FAQ

+ What is your return policy?

We understand that buying a rug for your home is both an emotional connection and a careful decision. We are here to assist you and hope you find a rug that you love. If you live locally, you may request to try the rug in your living space under a sale on approval contract. If you do not live locally, please take precise measurements of your living space, and we will describe the rug to you in detail before you buy. By placing an order, you accept that the rug is handmade and vintage if described as such. We accept returns, less the cost of shipping and insurance, within 14 days of delivery given that the merchandise is in the same condition as when it was purchased. We do not accept returns or exchanges of custom orders. We cannot accept returns for purchases made in person; but we can offer you an exchange.

+ How will the rug be shipped after I purchase it?

We work with a local packaging store to carefully pack your rug and ship it to you. We encourage you to purchase shipping insurance and cannot be responsible for loss or damage during shipping.

+ Can I pick up my order to avoid shipping fees?

Yes, of course, if you live locally and would like to pick up your order in Ojai or at a market near your home, we are happy to schedule a pick-up time with a minimum of 24 hours notice.

+ How do I care for my handwoven Moroccan rug?

Moroccan handwoven wool rugs are made to last, and well cared for can look pristine for generations. Use a good rug pad. When possible, follow the Moroccan custom of removing your shoes before walking on your rug. Shake out and hang in the sun and fresh air once a week if possible. Alternatively, you may vacuum weekly. Do not use the agitator (beater bar) on the vacuum head. Avoid excessive exposure to sun to preserve the rich saturated colors. In the Atlas mountains, rugs are washed in the rivers and dried in the sun. Spot clean with tap water as needed (wool and cotton only, not sabra silk). All of the rugs have been cleaned before shipping to you. We cannot endorse any DIY home washing techniques; professional rug cleaning is best to safeguard your investment.

+ Why does my rug shed?

Sheep’s wool, called “souff” in Moroccan, is a great material for rugs because its fibers interlock, holding tight when spun and woven. But all natural fiber rugs will shed, especially if the style is a shaggy rug such as Beni Ourain. We rake the newer shaggy wool rugs to accelerate the process before shipping to you. Vintage rugs will shed minimally. The breed and origin of the sheep will affect the wool quality and the amount of shedding too. An inexpensive wool rug is likely to be made from cheap wool that may have been mixed with synthetic fibers; it is likely to shed more than a high quality wool from sheep in the High Atlas mountains. Ultimately, if you love the design of a certain rug you may be willing to put up with some shedding (given that you know its quality and are not paying high price for low quality).

+ What is the difference between a handwoven rug and a machine made rug?

Moroccan rugs are handwoven by passing the horizontal weft yarn through the vertical warp yarn on a loom. Berber knots are woven to the flat substrate. Handwoven rugs are beautifully imperfect in shape, color and pattern. The weaver inspects the yarn yard by yard as she works. Machine made rugs are made by a technique in which tufts of fiber are punched through a latex base. As they age, the latex will crumble and the fibers will fall out. Handwoven rugs endure better over time than those made by machine.

+ What is a vintage rug?

There are rugs made quickly to sell in the market, and there are rugs made with care to keep at home. There is frequently no way to verify the age of a handmade rug, but vintage pieces are characterized as being made for the personal use of the weaver and representing traditional design and colors. We define rugs as vintage based on our experience and local information. We strive to collect vintage rugs in excellent condition. Sometimes we purchase a rug that has wear and tear simply because its pattern is too beautiful to pass on, and the hole or fraying add to its character.