Big thanks to eco club member Baba Souk for sponsoring this post. We’ve included their Moroccan rugs in past guides and really appreciate the opportunity to dive into more detail about this fun brand!
It’s no secret that I love to talk rugs around here. Searching for ethically sourced rugs several years ago set off an obsession with this homeware staple and eventually I began to share my favorites. First, our guide to ethically made rugs online, and later I got even more specific and shared the best ones from top brands. And each time I’d round up my favorites, Baba Souk rugs would top the list. They were always on the more colorful end, especially when it comes to pastel rugs that fit my aesthetic.
Today we’re getting even more specific about these special pieces and why Baba Souk is such a great place for sourcing artisan-made Moroccan rugs and decor if you live in the US or Canada (where you can enjoy FREE shipping on purchases over $100!). Thanks to their founder and owner Stephanie for filling me in!
Baba Souk is an online destination for artisan made Moroccan home decor best known for their nursery rugs, wool rugs, and most recently their line of rugs made from 100% recycled cotton… including this blush pink checkered rug! It’s available in three sizes, made to order, and also can be customized if you have a specific shade request! Love this as an area rug for a bright living room.
As you can imagine, the shop is a popular destination for artisan made nursery rugs! Their pastel hues obviously lend beautifully to bright, cheerful spaces like those you’d design for a new baby. Stephanie recommends their cotton line for nurseries or kids rooms, as they are super duper easy to clean.
As mentioned, some of their rugs are made-to-order by their team of artisans in Morocco but the majority of the rugs you see online are in stock. They also have a loft you can visit if ever you’re heading to Montreal!
About Baba Souk
Let’s talk history. Baba Souk founder Stephanie fell in love with Moroccan rugs during her first visit to Marrakech, where her husband was born and raised, back in 2011. Her husband knew many local artists and Stephanie began to think of how she could not only bring a bit of Morocco back home, but share their talents with people abroad. Now, after ten years in business, Stephanie not only curates her rug collection, but works with her team of artisans to develop custom pieces. She’s a former clothing designer, so this work is totally up her alley!
Why Moroccan rugs?
Besides their creative designs, Baba Souk is committed to offering rugs that help combat throwaway culture. These rugs are made to last. They invite you to design a space you’ll love in the long term…not one you’ll look at in a year and want to completely replace everything in.
It helps to know how to care for the rug you want, so you can check out this guide while choosing a type (wool, cotton etc) It may feel a bit daunting to invest in a new area rug, but it’s easier when you know your rug is going to last at least a decade! And it can even be something you give another life to by selling or donating afterward, in your local community.
On Baba Souk, you can shop by rug size and fabric to find the perfect one to suit your needs.
Moroccan rug sustainability
Their wool rugs are still 100% handcrafted using ethical production, but if you’re looking specifically for rugs made of sustainable materials, that’s where their recycled cotton Boucherouite rug collection comes in. These rugs are made of leftover fabric scraps from clothing factories in Casablanca where many fast fashion brands produce their pieces (and waste). This gives them a fluffier texture than you might think of when it comes to cotton rugs.
I can see these as nursery rugs OR in any adult space… Maybe it’s just me, but I think every room can benefit from a colorful statement pieces. But! If you love the look in a more neutral palette, their Beni Ourain rugs are a gorgeous choice:
You probably know that Moroccan rug designs, like the thick and fuzzy Beni Ourain variety, are trending right now. But the copycat designs being developed by big box stores are merely attempting to recreate the look… not the details or craftsmanship. Stephanie says, It’s easy to tell when it’s not the real thing. Moroccan rugs are hard to duplicate because they are 100% handmade. A machine-manufactured rug is just too straight, too white, too shiny, and has so much less appeal. Our handmade Moroccan rugs are the coziest thing you’ll ever step on. Super thick and hand-knotted with luxurious wool.
If you’re like me, you’re probably dreaming up all the nooks in crannies in your home that might suddenly *need* a rug.
A joyful source of color and artisan made goodies since 2012, Baba Souk now offers not only rugs, but bath mats, pillows, poufs, baskets, and decor. I could honestly spend hours on their website and am so excited to welcome them to our ethical shopping directory! If you feel the same, be sure to use code ECOCLUB for 20% off your rug order!
Find them at babasouk.ca and in our directory here!
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