You should invest in "Hand-Knotted" Rugs. Here's why.
Updated: Apr 6, 2022
More often than not, people are surprised by the cost of a rug. It's always worth keeping in mind that something handmade will typically come with a higher cost and may take longer to create than something mass-manufactured, but the beauty and uniqueness of these handmade items can be worth the price premium.
This post is my way of sharing my professional expertise when it comes to investing in design decor. Rugs are an essential design element and it's important to understand why and what you are investing your money into.
Continue reading to learn about the value and luxury of hand-knotted rugs. I'll share my thoughts on durability, usage, affordability and where I like to shop.
Photos from my favorite rug & carpet showroom in Athens, Greece
Making decisions and admiring all the beautiful options!
Highlight #1: One-of-a-kind Design
Let's face it, it can be a bit boring to have what everybody else has. When it comes to your home, everything within it should reflect you and your tastes, not those of your neighbor! While growing up I often wondered why my parents never replaced some of the older items in our home, including rugs. As I have reflected more on my child home as a professional, I have realized it's because their rugs were each one-of-a-kind. The quality and craftsmanship of their hand-knotted Persian rugs offered unique style and longevity. Those rugs were purchased over 45 years ago and still look fantastic today.
Hand-knotted rugs from places like Persia, Turkey, Argentina, and India are not only floor coverings but also individual works of art, known for their rich, natural colors, and unique designs. Each rug tells a story and was made by a skilled weaver who spent months and months, sometimes years, tying every single knot to form their unique, beautiful patterns.
Hightlight #2: Durable construction
The combination of wool and silk is the most common when it comes to hand-knotted rug construction. Silk adds an incredible strength and luxuriousness to the rug's construction, while wool happens to be hypoallergenic, anti-bacterial, and a renewable source of material.
If you have ever stepped on a hand-knotted rug then you know that buttery soft feeling I'm talking about! That softness comes from the blend of natural materials such as wool, silk, cotton, and jute.
A good rule of thumb when you are shopping is to flip the rug over to check the backside. Traditionally there is no "backing" and the knots may be slightly uneven due to its handmade construction. When looking under the rug, you should also see a sewn label which indicates its authenticity.
Do you have kids? What about pets? You might think your lifestyle (which may or not not include both kids and pets) doesn't allow for a beautiful, one-of-a-kind hand-knotted rug, but think again! I let my 8 month old baby crawl over mine!
Go ahead and walk barefoot, throw a party, and let your baby learn to crawl on the rug like I have. The use of natural materials offers great benefits in terms of durability, longevity and lifestyle. Don't be afraid of putting your rug somewhere it will see a lot of traffic, live with it!
Highlight #3: Available worldwide
I invested in this handmade Turkish rug for myself while traveling!
I always say that rugs are an investment; you're buying functional art! The cost of the rug will depend on its size, however, if you get a small-to-medium sized rug around 5'x7' it will cost anywhere from $1,200 up to $6,000+.
If you are not able to travel overseas to personally source your hand-knotted rugs, then my best advice is to try to visit a local showroom or store. Many metropolitan cities have suppliers who spend half the year traveling and collecting rugs just to bring them back to their local city, you just have to do a little research to find the ones near you. Many showroom suppliers often share amazing stories about the rug design and it's history.
If you can't find a showroom or store near you then enjoy shopping online. I'm sharing some of my favorite shops below that have great online inventories.
USA
Europe
Canrom Carpets Kilims Sumaks *My go to showroom in Athens, Greece
Berberlin Rugs *My local source in Berlin
Australia
If you need any advise or want a second opinion on a rug, feel free to leave a comment or contact me over instagram!