Designed in Johannesburg. Handwoven in South Africa.
Mohair Rugs, Handwoven in South Africa
Mohair is the fibre South Africa is world famous for, and our mohair rugs turn it into something you will not find anywhere else: original, contemporary designs rooted in African heritage, created by The Ninevites and South African artists, and handwoven with local artisans to bring softness, sheen and warmth to your floors.
Every design is available in eight sizes from 100cm x 150cm to 250cm x 350cm, or can be commissioned in a custom size and colourway.
As featured in House & Leisure, Mail & Guardian, IOL, Wanted and Cool Hunting. Our Sankara rug won the Design Indaba 2017 award for Most Beautiful Object in South Africa.
Why choose a mohair rug?
Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is often called the diamond fibre for its natural lustre. It is one of the most durable natural fibres there is: strong, springy and naturally resilient, so a mohair rug holds its texture underfoot for years. Mohair also takes dye beautifully, which is why our rugs carry such deep, rich colour that glows in natural light.
- Naturally resilient. The fibre springs back, so footprints and furniture marks recover well.
- Soil resistant. The smooth fibre surface sheds dirt more easily than many other fibres.
- Naturally flame resistant. Like other animal fibres, mohair is slow to ignite and tends to self extinguish.
- Insulating. A mohair rug adds warmth to tiled and concrete floors, ideal for a Highveld winter.
- Renewable. Angora goats are shorn twice a year, and the fibre is natural and biodegradable.
Shop the mohair rug collection
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Rugs
ZENZILE
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
NAME WALL HANGING
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
SANKARA
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
Kwame
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
UMA
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
LANGA
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
Midnight Mohair
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
NOMZAMO
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
Jade Pearl designed by Paul Martins
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
Ozenezulu
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
Moss Tabby
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rugs
KWAMEH
C$1,204.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Mohair rug size guide
Choosing the right size makes the biggest difference to how a rug looks in a room. As a guide:
| Rug size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 100cm x 150cm | Entrances, bedsides, reading corners and small studies |
| 120cm x 180cm | In front of a two seater sofa, home offices, nurseries |
| 150cm x 200cm | Small living rooms, under a coffee table, single beds |
| 170cm x 250cm | Standard living rooms with the front legs of the sofa on the rug |
| 200cm x 250cm | Under a queen bed, or a six seater dining table |
| 200cm x 300cm | Larger lounges and open plan living areas |
| 250cm x 300cm | Under a king bed, or a full lounge seating group |
| 250cm x 350cm | Large open plan spaces and eight seater dining tables |
Tip: under a dining table, allow at least 60cm of rug beyond the table edge on each side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out. Need something in between? We make custom sizes.
Mohair or wool: which rug is right for you?
Every Ninevites rug can be ordered in mohair or wool. Both are durable natural fibres; the choice comes down to look and feel.
| Mohair | Wool | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Natural lustre and sheen, colours appear richer | Soft matte finish |
| Feel | Silky and smooth | Soft and cushioned |
| Durability | Exceptionally strong and resilient | Very durable and hard wearing |
| Best for | Statement pieces, living rooms and bedrooms | Busy family spaces and a more understated look |
Award winning design, rooted in heritage
The Ninevites was founded in 2012 by South African designer Nkuli Mlangeni-Berg as a textile studio making handwoven rugs. From our studio in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, we design rugs that translate Southern African visual language, ceremony and storytelling into contemporary interiors. Our Sankara rug, inspired by the beadwork and dress of the Zulu Reed Dance, won Design Indaba’s Most Beautiful Object in South Africa award.
Many of our mohair rugs are collaborations with South African artists and studios, including Paul Martins, Granada Hill and Studio Akakir. Every piece is handwoven with local artisans and women crafters, so owning one supports South African craft and creative economies. Read more about the studio.
How to care for your mohair rug
- Vacuum regularly on a suction only setting, without a rotating beater bar, working in the direction of the pile.
- Blot spills immediately with a clean white cloth. Do not rub, as this pushes the stain into the fibre.
- Rotate the rug every three to six months so it wears and fades evenly.
- Avoid long periods of direct sun, which can fade natural dyes over time.
- Use a rug underlay to stop slipping and extend the life of your rug.
- Professional cleaning every one to two years by a specialist natural fibre rug cleaner.
Handwoven in South Africa
Made with local artisans and women crafters, supporting South African craft.
Original, award winning designs
Created by The Ninevites and collaborating South African artists, never mass produced copies.
Eight sizes or custom
From 100cm x 150cm up to 250cm x 350cm, or commission your own size and colourway.
Looking for a one of a kind mohair rug?
Tell us your room, size and colours and our Johannesburg studio will help you commission a rug made for your space.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mohair rug cost in South Africa?
Pricing depends on size and fibre. Our handwoven rugs start from R14,000; see each product page for the price of your chosen size.
Are mohair rugs good for high traffic areas?
Yes. Mohair is one of the most resilient natural fibres, so it holds its texture well. For very busy areas such as hallways, choose a runner and rotate it regularly.
What is the difference between a mohair and a wool rug?
Mohair has a natural sheen and silky hand feel; wool has a softer matte finish. Both are durable natural fibres, and every design in our collection is available in either.
Do mohair rugs shed?
Like most natural fibre rugs, a new mohair rug may release some loose fibres for the first few weeks. This settles with regular vacuuming.
Is a mohair rug itchy underfoot?
No. Underfoot the fibre feels smooth and silky rather than scratchy.
Can I order a mohair rug in a custom size or colour?
Yes. Visit our custom rugs page to commission a rug for your space.
Do you deliver mohair rugs across South Africa?
Yes, we deliver nationwide from Johannesburg. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout. See our shipping policy.