Trend Alert: Beni Ourain Moroccan rugs
A certain kind of rug caught my eye a few months ago, and I immediately went ga-ga over it. Now, I see the rug *everywhere*. Isn’t that funny how that happens?
It’s called a Beni Ourain:
The Beni Ourain is a handwoven rug made by Beni Ourain tribes in Morocco. You’ll know the style because it consists mostly of black or brown lines that create abstract and diamond shapes on a cream background.
Top designers use them again and again. I’d bet for the most part they’re probably using the vintage, uber expensive versions.
Cindy Crawford’s house, decorated by designer Michael Smith:
(By the way, please note that this is Cindy Crawford’s house photographed in 2006 – yes, I’m a little late to the Beni Ourain party.)
Another example – Cornelia Guest’s apartment in the May 2013 issue of New York Magazine. See? Everywhere, I tell you!
How many hundreds of times have I stared at this picture of textile designer Madeline Weinrib‘s apartment in Elle Decor? But I’d never noticed the Beni Ourain rug!
From a design perspective, this rug is awesome because it really is neutral but still adds so much depth to a room. If you don’t like my beloved go-to sea grass rug solution, you can always opt for something like this and achieve a similar effect. Just like sea grass, it has excellent texture, a neutral palate, it rounds out a room beautifully, and it goes with traditional and modern decor alike.
Of course, you don’t have to opt for the same diamond pattern you see everywhere. They do have other patterns:
But I have to say I really love that smaller diamond pattern the best.
So, where can you find a Beni Ourain rug? Well, you can go “Cindy Crawford” and get a vintage version for many thousands. Other options include:
High End
John Derian isn’t cheap, but their products never fail to be stunningly beautiful and the “real deal”. Loving this particular pattern, how the diamonds are all off kilter. That’s when you know you have a Beni Ourain on your hands!
Via John Derian, priced at $9,950
Mid Range
This Etsy shop features some really interesting Beni Ourains:
Via Bring Your Own Sunshine Etsy Store, priced at $1,190
Another good source is Imports From Marrakesh:
Via Imports From Marrakesh, almost 7′ x 10′, priced at $3,200
Affordable
And now for the rug that we mere mortals can afford. I give you the Souk Rug by West Elm. Only $499!
Via West Elm, priced at $499 for a 5′ x 8′
Loving this one from Pottery Barn, too. Although the diamonds feel a little too perfect. The price is great, though – $599 for a 5′ x 8′.
Via Pottery Barn, priced at $599 for a 5′ x 8′
Happy Beni Ourain hunting! Can’t wait to get one myself.
Jack Titchener
June 29, 2017 at 9:32 AMI never knew Beni Ourain rugs could be so affordable yet so pretty! My wife and I are considering redecorating our house and are now considering these Moroccan rugs to add more depth to our living room. Thanks for the rug advice and the interior design picture examples!