Woven Legacies: A Guide to the Different Types of Moroccan Rugs

Woven Legacies: A Guide to the Different Types of Moroccan Rugs

At Hikaya Woven, every rug we collect holds a story. Woven by hand in villages scattered across the Atlas Mountains, each piece is a legacy passed down through generations — carrying with it the heritage, symbols, and spirit of the women who made them.

But not all Moroccan rugs are the same. Each region has its own signature style, palette, and technique. From the sun-faded hues of Boujad to the thick, plush pile of Beni Ourain, here’s a guide to the main types of Moroccan rugs — and what makes them such timeless, high-end heirlooms.


Boujad Rugs: Earthy Expression

  • Region: Middle Atlas

  • Style: Bold patterns, saturated colours, expressive design

  • What makes them special:
    Boujad rugs are known for their rich pinks, terracottas, and clay tones — often layered with Berber symbols representing fertility, protection, or the land. These rugs are expressive, artistic, and slightly rebellious, often made by women without a set pattern, guided only by intuition and tradition.
    Best for: Statement living rooms, warm-toned homes, collectors of soulful pieces


Beni Ourain Rugs: Iconic Minimalism

  • Region: High Atlas

  • Style: Cream base, simple black or brown geometric lines

  • What makes them special:
    Once used as bedding in cold mountain homes, Beni Ourain rugs are thick, plush, and incredibly soft underfoot. Their minimalist patterns — often diamonds, grids, or abstract lines — have made them a design-world icon. The best examples are vintage, with creamy patina and subtle age-worn softness.
    Best for: Calm bedrooms, modern interiors, layered luxe


Beni M’Guild Rugs: Depth + Density

  • Region: Middle Atlas

  • Style: Deep, jewel-toned colours with high pile

  • What makes them special:
    These rugs are woven for warmth — thick, heavy, and often reversible. Vintage Beni M’Guilds feature saturated purples, blues, and plums, sometimes faded to muted elegance over time. Their complexity and craftsmanship make them highly collectible.
    Best for: Moody interiors, grounding colour palettes, heirloom pieces


Azilal Rugs: Whimsy + Wildness

  • Region: Azilal (High Atlas)

  • Style: Cream base with colourful symbols and abstract patterns

  • What makes them special:
    Azilals are playful and spirited — often mixing primitive shapes with spontaneous bursts of colour. They’re lighter in weight, with a lower pile and a distinctly artistic vibe. Every Azilal feels like a personal diary told in yarn.
    Best for: Creative spaces, nurseries, bohemian styling


Kilim Rugs: Flatwoven Foundations

  • Region: Various tribes

  • Style: Flatwoven (no pile), often striped or geometric

  • What makes them special:
    Kilims are the oldest form of Moroccan weaving — durable, lightweight, and incredibly versatile. They’re perfect for layering, hanging on walls, or styling under dining tables. Their patterns tend to be rhythmic and symbolic, often woven in striking colour combinations.
    Best for: Layered interiors, entryways, minimalist spaces


Why Moroccan Rugs Are True Heirlooms

Authentic Moroccan rugs aren’t just décor — they’re functional art, imbued with story, time, and human touch. Each rug:

  • Is woven by hand over weeks or months

  • Carries ancestral symbols and tribal motifs

  • Ages beautifully — becoming softer, more valuable, and full of patina

  • Is one of a kind — no two are ever alike

Whether minimal or intricate, faded or vibrant, Moroccan rugs are designed to last a lifetime and beyond. They’re not fast fashion. They’re forever pieces.


Explore Our Curated Collection

At Hikaya Woven, we honour the women who made these rugs by sourcing with care and restoring with respect. Our collection is thoughtfully curated — a reflection of our deep love for lived-in beauty, slow interiors, and storytelling through texture.

Discover our latest arrivals → [Shop the Collection]