Where to Buy Your Next Rug

Like light, a rug has the power to create ambiance.

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Rug-making is an art form with traditions that reach back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and the nomads of Mongolia. These handwoven creations have the power, like light, to create ambiance. They also, if cared for properly, can last a lifetime. So while you could certainly snag one on your next outing to the nearest IKEA and cover part of your floor with it, know that there are rugs available that are unique, beautiful and faithful to the traditions of rug-making. These are nine of our favorite rug makers and places to find high-quality rugs.

Joinery

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The Joinery works with a small group of Brazilian weavers who meticulously make traditional rugs with looms. Each rug is 100 percent cotton, boasts southwestern flair and (probably) won’t cost more than your monthly rent.

ABC Carpet & Home

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For homeowners looking to revamp their floors with color, look no further than ABC Carpet & Home. Their rugs come in various designs and styles (overdyed, silk, flat weave, vintage, moroccan, etc.), one of which will inevitably fit your style. Although many of their rugs run over $2,000, they do sell a variety that are more affordable.

Matt Camron Rugs

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Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries has a history that traces back 30 years to Houston, Texas. The company was founded as one gallery by Matt Esfahani, but has since expanded to several cities (Scottsdale, Dallas, Chicago, D.C. and Denver). Their rugs, varying from antique rugs to originally designed selections, can be fully customized (color, size and textile pattern).

Nomad Rugs

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Inspired by the oriental rugs and cultures of Turkey, Pakistan and Morocco; every rug sold by Nomad Rugs is meticulously designed with bright and bold colors. Founder Christopher Wahlgren started the San Francisco-based business 20 years ago, and he continues to import them from Asian and African countries. If you’re in the market for an authentic, naturally dyed rug, go with these guys.

Luke Irwin

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All of Luke Irwin’s rugs are fastidiously handwoven using traditionally Nepalese and Indian methods. Buyers can select the color, size, weave and textile of each customized rug. But for those who need a little inspiration, Luke Irwin has several collections to help you start out.

Edward Fields Carpet Makers

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With over 70 years of experience, Edward Fields has an established pedigree for excellence. The company has supplied carpets and rugs for many prestigious estates (like the White House, Air Force One and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House) along with homes across of the country. All of their carpets are hand sewn, available in either wool or silk, and come in styles (they refer to them as “editions”) that range from modern to classic.

Loom

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When Doan Bilgis, the founder of Loom, moved from Turkey to Australia, he brought his ancestors’ Turkish rugs with him. Today his Melbourne-based company makes a combination of vintage and modern-style (Kilim, Dhoku, Old Yarn) rugs, all of which are beautifully detailed.

Crate and Barrel

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Obviously Crate and Barrel is a larger department store that doesn’t exclusively sell rugs. Yet their selection of handwoven rugs is rather immense. Customers can choose from affordable and hand-loomed rugs, rugs that are designer made and imported from New Zealand, or something in between.

The Rug Company

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The Rug Company is dedicated to making rugs the same way they were made over 200 years ago in Europe and Asia. Each is meticulously hand woven and beautiful; they’ve collaborated with renowned designers like Vivienne Westwood, Diane von Furstenberg and Alexander McQueen to ensure that. For those looking for an area rug on a tight budget, you may want to look elsewhere. But for customers searching for something that can truly be called “floor art”, shop here.