There are many types of Moroccan rugs, and each one tells the story of the tribe and region where it was woven. From the creamy shag of the Middle Atlas to the bright rag rugs of the cities, Morocco has one of the richest rug traditions in the world. This guide walks you through the 9 main types of Moroccan rugs, how to recognize each one and which rooms they suit best, so you can choose with confidence.
Table of Contents
- How Moroccan Rugs Are Grouped
- 1. Beni Ourain Rugs
- 2. Azilal Rugs
- 3. Boucherouite Rugs
- 4. Kilim and Hanbel Rugs
- 5. Boujad (Boujaad) Rugs
- 6. Beni Mrirt Rugs
- 7. Talsint and Zanafi Rugs
- 8. Vintage Moroccan Rugs
- 9. Custom Moroccan Rugs
- Types of Moroccan Rugs Compared
- How to Choose Between the Types of Moroccan Rugs
- Wool, Dyes and Weaving: What Sets Each Type Apart
- Where Each Type Comes From
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Find Your Favorite
How Moroccan Rugs Are Grouped
Most types of Moroccan rugs are named after the tribe or town that weaves them. Broadly, they fall into two construction families:
- Pile rugs (knotted): thick and soft, made by tying thousands of wool knots onto a warp. Beni Ourain, Azilal, Beni Mrirt and Boujad rugs are pile rugs.
- Flat-woven rugs: no pile, made by weaving the weft through the warp. Kilims, hanbels and many tribal blankets belong here.
Within these families, region, wool, colors and symbols create the endless variety you see today. Almost all of them are woven by Berber (Amazigh) women.
1. Beni Ourain Rugs
The most famous of all types of Moroccan rugs. Beni Ourain rugs come from tribes of the Middle Atlas mountains. They are woven from undyed ivory wool with dark brown or black lines forming diamonds and lozenges. The pile is thick and plush, perfect for cold mountain nights and cozy living rooms. Read our complete Beni Ourain rug guide.
2. Azilal Rugs
Azilal rugs come from the High Atlas region around the town of Azilal. They usually have a cream background covered with joyful, colorful abstract motifs in pink, orange, blue, green and red. The pile is shorter than a Beni Ourain, which makes them great for dining rooms and bedrooms. Discover more in our Azilal rug guide.
3. Boucherouite Rugs
Boucherouite (often spelled boucharouette) rugs are woven from recycled fabric strips: old clothes, cotton, nylon and wool scraps. The result is a wildly colorful, one-of-a-kind rag rug full of energy. They are a beautiful example of sustainable design. Learn more about Boucherouite rugs.
4. Kilim and Hanbel Rugs
Kilims are flat-woven rugs with no pile. They are thin, lightweight, often reversible and decorated with bold geometric bands. In Morocco, flat-woven blankets and rugs are also called hanbels. Kilims are ideal for kitchens, entryways and layering. Read our Moroccan kilim rug guide.
5. Boujad (Boujaad) Rugs
Boujad rugs come from the Haouz plain near the town of Boujad. They are known for warm reds, pinks, purples and oranges with loose, free-form diamonds. Many on the market are vintage, with beautifully faded colors. Shop our Boujaad rugs.
6. Beni Mrirt Rugs
Beni Mrirt rugs are close cousins of the Beni Ourain, but with a denser, finer weave and an extra-soft, velvety pile. They are often considered a premium version of the classic cream rug.
7. Talsint and Zanafi Rugs
Talsint rugs from eastern Morocco feature deep colors and strong graphic layouts. Zanafi rugs from the Middle Atlas mix pile bands with flat-woven sections, creating a unique textured surface.
8. Vintage Moroccan Rugs
Vintage is not a single tribe but a category. These rugs are usually 20 to 60 years old and have soft, sun-faded colors and a lived-in charm. Vintage pieces are some of the most collectible types of Moroccan rugs. See our vintage Moroccan rug guide.
9. Custom Moroccan Rugs
Many workshops weave rugs to order. You choose size, colors and pattern, and artisans bring it to life using traditional techniques. A custom Moroccan rug is the best choice for unusual room sizes.
Types of Moroccan Rugs Compared
- Softest and thickest: Beni Ourain and Beni Mrirt.
- Most colorful: Azilal and Boucherouite.
- Best for high-traffic areas: Kilim and Azilal.
- Most eco-friendly: Boucherouite (recycled textiles).
- Most collectible: Vintage Boujad and Beni Ourain.
How to Choose Between the Types of Moroccan Rugs
Start with your room. A minimalist, Scandinavian or modern farmhouse space looks stunning with a cream Beni Ourain. A boho, eclectic or kids’ room comes alive with an Azilal or Boucherouite. For kitchens and hallways, a flat kilim or runner is practical and easy to clean. Then think about comfort: pile rugs feel luxurious underfoot, flat weaves are easier to move and clean. Still undecided between the two bestsellers? Read Beni Ourain vs Azilal.
Wool, Dyes and Weaving: What Sets Each Type Apart
Beyond the tribe name, three details help you tell the types of Moroccan rugs apart at a glance.
The wool
Mountain tribes such as the Beni Ourain use long, lustrous wool from sheep raised at high altitude. It is thick, springy and rich in lanolin. Lowland weavers often use shorter wool, sometimes blended with cotton, which produces a flatter, lighter rug. Boucherouite weavers skip new wool entirely and reuse textiles.
The dyes
Traditional rugs were colored with plants and minerals: henna and madder for reds, indigo for blues, pomegranate skin and saffron for yellows. Many modern rugs use stable synthetic dyes that resist fading. Undyed rugs like the classic Beni Ourain show the natural shades of the sheep: ivory, brown, grey and black.
The knots and density
Pile types of Moroccan rugs use the Berber knot, tied around warp threads and cut to length. A dense rug has more knots per square inch and feels heavier. Flat weaves use no knots at all, so their pattern is created entirely by the colored weft.
Where Each Type Comes From
- Middle Atlas: Beni Ourain, Beni Mrirt, Zanafi, Beni Mguild.
- High Atlas: Azilal, Ait Bou Ichaouen.
- Haouz plain and central Morocco: Boujad, Rehamna.
- Eastern Morocco: Talsint.
- Cities and villages across Morocco: Boucherouite.
- Anti-Atlas and south: Taznakht, Akhfamane and many kilims.
Knowing the region helps you understand why the types of Moroccan rugs look so different: cold mountains favor thick pile for warmth, while warmer plains favor lighter weaves and bold colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Moroccan rug?
The Beni Ourain is the most popular and recognizable Moroccan rug in the USA, loved for its neutral cream wool and graphic lines.
Which type of Moroccan rug is best for a living room?
A thick Beni Ourain or a colorful Azilal works beautifully in living rooms. Choose a size that fits under the front legs of your seating.
Are all Moroccan rugs made of wool?
Most pile rugs are made of sheep wool. Boucherouite rugs use recycled fabrics, and some kilims mix wool with cotton.
Find Your Favorite
Now that you know the main types of Moroccan rugs, you can shop with a clear eye. Each style carries centuries of Berber craft and brings warmth to any American home. For a full overview of buying, sizing and care, visit our Moroccan rug guide.
