Frequently asked questions

Each of our rugs is entirely knotted or woven by hand, following know-how passed down through the generations. High-mountain wool is hand-spun, then dyed with natural plant pigments — indigo, madder, saffron and walnut husk.

Turn the rug over: on a genuine piece the pattern is as crisp on the back as on the front, and every knot is individually visible. The fringes are the rug's own warp threads — never sewn on afterwards.

Abrash is the shift in shade that sometimes crosses a rug in horizontal bands. It comes from successive dye baths, never quite identical.

Far from a flaw, it is the signature of artisanal dyeing: a rug of perfect regularity is almost always factory-made.

It is the knot density, and therefore the fineness of the design. A nomadic Gabbeh has a few tens of thousands of knots per square metre; a collector's Isfahan can exceed a million.

The tighter the knots, the more precise the pattern and the more hard-wearing — and valuable — the rug.

A kilim is woven: the weft threads pass between the warp threads without a knot, giving a flat, reversible piece. A knotted rug has a pile, formed knot by knot.

The kilim is lighter and more supple; the knotted rug is thicker, denser and stands up better to foot traffic.

Mainly from Iran, Afghanistan and Tibet, and more occasionally from Turkey, India, Nepal, Morocco, China and Russia.

Each origin has its own designs, knots and shades: the shop's “Origin” filter lets you browse them.

In a living room, the rug should at the very least sit under the front feet of the armchairs and sofa: that is what ties the seating together. Under a dining table, allow 60 to 70 cm extra on every side so the chairs stay on the rug when pushed back.

When in doubt, mark the dimensions on the floor with tape before deciding.

Wool works anywhere: it stands up to traffic, cleans well and keeps its looks for decades. It is the choice for living rooms and hallways.

Silk, more delicate and more luminous, belongs in bedrooms, studies and quiet rooms, where its fineness can be appreciated close up.

Two approaches work. The backdrop rug — neutral shades, discreet pattern — settles the room without competing with the furniture. The centrepiece rug — strong colours, bold pattern — becomes the starting point of the room.

Florence, an interior architect, comes free of charge to judge it at your home, with your furniture and your light.

Four factors: knot density, material (wool, wool and silk, pure silk), dimensions, and the age of the piece.

For the same design, a rug twice as fine takes twice the work — the price follows the knotting time far more than the surface area.

Yes. Amir Rasty is an official appraiser recognised by customs and insurers. Every appraisal comes with a certificate attesting the authenticity, origin, quality and value of the piece.

From CHF 80 per rug at the shop, with a sliding scale; home visits are possible.

Antique pieces, finely knotted and in good condition, hold or gain in value — especially when their origin is documented. Recent rugs of ordinary production do not.

A rug is above all an object to use and enjoy: that is how we advise on it, not as an investment.

Yes, and it is strongly advised: it is at home, with your furniture and your light, that a rug reveals its character.

Florence comes free of charge with the pieces you have selected, lays them out and advises you, with no obligation.

We deliver throughout Switzerland, carefully packed and fully insured. Bulky rugs are transported by us from Geneva.

Exact terms and lead times are on the Delivery page, and are confirmed when you order.

Yes. A rug that does not find its place in your home can be brought back to us; get in touch and we will arrange collection.

The detailed conditions are set out in our terms and conditions of sale.

Vacuum regularly in the direction of the pile, without a rotating brush, which tears the fibres. Turn the rug through half a turn once or twice a year to spread the wear and the exposure to light.

A professional wash every three to five years is enough in an ordinary home; more often in a busy hallway or with pets.

Our workshop washes each piece using a traditional process: dusting, soaking, shampooing in water with natural products, a long rinse, then drying under tension to prevent any distortion.

Blot at once, without rubbing, using cold water, working from the edge towards the centre. Never let a stain dry: the longer it waits, the deeper it settles.

Avoid shop-bought stain removers on plant dyes — call us instead, the advice is free.

Almost always. Our craftspeople repair fringes and selvedges, fill holes, restore moth-eaten areas and re-fix loosened knots.

The quote is free. If you would rather not move your rug, we will come and assess it at your home.

Yes, without distinction: we work on any rug, wherever it came from, including antique collector's pieces.

Allow from one week for a small repair to several months for a full restoration.

Yes. We make fully bespoke pieces in our partner workshops in Nepal: style, technique, dimensions and colours are all yours to choose. Come with a drawing, a photograph or an inspiration.

Allow about one month per square metre. Our cushions can be customised too.

Rue de Hesse, in Geneva, over four floors with more than 10,000 rugs on display. The address and map are on the Contact page.

We welcome you from Monday to Saturday; detailed opening hours, which may vary, are kept up to date on the Contact page.

For tailored advice, an appointment ensures a member of the family is free to see you.

For more than fifty years. Amir Rasty and his daughters Florence and Nadia select every piece at source themselves and authenticate it before offering it for sale.