7 Different Moroccan Rug Types to Buy

Fatima O.

Last Updated:

Moroccan rugs are some of the most beautiful and sought-after in the world. Handwoven by skilled Moroccan artisans, these rugs are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns.

Each rug is unique and carries a story of the weaver’s culture and history, making them not only beautiful works of art but also valuable pieces of Moroccan cultural heritage.

In Morocco, the rugs are traditionally used as practical floor coverings in the house. Now, Moroccan rugs are used for more than to just cover the floor.

They became a form of home décor and are often used as tapestries, wall hangings, table runners, or even bedspreads.

Moroccan rug types: All you need to know

There are many different types of Moroccan rugs, each with its own distinct style.

The reason for this diversity is that different Berber tribes of Morocco have their own traditional weaving techniques and designs.

In this round-up, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular types of Moroccan rugs.

Moroccan Beni Ourain Rugs

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Moroccan Beni Ourain Rug_View on Etsy
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Moroccan Beni Ourain Rug_View on Etsy

Known for their simplicity, and all-white natural colors, the famed Beni Ourain rugs are made in the Middle Atlas Mountains by the Ben Ourain Berber tribe. These distinctive rugs are a perfect choice for people looking for minimalist rugs and styles.

Beni Ourain rugs usually feature black and white colors and simple yet intriguing geometric designs. I can easily imagine this type of Moroccan rug in a modern home with a Scandinavian interior design style.

The simplicity of the Beni Ourain rugs makes them easy to style and integrate into any home décor.

Moroccan Azilal Rugs

If you love a pop of daring colors and complex geometric shapes, go for Azilal rugs. These hand-knotted rugs are also made in the high Atlas Mountains more specifically in the Amazigh tribes of Azilal.

Being an Amazighi girl from the Azilal tribe myself, these rugs have a special place in my heart. I love their colors and patterns because they are a beautiful representation of my culture and heritage.

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Handmade Moroccan Azilal rug_ View on Etsy
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Handmade Moroccan Azilal rug_ View on Etsy

I grew up helping my mom weave these rugs and I am so proud to see them becoming popular all over the world.

Azilal rugs incorporate a lot of flowers, leaves, and plant shapes into their carpet designs. These rugs are perfect for adding a touch of colorful bohemian flair to any room.

Boucherouite Rugs

When wool is not around, Boucherouite rugs are born. The Moroccan Boucherouite rugs are low-investment rugs that are made of leftover fabric and old clothing.

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Boucherouite Moroccan Rug_View on Etsy

These eco-friendly rugs are usually thinner and less soft than wool-made rugs but they are not lacking any of the captivating designs and the pop of vivid colors.

Zanafi Rugs

Zanafi rugs are a type of Moroccan rug that is particularly prized for its simplicity. These rugs are often made with 100% organic wool sometimes dyed sometimes not.

The designs often feature geometric patterns and straight lines with fringes coming out of the sides.

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Moroccan Zanafi rug_View on Etsy

Zanafi rugs originate from a small village in Ouarzazate called Zanafi where temperatures are very high in summer and extremely cold in winter. The quirkiest thing about the authentic Zanafi rugs is that they are double-sided or let’s say multipurpose.

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Black and white Moroccan Zanafi rug_View on Etsy

One side of the rug will have a big pile of hand-knotted wool providing comfort and warmth for winter. While the other side is a flatweave, better suited to the hot climate of the region.

Moroccan Zanafi Rugs are hard to find as they are produced by a small village community in the region of Ouarzazate but if you do manage to find one don’t miss buying it.

Boujaad Rugs

Boujaad rugs are some of the unique pieces to buy in Morocco. Eye-catching and extravagant, Boujaad rugs don’t lack creativity or colors. These pieces may resemble the Boucharouite rugs.

Sometimes in addition to dyed wool, cut clothing stripes and synthetic fibers are used to add a pop of color to the rug but Boujad rug pattern compositions are somehow distinctively audacious.

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Pink Moroccan Boujaad rug_View on Etsy
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Colorful Boujaad Moroccan rug_View on Etsy

To make Moroccan Boujaad rugs, local women use their artistic creativity to come of attractive combinations of Berber patterns and designs that are only unique to Moroccan Boujad rugs.

I really think that having a Boujaad Moroccan rug in your living room will make a bold decor.

Taznakht Rugs

Simple is absolutely not the way to describe these gorgeous rugs. Made in a small town between Ouarzazate and Agadir. Taznakht Rugs also known as Ait Ouaouzguite rugs, are made of wool that was dyed with natural dies.

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Yellow Moroccan Taznakht Rug_View on Etsy

Similar to many other types of Moroccan rugs, Taznakht rugs feature distinctive patterns and symbols that represent the tribe but mostly the women making them. For Taznakht rugs, there is no set size, color, or design. Each rug is a unique masterpiece with an untold story.

Moroccan Kilim Rugs

Many people don’t know this but there are two different Kilim rugs that you can buy in Morocco. The popular Moroccan kilim rug and the Berber Kilim rug.

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Handwoven Moroccan kilim rug_View on Etsy

The Moroccan Kilim rug is often a thin flatweave rug made of cotton and comes in popping colors and many geometric shapes and lines. They are also found across the Middle East.

However, the Berber Kilim rugs are unique to North Africa. They come much heavier as they are made of 100% undyed wool. Both types are great and the flatweave style makes it easy to place this type of rug just about anywhere in the house.

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types of moroccan rugs berber carpets

About Fatima O.

Fatima, born and raised along the foothills of the Atlas mountains, in the heartland of the indigenous Amazigh peoples. She loves Moroccan tea and travel. Now, she travels and writes about the beauty of her homeland.

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