HISTORY
A Legacy of Excellence Since the Beginning
Rug & Kilim is a New York–based institution devoted to the art of rugs, kilims, and tapestries. Founded in 1980 by Jahanshah “Josh” Nazmiyal, we began as a humble family workshop and have grown into one of the most respected authorities in the field—without ever losing the intimacy and integrity that define our boutique ethos. For over four decades, we’ve served collectors, designers, and connoisseurs who value craftsmanship, soul, and above all, rarity.
In 1989, Rug & Kilim celebrated a major milestone with the opening of its second store in Morristown, New Jersey. The business quickly established itself as a national source for the finest Oriental rugs, offering a wide-ranging collection from Persia, Tibet, India, Pakistan, Russia, and China. Known for its expertise, curated selection, and exceptional customer service, Rug & Kilim became synonymous with quality, integrity, and a deep understanding of color and design. The firm’s commitment to placing rare and distinguished pieces in homes and collections across the country has remained at the heart of its philosophy for decades.
Behind the Archive
Every piece in our collection is a singular expression of history and identity—curated or created to be remembered, not repeated. From centuries-old heirlooms to newly woven masterpieces, our rugs are rare by design. With one of the largest archives in the country, Rug & Kilim has become a trusted resource for scholars, collectors, and design visionaries
White Glove Service
Our scale is our strength. As a boutique studio, we offer a deeply personal experience—from in-home trials and virtual consultations to seamless delivery and installation. For our trade partners, we provide generous sampling, quoting, and creative advising. No detail is too small. No request too challenging.
Custom by Nature
We believe a rug is more than décor—it’s a foundation of feeling. Through our Custom Rug Program, clients are invited into a collaborative design process where every detail is treated with reverence. Whether refining a historic motif or creating something entirely new, each piece is conceived to be one-of-a-kind, shaped by the client’s vision and our studio’s artistry.
A Studio of Storytellers
Led by Principal Josh Nazmiyal and supported by a multidisciplinary team of artisans, historians, and creatives, Rug & Kilim blends generational knowledge with contemporary vision. With backgrounds in architecture, fine art, and design, we speak the language of space—and understand how a single textile can define it.
The Showroom
Our Long Island City showroom is more than a destination—it’s the heart of our institution. Here, guests can explore our full range, including antique treasures, custom creations, and works in progress. It is also home to our growing archive and a forthcoming exhibition space and bookshop dedicated to textile arts and global design culture. Rug & Kilim is not just a showroom, it’s a sanctuary for rarity, a meeting place for craft and concept. We invite you to step into our world and see how one rug can tell a lifetime of stories.
