Exploring the Diverse Styles of Moroccan Rugs
The art of Moroccan rug weaving stretches back centuries and has been passed down through generations. Amazigh women, indigenous to North Africa, are credited with the craft's origin.
There are many different Moroccan rug types and if you've ever tried to understand what they are and how they differ, you'll know that it can be confusing for the uninitiated. In a nutshell, the diverse styles, weaving techniques, patterns and symbols and even colour palette can all be attributed to different groups spread across areas such as the middle Atlas region, high Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert in Morocco.
With a little care and attention these rugs will last a lifetime, so let's jump in and find which is the perfect rug for you!
The Main Types of Moroccan Rugs
What are the different types of Moroccan rugs and their cultural significance you ask? Let's take a look at the most popular rug styles coming from Morocco: Azilal rugs, Beni Ourain rugs, Boucherite rugs, Kilim rugs and vintage Moroccan rugs.
So what is the difference between all of these different styles of authentic Moroccan rugs? Let's find out.
Azilal Rugs
Moroccan Azilal rugs come from the Azilal region in the heart of the Atlas mountains - about 180km's from Marrakech (It’s actually where my partner grew up). Characterised by a riot of colour, geometric designs and vibrant free-form patterns, Azilal rugs are a contemporary expression of creativity.
Using ancient symbols and storytelling traditions, Azilal rugs are one-of-a-kind art pieces, weaving a story from the talented women behind these hand-knotted types of Moroccan rugs. What makes Azilal carpets so special is the whimsical artistic design, featuring bold shapes, bold colours and intricate geometric patterns.
Key Characteristics of Azilal Rugs:
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Made from natural wool and cotton
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Known for their bold colours, abstract patterns and geometric shapes
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Typically woven by women from the middle Atlas region
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Lightweight and versatile for both floor coverings and wall hangings
Beni Ourain Rugs
Beni Ourain carpets are synonymous with understated elegance characterised by the best Moroccan craftsmanship in rug making. A natural palette with soft neutral tones and a modern minimalist design these rugs feature geometric patterns of diamond shapes and bold lines. Beni Ourain rugs are made using high quality wool and have a dense soft pile that feels super plush and cozy underfoot.
A Beni Ourain rug is arguably the most famous style of Moroccan rug on the market, but watch out for fakes as there are many copycats.
And in case you were wondering, the name Beni Ourain refers to the Beni Ourain tribe, a collection of Amazigh peoples in the middle Atlas Mountains east of Fes.
Key Characteristics of Beni Ourain Rugs:
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Made from high quality wool from the middle Atlas mountains
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Feature geometric designs traditionally in natural hues and a neutral colour palette
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Known for their thick, luxurious pile, making them great for colder climates
Boujad Rugs
Boujad rugs are named after the town of Boujad at the foothills of the Middle Atlas mountains, about 200km north of Marrakech. Boujad rugs are works of art known for their bold designs that reflect the natural environment. These Moroccan rugs add a touch of bohemian flair to any space. Featuring asymmetrical designs, line-work and shapes, they embody the creativity and talent of the women from the middle Atlas region who weave them.
A hand-knotted technique is used to craft intricate patterns and bold designs - this meticulous process ensures each rug emerges as a one-of-kind work of art. Boujad rugs feature a flat weave construction with a linear and slightly shaggy pile and are woven from fine, soft natural wool which makes them a lighter, looser weave than many other styles of Moroccan rug.
Key Characteristics of Boujad Rugs:
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Made from wool and cotton
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Known for their warm, earthy tones of (reds, pinks, oranges) from natural dyes and vegetable dyes
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Unique, free-flowing designs often inspired by the weaver's life events and emotions
Kilim Rugs
Kilim rugs are characterised by a flat weaving construction that creates a tightly woven rug with no pile. This flat design makes this Moroccan rug perfect for high traffic areas - they sit beautifully under a dining table and chairs, in a hallway or living area. The pileless design of a kilim rug makes them easy to clean and care for - an excellent choice if you’re worried about pets or small children making a mess.
Moroccan Kilim rugs often come in stunning monotone colour-ways and although produced with a flat weaving technique can often feature a raised pattern or braided linear designs. These contemporary lightweight floor coverings are made from pure Moroccan wool which is spun, dyed and woven by hand by women artists of the Moroccan Sahara.
Key Characteristics of Kilim Rugs:
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Flat weave construction using natural wool
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Geometric designs in a variety of colours
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Lightweight and highly durable, suitable for high-traffic areas
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Commonly used as both floor coverings and wall hangings
Boucherouite Rugs
Boucherouite rugs are the most eco-friendly Moroccan rug on the market. Almost every Moroccan household in the 1960s and 70s used recycled materials in the rug making process incorporating cotton and wool rags from old clothing, bedsheets, curtains and even plastic cut into strips and woven in vibrant, multicoloured chaotic designs to make amazing boucherouite rugs!
Key Characteristics of boucherouite Rugs:
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Made from recycled materials, including cotton, wool, and even plastic
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Feature vibrant, chaotic designs, often multicoloured
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Handcrafted by Amazigh* women from rural Morocco
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Great for adding an eclectic, bohemian touch to home décor
Vintage Rugs
Original vintage Moroccan rugs feature traditional patterns and designs in warm earthy tones and soft pastel hues. Modern weaving such as the rugs featured in our Azilal, Boujad and Beni Ourain rug collections feature different designs, dyes and techniques - making Vintage Moroccan rugs rare and unique heritage pieces for your home.
Moroccan Miracles offers a curated collection of authentic vintage Moroccan rugs sourced personally by us on the streets of Morocco. If you’re looking for a statement piece or something that will become a treasured family heirloom this may be the right style for you.
The rugs in this vintage Moroccan collection range anywhere from 30 to 70 years old. The condition of these Moroccan rugs is proof of the outstanding skill of the artists who made them.
Key Characteristics of Vintage Rugs:
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Feature traditional and formal designs and patterns
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Made from natural fibres including wool, cotton or goat hair
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Made using natural dyes and vegetable dyes
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Age and condition of rug testament of the traditional weaving techniques used
Are there other different styles of Moroccan rugs?
Absolutely! At Moroccan Miracles we curate a Moroccan rug collection that we hand select on the ground in Morocco with our family and friends.
There are many more different styles of Moroccan rugs that aren't our current vibe such as Taznakht rugs, Marmoucha rugs and Zemmour rugs. Our style is bold colours, abstract designs and geometric patterns that bring a beautiful textured surface to your home decor.
Regional Influences on Moroccan Rugs
All good quality Moroccan carpets (in different styles) are made from techniques that stem from Amazigh nomadic tribes and their traditions.
Each of the varied and diverse regions in Morocco uses traditional weaving techniques passed down though generations specific to their tribe, which is what makes each of their styles so unique, one common thread being that no two rugs are the same.
How to Choose the Right Moroccan Rug for Your Home
We all have different styles and the different types of Moroccan rugs can reflect your personality, as you can see from the images. If you're having trouble choosing, let us point you in the right direction.
Moroccan Azilal rugs are like abstract paintings, so if you’re looking to add a bold, vibrant statement piece to your interior decor - we recommend an original Azilal rug from Moroccan Miracles.
Do you live somewhere cold? Beni Ourain carpets feature a luxurious soft pile making them warm, cosy and perfect for a colder climate.
Boujad rugs are lighter than other styles which makes them easy to move around and versatile as they can be used as a wall hanging or floor covering.
We think a Kilim rug is the perfect choice for high-traffic areas. They are incredibly durable and feature a flat profile that is easy to clean.
If you're after a more traditional piece the vintage is the way to go.
A Note on the term Berber
We see many others selling Moroccan rugs using such terms as berber rugs, berber culture, berber tribes, berber women, berber symbols and berber people. We do not use these terms, as Berber is a derogatory term used for the indigenous peoples of North Africa that was imposed by colonial powers. It stems from the word barbaric.
We use the word Amazigh (which means the free man) instead to represent our indigenous population.
FAQs
What makes Beni Ourain rugs so popular?
The Moroccan craftsmanship used in a Beni Ourain rug is of the highest standard. They often use natural dyes and a neutral colour palette making them hugely versatile.
Are your rugs eco-friendly?
Yes, all of our rugs are made from 100% natural fibres such as wool or cotton. They are woven by hand and produced within a circular economy.
What is the difference between flat-woven and high-pile Moroccan rugs?
A high-pile rug features a shaggy or fluffy texture whereas a flat woven rug is thinner and flatter. Flat woven rugs have no pile; imagine them as more of a thick and sturdy blanket.
