Beni Ourain Rugs
Beni Ourain (or Ouarain) rugs are named after an Amazigh tribe from the Moroccan Middle Atlas. Here you will find only unique pieces, handmade using high-quality long- or short-haired virgin wool. The traditional design does not include colors: on a white base of undyed wool – with all the shades from light white to ivory to cream – thin dark geometric patterns are outlined, or diamond-shaped lozenges, diamonds, zigzags, polka dots. Contemporary Beni Ourain are also colored, but their production does not replace that of the iconic white rugs with black diamonds, always modern and increasingly in demand throughout the world.
Brought to prominence by architects and designers such as Le Corbusier, Alvar Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright and Eames, what Matisse called the "white giants" have become part of the current collective imagination when thinking of Nordic and minimalist interior design. Authentic vintage examples are now collector's and museum pieces.
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The wool of the sheep in the production region is particularly thick, to protect them from the harsh winters. For this reason, Beni Ourain rugs have always been soft and fluffy. In fact, they have always been used as flooring for tents, as blankets and as mattresses (sometimes stacked on top of each other).
Today, rugs called Beni Ourain are no longer necessarily woven by craftswomen from this tribe. The demand is such that they are also made by weavers from other places in Morocco, with wools and colors that vary. The designs, patterns, combinations change and become more and more varied, demonstrating that Moroccan craftsmanship is alive, creative and constantly evolving.
There are many reasons why Beni Ourain rugs are so popular all over the world. They have an ancient history, yet the designs appear completely contemporary. Their elegance and sobriety make them very versatile, adaptable to any style and any room, from the living room to the bedroom. Perfect in combination with wood or a neutral palette of whites and grays, they can accompany accent furnishing elements, saturated colors, vintage Scandinavian furniture. The multicolored versions will contrast with minimal environments or will complete studied schemes of bright shades.