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Beni Ourain Rugs: 13 Great Sources

7.27.12
first and last row, Imports from Marrakesh; middle row, Berber Arts

Yesterday, I accidentally stumbled across a rug in Pottery Barn and couldn’t believe my eyes. There before me was a Beni Ourain look-alike.

If you’re not familiar with Beni Ourain rugs, they originate from the Atlas mountains in Morroco where the Beni Ourain tribe handmade them from lush wool trimmed from the sheep they raised. Unlike most Morrocan rugs, Beni Ourain rugs lack color. Instead, their geometric black — or brown — and cream patterns take center stage. Originally, Ben Ourain rugs were used as blankets; however, here in the Western world their main use has been as a floor covering.

In fact, for the past handful of years Beni Ourain rugs have been a designer favorite, popping up on magazine pages here and there. So I guess it was only a matter of time before they were inducted into the Pottery Barn lineup and officially introduced to the mainstream.

The one big benefit? Price. Authentic Ben Ourani rugs can be a bit on the pricey side. But now, that’s no longer an obstacle. You can get the same look at a fraction of the cost thanks to the look-alike versions Pottery Barn — and Anthropologie — are selling. Check them out below. Do you think they look as good as the originals?

If you’d prefer an authentic version like the ones above, I’ve rounded up 12 great sources for you to check out. Given that Beni Ourain rugs are handmade, no two are alike. So I’d greatly suggest checking out the options at all the sources listed below before making a purchase. That way, you’ll be sure you got your favorite pattern.

Keep in mind, if you want an antique or vintage version, Beni Ourain rugs traditionally were made no wider than 7′. So if you find ones wider, they’re more than likely newly made.

12 Places to Find Authentic Beni Ourain Rugs:
1. Berber Arts
2. Beyond Marrakech
3. Boucherouite, Etsy Shop
4. Hannoun
5. Imports from Marrakesh
6. Koco Boutique, Etsy Shop
7. Mara Authentics, Etsy Shop
8. The Moroccan Room
9. Mosaik
10. Muskelil
11. Nazmiyal
12. Red Thread Souk
13. Tazi Designs

left and middle, Anthropologie; right, Pottery Barn

Given their minimal — yet not sterile — patterns, Beni Ourain rugs easily fit into any decor style. You’ll find them in rooms from traditional to modern to everywhere in between. Typically, they’re used in neutral or white rooms. But they don’t have to be. Beni Ourain rugs look great in colorful rooms thanks to their neutral color scheme of cream and black or brown.

source: Neal Beckstedt Studio
source: Kara Mann Design
source: Elle Decor
source: Elle Decor
source: Palmer Weiss
source: Elle Decor
source: Jenna Lyons in Domino Magazine
source: unknown
source: Dane Tashima via Desire to Inspire, House & Home
source: Gilt Home
source: Madeline Stuart
source: Madeline Weinrib in Elle Decor
source: Morgan Satterfield
source: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Tom Delavan in Trad Home
source: Nate Berkus
source: Palmer Weiss
source: The Parker Palm Springs
source: Elle Decor
source: unknown
source: Trina Turk in Matchbook Magazine
source: Wendy Schwartz
source: Elle Decor
source: New York Magazine
source: Roman Williams via Desire to Inspire
source: Elle Decor

30 Responses to "Beni Ourain Rugs: 13 Great Sources"

  1. Thank you very much for including The Moroccan Room in your beautifully done post! The tribal graphics of Moroccan Beni Ourain rugs and Berber pillows pair well with contemporary or traditional designs. Our Beni Ourain shags have a simple harlequin pattern, a 1960s vibe and a price that’s half the cost in major rug dealers.

    Please visit our collection of Vintage Beni Ourain Rugs here http://www.themoroccanroom.com/beni_ourain_rugs.html I would love to hear what you think.

    Sincerely,
    Ali El Hajji

    The Moroccan Room
    Moroccan Furniture & Décor
    Phone: (646)369-8480 | Fax: (646)706-7038
    Email: info@themoroccanroom.com
    http://www.themoroccanroom.com

  2. I am in love with these rugs! I am so glad you showed all the different ways in which they have been used. I had no idea they were so versatile.

  3. We also import and sell Beni Ourain rugs and other fine quality rugs in Los Gatos, California. Last year I saw some of the Indian ones being made…they don’t compare to the Moroccan originals. Couldn’t bring myself to purchase them….As you said there is a difference. I enjoyed reading the article. Thanks.

  4. Dear Meghan,
    Great post.

    If you’re covering ‘Beni Ourains’ in the future we’d love you to take a look at Maroc Tribal – http://www.maroctribal.com. We’ve been sourcing original mid century Beni Ourain carpets for over 10 years. These lovely authentic (and rare!) pieces are such a contrast to more recent copies.

    All the best!

    Jo
    Maroc Tribal
    Maroctribal@twitter
    0044 1621 782090

  5. Stevie Martin says:

    Although I live just over the water from Morocco, I have yet to find another source of these rugs so this has been extremely useful for me. Thanks so much !!! Stevie

  6. I got this website from my friend who shared with me concerning this site
    and at the moment this time I am browsing this website and
    reading very informative articles here.

  7. Our website, Casablancamarket.com, also provides beautiful handwoven Beni Ourain Carpets, just like these. We absolutely love the showcasing of the carpets. They bring out the geometrics of each design while still maintaining a modern yet traditional look. We also have beautifully hand-embroidered berber throw pillows. Check out our collection here: http://www.casablancamarket.com/collections/moroccan-vintage-beni-ouarain

    We’d love to hear all your thoughts!

  8. Great blog, we do really appreciate the time you took to post this amazing article and open up consumers eyes on the real deal of beni ourain rugs. Customers can go visit this websites to view more about these gorgeous rugs at http://wwww.artezanya.com
    Thank you

  9. Karen says:

    Great article with a great list of shops on where to buy these beautiful rugs. After searching and searching for the perfect one for a long time I found it at this shop: http://www.bazaarliving.com
    I’m so in love with my rug!

  10. Great article, being an Amazigh my self I find it difficult to see beauty in imitation Bni ourain rugs … From Morocco with Love

  11. Phillip says:

    These are beautiful Moroccan rugs. There are so many beautiful ones. i found my favorite onhttps://www.beniouaraincarpet.com/

  12. Fabulous article Meghan! We at Casablanca Market have a stunning selection of Beni Ourain rugs and we have a showroom in California. We would love to be added to your list :)

  13. Great article. Great images as well. Gives a good idea how nice Beni Ourain rugs will light up a room. We always have nice Moroccan Rugs available and would love to welcome customers on our website. :-)

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