"Love" Needlepoint Wall Art by Paul Smith for the Rug Company

The Rug Company — a New York-based luxury rug brand — is a leading name in contemporary handmade carpets. Combining exceptional quality with original designs, their skilled weavers employ heritage techniques to create superb carpets that are both precious and unique. Each rug is handmade by accomplished artisans in Nepal — a country renowned for its textiles — and involves the finest of materials. The studio collaborates with over 40 of the world’s most visionary designers, such as Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith.

The Rug Company — also known as TRC — was founded in 1997 by British interior designer Suzanne Sharp and her husband, Christopher. In the early 1990s, the couple spent time in Saudi Arabia while Christopher was making commercials and documentaries. They visited the local marketplaces and were impressed by the artfulness of the hand-knotted carpets. They realized that the rug industry was ripe for innovation. Upon returning to London, they launched the company to produce Nepalese hand-knotted carpets in a contemporary style while utilizing traditional rug-making skills and ensuring superior and consistent quality.

Suzanne recognized the potential for enriching the company through working with acclaimed designers. TRC’s first collaboration, in the late ’90s, was with fashion designer Marni, which resulted in the company garnering several industry accolades. In 2000, TRC created its Designer Collection and teamed up with ten leading designers, like Nina Campbell, Nicky Haslam and Cath Kidston. The brand has now worked with an unparalleled list of designers, including some unexpected contributors such as art glass designer Dale Chihuly, ceramics designer Eva Zeisel and industrial designer Tom Dixon.

TRC has an impressive client base, from luxury hotel chains like the Four Seasons and Claridge’s to private commissions for dignitaries and celebrities, such as former British Prime Minister David Cameron, former American President Barack Obama, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Courtney Cox.

On 1stdibs, find The Rug Company’s Western European rugs, Central Asian rugs, carpets and more.