Decorating Ideas For The Beni Ourain Rug

The Beni Ourain are a group of Berber people from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. They consist of 17 different tribes. Traditionally they are shepherds and goat herders who move their herds about within the mountains. Beni Ourain rugs are made from the wool trimmed from the sheep they raised. The History In the historic area of Morocco, the rug-making tradition is as old as it is anywhere in the world and is due largely to the regional climate. These rugs are hand-woven by the women. The skill is then passed from mother to daughter throughout the generations. The elements of design in each rug are a reflection of their life events such as nature, fertility, birth, and religious beliefs, and tell the story of tribal ancestors. There are some weavers of the rugs who believe that the rugs are barriers against evil spirits in which they will include symbols of luck and tribal ceremony. Their patterns are usually black and brown lines or abstract shapes against a neutral color such as white or cream. Some other designs may include the Ancient Berber alphabet or geometric designs. Many of them do not have borders. There may be fringe, no fringe at all, or fringe on one side only. Uses Then And Now Beni Ourain rugs were used as blankets, bedspreads, saddle blankets, and sometimes to cover the body. The loose construction of the rugs made them easy to conform to the body. There is a thick and soft pile that may be deep or shallow depending on the purpose. Although Beni Ourain rugs were used as blankets, now their main use has been as a floor covering and now these soft and luxurious rugs are a designer favorite in modern design. Their minimal patterns allow for them to easily fit into any decor style. You may find them anywhere including traditional or modern rooms. They're mostly used in more neutral areas, but they certainly don't have to be. Used in the dining, bedroom, or living areas, Beni Ourain rugs can look great and add a nice touch to any room with their neutral color scheme. No need to worry about clashing colors. Beni Ourain Rug Benefits Now that they are all the rage, what are the benefits of these rugs? I can tell you that the price can be a benefit. The authentic Beni Ourain rugs can be quite expensive. Now there are less expensive versions of these rugs at a fraction of the cost that can provide the look you want. Many of the new Beni Ourain rugs now are not made in Morocco but are referred to as “Moroccan style” rugs as they were created as a variation of the original rugs. If you are thinking of getting yourself a Beni Ourain rug, you should know that the original ones are softer with more detailed design. They were never made larger than 7 feet. If you would prefer an authentic one, there are some sources out there, but be prepared for the cost. Another benefit is they are handmade. Knots are tied in a very specific way and these rugs are woven without a pattern to follow, so no two are alike and you will be receiving your very own unique pattern to add to whatever space you like.