Skip to main content

Khoury Oriental Rugs: Hand-Knotted Rugs and Restoration in Charleston

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Khoury Oriental Rugs Offers

Khoury Oriental Rugs is a Charleston-based shop specializing in hand-knotted oriental and Persian rugs, along with rug restoration and cleaning services. The business carries both antique pieces and new rugs sourced from traditional weaving regions, and handles repair work for damaged or worn rugs. If you're looking to buy a rug with authentic craftsmanship or restore one you already own, this is a place to see what's in stock and discuss your specific needs in person.

The shop operates as a brick-and-mortar location where you can examine rugs directly—important for judging color, knot density, and condition—rather than ordering sight unseen. The owners work with customers to match rugs to room size, décor style, and budget, and can explain the differences between hand-knotted construction, machine-made alternatives, and the regions where particular styles originate.

Key Takeaways

  • Khoury carries hand-knotted oriental and Persian rugs in various sizes, ages, and price points, available to view and purchase in-store.
  • The shop offers professional rug cleaning and restoration services, including repair of worn areas, fraying edges, and structural damage.
  • Staff can help you understand rug construction, regional styles, and how to choose a rug that fits your space and maintenance expectations.
  • Visiting in person lets you see color, texture, and condition before committing to a purchase or restoration project.

Hand-Knotted Rugs and Regional Styles

Hand-knotted rugs differ fundamentally from machine-made ones in how they're constructed and how long they last. Each knot is tied by hand around vertical and horizontal threads, a process that can take weeks or months depending on the rug's size and knot density. This method creates rugs that can last generations and often improve in appearance as they age, developing a patina that adds character.

Khoury's inventory includes rugs from traditional weaving regions—including Persian, Turkish, Afghan, and Indian sources—each with distinct design patterns, color palettes, and construction techniques. A Persian rug from one region may feature geometric medallions and deep reds, while a Turkish kilim might use brighter colors and a flatter weave. Understanding these differences helps you choose a rug that matches both your aesthetic and your practical needs, since some styles and materials wear differently depending on foot traffic and sunlight exposure.

Rug Restoration and Cleaning Services

Over time, hand-knotted rugs can develop worn patches, frayed edges, loose knots, or stains that affect their appearance and structural integrity. Khoury offers restoration work that may include re-knotting damaged areas, binding or re-binding edges, patching holes, and professional cleaning. The scope of work depends on the rug's condition, age, and value—a family heirloom may warrant more extensive restoration than a newer rug with minor wear.

Professional cleaning removes embedded dirt and dust that regular vacuuming cannot reach, and can address stains depending on their age and the rug's fiber content. The shop can assess your rug in person and discuss what restoration or cleaning makes sense for your situation, including realistic timelines and costs. Not every rug needs restoration; sometimes light cleaning and proper care are enough to keep it in good condition for years.

Visiting Khoury in Charleston

The shop is located in Charleston and operates as a showroom where you can walk in, see rugs on display, and handle them to judge quality and color in natural light. This matters because rug colors can look different under indoor lighting or in photographs, and you'll want to see how a potential purchase looks in your own space before deciding. The staff can answer questions about construction, origin, pricing, and care requirements on the spot.

If you're shopping for a rug, bring measurements of the room or space where you plan to place it, and consider what style and color palette would complement your existing furniture and décor. If you're bringing a rug for restoration or cleaning, the shop can examine it and give you an estimate for the work involved. Hours and contact information are worth confirming before you visit, as retail hours can vary seasonally.

Rug Care and Maintenance

Hand-knotted rugs require different care than machine-made alternatives. Regular vacuuming with a gentle setting helps prevent dirt from settling into the fibers, and rotating the rug every year or two promotes even wear. Avoid placing rugs in direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV exposure can fade colors over time, particularly in antique pieces.

Spills should be blotted rather than rubbed, and professional cleaning every few years—depending on foot traffic—can extend a rug's life significantly. Khoury's staff can recommend a maintenance schedule based on your rug's fiber content, age, and how heavily it's used. Proper care is an investment that pays off, since a well-maintained hand-knotted rug can serve multiple generations.

Antique Versus New Rugs

Khoury carries both antique rugs and newly made hand-knotted pieces. Antique rugs have established history, character, and often a lower price per square foot than new rugs of comparable quality, though they may need restoration work. New hand-knotted rugs offer the advantage of choosing exactly the size, color, and pattern you want, and they come without the wear or damage that older pieces may have accumulated.

The choice between antique and new depends on your budget, aesthetic preference, and whether you're comfortable with restoration work. An antique rug can be a conversation piece and a practical floor covering; a new rug gives you a fresh start with known condition and construction. Visiting the shop and seeing both options side by side can help clarify which direction makes sense for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a hand-knotted rug cost?

Prices vary widely based on size, age, origin, and knot density. Antique rugs and newly made hand-knotted pieces from traditional weaving regions range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on quality and condition. Khoury can show you options at different price points and explain what you're paying for in terms of craftsmanship and materials.

Can a damaged rug be restored to look new?

Restoration can address worn areas, fraying, and structural damage, but an antique rug will retain its age and patina even after professional work. The goal is usually to stabilize the rug and make it usable again, not to erase all signs of age. The shop can assess your rug and explain what's realistic for your specific piece.

How often should I have my rug professionally cleaned?

Most hand-knotted rugs benefit from professional cleaning every three to five years, though this depends on foot traffic and how much the rug is used. High-traffic areas may need cleaning more frequently. Khoury can recommend a schedule based on your rug's fiber content and your household's needs.

What's the difference between a hand-knotted rug and a machine-made rug?

Hand-knotted rugs are tied by hand, knot by knot, which takes much longer but creates a durable product that can last generations. Machine-made rugs are faster and cheaper to produce but typically wear out sooner and don't develop the character of hand-knotted pieces. Hand-knotted rugs also tend to hold their value better over time.

Do I need to use a rug pad underneath?

A rug pad under a hand-knotted rug helps prevent slipping, protects the floor underneath, and can reduce wear on the rug's base. It's especially important in high-traffic areas or on hard flooring. Khoury can recommend appropriate pads for your specific rug and space.