Soumak Rugs

A soumak rug is a handwoven wool flatweave distinguished by its wrapped-weft construction, intricate woven patterns, durability, and low-profile design. Each strand is wrapped by hand around the warp to create a dense, tapestry-like surface with no pile, giving a soumak the detail of a knotted carpet and the quiet practicality of a flatweave.

Our handwoven wool soumak rugs are made by artisans who still work the loom by hand, in a tradition carried across generations. Many are reversible, tightly woven, and substantial underfoot — built to anchor a room rather than decorate it.

Why Choose a Soumak Rug?

Soumak rugs are valued for their combination of durability, texture, and craftsmanship. Unlike pile rugs, a soumak has a low profile that works well beneath dining tables, desks, and frequently used seating areas. The wrapped-weft construction creates a dense surface that is more substantial than a kilim while remaining easier to maintain than many hand-knotted rugs.

Homeowners often choose a soumak when they want the warmth of a traditional textile without the thickness of a high-pile carpet — the kind of rug chosen for a room you intend to keep.

Soumak vs. Kilim Rugs

While both are flatwoven rugs, a soumak uses a wrapped-weft technique that creates greater texture and durability than a kilim. Soumak rugs tend to feel heavier and more substantial underfoot, while kilims are generally thinner and lighter. The pattern in a soumak emerges from the weave itself rather than being printed onto the surface.

The History of Soumak Weaving

Soumak weaving originated in the Caucasus, Persia, and surrounding regions, where artisans developed the wrapped-weft technique centuries ago. Historic soumak rugs were prized for both floor coverings and decorative textiles because of their strength, intricate patterns, and ability to withstand everyday use. Today the tradition continues in workshops that preserve these historic weaving methods using natural fibers and hand-operated looms.

Reeva Sethi Home offers handwoven soumak rugs from its Saratoga, California showroom, serving clients throughout Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, including Los Gatos, Los Altos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Woodside, Hillsborough, and San Francisco.