From Kerala’s Met Gala carpet to Jaipur’s woven stories, Indian rug houses are redefining luxury underfoot
When the world’s most-watched red carpet—the Met Gala—rolled out its grand entrance this year, the spectacle wasn’t just about fashion. Beneath the gowns and tuxedos lay a work of art handwoven in India. Neytt by Extraweave, a Kerala-based luxury carpet maker from the small town of Cherthala, was the brand behind the striking blue-and-gold carpet that became the literal stage for Hollywood and fashion’s biggest stars. For many, it was an introduction to India’s long-celebrated but often under-credited weaving heritage.
India has always been a powerhouse of handwoven craft, with carpets from Bhadohi, Mirzapur, and Jaipur once adorning royal courts and colonial drawing rooms. But in recent years, this legacy has stepped into a new arena—luxury lifestyle and contemporary design. No longer confined to the role of traditional décor, Indian rugs are being reimagined as collectible art forms, bespoke creations, and symbols of cultural pride.
The rise of brands like Jaipur Rugs, Cocoon Fine Rugs, Obeetee, J.I.Pore Rug Co., and Hands Carpets shows how India’s carpet makers are blending centuries-old techniques with cutting-edge design to compete with—and often surpass—their global counterparts. From artisan-led storytelling to century-old heritage houses, these brands are positioning India not just as a manufacturer, but as a global tastemaker in luxury interiors.
Founded in 1978 by Nand Kishore Chaudhary, Jaipur Rugs started with just two looms in Rajasthan. Today, it works with over 40,000 artisans across 600 villages. Its hallmark initiative, Manchaha, gives artisans complete creative freedom to weave their personal stories into the rugs—turning each piece into a visual diary. The brand has become synonymous with socially conscious luxury, where tradition meets a deeply personal artistry.
Based in Mumbai, Cocoon Fine Rugs is known for blending contemporary design with age-old hand-knotting techniques. Founded by Ayush Choudhary, the brand has collaborated with artists and designers to produce limited-edition collections that blur the lines between floor coverings and fine art. Cocoon’s rugs often feature abstract patterns, painterly brushstrokes, and unexpected palettes—designed for modern luxury spaces that demand individuality.
Established in 1920 in the carpet belt of Mirzapur, Obeetee is one of India’s oldest and largest luxury rug makers. With a heritage spanning more than a century, the brand has supplied handcrafted rugs to royal palaces, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and elite residences worldwide. Obeetee is as much about innovation as it is about tradition—balancing hand-knotted masterpieces with eco-conscious collections and digital design capabilities that cater to global clients.
With origins dating back to 1881, Hands Carpets has been at the forefront of luxury rug-making for more than a century. Based in Bhadohi, often called the “Carpet City” of India, Hands is renowned for its exquisite hand-knotted rugs that combine Persian influences with Indian artistry. The brand is known for its custom creations that adorn luxury hotels, embassies, and private residences worldwide, positioning it as a quiet yet powerful leader in the global rug space.
If there’s one brand that has redefined rug shopping in India with a global outlook, it’s The Rug Republic. Known for its contemporary, trend-driven designs, the brand offers over 700 styles across 90+ countries, making it one of India’s most commercially successful rug exports. Their USP lies in sustainability—many collections are crafted from recycled PET bottles, denim, leather offcuts, and natural jute, giving eco-conscious buyers a chance to bring ethical luxury into their homes.
What makes The Rug Republic stand out is its balance of style and accessibility. Their rugs are bold enough to anchor a living room but versatile enough to work in offices, lounges, or even outdoor decks. From Scandinavian-inspired neutrals to vibrant bohemian textures, the brand caters to a wide spectrum of modern design sensibilities. For the new-age urban consumer, The Rug Republic is where sustainability meets style without compromise.
From Neytt’s Met Gala showcase to Jaipur Rugs’ artisan-driven narratives, Cocoon’s design-forward collections, Obeetee’s heritage mastery, J.I.Pore’s youthful elegance, and Hands’ century-old craftsmanship—India is weaving a luxury story like no other. These brands prove that carpets are no longer just home essentials; they are cultural statements, crafted to be admired, collected, and celebrated on a global stage.