Rug Guide & FAQ

Everything you need to know about hand-knotted rugs: how they are made, how to choose the right size, and how to care for one so it lasts for generations. Have a question we have not answered? Contact the atelier or explore our collections.

What is a hand-knotted rug?

A hand-knotted rug is made on an upright loom, where a weaver ties each knot of wool or silk around the warp threads by hand, row by row, then beats it down and trims it. A single rug holds tens of thousands to millions of knots and can take weeks to months to finish. Because the pile is locked into the foundation knot by knot, a hand-knotted rug is the most durable kind of handmade rug and can last for generations.

What is the difference between hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs?

A hand-knotted rug is tied knot by knot on a loom, so the pile is part of the rug's structure. A hand-tufted rug is made faster by punching loops of yarn through a canvas backing with a tufting gun and fixing them with glue and a cloth backing. Tufted rugs cost less but wear out sooner; hand-knotted rugs keep their shape and value for decades. Most Banaras Atelier rugs are hand-knotted, and each product page states how the piece is made.

Where are Banaras Atelier rugs made?

Banaras Atelier is based in Varanasi (Banaras), India. Our rugs are hand-knotted by master weavers in India, a country with one of the oldest carpet-weaving traditions in the world.

What materials do you use?

Most of our rugs have a pure wool pile on a cotton foundation, which is soft, resilient and naturally stain-resistant. We also make bamboo silk and bamboo silk and cotton rugs with a silky sheen, Moroccan-style Tulu shag rugs with a long plush pile, hand-carved sculpted rugs, and a small archive of one-of-a-kind vintage wool and silk pieces.

Can I order a rug in a custom size or colour?

Yes. Our rugs are woven to order, so you can choose from the sizes listed on each product page, and custom dimensions are available on request. For a bespoke size, colour or design, contact us through our Bespoke page with your measurements and room photos.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes. Banaras Atelier delivers worldwide by insured, tracked courier, door to door, at no charge. Every rug is rolled, never folded, and sealed for the journey. Import duties and taxes are set by your country and are payable by the recipient unless stated otherwise at checkout. See Shipping & Duties.

How long does a made-to-order rug take?

Pieces in our collections are woven to order, so the timeline depends on the size and design. Your client advisor confirms the weaving timeline for your size before you order and shares progress from the loom. Bespoke commissions are scheduled individually.

What size rug do I need for my living room?

In a living room, choose a rug large enough for at least the front legs of the sofa and chairs to rest on it; for most rooms that means 8 x 10 feet or 9 x 12 feet. Leave about 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches) of bare floor between the rug and the walls. Under a dining table, the rug should extend about 60 cm (24 inches) beyond the table on every side so chairs stay on the rug when pulled out.

What is a runner rug, and where should I use it?

A runner is a long, narrow rug, usually 2.5 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 14 feet long. Runners suit hallways, entryways, stair landings, kitchens and the sides of a bed. Leave about 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of floor visible on each side in a hallway.

How do I care for a hand-knotted wool rug?

Vacuum regularly without the beater bar, rotate the rug every few months so it wears and fades evenly, and blot spills immediately with a clean cloth rather than rubbing. Use a rug pad to stop slipping and protect the pile. Have the rug professionally cleaned every few years. See Care & Restoration for more.

Why does my handmade rug look slightly different from the photo?

Every Banaras Atelier rug is made by hand, so small variations in colour, pattern and dimensions are normal and are part of its character. Natural changes in dyed wool, known as abrash, give hand-knotted rugs their depth and movement.

How long does a hand-knotted rug last?

With regular vacuuming, rotation and occasional professional cleaning, a good hand-knotted wool rug can last 50 years or more, and many become heirlooms.