Beni Ourain vs Mrirt Rugs: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
Beni Ourain and Mrirt rugs are both hand-knotted wool rugs from Morocco's Middle Atlas, and in photos they can look similar. In a room they feel quite different. This guide covers where each one comes from, how they differ in pile, look and price, and which suits which space.
The short answer
Choose a Beni Ourain rug if you want a relaxed, slightly shaggy rug with the classic Moroccan look of soft wool and hand-drawn lines. Choose a Mrirt rug if you want a denser, heavier rug with a velvety surface and a cleaner, more tailored finish.
| Beni Ourain | Mrirt | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Beni Ourain tribes, Middle Atlas | Town of Mrirt, near Khenifra, Middle Atlas |
| Pile | Soft, slightly shaggy, more open | Thick, tightly packed, plush |
| Feel | Light, fluffy, casual | Dense, velvety, weighty |
| Typical look | Ivory ground with dark diamonds and lines, or bold colour | Solid colours, tone-on-tone texture, stripes, quiet grids |
| Suits | Bohemian, Scandinavian, mid-century rooms | Contemporary, minimalist, Japandi rooms |
| Price | Lower for the same size | Higher for the same size |
What is a Beni Ourain rug?
The Beni Ourain are a group of Amazigh (Berber) tribes from the Middle Atlas mountains. Their rugs were first woven as bedding and blankets for cold mountain winters, which is why the pile is long and warm. The traditional design is the one most people picture when they think of a Moroccan rug: undyed ivory wool crossed by dark brown or black lines that form diamonds and lattices. The lines are drawn by hand and by memory, so they wander a little. That irregularity is the charm of the rug.
Beni Ourain rugs became a favourite of mid-century modern designers, and they still sit easily next to clean-lined furniture. Today they are also woven in colour. Our collection includes terracotta, burgundy, forest green and saffron designs alongside the classic ivory.
What is a Mrirt rug?
Mrirt is a town in the Khenifra region of the Middle Atlas, and it has given its name to a style of weaving. You will also see these rugs called Beni Mrirt. Weavers there are known for packing their knots closely and using fine, soft wool, which produces a thick rug with real weight. A Mrirt rug lies flat, feels plush when you press your hand into it, and often has a gentle sheen.
Designs tend to be quieter than Beni Ourain. Expect solid colours, textured stripes, soft grids and tone-on-tone patterns where the design comes from changes in the pile as much as from colour.
The differences that matter
Pile and density
This is the main difference. A Beni Ourain has a looser, shaggier pile that moves under your hand. A Mrirt is knotted more tightly, so the surface is even and compact. Put the two side by side and the Mrirt is the heavier rug.
Feel underfoot
Beni Ourain feels fluffy and informal, like a thick blanket. Mrirt feels cushioned and velvety, closer to a luxury hotel carpet. Neither is better. It depends on whether you want cosy or refined.
Design
If you want pattern with character, such as diamonds, crosses, borders and asymmetric lines, look at Beni Ourain. If you want colour and texture to do the work while the pattern stays calm, look at Mrirt.
Durability and upkeep
Both are pure wool and both are made for daily life. The denser Mrirt pile generally stands up better to heavy foot traffic and furniture legs. The more open Beni Ourain pile tends to shed a little more in its first months and benefits from regular gentle vacuuming. Care is otherwise the same for both. See our guide on how to clean a Moroccan wool rug.
Price
For the same size, a Mrirt rug usually costs more than a Beni Ourain. It uses more wool and takes more knotting time, and both of those show up in the price.
Which one is right for your room?
- Living room: Either works. Pick Beni Ourain for a relaxed, layered look and Mrirt for a more polished one.
- Bedroom: Beni Ourain is lovely under bare feet first thing in the morning. Mrirt gives a calmer, hotel-like feel.
- Dining room: The flatter, denser surface of a Mrirt lets chairs slide more easily.
- Hallway or busy family space: Mrirt, for its density.
- Nursery or reading corner: Beni Ourain, for softness and warmth.
What they have in common
Both styles in our shop are hand-knotted in Morocco from natural Atlas wool and woven to order. Both are available in sizes from 2'×3' to 12'×18', with or without fringes, and both can be made in a custom size or colour. If you are unsure about dimensions, our room-by-room size guide will help.
Common questions
Is a Mrirt rug better quality than a Beni Ourain?
No. They are different styles, not different grades. A Mrirt is denser and heavier, and a Beni Ourain is looser and more relaxed. A well-made rug of either type will last for many years.
Do they shed?
New wool rugs release some loose fibres in the first few months. This is normal for hand-knotted wool and it settles with regular vacuuming.
Can I see the wool before I order?
Yes. Contact us and we can arrange wool and colour samples, or recommend a style from photos of your room.