If you've started shopping for a Moroccan rug, you've probably run into names like Beni Ourain, Azilal and Boujaad and wondered what they actually mean. Each name refers to a Berber region and weaving tradition in Morocco, and each has its own look, feel and personality. This guide breaks them down in plain language so you can choose the right handwoven rug for your home.
What makes a rug a real Moroccan Berber rug?
Authentic Moroccan rugs are handwoven from 100% natural sheep wool by Berber women on traditional wooden looms. They are made one at a time, and the patterns are the weaver's own — which means no two are ever identical. At OwnCrafted, every rug is made to order in our workshop in Oued Zem, Morocco, and signed by the artisan who wove it.
Beni Ourain — the plush ivory classic
Beni Ourain rugs come from the Middle Atlas Mountains and are the ones you've seen in countless modern interiors since the 1930s, when architects like Le Corbusier brought them to Europe. They have a thick, soft ivory wool pile with simple dark or colorful Berber motifs.
Best for: living rooms, bedrooms and minimalist or mid-century spaces that need warmth underfoot. If you want a soft, neutral, timeless rug, start here.
Azilal — modern art on wool
Azilal rugs come from the High Atlas and are known for their vivid, abstract motifs on an ivory ground. Collectors often describe them as "modern art on wool." They tend to have a thinner pile than Beni Ourains and lots of personality.
Best for: creative spaces, studios and rooms that need a bold, one-of-a-kind statement piece.
Boujaad — warm bohemian color
Boujaad rugs come from the Haouz plains and are the most colorful of the three, with dense, edge-to-edge patterns in rose, terracotta, rust and saffron. They read warm and bohemian.
Best for: boho living rooms, dining rooms and layered bedrooms where you want rich color and hidden everyday durability.
Mrirt — the premium heirloom
Mrirt rugs are a more refined, tightly woven cousin of the Beni Ourain, prized for their density and heirloom-grade craftsmanship. They're a great choice if you want something plush but a step more luxurious.
Runner rugs — for halls and kitchens
A Moroccan runner rug is simply a long, narrow rug woven in any of these styles, made for hallways, kitchens and entryways. Custom lengths are easy to order.
How to choose the right one
- Want soft and neutral? Choose a Beni Ourain or Mrirt.
- Want a colorful statement? Choose an Azilal or Boujaad.
- Furnishing a hallway or kitchen? Choose a runner.
- Measure your space first — as a rule, the front legs of your sofa should sit on the rug in a living room.
A quick word on care
Natural wool is durable and easy to live with: vacuum weekly without a beater bar, rotate the rug twice a year, spot-clean spills with cold water and a mild wool-safe soap, and keep it out of harsh direct sunlight to protect the natural dyes.
Ready to find yours?
Every OwnCrafted rug is handwoven to order by Berber artisans, signed by the weaver, and shipped worldwide with free delivery to the USA, UK and Europe. Browse our handwoven Moroccan rugs and bring home a piece with a real story.