If you are shopping for a handmade carpet, you will see two words again and again: hand tufted and hand knotted. Both are beautiful, both are made by hand, and both can be the perfect choice. It simply depends on your room, your style and your budget.
We have been making both in Bhadohi, the Carpet Capital of India, since 1964. Here is a simple guide to help you pick the right one, plus our tips on which carpet works best in every room.
Hand Knotted Carpets: The Heirloom Choice
Antakya Ivory Oushak Hand Knotted Wool Rug
A hand knotted carpet is made on a large upright loom. Our weavers tie every single knot by hand, row after row, so even a medium-sized carpet takes several months to complete. Because the knots form the carpet itself, the design runs right through to the back.
Why people love them: exceptional strength, very fine detail and a life that can run into generations. A hand knotted carpet is a true investment piece for a living room, a formal dining room or a family home.
Explore our Hand Knotted Carpets →
Hand Tufted Carpets: Handmade Style at a Friendly Price
Veylin Grey & Navy Geometric Hand Tufted Wool Rug
A hand tufted carpet is made on a cotton canvas stretched on a frame. Our artisans use a hand-held tufting tool to push soft wool through the canvas following the design, then add a backing and shear the pile. Many designs are carved by hand to give a raised, 3D look.
Why people love them: a soft, plush wool pile, bold modern and abstract designs, faster making time and a much more affordable price than hand knotted. They are ideal if you love to refresh your décor or need a custom size quickly.
Explore our Hand Tufted Carpets →
Quick Comparison
| Hand Knotted | Hand Tufted | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Every knot tied by hand on a loom | Wool tufted by hand through a canvas |
| Material | 100% New Zealand wool | 100% New Zealand wool |
| Making time | Several months | A few weeks |
| Best for | Heirloom pieces, formal rooms, fine traditional designs | Modern homes, bold colours, carved 3D designs |
| Feel underfoot | Firm, dense and smooth | Soft and plush |
| Life | Can last for generations | Many years with good care |
| Price | Premium investment | More affordable |
| Custom size | Yes | Yes, and quicker to make |
Which Carpet Is Best for Each Room?
| Room | Our recommendation |
|---|---|
| Formal living room | Hand knotted or Persian-style carpets for a rich, classic centrepiece |
| Modern living room | Hand tufted abstract, geometric or irregular-shaped carpets |
| Bedroom | Shaggy rugs for a soft, warm first step in the morning, or a plush hand tufted rug |
| Dining room | Hand knotted or low-pile hand tufted carpets, which are easy to clean around chairs; round rugs for round tables |
| Kids' room and play areas | Handmade dhurries (flat-woven, light and easy to move) or soft shaggy rugs |
| Hallway and corridor | Tufted runners or shaggy runners |
| Prayer room or masjid | Janamaz prayer carpets |
More Carpets from Our Workshop
- Shaggy rugs – deep, soft microfiber pile in plain, trellis and geometric designs; our most budget-friendly range
- Handmade dhurries – flat-woven, lightweight and easy to move and clean
- Persian-style carpets – classic medallion and floral designs inspired by traditional Persian patterns
- Round carpets – for reading corners, round tables and entryways
- Irregular-shaped carpets – organic, free-form shapes for modern spaces
Caring for Your Carpet
- Vacuum regularly, without a rotating beater bar
- Blot spills straight away with a clean, dry cloth; don't rub
- Rotate the carpet every few months for even wear
- Use professional cleaning for deep stains
For step-by-step tips, read our carpet care guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lasts longer, hand tufted or hand knotted?
A hand knotted carpet can last for generations because every knot is tied into its base. A hand tufted rug lasts many years with regular vacuuming and gentle care.
Why do hand knotted carpets cost more?
A hand knotted carpet takes several months of skilled knotting on the loom, while a hand tufted rug takes a few weeks. That extra time and skill is reflected in the price.
Is a hand tufted rug really handmade?
Yes. Our artisans tuft every rug by hand, using a hand-held tool to push wool through a canvas following the design, and then finish and carve it by hand.
Do hand tufted rugs shed?
A little shedding in the first few weeks is normal for a new wool rug. It settles with regular vacuuming.
Which is better for homes with kids or pets?
A dense rug in a mid-tone or patterned design hides everyday marks best. Both hand knotted and hand tufted wool rugs work well; ask us on WhatsApp and we'll suggest the right one for your room.
Can I get either type in a custom size?
Yes. Both hand knotted and hand tufted designs can be made to your exact size and colours. Hand tufted rugs are usually quicker to make.
Still Not Sure? We'll Help You Choose
Every design on our website can be made in your own size and colours. Send us your room size and a photo on WhatsApp, and we'll suggest the right carpet type, size and design for your space. You can also check our Rug Size Guide or see our custom rugs page.
Tags:
Related articles
-
Oct 01 2026
Round Shaggy Rugs: Sizes, Placement & 7 Soft Picks
-
Oct 01 2026
