About Our Colourful Moroccan Rugs
Where the Colour Comes From
The colour in a vintage Moroccan rug comes from plants, roots and minerals. Madder root for reds and pinks, henna for oranges, saffron and pomegranate for yellows, and indigo for blues. Natural dyes fade unevenly as the years go by, so a red softens into terracotta and a magenta mellows to rose, and that's what gives these rugs their depth. Brightly coloured pieces come from many regions, from the pinks and purples of Boujad and Haouz on the plains, to the rich reds of Talsint in the east and the saffron oranges of Taznakht in the south.
Boucherouite: The Rag Rugs
Some of the brightest rugs we find are boucherouite, woven from strips of recycled cotton and old clothing rather than wool. They began as a way to make the most of what was at hand, and each one is a riot of colour and pattern. They're lighter and flatter than wool rugs, which makes them great in a bedroom, a kids' room or a spot that doesn't see heavy traffic.
How to Style a Bright Rug
A colourful rug works best as the hero of a room. Let it set the palette and keep the furniture around it simple, in timber, linen, white or natural tones. Pull one colour from the rug into a cushion or artwork and the whole room ties together. If you're drawn to one colour in particular, see our pink Moroccan rugs, or use the colour filter above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the colours fade further in a sunny room?
Slowly, yes, as all natural dyes do. Vintage rugs have already done most of their fading, so the change is gentle. Rotating your rug every few months keeps it even.
Will the colours run if the rug gets wet?
Vintage natural dyes are well set after decades, but always blot spills rather than rubbing, and use a specialist rug cleaner for anything big. See our rug cleaning and care guide.
Is a bright rug hard to live with?
Less than people expect. Faded natural colours are softer than they look in photos, and they sit happily with most interiors. Ask us for extra photos in daylight if you'd like to see the true tones.
What's the difference between a colourful wool rug and a boucherouite?
Wool rugs are knotted or woven from sheep's wool, heavier and harder wearing. Boucherouite rugs are woven from recycled cotton and fabric scraps, lighter and flatter, and often even brighter.
How do I choose the right size?
See our Moroccan rug size guide, and check the exact measurements on each listing, since every piece is a one-off.
