Being a Moroccan who was raised in a family of artisans, Moroccan rugs have no secret for me. But to be honest, for anyone who is not in the field, knowing the types of Moroccan rugs is no easy job. It’s a quite complicated field where it’s hard to navigate the different types and designs, but also all the other details that make a rug.
In fact, for all the types of Moroccan rugs – which I am going to detail later in this article – the quality of materials used can vary A LOT. Low-quality wool and dyes are often used – and the process of making the rug can be manufactured, handmade, or a mix of both.
My clients often think the Beni Ourain rug is the only Moroccan rug type. While the Beni Ourain rugs are definitely a classic and popular choice – especially after seeing it in many interior design magazines -traditional Moroccan rugs come in different types, featuring different colors and patterns, each uniquely gorgeous and one of a kind. They will suit any interior design style and will add personality and style to spaces of all kinds.
And, the fact that there are hundreds of Moroccan rugs designs means everyone can find their perfect rug. Traditionally, these beautiful rugs are created by the different Berber tribes of Morocco, each tribe making its own style of Morocco rugs. But you can still find affordable rugs. mostly manufactured, inspired by the different designs of Moroccan rugs. While the quality, durability, and even the feel won’t be the same, they are a good pick for anyone on a budget.
At this point, you’re probably wondering how to pick from the dozens or hundreds of different Moroccan rug types available. For that reason, I’m going to explain the most common and designers-favorite Moroccan rugs. It should give you an idea about
Common Moroccan Rug Styles
Here are a few styles of Moroccan rugs and a brief explanation of each so you can find the best fit.
Beni Ourain Rugs
You can see Beni Ourain rugs with their simple design on popular interior designers’ feeds. And what’s not to love about them? Their patterns are simple, lines or geometric diamonds. Authentic Beni Ourain rugs are made in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco with natural, undyed wool and a natural black dye. Their simple and elegant design makes them perfect for homes or offices.
Azilal Rugs
The lines, diamonds, and the wide range of bright colors make the Azilal style popular among modern art lovers. These colorful rugs will add a personality to any room, especially monochrome rooms. They are also my favorite type of Moroccan rugs to decorate nurseries and children’s rooms. They are very unique and charming, even the most authentic and traditional Azilal rugs will fit perfectly in modern interior designs.
Boujad Rugs
Boujad Rugs, or Boujaad rugs, are a great choice to bring color to any room. They feature beautiful Moroccan motifs and lozenges and a mix of lines and other shapes. Traditional Boujaad rugs are made of soft, high-quality wool and believe it to not, natural dyes. Yes, those bright, bold colors are all-natural and come from 100% natural dyes and no artificial chemicals (like most authentic Moroccan rugs). Boujaad rugs usually come in hues of pink, red, orange, and purple. The real, authentic Boujad rugs are handcrafted by Moroccan women in the region of Haouz, Morocco.
Boucherouite Rugs
For my clients who are environmentally savvy and gravitate towards furniture made with recycled materials, I always recommend Traditional Moroccan Boucherouite Rugs. Boucherouite is a Moroccan word that stands for ”the one with used fabrics”, and that is literally what these rugs represent.
Traditional Boucherouite rugs are made from used and old fabric that are knotted together to create beautiful colorful rugs. They are eco-friendly, heavy, and easier to wash than the standard woolen Moroccan rugs. Each of these rugs is different, so they are ideal if you want a unique decor in your room.
Moroccan Kilim Rugs
Women of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco make beautiful flat-woven kilims using fantastic colors and designs. They are not as soft and thick as other wool rugs because the nomadic tribes that make them need rugs that are easy to pack and carry. These rugs are incredibly durable and resistant to high sun exposure, making them perfect for use indoors, and outdoors.
Taznakht Rugs
There’s a wide range of Taznakht rug styles. They come in different designs – simple or complex – and colors – neutral or bold. Whatever your interior design preference is, you will most probably find a Taznakht rug that will fit your style. One of the most popular styles for these Moroccan rugs incorporates a 3-dimensional design: a combination of three separate weaving styles – embroidery, knotting, and flat weaving, which creates a raised rug pattern. The most common design includes shapes such as triangles and diamonds.
Moroccan rugs are fun to play with and will, undoubtfully add a unique charm to your interior design, no matter which of these Moroccan rug types you go for.
