What makes a rug handmade
A handmade rug is built by human hands through knotting, tufting, or weaving. Small variations in line, tone, and texture are signs of the maker, not defects.
Guide
The Rug Guide
A practical field guide for choosing handmade construction, material, pile, and care.
| Construction | Best For | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Knotted | Heirloom living rooms | Most premium, highly durable, long lead time |
| Hand Tufted | Bedrooms and expressive rooms | Plush texture, flexible patterns, faster creation |
| Kilim | Hallways and layered rooms | Flat, lightweight, reversible, durable |
Material guide
Wool is best for most rooms. Cotton works beautifully in flat weaves. Jute adds natural texture in dry areas. Silk and viscose create luminous accent pieces.
Pile height
Low pile is under 6mm and easy to maintain. Medium pile is 6-15mm and balanced. High pile is over 15mm and best for soft, low-traffic spaces.
Care and maintenance
Vacuum without a beater bar, rotate quarterly, blot spills immediately, and use professional cleaning for deep care.
How to layer rugs
Start with a large neutral base, then add a smaller patterned rug over the seating area or bedside zone for warmth and editorial depth.
Authenticity checks
Look for visible hand finishing, natural variation, clear material details, and construction notes tied to the rug's origin.