About Our Beni Ourain Rugs
Where Beni Ourain Rugs Come From
Beni Ourain rugs are woven by the Beni Ourain tribes of Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains, where winters are long and cold. They were made as bedding and blankets as much as floor rugs, which is why they're so thick and soft. Natural, undyed sheep's wool gives them their creamy colour, and the lines are woven in dark brown or charcoal wool, usually in diamonds, lattices and freeform zigzags that no two weavers ever repeat exactly.
Vintage Beni Ourain or New?
The Beni Ourain look has been copied everywhere, including machine-made versions in synthetic fibres. A true vintage Beni Ourain has a warmer, golden ivory tone that new wool doesn't have, a pile softened and compressed by decades of use, and lines that wander a little because they were knotted by hand without a pattern. Turn one over and you'll see the knots on the back are slightly irregular too. Every piece in our collection is authentic vintage, sourced in Marrakech and hand restored before it ships. See all our vintage Moroccan rugs.
Styling a Beni Ourain
Because it's mostly cream, a Beni Ourain brings softness and light to a room without taking it over. It sits as well with timber, linen and natural textures as it does with mid-century furniture. If you love the texture but want more colour, look at Beni M'Guild pieces using the style filter, or browse our colourful Moroccan rugs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cream rug practical for everyday life?
More than you'd think. Natural lanolin in the wool helps it resist stains, and the thick pile hides everyday marks. Deal with spills quickly with a little mild soapy water, and see our rug cleaning and care guide for the rest.
Why do some vintage Beni Ourain rugs look slightly yellow or uneven in colour?
That's the natural wool ageing, and it's one of the signs of a genuine vintage piece. Undyed wool from different sheep and different years varies in tone, which gives each rug its depth.
How thick is a Beni Ourain rug?
Usually between 2 and 4cm of pile, sometimes more. Vintage pieces are often a little flatter where they've been walked on most. Check the pile height on each listing.
Will a thick pile rug work under a dining table?
It can, as long as the rug is big enough for chairs to stay on it when pulled out. A flatter rug is easier for chairs to slide over, so for a dining room you might prefer a large low pile rug.
Do you have Beni Ourain rugs in Australia?
Our collection ships from Marrakech straight to your door in Australia by DHL Express, usually within 5 to 10 working days, priced in AUD. Shopping from overseas? Select your country for prices in your local currency.
