Ourain Rugs
Beni Ourain is an ancient Berber tribal group. Their name means "Weavers of Beautiful Textile". They weave beautiful rugs using natural, bloomed wool. The designs are often inspired by nature, especially flowers and birds.
These rugs are very popular because they are handmade and unique. Unlike many mass-produced rugs, Beni Ouren rugs have tiny details that give them character, soul and deepness.
Beni Ourain rugs are made using raw sheep wool, they shear them "live" and leave them unprocessed. The resulting carpet is incredibly soft and plush; the soft wool of the "shaggy" style brings even more warmth and comfort to the room. A dark-coloured rug, for example, can lead guests in a long hallway, while a lighter-coloured rug can add brightness to a living room.
These rugs are available in many different styles, including runners, wall hangings and throws, which are great for adding texture and pattern to your living space. They come in many colours, including white, cream or beige, with black accents like straight lines or zigzag patterns, slight variations in line thickness, colour imperfections and geometric designs. These small details cannot be seen in a mass-manufactured rug.
A Beni Ourain rug is great if you love bold colour combinations. These rugs are often made using natural dyes and are very durable. If you prefer a softer feel, opt for a Beni M'zab rug. Both styles are perfect for adding a splash of colour to any room. They're perfect for those looking for a natural-looking rug at a price point that won't break the bank.
Beni Maghreb Rugs
The Beni Maghreb tribesmen make Beni Maghreb rugs in Morocco. These tribal groups were nomadic herders but settled down and became farmers. The Beni Maghreb rug-making tradition is centuries old, and the artisans still follow the ancient techniques passed down through generations. The designs are inspired by nature and often depict scenes from everyday life. The colours represent the different seasons and the patterns reflect the area's culture.
Beni Maghreb rugs are often flipped during the hot summer months to keep cool inside the house. These rugs are usually thicker and heavier than other types of rugs because they are made of thick wool. The Beni Maghreb also tends to use more complex designs.
Beni Mrirt Rugs
Beni Mrirt is a newer style of handmade Moroccan carpet that has emerged recently. These carpets are super soft underfoot and feature designs inspired by the highly fashionable Benet Oumaima rugs. They're made using traditional Berber knotting techniques, thick piles and high-quality wool.
Taznakht Rugs
Tazinakht artisans produced beautiful carpets using natural dyes made from plants like henna, pomegranate, madder, saffron, alum and the weaving technique was perfected.
These rugs were renowned for their quality and beauty and are highly sought after. They are very thick and soft, making them perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. If you're looking for something different, this rug is worth checking out!
Boucherouite Moroccan Rugs
Morocco is well known worldwide for its beautiful and unique handmade rugs, made primarily of wool, with the weaving reflecting tribal independence and age-old traditions and beliefs. They were designed to be used while travelling and were often used as saddle covers. They were also created as very practical household items. These carpets are usually woven for everyday use. However, they still display tremendous creative energy and vitality.
Boucherouite rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Each pattern/design is unique and comes in its shade of blue.
Kilim Rugs
Kilims are lightweight and perfect for warm weather because they are made using a pileless technique. They are available in various sizes, shapes, colours and materials. Some examples of kilims include those featured below.
Kilim rugs are pieces of art. Each design is unique and the pattern of the dyes used are vivid. Kilims are flat woven, meaning they appear thinner and not as soft as other types of wool rugs. Kilims have no pile. What they do have is beautiful patterns and colours.
Kilims are generally less expensive than other types of Oriental area rugs and also, in warm weather, can serve as indoor/outdoor garden rugs. Kilims can add an inherent sense of modernism and drama to a room, especially when paired with contemporary furniture. With distinct layouts that arise from the orientation that they were woven in, kilims often feature simple harmonic bands of colour.
These area rugs are easy to clean and resist water, stains and repeated usage. Kilims are great for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and halls. They are a great addition to any decor because they add warmth and personality to any space.
Vintage Kilim Rugs
Vintage kilims are works of art that bring a touch of elegance and charm to any room. Their designs are often inspired by nature and the culture of each region. Moroccan kilims are usually woven using wool, cotton or silk.
Azilal Rugs
Azilal is a region in Morocco famous for its intricate tribal designs.
The Azilal are rug producers famous for their vibrant patterns. The rugs are also very durable and resistant to stains. You'll find them in many different sizes and shapes.
Each rug uses simple geometric shapes like circles, squares, diamonds, triangles and rectangles. The designs are usually filled with bright colours like yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, pink, white and black. The design is then woven together to create a beautiful piece of art.
Azilal rugs are often considered eclectic, colourful pieces of art, often used as wall hangings in a modern home, bedroom or living room to display their beautiful designs. This type of rug was first produced in the Azilal region of Morocco in the late 20th century and gained popularity in the West only recently.
The wool tends to be more refined, and the local natural dyeing techniques produce vibrant colours. The patterns are typically woven onto a natural coloured wool background.
These rugs have quickly become one of the most coveted types of Moroccan-style rugs and suit mainly classic or bohemia-styled interiors.
Their colours are often inspired by nature. The base of the rug is mostly a light cream or white colour and is then woven with bright colours of the local flora. These colours are dyed into the wool before weaving begins.
Boujad Rugs
Boujad carpets are made using a mix of natural fibres and synthetic ones. They are very colourful pieces of art, with many different shades of blue, red, green, yellow, orange and purple.
Boujad rugs come from the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. They have a unique tribal style with geometric patterns and bright colours. They are made using natural dyes and are very soft to the touch. Boujad rugs are often woven by women and are considered an excellent investment due to their high resale value.
The designs are made of a mixture of wool and silk threads, and the pattern is woven with a unique technique. The weavers pull the knots tighter, making the rug denser and more robust.
The Boujad carpet is not just an ordinary carpet; it is a unique piece of art. Each rug tells a story through its design and colour choices.
Zemmour Rugs
Zemmor rugs are an ancient form of carpeting. Woven initially out of wool, cotton, or silk; today, Zemmour rugs are still produced in the same regions of Morocco that have been producing them since antiquity. While many patterns are similar to those found in other types of rug, each piece tells its unique story about the artisan who made it.
Aït Bou Ichaouchan Rugs
Aït Bou Ichaouchan rugs are made in an area called Taza. These rugs are distinctive because they are produced in the easternmost corner of the country. Their design is very distinct from those found elsewhere in Morocco. The patterning is often quite simple and geometric, and the colours tend toward bright shades like red, orange and yellow. Symbols and images are sometimes included on the rugs, representing important events in Moroccan history.
Tuareg Rugs
Tuaregs are nomads who live in the Sahara Desert. They make their living through trade and agriculture. The Tuareg people are also called "the last true nomads" because they still live the same way their ancestors did thousands of years ago. They are well known for their colourful blankets and rugs, woven using natural fibres like wool and camel hair. Their designs are very simplistic, featuring primarily straight lines and geometric patterns. The colours are muted, and there is an emphasis on the natural beauty of the materials.
Moroccan Rug Costs
Many factors influence the price of a rug. Moroccan rugs are made using centuries-old techniques and designs, making them an ideal choice for contemporary interiors. Handmade, each piece is unique and will bring a touch of exoticism to your space.
These factors include the type of material used, the size, the design, the age and the production location. For example, the price of a rug made from silk will vary depending on whether it is a large area rug or small piece. You may also pay more if you buy an antique rug or less if it is brand new. You should consider all of these factors when making your decision.
