Premium and collectible rugs for your home.
Founded in Charlotte, Queens City Rugs was created to offer a carefully curated selection of premium, handwoven rugs and carpets for design minded homes. Each piece is chosen for its timeless pattern, rich texture, and lasting quality.
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Our Story
Queen City Rugs was created from a love for timeless craftsmanship and the art of thoughtful living.
Every rug we offer is rooted in heritage and shaped by modern design, woven by artisans whose skill brings warmth and character to every home.
Our story is simple. Create pieces that feel lived with, loved, and lasting. Rugs that elevate a space and honor the beauty of true craftsmanship.
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Why Handmade Rugs Are Better Than Machine-Made Rugs
Why Handmade Rugs Are Better Than Machine-Made Rugs Handmade rugs have been crafted the same way for centuries—one knot at a time. Machine-made rugs, on the other hand, are produced quickly using synthetic fibers and automated looms. Both have their place in the market, but if you care about longevity, beauty, and real value, handmade rugs stand far above the rest. 1. Superior Durability Hand-knotted wool rugs can last 50–100 years or more. Each knot is tied individually, creating a dense structure that withstands heavy foot traffic. Machine-made rugs typically last only 3–7 years before showing wear. 2. Natural, High-Quality Materials Handmade rugs often use wool, silk, or natural dyes. These fibers age gracefully and resist stains. Machine-made rugs rely on synthetic materials like polypropylene or nylon, which flatten, fade, and absorb odors over time. 3. Unique Designs and Artistry No two handmade rugs are exactly alike. The small variations in pattern and color come from human craftsmanship—something machines can’t replicate. Each rug carries cultural heritage and artistic expression. 4. Better Investment Value Handmade rugs can appreciate in value, especially Persian, Turkish, and Afghan pieces. Machine-made rugs depreciate immediately, similar to factory-made furniture. 5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Natural fibers, traditional dyeing methods, and low-waste weaving processes make handmade rugs significantly more environmentally friendly. Synthetic rugs shed microplastics and often end up in landfills within a few years. Handmade rugs aren’t just décor—they’re heirlooms. If you want a rug that enriches your home for decades, offers real craftsmanship, and holds long-term value, handmade is always the better choice.
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How to Choose the Perfect Handmade Rug for Your Home
How to Choose the Perfect Handmade Rug for Your Home A handmade rug has the power to transform a room. It can elevate a simple space, bring warmth and texture, and create a sense of harmony that mass-produced rugs can’t replicate. But with thousands of patterns, origins, materials, and sizes to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down the art and strategy behind selecting a handmade rug that fits your home beautifully—both aesthetically and practically. 1. Start With the Room’s Purpose Every room has a job. A handmade rug should support that job—not fight it. Living Room You want comfort, durability, and a piece that grounds the space. Medium to large hand-knotted wool rugs work beautifully here. Bedroom Softness matters. Many people choose warm, calming patterns: Persian, Turkish, or Moroccan styles. Dining Room Go for durability and easy movement of chairs. Flatweaves, kilims, or tightly knotted rugs are excellent choices. Hallways or Entryways These spaces need hard-wearing rugs built to handle foot traffic. Afghan runners, Turkish vintage runners, or tribal flatweaves are ideal. Knowing the function helps narrow down options instantly. 2. Choose the Right Size (The Most Common Mistake) A rug that’s too small can make an entire room feel disconnected. A rug that’s sized properly pulls everything together. Living Room Guidelines Front legs of all major furniture should sit on the rug. For large spaces, let the rug extend 8–12 inches beyond the sofa sides. Bedroom Guidelines Queen bed: 8x10 rug King bed: 9x12 rug Or place two runners on each side for a modern look. Dining Room Guidelines Rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table so chairs can move freely. When in doubt, size up—the room will instantly feel more luxurious. 3. Know the Difference: Handmade vs. Machine-Made Handmade rugs have unique characteristics: Slight irregularities in weave Natural sheen and depth Higher durability Longer lifespan Historical and cultural value Machine-made rugs tend to look flat in comparison. For anyone building a long-term home, a handmade rug is both an investment and an aesthetic upgrade. 4. Pick the Right Material for Your Lifestyle Different fibers create different experiences. Wool Soft, durable, naturally stain-resistant.Best for: living rooms, bedrooms, high-traffic areas. Silk Elegant, detailed, luxurious.Best for: low-traffic rooms or as wall art. Cotton Lightweight, breathable, flexible.Best for: casual or minimalist spaces, flatweaves. Wool–Silk Blends Shiny, modern, durable.Best for: contemporary interiors. Choosing the right material ensures your rug ages beautifully. 5. Think About Color and Pattern A handmade rug can either anchor a room or bring it to life. Color and pattern play a huge role. If Your Furniture Is Neutral Go bold with deep reds, blues, or geometric tribal patterns.These rugs become the focal point. If Your Room Already Has Strong Colors Choose a rug with muted tones or simple motifs to balance the space. Traditional vs. Modern Persian rugs: floral, ornate, timeless Turkish rugs: geometric, vintage, soft pastels Moroccan rugs: plush, minimalist, bohemian Kilim rugs: flatwoven, colorful, lightweight The rug should feel like part of the story your room is telling. 6. Understand Rug Construction The craftsmanship affects durability and value. Hand-Knotted The gold standard. Every knot is tied by hand. Lasts generations. Hand-Tufted Made using a tufting gun. More affordable but shorter lifespan. Flatweave No pile. Reversible, lightweight, easy to clean. Hand-Loomed A balance between handmade and modern production. Knowing construction helps you choose based on expectations and budget. 7. Don’t Ignore the Back of the Rug The back reveals the truth: Clear, visible knotting = hand-knotted Patterns should appear almost as detailed as the front No rubber or mesh backing Uneven edges indicate authentic craftsmanship A quick look at the underside tells you more than any tag. 8. Consider Long-Term Care A rug is an investment. Choosing one you can maintain matters. Wool rugs? Easy.Silk rugs? Require delicate care.Flatweaves? Perfect for busy households. If you’re not sure, ask your rug retailer for care instructions specific to the rug you’re buying. 9. Trust How the Rug Makes You Feel Handmade rugs carry cultural stories—each knot represents hours of human work. When you find the right one, you’ll feel it. A great rug doesn’t just match your décor.It resonates. 10. When in Doubt, Ask an Expert A specialist can help you navigate patterns, origins, weaving techniques, and color palettes that perfectly match your space. At Queen City Rugs, we guide customers through every step—from sizing and style to care and long-term value—so choosing the right rug becomes effortless and enjoyable.
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How to Take Care of Handmade Rugs: The Complete Guide
How to Take Care of Handmade Rugs: The Complete Guide Handmade rugs are more than floor coverings—they are pieces of art, craftsmanship, and culture woven into your home. Whether you own a Persian rug, a Moroccan Berber, a Turkish kilim, or a modern hand-knotted design, proper care protects both its beauty and its value for decades. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about daily care, deep cleaning, stain removal, and long-term preservation of your handmade rug. 1. Understand Your Rug’s Material and Construction Before any cleaning or maintenance, it helps to know what your rug is made of. Handmade rugs typically come in: Wool – Durable, naturally stain-resistant, and soft. Cotton – Often used for foundation or lightweight flatweaves. Silk – Luxurious, delicate, and very detailed. Wool–Silk Blends – Shine and durability combined. Natural Fibers – Jute, hemp, sisal (more sensitive to moisture). Each material responds differently to cleaning products, moisture, and sunlight. If you’re ever unsure, lean toward gentle care and professional cleaning. 2. Vacuum Regularly (But Gently) Vacuuming keeps dust, dirt, and grit from settling into the fibers. Over time, trapped grit can cut the wool like tiny blades. How to vacuum a handmade rug properly: Use low suction or a handheld attachment. Avoid rotating brushes or beater bars—they can pull fibers. Vacuum with the grain of the pile. For flatweaves or kilims, vacuum both sides monthly. Fringe should never be vacuumed directly—use your hand or a soft brush. A light vacuum once a week is more than enough for most handmade rugs. 3. Rotate Your Rug Every 6–12 Months Foot traffic, sunlight, and furniture weight can wear a rug unevenly. Rotating the rug helps maintain even color and pile across the whole piece. This is especially important for: Entryway and hallway rugs Living rooms with one main sofa/traffic flow Rugs exposed to direct sunlight A simple rotation dramatically extends your rug’s lifespan. 4. Protect from Sunlight Direct, harsh sunlight can cause fading—especially with natural dyes found in Persian, Turkish, and Afghan rugs. To reduce fading: Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours Use UV-blocking window film Rotate the rug regularly Consider moving it away from strong sunlight if the colors are very vibrant Natural fibers age beautifully, but preventing uneven fading is key. 5. Spot Clean Spills Immediately A fast reaction can keep a spill from becoming a stain. How to treat a fresh spill on a handmade rug: Blot—don’t rub—with a clean white cloth. Work from the outside toward the center of the spill. Use cold water only (never hot—it sets stains). If needed, add a drop of mild dish soap to the water. Blot again with clean water to rinse. Lift the rug with airflow underneath so it dries fully. Avoid harsh chemicals, stain removers, bleach, and high-alkaline cleaners. These can damage fibers and strip dyes. 6. Deep Cleaning: When to DIY and When to Hire Professionals Most handmade rugs need professional cleaning every 2–3 years depending on traffic. Professional rug washers: Hand-wash (never steam-clean) Use pH-balanced soaps Rejuvenate wool and restore luster Clean fringe properly Dry the rug safely Avoid steam-cleaning companies or general carpet cleaners. Handmade rugs require specialized care. DIY deep cleaning (light maintenance only) You can freshen a rug at home by: Double-sided vacuuming Lightly brushing the pile Using a mixture of cold water + wool-safe soap for tiny areas Airing the rug outdoors (not in direct sunlight) If the rug smells, has heavy soil, or suffers from pet accidents, leave it to professionals. 7. Use Rug Pads for Protection and Comfort A good rug pad: Prevents slipping Reduces pressure on the fibers Protects the rug from hard flooring Adds cushioning Improves airflow under the rug Natural rubber + felt pads are the best choice for handmade rugs. Avoid cheap waffle pads—they deteriorate quickly and can damage floors. 8. Watch for Signs of Wear or Damage Handmade rugs are incredibly strong, but early detection helps. Look for: Thinning or worn pile Fraying edges Loose threads Moths or larvae Color bleeding (often after incorrect cleaning) Small repairs are inexpensive if caught early. 9. Store Handmade Rugs the Right Way If you ever need to store your rug: Clean and dry it first Roll (don’t fold) it tightly Wrap it in breathable cotton fabric—not plastic Store in a cool, dry place Add an organic moth repellent (cedar, lavender) Never store rugs in basements or garages where moisture can lead to mildew. 10. Handmade Rugs Deserve Lifelong Care When properly maintained, handmade rugs last generations. They can become heirlooms, increasing in beauty and value over time. Simple habits—vacuuming gently, rotating regularly, treating spills quickly—go a long way. At Queen City Rugs, we believe every handmade rug deserves expert care. Whether you need cleaning, repair, or help choosing the perfect rug for your home, our team is here to help.
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We’d love to hear from you.
Whether you’re searching for a refined statement rug, elevating an entire room with our curated collections, or hoping to find the perfect piece to anchor your space, we’re here to guide you.
No request is too big or too small. We’re passionate about helping you find the rug that feels just right for your home, tailored to your style and needs.
