Moroccan Pouffes - Product Information and Care

Our Moroccan pouffes are made exclusively for Bohemia by highly-skilled craftsmen in a small, family run workshop situated in the medina of Marrakech. We work very closely with Hamid and his team of artisans to bring you a wide selection of leather pouffes which are authentic, yet with a contemporary edge. Your purchase helps to ensure that these traditional crafts can continue to flourish into the future.

In the Beginning

The finest quality leathers are sourced for our products. The leather is dyed using natural plants native to Morocco. The plants are harvested, dried in the sun and then ground to a powder. The plant-based powder, when mixed with water, produces the dye. The dyes are blended to create the amazing palette of jewel-like colours we bring to our ever expanding range of pouffes.

Our pouffes come in a wide selection of beautiful colours, which range from delicate eggshell to vibrant deep red. We have a colour to suit every room in your home, here's just a small sample of what we have: Aqua, Teal, Pistachio Green, Olive, Fuchsia, Burgundy, Mustard, Purple, Black, Brown and Grey.

Product Information and Care

Morocco is justly famous for its leather goods and the leathers are still cured today using the same methods that have been used over many centuries. To visit the tanneries in Morocco is truly an experience for the senses, especially the sense of smell! The ingredients used in the tanning of the leathers are completely natural but do have an odour which we are not generally familiar with.

If your new leather pouffes have a strong smell this is due to these natural, and harmless, tanning processes. Since no chemicals have been used to seal the dye, what you smell are the raw ingredients. Please be assured that the scent will fade quite quickly once the pouffes have had the chance to air. Heat can draw the smell from the leather so you might want to keep the pouffes somewhere cool to air out initially.

Caring for Dyed or Oiled Leather

Leather resists stains, so a clean, dry cloth or slightly damp cloth will take care of most spots and spills. Keep use of water to a minimum, and avoid soaps, polishes and cleaning products. If a cleaner is necessary, choose one specifically designed for leather. If treated well, leather ages very well and will become more soft and supple with time.

This leather is a natural material - minor flaws and imperfections are characteristic of these materials and methods, and only add to the beauty and character of our collection.

Please note, the oiled pouffes are made from un-dyed natural leather, which may contain small marks from the animal's hide. This is normal, and part of the item's character and charm. The natural oils may transfer to other fabrics, so take care not to rest on other fabrics for the first few weeks. Please treat the natural leather pouffes with extra care as these have no finish, such as dye or oil, to protect the leather.

Caring for Faux Leather

Our faux leather pouffes are made in the same small workshop as our leather pouffes, and are vegan-friendly. These pouffes are very easy to clean - moisten a cloth with warm soapy water, and clean small areas of the pouffe at a time. Wipe with a dry rag when done. Faux-leather cleaner can be used for larger stubborn marks.

Our lustrous metallic pouffes all have intricate hand-embroidered detail on the top and a zip on the base. We stuff our pouffes with felt and natural coir (coconut fibre). These pouffes are perfect as additional seating or a comfy footstool.

Caring for Cowhide

For pouffes with a cowhide top, brush lightly with a soft brush to maintain. Vacuum with brush occasionally to remove dust.

We have a wide selection of both round and square cowhide pouffes. These unique Moroccan ottomans are handmade from the finest naturally cured leathers with fabulous animal hide tops. Each of our animal hide pouffes are completely unique due to the individual personality of the skins. These Moroccan ottomans make the perfect footstool, comfy seat or side table.

Please note that the natural oils inherent in this product may transfer to other fabrics, please take care to avoid direct contact with other furnishings especially during the first few weeks.

The Stuffing We Use

Traditionally, these pouffes would have been stuffed with camel hair but in the absence of camels here in Edinburgh we use a mixture of recycled wool felt and natural coir (coconut fibre). The felt offers a comfortable layer of padding and the coir gives the pouffe a satisfying weight and density. This eco-friendly, naturally fire retardant material gives the same shape to the pouffe as the original camel hair filling. Your pouffe may bed down with time and you may wish to add filling as required.

Please note, due to weight restrictions we are only able to offer the pouffe stuffing service to our UK mainland customers. Please select the 'Add Stuffing' option on the product page if you wish to receive your pouffe ready-filled.

Polystyrene Beads Suppliers

If you are interested in stuffing a pouffe yourself then below are some suggestions as to where you can get polystyrene beads. For more information to have to stuff a pouffe have a look at our pouffe stuffing guide for instructions or watch our video!

In the UK - Polypack, Polybeads or Argos
In Australia - try Bean Bag Refill or Target, K-Mart or Big W
In New Zealand - try Blob Beanbags, Beans2U or Spotlight
In Canada - try Uline or Amazon
In USA - try Foamerica or Amazon