Dreaming of a Berber rug for your living room or bedroom, but torn between a Beni Ourain and an Azilal? These two great families of handmade Moroccan rugs each have their own character. Here is how to tell them apart and choose the one that suits your home.
Originating from the Middle Atlas, the Beni Ourain is recognizable by its ivory or off-white background and its black or brown geometric patterns: diamonds, lines, zigzags. Its pile is long and its wool thick, making it especially soft and warm underfoot.
It is ideal if you love: Scandinavian, minimalist, Japandi or contemporary styles. It adds softness without overwhelming a room, and goes with almost any color.
Woven in the Azilal region of the High Atlas, this rug also has an ivory background, but it is decorated with colorful, free-flowing patterns: red, orange, pink, blue, green… Each weaver expresses her creativity, and every Azilal is a true work of art.
It is ideal if you love: bohemian, eclectic or ethnic styles, and if you want to bring a touch of cheer and personality to a rather neutral room.
For more details, read our room-by-room guide to choosing your rug size.
Whether Beni Ourain or Azilal, a genuine Berber rug is hand-woven in sheep’s wool, and every piece is unique. Its small irregularities are the signature of artisan work. To choose well, also read our guide on how to spot a real Beni Ourain rug.
Discover our selection of Beni Ourain and Azilal Berber rugs, hand-woven in the Atlas Mountains. Still unsure? Write to us with a photo of your room and we will help you choose.
