About Our Boujad Rugs
Where Boujad Rugs Come From
Boujad rugs are named after the town of Boujad, on the Tadla plain between the Middle Atlas Mountains and Morocco's Atlantic coast. They were woven by the tribes of the plains for their own homes, in a style looser and more expressive than the mountain rugs: free, abstract designs, wandering diamonds and bold blocks of colour that change as the weaver went along. Most of the Boujad rugs we find are mid-century pieces, woven around the 1960s to 1980s.
The Colours of a Vintage Boujad
Boujad rugs are known for their reds, pinks, oranges and purples, made with natural dyes that have softened over decades into something warmer and more muted. A Boujad that began bright red might now read as terracotta, rose or faded coral, with patches of deeper colour where the sun didn't reach. If faded pinks are your thing, see our pink Moroccan rugs, and for the full spectrum, our colourful Moroccan rugs.
Pile, Size and Where They Work
Most Boujads have a low to medium pile, softer than a flatweave but flatter than a Beni Ourain, which makes them easy to live with in a living room, under a dining table or down a hallway. They come in everything from small rugs to large living room pieces, and Boujad runners are some of the most popular pieces we sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Boujad and a Haouz rug?
They're close cousins, both woven by the tribes of the plains. Boujad rugs tend to be bolder and more abstract, while Haouz rugs, from the plains around Marrakech, are often lighter in colour and more playful, with little stars, figures and symbols.
Are Boujad rugs good quality?
Vintage Boujads were woven in wool for everyday family use, and the ones that have lasted 40 to 60 years have proven themselves. We check every piece for structural condition and have it hand washed and restored in Marrakech before it ships.
Why are vintage Boujads so popular with designers?
The faded colour and abstract, almost painterly patterns sit beautifully in modern interiors, and each one is a true one-off. Designers sourcing for a project can see Trade & Sourcing.
Is a Boujad rug soft underfoot?
Yes, though not as plush as a Beni Ourain. The wool pile is soft but lower, which makes it practical for busy rooms.
Can you find a Boujad in a particular colour?
We can look. Send us your size, colours and budget and we'll keep an eye out as new pieces come through in Marrakech.
