Handmade Traditional & Contemporary rugs 

Rugs have been around since the early days of human civilisation. Historically they’ve been a key feature in the homes and palaces of eminent aristocrats across Europe and Asia, as well as practical and traditional furnishings for tribal families throughout Africa. This broad spectrum of society and status highlights the habitual versatility of a rug and even today they complete a home, irrespective of where this home happens to be.

As far back as 2000 BC, rugs, as well as clothing, were made from animal hides such as Ox and Boar, and provided primitive families with invaluable warmth and shelter. As cultures evolved and became more skilled they were cleverly crafted from woven reeds. Taking weeks to make they resulted in being the family’s most valuable possessions. Evidence attained from ardent researchers has highlighted that pile rugs were in fact widely used in the Middle East and pockets of Asia long before 2000 BC.

Rearing sheep was also an accustomed occupation for many nomadic wanderers and this wool was a primary reason why sheep were bred, even ahead of food. The dense woolly covering of the hide was used to protect against the harsh weather and these communities soon realised that wool was a far more pragmatic option compared to hide.

A seminal moment in rug history occurred in 1949 when Sergei Rudenko, an eccentric but brilliant archaeologist, discovered at a burial site the ‘Pazyryk’ carpet in Siberia. The rug had been frozen in ice dating back to the 5th Century BC and is currently the oldest known in history.

Over the decades more people in the UK began introducing rugs into their homes. Before this, furnishing was an indication of wealth and superior taste, however, during the 60s and 70s rugs were more affordable, so much so, that they were as popular in England as many other countries around the world.


There are two major kinds of knots found in oriental rugs. One is the Turkish knot, or Ghiordes knot, the other is the Persian knot, or Senneh knot. A third knot, which is less used is the Jufti knot. This knot is considered inferior, as half the number of knots are used, therefore the rug is produced in half the time using half the amount of wool.

It is important to understand how to count knots correctly. Knots per square inch is a term frequently used as a gauge to a rugs quality. The number of knots per square inch determines the density of the weave and intensifies the definition of the design. In very fine woven rugs the design is as clear on the back as it is on the front and finely woven rugs are, in general, more expensive.

Counting knots on an oriental rug is easy to learn. On the back of a hand knotted rug you will see thousands of tiny bumps. These are the visible part of the knots that loop around the warp threads.

Traditional Rug Designs

Persian rug design

Heriz rugs

Sarough rugs

Kashan rugs

Qashqai rugs

Shiraz rugs

Hamadan rugs

Lori rugs

Afghan rug designs

Aqcha rug

Khan rug

Kundoz rug

Kargai rug

Kazak rug



Traditional designs Eurpoean

William Morris rugs

Ziegler rugs

Rex Ray rugs

Aubusson rugs

Needlepoint rugs

Kilim Rugs

Soft wool natural dyes and geometric designs that are timeless. Kilims are produced by tightly interweaving the warp and weft strands of the weave to produce a flat surface with no pile. Our flatweaves are produced in traditional or modern designs and visually impactful yet simple in their structure.

Natural dye Kilim

Natural Fiber Rugs

Our natural fibre rug collection is made from natural recyclable materials. Whether your taste is modern,traditional or shabby chic,these rugs makes the perfect natural addition to your home.

All our natural rugs and loomed using high quality sisal, jute and seagrass that is incredibly tactile and available in a wide selection of sizes and colours. Natural hides add a softness and luxurious texture to any floor.

Hall Runner rugs

Our hall carpet runner or hallway runners are available in modern and traditional styles. We stock runner rugs in a large selection of sizes that start at 150cm x 60cm and go to above 600cm (20ft) in length.

These rugs are designed and made to be long and narrow ideal for halls, hallways or even bed sides. In the collection you will find beautiful vintage Persian hall runners, striking contemporary designs and all things in-between

Persian Hall runner

Kilim Hall Runner

Afghan Hall Runner

Contemporary Hall Runner

 THE HANDMADE RUG COMPANY

TRADITIONAL - CONTEMPORARY - BESPOKE