Everything we get asked, in one place. Buying a hand-knotted heirloom rug is a long-form decision — provenance, materials, sizing, care, delivery. If you don't see your question, call or text us at +1 857 313 9458 or email Raihanrugs@gmail.com.
Construction & Craftsmanship
Are Raihan rugs hand-knotted?
Our pile rugs are. Every Mamluk, Oushak, Gabbeh and tribal pile rug in our collection is hand-knotted, knot by knot, on the loom in Afghanistan. Our kilims are handwoven flat-weave: the pattern is woven into the structure rather than knotted, so they are thin, light and reversible. Everything we sell is made entirely by hand — we do not sell tufted or machine-made rugs. Ask us for the knot count of any rug — we'll measure it for you.
What does "one of one" mean?
We use “One of one” only for our Mamluk and Oushak rugs, each a single hand-knotted piece. One of one — when it sells, it's gone. Every other rug in the collection is handmade — no two are exactly alike — because each is woven by hand from individually dyed yarn.
What is KPSI and why does it matter?
KPSI (Knots Per Square Inch) is the standard measure of weave density for hand-knotted rugs. Higher KPSI generally means finer pattern resolution and longer weaving time, though coarser tribal pieces have their own character and appeal. Kilims are flat-woven, so they have no knot count. Ask us for the knot count of any rug — we'll measure it for you.
What wool do you use?
The majority of our wool comes from Afghan highland sheep — known as "Ghazni wool," prized for its long staple length, high lanolin content, and natural luster. Ghazni wool produces yarn that is durable, lustrous, and ages beautifully over decades.
Are your dyes natural?
Where we use natural dyes, we disclose it. Many of our rugs use traditional vegetable dyes — madder root for red, indigo for blue, walnut hulls for brown, pomegranate rind for yellow, larkspur for green. Some pieces use color-fast modern dyes for specific palettes that natural dyes cannot achieve (certain corals, deeper blacks, specific neutrals). Ask us about the dyes in any specific rug before you buy. Natural dyes develop characteristic "abrash" — soft color variation across the field — which is a sign of authenticity, not a flaw.
How long does it take to weave one rug?
It depends on the size of the rug and how finely it is knotted. Every knot is tied by hand, so a room-size rug can take many months on the loom and a small rug far less; a finer rug can hold well over a hundred knots per square inch; ask us for the count on any rug. This is one of the reasons hand-knotted rugs cost what they do.
Inventory & Availability
What does "In Stock" mean?
When a rug is marked "In Stock," that specific piece is currently available and ready to ship from our Greater Boston atelier. Each listing is one physical rug, so once you purchase it, the same rug will not be re-listed.
What does "Sold Out" mean?
Sold Out indicates the rug has found its home and is no longer available. Because each listing is a single physical rug, we cannot restock the same rug. We continuously curate new acquisitions, so similar pieces in the same tradition often appear. Subscribe to First Look below or follow us on Instagram for new-arrival notifications.
How often do you add new inventory?
We curate continuously. New pieces typically arrive in our Boston atelier every two to four weeks. Each arrival is photographed, condition-reviewed, and listed within 7–10 days. Trade members and First Look subscribers see new pieces 48–72 hours before public listing.
Can I commission a similar rug if one is sold out?
We cannot reproduce a sold piece — every handmade rug is unique; no two are exactly alike. However, we work directly with our weaving workshop in Afghanistan and can help source a rug in a similar tradition, palette, or dimensions. Contact us with the sold piece's product page and your specifications and we'll send curated alternatives within 48 hours.
Do you hold rugs while I decide?
Given the singular nature of each piece, we operate on a first-purchase basis. However, for serious inquiries we provide additional imagery, detailed condition reports, video walkthroughs, and provenance documentation. For Boston-area buyers, we also offer in-atelier viewing by appointment so you can decide in person before committing.
Sizing & Room Fit
What sizes do you carry?
We carry small accent rugs, kilim runners, and area rugs up to room-size pieces of roughly 8'×10'. Because every rug is made by hand, sizes vary piece by piece — exact dimensions are listed on each product page. For specific size requirements outside our current inventory, contact us for a private inventory consultation.
What size rug do I need for a living room?
The standard luxury rule: the rug should extend at least 6 inches under the front legs of all major seating pieces, or fully under all furniture if the room allows. For an 8' sofa with two flanking chairs, an 8'×10' is the entry size; a 9'×12' is more generous and frames the seating group like an architectural anchor. For open-plan rooms, consider 10'×14' or 12'×15'.
What size rug do I need for a dining room?
Measure the dining table and add 24 inches on every side so chairs remain on the rug when pulled out. For a standard 6-person rectangular table (42"×72"), a 9'×12' is the correct fit. For an 8-person table, you'll likely need a 10'×14'. Round tables of 60" diameter pair well with a 9'×9' or 10'×10' square rug.
What size rug do I need for a bedroom?
The rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the bed on three sides (head end can sit on hardwood). For a king bed: 9'×12' is the gold standard. For a queen: 8'×10' works beautifully. For smaller bedrooms or for layering under a bed, two runners flanking the bed (3'×8' each) is a designer-favorite alternative.
What size rug do I need for a hallway?
A runner should leave 18 inches of bare floor visible on each end and roughly 4 inches on each side. Measure the hallway, subtract 36 inches from the length, and that's your runner length. Our current kilim runners are about 2' wide and 8' to 9'8" long. For especially long halls, we can also pair two complementary runners.
Pricing & Value
Why are hand-knotted rugs expensive?
A 9'×12' hand-knotted wool rug represents 800–1,400 hours of skilled artisan labor. Materials (Ghazni wool, hand-dyed yarn, a cotton foundation) are sourced and prepared by hand, often hand-spun. Add sourcing direct from our workshop, review at our Greater Boston atelier, and insured U.S. delivery. The price reflects what it takes to make one piece this way.
Do hand-knotted rugs hold their value?
We don't sell rugs as investments, and we make no promises about resale value or appreciation. What a well-made hand-knotted wool rug does offer is durability: with good care it is built to last generations, while machine-made and tufted rugs wear out far sooner. The factors that matter most for a rug's lifespan are construction, wool quality, and care.
What's the price range at Raihan Rugs?
Our current collection runs from about $200 for small kilims to about $6,500 for large Mamluks. Kilims start at $210, Oushaks at $1,200 and Mamluks at $1,550. Trade pricing applies to verified interior designers — see the Trade Program for details.
Do you offer payment plans?
Shop Pay Installments may be offered at checkout when eligible. For other payment questions, contact us before you buy.
Shipping & Delivery
Do you ship outside the United States?
No. Raihan Rugs currently ships within the United States only. Insured U.S. delivery, from $45 and complimentary on rugs $3,500 and up. Every shipment is insured and tracked. Our 14-day home trial and free return pickup depend on domestic delivery.
How much does shipping cost?
Insured U.S. delivery, from $45 and complimentary on rugs $3,500 and up. The rate is set by order value and shown at checkout before you pay: $45 under $500 · $75 under $1,000 · $95 under $2,000 · $125 under $3,500 · complimentary from $3,500.
How long does delivery take?
Most U.S. orders ship within 1–3 business days of order confirmation. Transit time depends on your location and the size of the rug, and you'll receive tracking by email as soon as it ships.
How is my rug delivered?
Your rug is rolled, wrapped and shipped to your door by insured carrier, with tracking. If you have stairs, a narrow doorway or building rules to plan around, tell us before it ships and we'll plan the delivery with you.
Is the rug insured during shipping?
Yes. Every shipment is fully insured at replacement value through our carrier's high-value goods insurance. In the rare event of transit damage, document the damage on the delivery receipt, photograph it, and contact us within 48 hours — we handle the claim end-to-end.
Returns & 14-Day Home Trial
What is your return policy?
A 14-day home trial with free return pickup. Live with it for 14 days. If it isn't right, we arrange the return pickup at no cost and refund the rug in full. The rug should come back in the condition it arrived. Trade and designer purchases follow the same 14-day terms unless otherwise specified.
How does the 14-day home trial work?
Receive the rug and live with it for up to 14 days in your actual space — see it under your natural light, against your furniture, with your floor. If it's not right, email us at Raihanrugs@gmail.com or call or text +1 857 313 9458 within 14 days of delivery. We arrange the return pickup at no cost and refund the rug in full once it is back at the atelier.
Who pays for return shipping?
We do. Return pickup is free, and nothing is deducted from the refund of the rug price. We coordinate the insured return carrier on your behalf.
Care & Maintenance
How do I care for a hand-knotted rug?
Vacuum gently in the direction of the pile every 1–2 weeks (no rotating brush). Rotate the rug 180° every 6 months for even wear. Spot-clean spills immediately with cold water and a clean white cloth — never rub. Schedule a professional hand-washing every 5–7 years. Avoid direct sunlight and place a rug pad underneath for longevity. With proper care, a hand-knotted wool rug lasts 80+ years.
Can I use a rotating-brush vacuum?
No. Rotating beater bars and stiff brushes pull at the knots and accelerate wear. Use a suction-only vacuum (most canister vacuums have this setting, or a hard-floor attachment works). Vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it.
Should I use a rug pad?
Yes, always. A felt-and-rubber rug pad (we recommend 1/4" felt with natural rubber backing) protects the rug from floor friction, extends its life, prevents slipping, and adds a layer of cushioning. Pads should be cut 1 inch shorter than the rug on every side so they're invisible from above.
What if my rug gets stained?
Blot — never rub. Use cold water and a clean white cotton cloth. For protein stains (wine, blood, coffee), club soda works. For oil-based stains, dry-cleaning fluid sparingly. Never apply heat. If the stain doesn't lift, stop and contact us — we can recommend a professional textile conservator. Wool's natural lanolin makes most stains release easily if treated within an hour.
How often should the rug be professionally cleaned?
Every 5–7 years for normal residential use, or every 3–4 years in high-traffic areas. Always use a rug specialist that hand-washes (not a carpet steam-cleaner). We can recommend trusted hand-wash specialists in the Boston, NYC, LA, Chicago, and Miami markets — contact us.
Can I put a hand-knotted rug under a dining table where there will be spills?
Yes — most of our wool pieces are specifically suited to dining rooms because wool's lanolin makes it naturally stain-resistant. Vacuum weekly, blot spills immediately, and use a rug pad. Wool dining rugs commonly outlast the dining table itself.
Trade Program for Designers
Do you offer a trade program for interior designers?
Yes. Our trade program is available to verified interior designers, architects, and design firms. Benefits include direct artisan provenance documentation, exclusive trade pricing, net-30 payment terms, insured U.S. delivery, and dedicated concierge support. Apply through our Trade page.
What is the trade discount?
Trade discounts are tiered based on volume and verified credentials. Specific pricing is shared upon application approval, typically reviewed within one business day. We honor pricing parity with our published rates for retail clients — trade pricing is genuine wholesale, not retail discount masquerading as trade.
Do you ship memo samples?
Yes. For verified trade members, we ship complimentary swatches of dyed yarn from in-stock pieces. For full-rug memo (loaning a rug to a client's space for evaluation), we work on a case-by-case basis; ask the trade desk.
Can I have a piece reserved while a client decides?
Verified trade members can ask the trade desk about holding a piece while a client decides. See the Trade Program for current terms.
Boston Atelier & Private Viewing
Can I see a rug in person before buying?
Yes. Our Boston atelier is open by appointment for in-person viewing. Bring a paint chip, a textile swatch, a furniture photograph — anything that anchors your space — and we'll prepare a curated selection of 3–5 rugs the day before your visit. Book at /pages/luxury-rugs-boston or call +1 857 313 9458.
Where is the atelier located?
We operate a quiet, by-appointment-only atelier in Greater Boston. The exact address is shared at the time of appointment confirmation to ensure privacy for clients. We typically serve buyers from Beacon Hill, Back Bay, Cambridge, Brookline, Wellesley, Weston, and Greater Boston, plus designers from across New England.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Anything that grounds the decision in your actual space: paint chips or wall color samples; fabric swatches from furniture, drapery, or pillows; photographs of the room (wide shots and detail shots); floor plan with rug dimensions marked; and notes on light direction and time of day you spend most in the room. The more we know, the better the curation.
Can you bring rugs to my home?
Yes, for Greater Boston clients with serious purchase intent, we offer in-home consultation — we bring 2–4 curated rugs to your home for in-context viewing. This is offered on a case-by-case basis and typically reserved for $5,000+ purchases.
Provenance & Origin
Where are your rugs made?
Our rugs are made by hand in Afghanistan, in our weaving workshop, where we hire women, train women, and pay them directly. Our pile rugs — Mamluk, Oushak, Gabbeh and tribal — are hand-knotted; our kilims are handwoven flat-weave. See Behind the Loom for the full story.
How do you verify provenance?
Our rugs come from our own weaving workshop in Afghanistan, and every rug is inspected in Greater Boston before it is listed. Origin, materials and construction are listed for every rug. Ask us about any piece and we'll tell you what we know — including its knot count, which we'll measure for you.
Are your artisans fairly paid?
We hire women. We train women. We pay them directly. Every weaver in our training program finishes with an examination at the loom — and a Raihan certificate of achievement. See our Behind the Loom page for the full story.
Why does the country of origin matter?
Each weaving region carries a distinct design DNA developed over centuries. Northern Afghan weavers inherited the Mamluk tradition through migration; their pieces carry the geometric kufic borders and gul motifs of 15th-century Cairo. The Oushak tradition began with the weavers of western Anatolia, and the medallion-and-vine tradition with the city workshops of Tabriz and Kashan. Provenance is design lineage made visible.
About Raihan Rugs
Who is Raihan?
Raihan Rugs is a Greater Boston atelier, by appointment, for rugs made by hand in our weaving workshop in Afghanistan, where we hire women, train women, and pay them directly. We do not run a showroom; we work by appointment. Every rug is reviewed in our atelier for structure, color, and weave integrity before it is listed publicly.
Why Boston?
Boston is one of the densest concentrations of architecturally significant residential interiors in the United States — Beacon Hill brownstones, Back Bay flats, Cambridge triple-deckers, Wellesley colonials, Cape Cod summer homes. The interior design and architecture community here values craft and provenance over disposable design. We built the atelier where the buyers are.
How can I contact you?
Email: Raihanrugs@gmail.com
Phone or text: +1 857 313 9458
Atelier: Boston, MA — by appointment
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