7 Secrets Of Double Knot Rugs NYC: Why This Tribeca Gallery Is 'Knot The Same Old Rug Store'
For over two decades, Double Knot Rugs NYC has quietly dominated the high-end market for antique and old tribal textiles in New York City. Located at 13 White Street in the dynamic Tribeca/SoHo-Chinatown area, this gallery is not just a store; it is a curated archive of textile history, specializing in pieces from the Caucasus, Iran, and Turkey. As of late 2025, the gallery continues to be a vital resource for interior designers and discerning collectors seeking authentic, hand-knotted works of art that transcend the term "vintage."
Established in 2002, Double Knot has built a reputation on its philosophy, encapsulated in its motto: "knot the same old rug store." This dedication to authenticity and deep knowledge of textile history is what sets them apart in a crowded Manhattan design scene. The focus is strictly on genuine old and antique pieces, distinguishing them from modern reproductions and mass-market floor coverings. The following breakdown reveals the seven key factors that make Double Knot a premier destination for world-class rugs and textiles.
The Proprietor: Murat Kupcu’s Journey from Istanbul to Tribeca
The vision and expertise behind Double Knot are driven by its proprietor, Murat Kupcu (sometimes spelled Küpçü), an ancient-rug specialist and traditional rug expert. His deep-seated passion is the foundation of the gallery's unparalleled collection.
- Origin: Murat Kupcu began his career in the travel business in Istanbul, Turkey.
- Early Passion: While working in travel, he cultivated a serious hobby for collecting tribal rugs, developing an expert eye for authenticity and quality.
- Establishment: After moving to the United States and marrying, he co-founded Double Knot in New York City in 2002, transforming his lifelong passion into a premier gallery.
- Philosophy: Kupcu famously dislikes the word "vintage," insisting that the gallery's pieces are "old" or "antique," reflecting their genuine historical value and craftsmanship.
- Role: As proprietor, he personally curates the collection, sources new acquisitions, and oversees the gallery’s custom design services.
1. The 'Antique' vs. 'Vintage' Distinction
One of the core tenets of the Double Knot brand is its firm rejection of the term "vintage" for its primary collection. Murat Kupcu emphasizes that the pieces they carry are either genuinely *old* or *antique*. This distinction is crucial for collectors and designers, as it speaks to the authenticity, provenance, and historical significance of the textiles. An antique rug, by definition, is typically over 100 years old, carrying a weight of history and cultural narrative that a modern piece simply cannot match.
The gallery's inventory is a testament to this focus, featuring textiles that represent genuine tribal art from specific regions and eras. This rigorous standard ensures that every rug acquired by a client is a true investment in textile heritage, not just a trendy floor covering.
2. A Global Focus on Tribal and Nomadic Textiles
Double Knot is recognized as New York City's premier gallery for tribal rugs and textiles. The collection's geographical focus is a deliberate curatorial choice, highlighting the artistry of nomadic and semi-nomadic weavers. This specialization provides a depth of collection that is unmatched in the city.
Key Sourcing Regions and Entities:
- Turkey: A primary source, known for pieces like the thick-piled *Turkish Tulu rugs* and the iconic *Balikesir Kilim Rug*. They offer both antique and modern Tulu carpets, including custom order options.
- The Caucasus: This region, encompassing areas like Azerbaijan, is a major focus for their *antique tribal rugs*. The gallery features stunning examples of *Caucasian carpets* and flat-weaves like the *Sunburst Sumak* and *Kozak "Jijim" Runner*.
- Iran (Persia): A source for classic pieces, including the highly sought-after *Heriz Carpet* and other traditional Persian textiles.
- Central Asia: The collection often includes pieces like the *Turkmen Carpet*, known for its rich, deep reds and distinctive geometric patterns.
3. The Unique Custom Collection Service
While the heart of Double Knot is its antique collection, the gallery has smartly adapted to the needs of modern interior design with its "Custom Collection." This service is a major draw for design professionals and trade clients seeking the aesthetic of a hand-knotted rug but with specific size, color, or material requirements for a contemporary space.
This offering allows for the creation of new pieces that honor traditional techniques while meeting modern specifications. For instance, the gallery offers newly crafted *Modern Tulu Carpets* that can be customized in terms of size and materials, sometimes incorporating unique fibers like goat hair, cotton, and hemp. This blend of the old and the new ensures that Double Knot remains relevant to the evolving landscape of New York design.
4. Sourcing Fresh Acquisitions and New Arrivals
Despite dealing in centuries-old textiles, the inventory at Double Knot is constantly refreshed. The "New Arrivals" section on their website is regularly updated, showcasing exciting new acquisitions that keep the collection fresh and current. Recent additions demonstrate a continued commitment to diversity, including pieces like the *Giant Emerald Green Berber Carpet* and the *Mut "Zili"* textile.
The sourcing process relies heavily on Murat Kupcu’s expertise and global network, ensuring that the gallery is able to acquire rare and museum-quality pieces before they reach the wider market. This continuous influx of fresh, high-quality inventory is a key reason why designers frequently visit the 13 White Street location.
5. A Haven for Shag and Textured Rugs
Beyond the classic flat-weaves (*Kilims*) and traditional pile rugs, Double Knot maintains a strong focus on high-texture textiles, particularly shag rugs. Their collection includes authentic *Berber rugs* and the aforementioned *Turkish Tulus*, which are known for their long, shaggy pile.
These pieces offer a different tactile experience and a specific aesthetic—often minimalist, monochromatic, or featuring simple geometric patterns—that has become incredibly popular in modern, high-end interiors. By specializing in the authentic origins of these textured styles, Double Knot provides superior alternatives to mass-produced shag carpets.
6. The Tribeca Showroom Experience
The physical location at 13 White Street in Tribeca provides a gallery-like experience, far removed from a typical retail environment. The space is designed to showcase the rugs as individual pieces of art, allowing clients to appreciate the intricate knotting, natural dyes, and unique patina of each textile. The atmosphere reflects the expertise and passion of the team, offering a personalized consultation experience.
While the world shifted to online during the pandemic, Double Knot was proactive, offering curbside retail and adapting to a social-distancing environment, demonstrating their commitment to serving their clientele even under challenging circumstances. Their commitment to a high-touch, knowledgeable service model remains a cornerstone of their success.
7. A Resource for Design Professionals
Double Knot Rugs NYC has established itself as an essential partner for the interior design community. The gallery offers a dedicated design trade account, recognizing the professional needs of architects, interior decorators, and home stagers. Murat Kupcu's willingness to work with designers—often suggesting similar pieces based on online selections or providing expertise on custom projects—makes the gallery a seamless resource for complex design briefs.
Their extensive and searchable online inventory, which includes detailed information on specific pieces like a *Caucasian "Sumak" Carpet* or a *Turkmen Carpet*, allows professionals to pre-select items before visiting the Tribeca showroom, streamlining the entire selection process.
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