Frequently Asked Questions

Our rugs are made in the countries where traditional weaving techniques originate: Morocco for our Berber and Boucherouite rugs, Iran and the surrounding area for our Persian and Gabbeh rugs, and India for a selection of our kilims. We collaborate with Moroccan-Dutch suppliers who have deep roots in the craft and handle quality control for us.

Our Berber, Boujaad, Azilal, Beni Ouarain, Beni Mguild, Gabbeh, and Persian rugs are all hand-knotted or hand-woven. This means that a weaver works on a single rug for weeks to months, knot by knot. For every product on our site, it is indicated whether it is handmade or machine-made, so that you can always make an informed choice.

Our hand-knotted rugs are usually made of 100% natural sheep's wool, sometimes combined with cotton for the warp (the base structure). Wool is durable, dirt-repellent, flame-retardant, and naturally temperature-regulating. Recycled fabric is used in Boucherouite rugs, making them unique and sustainable. We only use synthetic materials in specifically marked machine-woven rugs.

Traditional Berber rugs in natural shades (white, cream, grey, brown) owe their color to the natural dye of the wool itself. Colored rugs are dyed with a mix of natural plant extracts and modern dyes. High-quality rugs predominantly use natural dyes that remain stable and do not bleed with normal use.

A hand-knotted Berber rug takes weeks to months of human labor: selecting and spinning the wool, setting up the warp, and then tens of thousands of knots per rug. This involves craftsmanship, time, and fair payment for the weaver. Machine-woven rugs can be made in a few hours and are therefore considerably cheaper. At Houseify, what you pay goes towards the rug itself, not to retail space or intermediaries.

With normal household use and proper maintenance, our hand-knotted rugs last for decades. Hand-knotted wool rugs 50 to 80 years old are still fully functional in many homes. We have so much confidence in our own collection that we offer a 10-year Signature Guarantee.

Yes. Every hand-knotted rug is a unique piece. Even within the same design, size, color nuance, and pattern vary slightly, because weavers work from memory and tradition rather than exact patterns. Small irregularities are not a flaw but rather proof of authentic craftsmanship.

A Berber rug is a hand-knotted wool rug made by the Berber (Amazigh) people in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The tradition dates back thousands of years. Characteristic features include natural wool, geometric patterns with deep symbolic meaning, and variation by region and tribe. Each pattern tells a story about life, fertility, protection, or nature.

The four main types in our collection are:

Beni Ouarain: High-pile rugs in cream or ivory with minimalist black lines, originating from the Middle Atlas Mountains.

Azilal: vividly colored rugs with abstract patterns, often on a white base, from the region around the town of Azilal.

Beni Mguild: warm reddish-brown tones with more decorative patterns and thick pile.

Boujaad: Richly colored rugs with bright pink, orange, and purple hues from the Boujaad region.

Look for these characteristics: hand-knotted (visible when viewing the back, where you can see the knots), 100% wool or wool with a cotton core, minor irregularities in pattern and size, and variations in color depth due to natural dyes. A machine-made rug has a tight, uniform back and often synthetic fibers. At Houseify, we explicitly state the origin and manufacturing method for every product.

Berber patterns are not random decorations. Diamonds often symbolize femininity or fertility, zigzag lines water or movement, and crossed lines protection. Moreover, each tribe has its own variations. Weavers adapt these motifs to what they wish to express: a marriage, a birth, or a prayer. This makes every rug a piece of documented culture as well.

Yes. Natural wool is an excellent insulator but at the same time allows heat to pass through well with underfloor heating. However, choose a rug with a pile that is not too thick (under 2 cm) for optimal heat transfer. Our Beni Ouarain rugs are high-pile and therefore less ideal for underfloor heating than the lower-pile types.

Certainly. Natural wool is hypoallergenic, flame-retardant, and self-cleaning to some extent (dirt stays on the surface and is easy to remove). The soft pile provides a comfortable surface to play on. However, we do recommend vacuuming newly purchased rugs more frequently during the first few weeks, as loose fibers are released that can be carried along while crawling on the rug.

Absolutely. It is precisely the combination that works well: the warm, organic texture of a Berber creates a contrast with sleek modern furniture and white walls. White Beni Ouarains are extremely popular in minimalist and Scandinavian interiors, while colorful Azilals or Boujaads add character to tranquil spaces.

A good rule of thumb: your rug should be large enough to cover at least the front legs of your sofa and chairs. For a standard living room, 200x300 cm usually works well; for a more spacious seating area, 240x340 cm or 300x400 cm. A rug that is too small actually makes a room feel smaller.

The classic rule is between 30 and 60 cm of floor space around the rug. Too little space makes the rug look squeezed in, while too much makes it look detached from the rest of the room. In a standard room, allow approximately 40 cm for a natural balance.

Choose a tablecloth that extends at least 60 cm beyond the table on each side, so that chairs remain on the tablecloth even when pushed back. For a 160 cm table, this works out to at least 280 cm of tablecloth width; for a 200 cm table, at least 320 cm.

Three options work well: a large rug (at least 240x300 cm) on which the bed and nightstands stand, one rug of 160x230 cm at the foot of the bed, or two runner-style rugs of 80x200 cm on either side of the bed.

For a hallway, choose a runner: narrow and long, usually 70-90 cm wide and 200-300 cm long. Leave at least 10 cm of floor visible on both sides. Rugs in the hallway often see heavy foot traffic, so choose a flat-woven model (kilim, low-pile) that is easier to keep clean.

Yes, that works perfectly fine. Just be sure to use an anti-slip underlay in between so the decorative rug doesn't slide. It works particularly well to liven up a soft, solid base (such as a neutral rug) with a hand-knotted wool rug.

For specific sizes or colors, we can sometimes have rugs made by our suppliers upon request. However, delivery times are longer (usually 8 to 16 weeks) and a minimum order quantity applies. Email info@houseify.com with your wishes and we will see what is possible.

Vacuum regularly (1 to 2 times per week with heavy use), preferably without a rotating brush as this can damage the pile. Rotate the rug every 6 months to distribute wear evenly. Shake or beat the rug outdoors once or twice a year. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight in one spot.

Yes, that is perfectly normal. New hand-knotted wool rugs shed loose fibers during the first 4 to 8 weeks. These are remnants of the knotting process that will disappear on their own. Vacuum a little more often during this period, but not too vigorously. If the pilling continues significantly after 3 months, please contact us.

For damp stains: dab immediately with a clean white cloth (never rub, as this pushes stains deeper into the fibers). Work from the outside in. For stubborn stains, use a mild wool detergent diluted in lukewarm water. Always test on an inconspicuous corner first. For wine, oil, or blood: contact us for advice specific to your type of rug.

No, never. Hand-knotted wool rugs must not be machine washed. The wool can felt, the structure can deform, and the colors can bleed. For a thorough cleaning, we recommend a specialized rug cleaner with experience in hand-knotted rugs.

With normal use, once every 3 to 5 years is sufficient. If the rug is in a high-traffic area or you have pets, then every 2 years. Choose a rug cleaner that specializes in wool and natural fibers, not a general cleaner that uses steam or harsh chemicals.

That is a common problem, especially on smooth floors such as laminate, wood, or tile. The solution is an anti-slip underlay (also called a rug backing). This is a thin mat that lies beneath your rug and prevents it from sliding. It also protects your floor from scratches caused by the rug's backing and extends the lifespan of your rug.

Rotate the rug every 6 months so that discoloration from sunlight occurs evenly. Close curtains during the day in bright sunlight. If necessary, use UV-protective film on windows that shine directly on the rug. Please note: natural wool with vegetable dyes will always fade slightly over the years; this is part of the living nature of the material.

You can pay with iDEAL, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Klarna (pay later). All payments are processed via a secure connection.

Yes, via Klarna. You receive the rug first and pay afterwards. Klarna applies its own terms and credit assessment, which you can see during the ordering process.

Immediately after checkout, you will receive a confirmation email with your order number and an overview of your order. Did you not receive this email? Please check your spam folder first, and if that doesn't work, please contact us via info@houseify.com.

As long as we have not yet shipped your order, it is possible to change or cancel. Please contact us as soon as possible via info@houseify.com or call +31 315 260 240. Is the package already on its way? Then you can make use of our return policy.

Yes, you will automatically receive an invoice by email at the address you provided when ordering. For business orders, we can create an invoice with a VAT number and additional details. Please indicate this in the comments field during checkout.

Yes. All prices on our site include VAT. For shipments outside the EU, prices may be charged excluding VAT, with any import duties at the recipient's expense.

Shipping within Europe is always free, with no minimum order amount. For shipping outside Europe, shipping and import charges may apply. You will see the exact costs during checkout.

Our own Berber collection is shipped within 1 to 2 business days and is usually delivered in the Netherlands within 2 to 4 business days. Other products have a processing time of 3 to 5 business days and a delivery time of 1 to 2 weeks.

Yes. As soon as your package leaves our location, you will receive a track & trace link via email allowing you to track the shipment live.

Yes, you have a 14-day cooling-off period after receipt to return your order. The rug must be in its original condition, and you must first register the return via info@houseify.com.

For standard returns, return shipping costs are at your own expense. You can choose: send it yourself or have us arrange it (costs known in advance, deducted from the refund). For damaged or incorrectly delivered products, we pay for the full amount.

As soon as we have received and approved your return, we will refund the amount via the same payment method. Usually within 3 to 5 business days, and no later than 14 days.

All products are covered by the statutory warranty of 2 years on conformity. On our own Berber collection, we provide a Houseify Signature Warranty of 10 years on top of the statutory warranty.

Our own hand-knotted Berber collection. Currently, these are the Berber Rug White and the Berber Mottled White.

With a valid claim, you will receive a replacement rug free of charge. We will pick up the original rug from you; you do not need to do anything yourself. If the specific rug is no longer available, we will offer an equivalent alternative or a refund.

Houseify is a Dutch webshop based in Varsseveld, specializing in hand-knotted rugs from Morocco, Iran, and India, plus matching cushions and poufs. We are registered with the Chamber of Commerce under number 75504014. Read more on our About Us page.

We operate primarily as an online shop. Do you have a specific rug in mind and would like to see it in person? Please contact us; in some cases, an appointment at our location in Varsseveld is possible.

Email to info@houseify.com or call +31 315 260 240 (Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00). We usually respond to emails within 1 business day.

You can find our reviews on our review page. We work with verified Google Reviews, so you can be sure that all reviews come from real customers.

Yes, we regularly collaborate with interior designers, stylists, hotels, and restaurants. For business clients, we offer customized terms, invoicing with a VAT number, and optionally custom-made rugs. Please contact us for the possibilities.