Choosing a HandKnotted Rug: A Luxury Buyer’s Guide for 2026

In the world of luxury interiors, few objects shape a room with the quiet authority of a hand-knotted rug. Beyond colour and pattern, a well-made rug becomes part of the architectural language of a home—introducing texture, grounding furniture, and adding a sense of permanence that fast design trends can’t replicate.

At Knots Rugs, our collections are created through a process rooted in centuries-old craftsmanship, using natural materials and slow, meticulous techniques. Whether you are an interior designer sourcing for a project or a homeowner investing in a timeless piece, understanding what sits beneath the beauty of a hand-knotted rug will help you choose with confidence.

In this guide, we break down the elements that matter most.

Unlike tufted or machine-made rugs, a hand-knotted rug is created knot by knot on a wooden loom. Depending on design complexity, a single piece can take months—sometimes over a year—to complete.

Why this matters

Greater durability

Natural irregularities that signal human craftsmanship

Ability to create subtle gradients and intricate detailing

Longer lifespan (often 30–100+ years)

A quality hand-knotted rug is not a decorative object—it is a long-term investment.

Material choice directly affects feel, durability, and how the colours read within a space.

Tibetan Wool

• Soft, resilient, naturally stain-resistant
• Ideal for living rooms, family spaces, high-traffic areas

Silk

• Exceptional lustre and colour clarity
• Perfect for formal spaces, bedrooms, art-led interiors

Wool–Silk Blend

• Combines structure with luxury
• Allows for intricate detailing and elevated texture play

At Knots Rugs, many of our contemporary and 17th Century Classic pieces use hand-carded Himalayan wool and pure silk, chosen for depth of tone and a refined, tactile finish.

Choosing the right size is essential for balance and flow.

Living Room

• Ideally, front legs of furniture sit on the rug
• Aim for 250×300cm or larger for most London and international homes

Dining Room

• Minimum 60cm around the table so chairs sit comfortably
• 300×400cm works for most standard 6–8 seat dining tables

Bedrooms

• Extend at least 60cm beyond the bed frame
• For a king bed, 275×365cm or 300×400cm provides perfect proportion

A rug that’s too small visually fragments the room—a larger piece unifies and elevates the whole space.

Many of our clients choose hand-knotted rugs for their longevity and appreciation potential.

Key factors influencing value

• Knot count and craftsmanship
• Rarity of design
• Designer collaborations
• Natural dye houses
• Provenance (17th Century recreations, artist works, limited editions)

Our 17th Century Polonaise recreations and Artist Collaboration collections are particularly sought after by collectors and designers alike.

A rug should speak to the wider design narrative.

Consider:

• Tonal harmony vs contrast
• Texture layering (wool pile with silk highlights)
• Whether the rug becomes a focal point or a quiet grounding layer
• Architectural lines—rooms with symmetry often suit structured geometric pieces

Design is not only visual; it is atmospheric. The right rug changes the entire feeling of a space.

Every Knots Rugs design—whether in our 17th Century Classic Collection or our in-house contemporary range—is created with the same commitment to craft.

• Hand-knotted in Nepal and India
• Sustainably sourced, natural materials
• Created through long-standing partnerships with artisan families
• Artist-led and design-led collections unique to Knots
• Bespoke sizes and colours available

A Knots rug is not simply purchased—it is commissioned

We work closely with interior designers, architects, and private clients worldwide. If you would like guidance choosing the perfect piece—or to explore bespoke options—our Kings Road showroom team would be delighted to help.