Boho Rugs and Creating Bohemian Interiors With Area Rugs

Creating Beautiful Boho Chic Interiors With Bohemian Area Rugs

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For starters – what is the Bohemian style?

The Bohemian style, often referred to as “boho” for short, is an eclectic and unconventional and more out-of-the-box design and fashion aesthetic that draws inspiration from the bohemian and free-spirited lifestyle. Bohemian style is characterized by a relaxed, artistic, and non-conformist approach to decor, fashion and lifestyle. It reflects a sense of individuality and embraces a mix of cultural influences, patterns, textures and colors.

Here are some key characteristics of bohemian style:

  • Eclecticism: Boho style thrives on diversity and eclecticism. It blends elements from various cultures, eras, and design styles, creating a unique and personalized look.
  • Vibrant Colors: Bohemian interiors often feature a rich and warm color palette, including earthy tones like browns and greens, alongside vibrant and bold hues like reds, purples, and blues.
  • Mix of Patterns: Mixing and layering different patterns, such as paisley, floral, tribal, and geometric prints, is a common practice in boho decor. This creates a visually stimulating and energetic environment.
  • Natural Materials: Bohemian style embraces natural materials like wood, rattan, jute, and cotton. These materials add warmth and texture to the space.
  • Vintage and Antique Pieces: Boho interiors often incorporate vintage and antique furniture, decor items, and textiles. These items can have a worn or distressed appearance, contributing to the eclectic vibe.
  • Textured Fabrics: Incorporating a variety of textured fabrics is a hallmark of boho style. You’ll find plenty of plush cushions, layered rugs, and fringed or tasseled textiles.
  • Global and Cultural Influences: Bohemian style borrows design elements from around the world, including Moroccan, Indian, African, and Middle Eastern influences. These elements may manifest in furniture, textiles, and decorative items.
  • Artistic Expression: Boho spaces often display artwork, handmade crafts, and personal collections. This adds a sense of personal expression and creativity to the decor.
  • Laid-Back Atmosphere: The overall feel of a boho space is relaxed and unstructured. It encourages a casual and carefree lifestyle.
  • Plants and Greenery: Houseplants and greenery are commonly found in bohemian interiors, connecting the space with nature and adding freshness.
  • Layered and Cozy: Boho interiors often have layered rugs and textiles, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. This includes using multiple rugs, throw blankets, and cushions.
  • Low Furniture: Boho-style furniture often features low-slung seating, floor cushions, and poufs, creating a relaxed seating arrangement.

Bohemian style allows for a great deal of personal expression and encourages mixing and matching items to create a unique and comfortable space. It’s a style that appeals to those who appreciate a laid-back, artistic and bohemian way of life. Whether in fashion or interior design, boho style celebrates individuality, creativity and a love for the unconventional.

Learn more about: Eclectic Interior Design With Area Rugs | Eclectic Cluttercore Interior Design Style

Boho Rugs and Creating Bohemian Interiors With Area Rugs - Nazmiyal Antique Rugs

Boho Rugs and Creating Bohemian Interiors With Area Rugs

What is the history of the term “bohemian”?

In the mid-19th century, the term “Bohemian” emerged from the French word “bohémien,” which originally referred to the Romani or Gypsy people. This association was likely due to a belief that the Romani people originated from Bohemia, a historical region now part of the Czech Republic, or because they were thought to have entered Western Europe through Bohemia. This linguistic evolution led to “Bohemian” being used to describe a cultural and artistic movement characterized by nonconformity and a preference for unconventional lifestyles, particularly among artists and creative individuals.

What is the history of the bohemian style?

The bohemian style has a rich history that traces its origins to the 19th century. The term “bohemian” originally referred to a group of unconventional and artistic people, often associated with a nomadic or non-traditional lifestyle.

Here is a brief overview of the history of bohemian style:

  • Early Origins: The term “bohemian” was first used in the early 19th century to describe the unconventional and free-spirited lifestyle of artists, writers, and intellectuals in France. These individuals often rejected societal norms and embraced a more liberated and artistic way of living.
  • Bohemian Paris: Paris France, particularly the Montmartre district, became a hub for bohemian culture during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Artists like Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso and writers like Oscar Wilde and Henri Murger, author of “Scènes de la Vie de Bohème,” played a significant role in shaping the bohemian identity.
  • Influence of Romani Culture: The term “bohemian” also had associations with the Romani people, who were sometimes called Bohemians due to their nomadic lifestyle. This connection influenced the bohemian style’s love for color, pattern and a sense of freedom.
  • 1960’s Counterculture: The bohemian style experienced a revival during the 1960’s counterculture movement in the USA. The free-spirited and anti-establishment ethos of this era embraced elements of boho fashion, including flowing dresses, fringe, tie-dye and a rejection of traditional norms.
  • Hippie Movement: The hippie movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s further popularized bohemian fashion and lifestyle. Hippies embraced boho clothing, promoted peace, love, communal living and incorporated elements of Eastern spirituality into their practices.
  • Modern Boho Revival: Bohemian style saw a resurgence in popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This modern boho style retains the free-spirited and eclectic nature of its predecessors but incorporates contemporary design elements. It has become a mainstream interior design and fashion trend.
  • Global Influence: Today’s bohemian style draws inspiration from cultures around the world, including Morocco, India, Middle Eastern and African influences. This global fusion of design elements adds depth and diversity to the style.

The bohemian style has a long history rooted in the counterculture movements of the 19th and 20th centuries, with influences from artists, writers, Romani culture and the counterculture movements of the 1960’s and 1970’s. Its enduring appeal lies in its celebration of individuality, creativity and a rejection of traditional norms in both fashion and interior design.

What is a boho rug?

A boho rug, short for “bohemian rug,” is a type of decorative floor covering that is characteristic of the bohemian or boho style of interior design. Bohemian style is known for its eclectic and free-spirited aesthetic, drawing inspiration from various cultures and eras. Boho rugs reflect this style by featuring vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a mix of textures.

Key characteristics of a boho rug may include:

  • Bold Colors: Boho rugs often incorporate a wide range of colors, from earthy tones like browns and greens to bright, saturated hues like reds, blues and yellows.
  • Intricate Patterns: These area rugs frequently feature intricate patterns and designs inspired by traditional textiles from around the world, such as Oriental, Moroccan and / or Indian motifs.
  • Mixed Textures: Boho rugs can combine different textures, such as flatweave rugs, vintage shag carpets or distressed finishes, to create a layered and textured look.
  • Vintage or Worn Look: Some boho rugs have a shabby chic and distressed appearance, giving them a well-loved and well-traveled vibe.
  • Fringe or Tassels: Many boho rugs have fringe or tassels along the edges, adding to their bohemian charm.
  • Handmade and Natural Materials: Authentic boho area rugs are often handmade using natural materials like wool, cotton or jute, which contribute to their unique texture and quality.
  • Eclectic and Mismatched: Boho style embraces an eclectic mix of decor, so boho rugs may not necessarily match other elements in the room, creating an unexpected sense of bohemian chic.

Types of area rugs that tend to have the Bohemian look and feel and that work well in boho interiors:

Boho rugs are versatile and can be used in various spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, and even outdoor areas. They can serve as a focal point in a room. The rugs and carpets can also be used to tie the room together with different elements of boho-inspired decor. The eclectic and vibrant nature of the different types of area rugs, in the boho esthetic, makes them popular choices for those looking to add a touch of creativity and personality to their living spaces.

Learn more: What is natural material rug vs an unnatural synthetic area rug? | Decorating and Interior Design With Distressed Area Rugs | What Are The Best Materials For Making Rugs? | How To Find The Best Rug Dealers And Reputable Rug Stores To Buy Rugs From | How To Position and Place Rugs in Rooms | Buying Area Rugs For Specific Rooms In The Home |

It’s time to embrace the Bohemian style

Some may have expected the bohemian and vintage rug trends to have been retired by now, but the truth is that these styles have a perennial appeal. This holds true especially during those so-called “hard times” when world news headlines are gloomy and the general public is feeling lost or disillusioned. It’s human nature to surround oneself with things of beauty and meaning and that impulse is even stronger when the world seems like a chaotic disarray.

Quintessential Boho Chic Decor With Vintage Moroccan Rugs by nazmiyal

The Quintessential Boho Chic Decor With Vintage Moroccan Rugs

Think of the 1930’s or the 1960’s: short hemlines and bright happy colors accompanied with signature fashion pieces borrowed from grandma’s closet. When the going gets tough, traditional prints and bold color statements rule the world of interior design and fashion.

Learn More About Moroccan Decor and Interior Design

Your Bohemian Rugs should Be Reflections of Your Free Spirited Self

The heart of the bohemian style is free spirited elegance and adaptable eclecticism. Think of beaded lampshades, complex traditional graphic elements, and bold color schemes. Part of the appeal of the boho chic style is that components can be drawn from thrift stores and attics as easily as a posh high end galleries and retailers.

Colorful Bohemian Decor With Boho Rugs by nazmiyal

Colorful Bohemian Decor With Boho Rugs

The key is to show off your unique and personal aesthetic. One approach is to pick a signature color that brings your joy and happiness, then build your home decor around it. Traditionally, bohemian interior decor schemes employ one or two strong accent colors and layer them with earthy and neutral shades to provide a soft, inviting appearance.

Selecting one main color to make a bold statement will make your overall design goals easier to attain and create the illusion that you only effortlessly “just threw some things together.”

The Boho Chic interior look is not restricted to bold colors. Many of the your bohemians of today are gravitating to the simplicity and free form design approach of the vintage Moroccan rugs. Many find the that simplicity of the Moroccan Beni Ourain rugs exude a sense of calm and freedom. Not to mention their soft shag rug texture offers people the ability to just throw some poufs around, or even just sit or lounge around on the rug itself. That said, there are a wide variety and different styles of area rugs from Morocco that people seem to gravitate to when looking for Bohemian rugs.

Minimalist Scandinavian Boho Chic Interior Design by Nazmiyal

Minimalist Scandinavian Boho Chic Interior Design

The recent resurgence of the vintage mid century Scandinavian and Swedish rugs has also worked its way into the hearts of the free spirited Bohemians of today. The Scandinavian approach is great for those who love symmetry, geometry, simplicity and color. The fact that many were produced as kilim rugs makes them great for layering.

Flat Woven Kilim Bohemian Rugs In A Boho Chic Interior by Nazmiyal

Flat Woven Kilim Bohemian Rugs In A Boho Chic Interior

Learn More About: Tips For Home Decorating With Scandinavian Area Rugs | Scandi Home Decor And Scandinavian Interior Design | Exploring Swedish Scandinavian Folk Art Traditions and Motifs

Creating Magnificent Boho Chic Interiors

While it’s true that freedom and romance are the trademarks of a vintage bohemian look, it’s easy for this style to get out of hand and look like a mess. To avoid this, follow the simple rule of less is more to create a unified and visually delicious combination.

Most mid-century modern rugs feature nostalgic retro designs, traditional patterns or primitive tribal designs. Ethnic and traditional patterns are gorgeous in and of themselves and never truly go out of style. Aside from classic Persian rugs, authentic Caucasian, African, and Native American / Navajo patterns are stylish choices. Selecting a pattern that showcases your individual style or travel history is a wonderful way to add a touch of personal story and history.

Boho Chic Interior With Vintage Bohemian Morocaan Beni Ourain Rugs by nazmiyal

Boho Chic Interior With Vintage Bohemian Moroccan Beni Ourain Rugs

Another simple Bohemian approach that creates elegant and beautiful effects is layering rugs on top of other area rugs. This layered approach to interior design has always been a staple of many within the boho style community. One way to create a beautiful layered look is to pair light, lacier fabrics over heavy, darker bolder ones. A simple piece of lace can easily subdue a rug whose colors are “too loud” or cover a specific pattern that for whatever reason you may not particularly like.

Simplistic Boho Chic Scandinavian Decor by nazmiyal

Simplistic Boho Chic Scandinavian Decor

When shopping for vintage Bohemian rugs, keep in mind that you must pick a piece that is “very you”. One of the most important factors in the boho chic design approach is the sense of individuality. So make sure to buy rugs that you truly love and that reflect who you are.

How To Add Eclectic Bohemian Style With Area Rugs

Calling all free spirits — if you’re looking for room decor that is eclectic, colorful, relaxed zen, nonconformist, and, of course, very Bohemian, you’ll find all those qualities and more in our beautifully crafted style area rugs.

Building A Bohemian Home Look

By its very nature, Bohemian decor is eclectic and relaxed. You don’t have to look far to capture the expression as well as acquire authentic vintage items to compete the look. Don’t be shy about mixing pieces from different eras.

Here are some of the treasures that would fit perfectly in a bohemian room:

  • Antique vases
  • Mid century modern style furniture
  • Leather armchairs
  • Beaded lampshades
  • Macramé wall hangings or plant holders
  • Vintage books
  • Colorful glassware
  • Textile art
  • Shag pile area rugs

The essence of the bohemian spirit lies in using what’s available and elevating items to their most refined purpose. However, you may also encounter fine Bohemian pieces in luxurious high end rug, art and antique galleries. Bohemian artisans carefully craft artwork to share their aesthetic and philosophy with the world, and you may find you have common threads with an artist who shares your tastes.

Learn more: What Is Vintage Interior Design and How To Create Beautiful Vintage Interiors

Creating A Bohemian Style and Feel By Layering Rugs

Part of the beauty of Bohemian style is that you can make it as Maximalist or Minimalist as you choose. It’s never out of the question to mix patterns and color schemes. You can layer modern, vintage or even antique rugs for a casual, just thrown together look.

Layering Rugs On Top Of Other Rugs - by Nazmiyal Antique Rugs

Layering Rugs On Top Of Other Rugs

When layering rugs, you can select designs that are similar in color, even if the patterns vary, to create a harmonious backdrop for the furniture you include. You can also contrast a vibrant, intricate mid century modern area rug with a more straightforward design or neutral palette. To flesh out the details of the room, consider pieces that pick up the rug colors. A throw pillow or piece of art with an accent color in common with the area rug can add the perfect touch, complementing your Bohemian rugs and drawing the viewer’s eye to their artistic details.

Using Bohemian Rugs as Statement Pieces In Your Interior Design

If you prefer a minimalist interior design look, you can choose the perfect rug with a primitive or geometric pattern to serve as a statement piece in your room. From there, you can build a space with a minimalist style, using select, carefully chosen furniture and accessories that harmonize with your rug. Imagine a white or light gray rug on a dark hardwood floor, paired with furniture built with simple lines and neutral colors.

You can also use a rug with a neutral color, uncomplicated design as a platform for a more colorful room. Try pairing a minimalist area rug with bright furniture and vibrant artwork. The contrast will draw the viewer’s eye to the rug’s relaxing simplicity.

Another way to create an interior design statement with your Bohemian rug is to keep the room’s colors neutral and allow the rug to be the star of the show. The viewer’s eye is drawn immediately to the rug’s beauty and artistic detail while the rest of the room graciously steps into the background.

Accentuating Texture

While Bohemian rugs often contain visual texture through their intricate patterns, many artists add texture by using contrasting fibers.

You can find Bohemian area rugs with elements of:

  • Silk
  • Plush shag wool pile rugs
  • Fringe
  • Braids

Paired with divergent colors and smooth fibers, the details in Nazmiyal’s modern Bohemian area rugs are worth noticing. You can play up the texture using furniture with soft, simple lines. Layer a shaggy rug over an industrial concrete floor or a traditional wood floor to create a lovely textural contrast.

A textured bohemian area rug can feel at home whether your room is sleek and contemporary or warm and casual. In either setting, its carefully crafted details add elegance to your space. The vintage or modern rug becomes a prominent feature in your room as a welcoming place to walk through or sit down.

Working Bohemian Area Rugs Into Your Interior Design

If you have decided to include one of our rugs in your decor, you may be wondering how to work them into your home. Fortunately, many rooms are well suited for most of our modern Bohemian feel area rugs. Your rug can tie the elements in the room together, unifying several pieces of furniture by creating an anchor underneath them. It can also work well in a bedroom, extending a welcome cushion of warmth and texture under your feet as you step out of your bed.

If you have a formal room such as a parlor or library, a Bohemian rug can add timeless style that hints at a high-end design feel. A richly designed rug can brighten an otherwise nondescript hallway. Wherever you include them, the rugs in our collection can add vibrancy and elegance to your home decor.

Finding And Connecting To Your Inner Bohemian Style

Since the boho style is eclectic, you can always find something that fits your taste. Nazmiyal collection of rugs  consists of wide range of looks such as geometric, abstract, colorful, detailed, monochromatic or even understated. If you shop around for a while, you can find a color scheme to work with your existing decor. However, you may also choose to decorate your room around the rug’s design.

Are you ready to add a Bohemian feel area rug to your room? If so then Nazmiyal has a beautiful selection of rugs from which to choose.

This interior design and rug blog about Boho rugs and creating Bohemian interiors with area rugs was published by Nazmiyal Rugs in Manhattan NYC.

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