Vintage Moroccan Rugs

It means the rug has already existed for decades - mostly 30-80 years and sometimes older. Every piece was handwoven long ago in natural wools with plant and vegetable dyes, used in a family home or two before making it's way into the carpet auctions and souks.

Our rugs are genuine authentic vintage pieces, not newly made rugs with modern materials made to resemble vintage. They've been naturally aged with time and use rather than being made to look old or chemically faded. Hand washed, hand restored and repaired when necessary by our artisan partners here in Marrakech before make their way to their new homes around the world.

Most are between 30 and 80 years old. Exact age can be hard to pin down precisely with handmade pieces passed through families and traders.

We've spent 10 years specialising in vintage rugs from Morocco, so we've gotten pretty good at spotting the old style natural dyes, weaving styles and indicators of what decade and region a particular rug is from.

Our sourcing partners in Marrakech have decades of experience placing a rug's era by its weave, wool, and dye and have generously taught us everything we know.

If it's gone, it's gone for good - we don't reorder or reweave vintage pieces, since each one is genuinely one of a kind.

If something in the vintage rug collection catches your eye, it's worth acting rather than waiting, and if you want a similar style or colour we may be able to source something for you - but never exactly the same!

Otherwise, our Contemporary Moroccan Rugs are newly handwoven in the same traditions but more modern styles.

Yes. Every rug is hand-washed and carefully hand restored by our artisan partners here in our Marrakech studio before it ships. We ensure all loose dust and smells from its previous life are gone, and arrives fresh and clean to you.

Keep in mind, the nature of buying vintage rugs of this age, there may be some small stains, holes and imperfections that we wont be able to restore - it only adds to the rug's authenticity and character, and is part and parcel with buying vintage rugs of this nature.

Often, yes, and that's part of what you're buying - softly worn patches from decades of use, slightly uneven edges, and naturally sun faded with time.

We wouldn't sell a rug in poor structural condition, but expecting factory-perfect edges and condition from a 30-80-year-old handwoven piece isn't realistic, and it's the wear that gives each one its authenticity, beautiful patina and character.

Vacuum regularly on a low setting, occasionally hanging it outside for some air and loosen any dirt and dust. We also recommend rotating it's position every few months to help with even wear, and dealing with spills immediately rather than letting them sit.

Wool naturally resists staining, so spills tended to quickly with some mild soapy water usually does the trick. For trickier stains we'd always recommend a professional rug cleaning service that specialises in antique carpets for anything more than a light spill.

More here on Moroccan Rug Cleaning & Care

Age shows in the weave and the wool - the way a pile has softened and compressed, how natural dyes fade unevenly rather than uniformly, and construction techniques that have changed over the decades.

Nouvelle Nomad has been sourcing directly from Moroccan rug traders since 2016, we select our vintage rugs with that decade of experience behind us.

Yes, more than with new rugs. Because each vintage piece was handwoven individually rather than made to a standard spec, two rugs described as the same size can differ by a few centimetres.

Always check the exact dimensions listed on the product page rather than assuming from the category. And if you'd like further clarification on the sizes available get in touch at any time.

Gently, but no need to be too careful. Vacuum on a low setting, rotate it occasionally so wear stays even, and treat spills immediately. Wool this age has already proven it lasts so is suitable for everyday use and wear in the busy family home.

Rarer styles, larger sizes, and pieces in excellent vintage condition tend to hold their value well, and some appreciate over time as good vintage stock becomes much harder to find these days. Particularly the origjnal Beni Ourains and Mid-century aged pieces.

That said, we'd always say buy one because you love it first, rather than an investment - any value increase is a bonus, not a guarantee.

We can't guarantee we'll find an exact match, since we're working with what genuinely exists rather than making rugs to order, but get in touch and we'll keep an eye out as new pieces come through.

For trade or bulk sourcing enquiries, our wholesale page is the best place to start.

More here on Shipping & Returns