Oriental Rug

Our oriental rugs NZ collection brings together handmade wool rugs in rectangular, round, and runner shapes, with sizes running from small accent pieces through to extra-large formats for open-plan living spaces. Wool gives these rugs a dense, resilient pile that holds up to daily use in lounges, bedrooms, and dining areas.

Because each rug is made by hand, small variations in pattern, pile, and finished size are part of the character of the piece.

If you are working out which size suits a room, our Rug Size Guide lists recommended room sizes, furniture layouts, and common rug dimensions. Each product page then shows the exact measurements of the rug, which are worth comparing against your floor area before you order.

You can see and feel the rugs in person at our showroom at 1 Robert Street, Ellerslie, Auckland, which helps when judging pile density and pattern detail.

Oriental Rugs Placements

Living room. A large rectangular rug under the main seating area ties a sofa, armchairs, and coffee table into one zone, and wool's density suits the most heavily used floor in the house.

Dining room. Under a dining table, a handmade wool rug softens the sound of chairs being pulled in and out and adds pattern to a room that otherwise relies on timber and hard surfaces.

Bedroom. Positioned so it extends out from both sides of the bed, a rug gives you a warm surface to step onto in the morning.

Hallway. The runner shapes in this collection suit long, narrow hallways where a rectangular rug would leave awkward gaps at either end.

How to Care for Your Oriental Rug

Vacuum with suction only. Work in the direction of the pile, and keep the vacuum off any fringe, since rotating brushes can pull the fringe loose.

Rotate every six months. Turning the rug end to end, and keeping it out of long stretches of direct sun, spreads wear and fading evenly across the whole surface.

Use a quality underlay. It stops the rug creeping on hard floors, and felt pads or wider feet under heavy furniture stop the pile from being crushed in one spot.

Watch for moths. Wool attracts clothes moths, which settle in dark, undisturbed areas, so vacuum along the edges and under furniture regularly rather than leaving those sections untouched.

Book a specialist wash every one to two years. Rug cleaners use methods suited to wool and traditional dyes, which a standard carpet steam clean does not.

FAQ

What is the difference between an oriental rug and a Persian rug?
"Oriental" is the broader term for handmade rugs from across Asia and the Middle East, while "Persian" refers specifically to rugs woven in Iran, formerly known as Persia. Every Persian rug is an oriental rug, but not every oriental rug is Persian, so it is worth checking the individual product listing for details on a particular piece.

Will the dyes run if my oriental rug gets wet?
Dye fastness varies from rug to rug, and deeper, heavily saturated dyes are the most likely to bleed. Before wetting any part of the rug, dab a white cloth dampened with cold water on a hidden corner, and if any colour transfers, leave the cleaning to a specialist. Hot water and scrubbing should be avoided.

How do I move or roll a heavy handmade wool rug without damaging it?
Never fold it, as folding can break the foundation threads and leave a permanent crease. Roll it with the pile facing inward, ideally around a cardboard tube, and expect it to take two people at the larger sizes in this collection.

Will a wool rug go musty in a humid New Zealand home?
Wool absorbs moisture from the air, so a rug over a concrete slab or in a ground-floor room with little airflow can pick up a stale smell over time. Running a dehumidifier, opening windows regularly and lifting the rug now and then to let the floor and underside dry out keeps moisture from settling beneath it. If the rug does get damp, dry it completely before putting it back down.

What should I do about loose fibres or a single tuft sticking up on a new handmade wool rug?
Light shedding is normal in the first few months and fades with regular vacuuming. If one tuft or thread rises above the pile, snip it level with sharp scissors rather than pulling it, because tugging can loosen the surrounding weave and leave a bare patch.