· By ZenRug
Beni Ourain vs Azilal vs Boujad: Which Moroccan Rug Is Right for You?
All three are hand-knotted wool pile rugs from Morocco, woven by Amazigh women. They differ in color, pattern and mood. Here is how to tell them apart, and which one suits your room.
Beni Ourain: calm and graphic
From the Middle Atlas. An ivory or cream field with dark lattices, diamonds or lines, and the deepest, softest pile of the three. Beni Ourain rugs suit minimal, Scandinavian and neutral interiors, and they make any room feel brighter and warmer.
Azilal: bright and expressive
From the High Atlas. A pale wool ground with bright, freehand motifs in blue, orange, pink, green and red, each placed by eye. An Azilal brings color without darkening a room, because so much ivory stays visible. It suits living rooms, bedrooms and children's rooms with simple furniture.
Boujad: warm and joyful
From the plains of central Morocco, around the town of Boujad. Saturated pinks, reds, oranges and purples with loose, improvised diamonds and a soft, lived-in look. A Boujad warms a white or grey room in an instant and hides everyday wear well.
Side by side
- Color: Beni Ourain is ivory with dark lines; Azilal is ivory with bright motifs; Boujad is pink, red or orange all over.
- Pattern: Beni Ourain is regular and graphic; Azilal is freehand; Boujad is loose and abstract.
- Mood: calm (Beni Ourain), playful (Azilal), warm and bohemian (Boujad).
- Everyday wear: Boujad hides it best, then Azilal, then a cream Beni Ourain.
How ours are made
Every ZenRug is hand-knotted to order by women weavers in Morocco, from 100% natural sheep's wool and natural dyes, with a pile of about 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in). Each style can be made in 10 standard sizes, as a runner, round, or in your own size.
