Boho Rug Guide: Styles, Colors and Layering
Boho style is relaxed, collected and full of texture, and the rug is usually where it starts. A boho rug might be a tribal or Moroccan pattern, a faded oriental, a kilim-style flatweave or simple natural jute. This boho rug guide shows the main styles, palettes that work, how to layer rugs and how to use them in each room.
Part of our Home Buying Guides. There is no single boho collection; the styles below are spread across jute rugs, flatweave and kilim rugs, Persian and oriental rugs and washable rugs.
What Is a Boho Rug?
Boho (short for bohemian) is a style rather than a construction. Rugs that suit it share a few traits: handmade or handmade-looking texture, global patterns such as tribal, Moroccan diamond and kilim motifs, warm earthy colors or faded vintage tones, and a lived-in look. Natural fibers and flatweaves are common, but plenty of washable and power-loomed rugs carry the same patterns.
Boho Rug Styles
| Style | Look | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moroccan | Diamond and lattice lines, often on a neutral ground | 8′ × 10′ Moroccan hand-woven distressed rug (wool blend) |
| Tribal | Bold geometric motifs and borders | 10′ × 14′ tan, ivory and beige tribal washable rug |
| Kilim / flatweave | Flat, woven geometric patterns | 9′ × 12′ geometric flatweave (cotton, handmade) |
| Natural jute | Plain or striped natural fiber | 8′ × 10′ rust and tan jute flatweave |
| Faded oriental | Traditional medallions in worn, vintage tones | Persian and oriental rugs |
The Moroccan and distressed rugs give boho texture in a quieter palette, while tribal washable rugs like the 10′ × 14′ tribal washable rug bring the pattern to a busy family room. For flatweaves and kilim-pattern rugs in depth, see the kilim and flatweave guide.
Boho Colors and Palettes
| Palette | Colors | Pairs with |
|---|---|---|
| Desert warm | Terracotta, rust, sand, cream | Wood, rattan, leather |
| Faded vintage | Washed blues, soft reds, ivory | White walls, linen, brass |
| Neutral boho | Ivory, gray, charcoal, natural jute | Plants, light woods, black accents |
| Bold global | Deep red, navy, orange, gold | Plain sofas, simple walls |
A terracotta round such as the 8′ terra cotta, ivory and blue tribal round can carry a whole desert-warm palette in a reading corner or under a round table.
Layering Boho Rugs
Layering is a signature boho move. Start with a large, flat, neutral base, usually jute, sized for the room (see living room rugs). Then add a smaller patterned rug on top, offset or angled, about two-thirds the size of the base. Keep the top rug thinner than the base where you can so edges do not trip, and use a rug pad under the base. Our jute rug guide covers jute bases.
Boho Rugs Room by Room
- Living room: a Moroccan or tribal 8×10 or 9×12, or a jute base with a layered rug. Size help: what size rug for a living room.
- Bedroom: a soft Moroccan-style or shag under the bed; see the bedroom rug guide.
- Dining room: a flatweave or washable tribal rug so chairs slide and spills are manageable; see the dining room rug guide.
- Hallway: a Moroccan or oriental runner; see runner rugs.
Shop at Vaeny
- Jute rugs
- Flatweave and kilim rugs
- Persian and oriental rugs
- Washable rugs with tribal and Moroccan designs
- Round rugs
Every Vaeny order begins with a personal written quote, with free shipping to the contiguous US. Our team in Fresno, California reads every request. Send us a photo of your room and we can suggest boho-style rugs that fit it. Email cs@vaeny.com or send us a WhatsApp text with your measurements and a link to the rug you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a rug boho?
Global patterns such as tribal, Moroccan and kilim motifs, natural or handmade-looking texture, and warm or faded colors. Boho is a style, so it can be handmade, power-loomed or washable.
Are jute rugs boho?
Yes. Natural jute is one of the most common boho rugs, used alone or as a base for layering.
Can a washable rug look boho?
Yes. Many washable rugs carry tribal, Moroccan and faded oriental designs.
How do I layer rugs boho style?
Use a large neutral flat rug, usually jute, as the base, then add a smaller patterned rug on top, offset or angled.
