Turn it over. On a genuine hand-knotted rug the pattern reads clearly on the back, with thousands of small, slightly irregular knots, and the fringe is an extension of the rug itself, not stitched on afterwards. Gentle shifts in colour, known as abrash, are a signature of natural dyes and hand-weaving rather than a fault. Every rug we sell comes with a certificate of authenticity.

A hand-knotted rug is tied one knot at a time on a loom, often over many months, from natural wool, silk and dyes, and it can be enjoyed for generations. A machine-made rug is produced quickly in synthetic fibre with a flawless, identical back. Only hand-knotted pieces carry real craftsmanship, and only they tend to hold and build value over time.

Vacuum gently and regularly, lifting the beater bar near the fringes, and rotate the rug every six to twelve months so it wears evenly. Blot spills straight away with a clean, damp cloth rather than rubbing. Keep prized pieces out of harsh direct sunlight, use a quality rug pad underneath, and have the rug professionally hand-washed every few years.

A well-made, hand-knotted rug from a trusted source is a genuine long-term investment. Looked after properly, fine pieces hold their value and many appreciate, with antique and finely-knotted rugs especially sought after. You are buying a piece of art that you can also live on.

It depends on the space and your furniture. As a rule of thumb, a living-room rug should sit under at least the front legs of your seating, and a dining rug should extend about sixty centimetres past the table on every side. Our Rug Guide walks through each room, or send us your measurements and we will gladly advise.

Yes. We deliver across South Africa, and you are always welcome to visit our Pretoria showroom to see and feel any rug in person. For larger purchases we can also arrange to bring a selection to you so you can judge the colours in your own light.