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Beni Ourain vs Azilal vs Mrirt: Which Moroccan Rug Is Right for You?
Beni Ourain, Azilal and Beni Mrirt are the three best-known styles of Moroccan Berber rug. In short: choose a Beni Ourain for a soft, neutral rug with simple lines; an Azilal for colour and personality; and a Beni Mrirt for the densest, most luxurious pile. Here is how they compare.
Side-by-side comparison
| Beni Ourain | Azilal | Beni Mrirt | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Ivory ground, black or brown lines, diamonds and grids | Cream ground, bright abstract symbols and shapes | Classic lines or modern abstract designs, neutral or colourful |
| Material | 100% natural wool | Wool and cotton blend | Natural wool |
| Pile | Deep, soft, slightly shaggy | Lower, easy under furniture | Very dense, heavy, velvety |
| Feel underfoot | Soft and cosy | Light and flexible | The softest and smoothest |
| Best for | Scandinavian, minimalist, modern rooms | Boho, eclectic, colourful rooms | Luxury living rooms and bedrooms |
| 8×10 ft price at Moroccan Woven | $1,380 | $1,380 | $2,210 |
Beni Ourain rugs
Beni Ourain rugs come from the Berber tribes of the Atlas Mountains and are the most recognised Moroccan rug style. Their ivory wool and simple hand-drawn lines go with almost any interior, which is why designers have used them for decades. The deep pile makes them warm and soft, ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Read more in our complete Beni Ourain rug guide or browse Beni Ourain rugs.
Azilal rugs
Azilal rugs come from the Azilal region of the High Atlas. Weavers use reds, oranges, blues, pinks and greens to draw free-form symbols on a cream background, so each rug feels like a piece of art. Because the pile is lower and the rug lighter, an Azilal sits flat under furniture and works well in rooms where doors swing over the rug. Choose one when you want the rug to be the focal point. Browse Azilal rugs.
Beni Mrirt rugs
Beni Mrirt (or Mrirt) rugs share their Berber roots with Beni Ourain rugs, but they are knotted much more tightly. The result is a heavier, denser rug with a smooth, velvety pile that keeps its shape for years. That density takes longer to weave and uses more wool, which is why a Mrirt costs more than a Beni Ourain of the same size. Choose one for the rooms where you walk barefoot most. Browse Beni Mrirt rugs.
Which one should you choose?
- You want a calm, timeless rug that goes with everything: Beni Ourain.
- You want colour, pattern and personality: Azilal.
- You want the softest, most luxurious rug and the budget allows it: Beni Mrirt.
- Your room has a lot of furniture or a door that opens over the rug: Azilal, for its lower pile.
- You want a rug for a hallway: any of the three as a Moroccan runner.
What all three have in common
Every rug in these three collections is made by hand by Berber artisans in Morocco, made to order in the size you choose, washed and dried in the mountain air, and photographed before it ships. A rug up to 8×10 ft usually takes 3–4 weeks to make; larger rugs take 4–6 weeks. Small variations in pattern and size are part of handmade work. If you want a design in a size or colour that isn’t listed, see custom Moroccan rugs.
Frequently asked questions
Which Moroccan rug is the most durable?
All three are durable wool rugs. Beni Mrirt rugs are the densest, so they hold their pile best in busy rooms.
Which is best for a family home?
A Beni Ourain or Beni Mrirt is soft enough for children to play on. An Azilal hides everyday marks well thanks to its colours.
Can I mix styles in one home?
Yes. A neutral Beni Ourain in the living room and a colourful Azilal in a bedroom or office is a popular combination.