Moroccan Rugs: History & Care Guide
Rugs have the power to completely transform a space. When designing a client’s home, we often START with selecting the rug because that anchors the space and sets the tone. Even more true with unique, one-of-a-kind rugs that have their own powerful story to tell. From faraway lands, woven in an ancient tradition, with real craftswoman’s hands, the Moroccan rugs that we’ve curated for The FR Collection are super durable, cleanable, and here to stand the test of time.
Each isn’t just a pretty face with a soft wool touch; each has an origin story that enhances its individuality and adds life and legend to any room. Learn the histories of our rugs and how to care for yours…
THE FR COLLECTION
curated MOROCCAN RUG selection
Contemporary Taznakt Rug
This rug is super exciting because it’s woven by a weaver in her 60’s who really created her own style (tufting with the striped background). Each rug takes her about 2 months to make!
Dimensions 6.5' x 10'
Colors Cream and Taupe
Material 100% Wool - shag
Origin Taznakt region Morocco
Vintage Orange Boujaad
The large diamond shape patterns are protective amulets to ward off the evil eye, and the border patterns are a Berber symbol referred to as ‘the frog’ which is a symbol of fertility. This piece came from a shop in the rug souk of the ancient Medina of Marrakech, from a family rug business that is now in its third generation and was founded in the 1970’s by a former farmer from Northern Moroccan.
Dimensions 5.9' x 10'
Colors cream, orange, brown
Material 100% Wool - shag
Origin Boujaad region
Zoubida Moroccan Shaggy Shag Rug
Vintage Boujaad 1960’s High pile shaggy shag by Zoubida. This high pile, shaggy rug was woven to keep warm during the cold winter months. The name of the original weaver is Zoubida - she’s now 78! The pattern & colors were inspired by a huge forest fire that happened in the region.
Dimensions 4' x 6'
Colors Peach, Pink, Green, Brown
Material 100% Wool
Origin Boujaad region
Newly Woven Beni Ourain
Newly woven Beni Ourain (pronounced WAR-AYN, by the way!). The classic (and super famous) Beni Ourain are large black diamonds on white background & these designs are the latest twist on that style. They are made from locally sourced sheeps’ wool and were hand woven on a vertical loom. Each rug is created by two women who work side by side & each takes 3-4 weeks to complete. These pieces came from a 12 person weaving workshop in small town in the Beni Mellal region of the mid Atlas Mountains, in between Marrakech & Fez.
Dimensions 5' x 9'
Colors Ivory, Taupe
Materials 100% Wool
Origin Morocco
Vintage 'Strength' Talsint Rug
Talsint is in Eastern Morocco near the Algerian border. Most all Talsints feature this ‘saw’ pattern which represents strength & protection. Most Talsints are either camel / brown or reddish pink / grey. It’s very Rare- hard to find.
Dimensions 6' x 11'
Colors Camel / Brown
Material 100% Wool
Origin Eastern Morocco
Vintage Spicy Boujaad Moroccan Rug
Description:
Newly made (contemporary) Boujaad. This comes from a women’s weaving cooperative in a village in the Boujaad region. It is woven from locally sourced sheep’s wool that was dyed with spices, tea and dried flowers.
Dimensions 6.5' x 9'
Colors cream, pinks, green, brown
Material 100% Wool - shag
Origin Boujaad region
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR MOROCCAN RUG
Your FR Collection rug will arrive cleaned, so you should not need it professionally cleaned again for roughly 3 years to never at all. Unless there’s a rug cleaner you trust in your area, ‘professional’ rug cleaners use a ton of chemicals and are not often experienced in cleaning pile rugs—plus, they cost a fortune!
Keep in mind that these rugs are wool and woven to last—with some basic maintenance & gentle care, they will be around for decades. They are wool and pretty stain resistant in general, but some tips for care:
1) Maintenance and preventative care is key:
Vacuum rugs weekly and once a season, flip your rug over and vacuum the bottom. Some people leave their rugs ‘upside down’ for a few days to get all of the dust out of the pile. I wouldn’t use the vacuum extension with the rotating brush thing, and if it takes two people to hold the rug down while you vacuum, the ‘suck’ is too strong and it will tear the pile.
Use a rug pad!
Spot clean as needed, use warm water and a clean cloth. Dab, don’t rub! If you can remove spots just with warm water, great. If not, try a clear gentle soap (such as clear dish soap) diluted with warm water.
2) Freshen as needed!
Use a mix of essential oils (such as lavender) and water to spray your rug occasionally. Just to freshen!
Some people use baking soda or a powder type rug cleaner such as Febreeze, and vacuum.
3) Dealing with stain drama:
Pet pee: immediately soak with warm water, white vinegar and stomp it with a clean light colored towel.
Red wine: white wine is a crazy trick that works! Or soda water… the point is to dilute it like crazy and soak it up as quickly as possible.
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