HRI offers machine-made rugs for the first time in 60 years

Harounian Rugs International (HRI) has launched the company’s first machine-made collection after 60 years of specializing in high-end handmade rugs.

The company said its new Carlton Collection is made using a special construction by cross weaving the rugs in Pakistan on a Wilton loom, which is unique in that it can produce rugs with different textures, patterns and pile heights. This effect is created by using different yarns to vary the pile height and wire heights.

“The rugs are made horizontally on the loom instead of vertically as is normally done, using 100% finely spun premium Pakistani/Ghazni wools,” said Greg Jordt, HRI executive vice president of sales and marketing.  “This gives the rugs the look and feel of a fine hand-knotted rug. After the looming process is done, every rug is finished by hand which includes a luster wash and hand surging.”

Jordt said these are the first hand-finished, cross-woven Wilton rugs to be manufactured in Pakistan using Ghazni wools that are being introduced to the U.S. market.

“We previewed the rugs during the recent Las Vegas Market, and the new collection received an excellent response from buyers,” Jordt said. “Although the rug looks very high-end, it is actually incredibly affordable and offers an excellent value.”The collection will be in stock starting in April, but Jordt said the company will have sample swatches sooner.

The collection is made up of Kashans, Oushaks and stylized Shiraz designs, most colored in soft-washed, on-trend colorations and a few in the trending traditional reds and blues.

Seven designs and colorways are programmed and stocked in 8×10, 9×12, 10×14 and 12×15 rug sizes.

“Once the collection is in full production and we have caught up to all of the orders that have been booked, we plan on adding some transitional looks using the same color banks,” Jordt added.