History of Couristan Rugs

Founded in 1926 by brothers Basil J. Couri and George J. Couri, Couristan has been privately owned and operated by the Couri family for two generations.

Couristan began its rich history nine decades ago with humble beginnings in New York City. The company, which quite appropriately was originally named “Couri Brothers”, was established as a direct importing business specializing in fine handmade area rugs from Persia. This in itself was no small task, as Ron Couri remembers of his father and uncle’s adventurous excursions:

“I recall listening to their travel stories in absolute amazement. First they took a trans-Atlantic ship to England, then another boat to the mainland of Europe. Once there, my father and uncle rode the Orient Express inland through several countries. The last leg of the trip was a long, treacherous drive through the desert of Persia, which they finally reached 32-days after leaving New York. Needless to say, it was quite a journey.”

Despite the economic break down of the Great Depression, Couristan continued to expand as a global importer and in the 1930’s the company began importing hand-hooked rugs from China and hand-braided rugs from Japan. For 30-years, between the 1930’s and 1960’s, Couristan was regarded as one of America’s largest importers of Japanese braided area rugs.

Recognized as true trend-setters, Basil and George Couri helped create a lucrative marketplace and subsequent demand for handmade Oriental area rugs throughout the United States. It is this kind of ingenuity and innovative spirit that has made Couristan into the household name that it is now.

In 1961 Couristan’s power-loomed area rug division made its debut with the introduction of the company’s long-standing Kashimar Collection. Through the use of technological weaving advancements, the company was able to produce a power-loomed collection inspired by original handmade Oriental and Persian designs at a fraction of the cost. The result was truly an affordable luxury for consumers.

Today, Couristan’s handmade assortment consists of over 20 area rug collections. The company continues to import handmade area rugs from China and India. Strict “No Child Labor” policies are implemented and confirmed by continuous internal and private inspections of each facility in which the company’s handmade area rugs are created. Each inspected handmade area rug is identified with a “No Child Labor” tag on its backing. Maintaining a strong belief that handmade area rugs are like works of art, each and every handmade area rug the company imports is hand-crafted with extraordinary detail and elegance. Styles range from antique-inspired looks, updated Persian designs, deeply contoured Orientals, casual-contemporary trends and “green” eco-chic fashions.

Couristan’s power-loomed assortment now includes over 25 collections, imported from such countries as Belgium, Bulgaria, China, Egypt and Turkey. Woven from natural fibers like wool, cotton and viscose, as well as various synthetic blends, each collection offers a diverse selection of beautiful, distinctive designs in today’s most sought-after color combinations. A full-range of sizes and shapes provides consumers with endless decorating solutions for the entire home.

While the company was initially known for its extensive assortment of area rugs, Couristan diversified into new categories in the early 1950’s when it began offering fine quality residential carpet. This decision proved to be pivotal in the ongoing growth and success of the company, with carpet sales becoming a major part of Couristan’s overall business.

Presently, Couristan’s residential carpet assortment features over 200 products within its Premiere, Purity and Creations brands. Styles range from classic Oriental and Persian designs, casual-contemporary, indoor/outdoor, transitional and eco-friendly choices that offer distinctive textures. Construction capabilities include but are not limited to Axminster, Wiltons, Hand-Loomed, Tufted and Structured Flatweaves with most available in multiple surface appearances and textures. The introduction of the company’s innovative Custom Area Rug Program allows decorating enthusiast to create a custom area rug using any of the company’s residential carpet designs and extensive finishing options which include a series of bindings and serging preferences.

Since its establishment over nine decades ago, Couristan and its entire team has dedicated itself to a universal commitment of excellence. Weaving four key components into every product – Trust, Style, Quality and Innovation – Couristan has earned its place as one of the most highly regarded companies in the floor covering industry. This long-standing position of success is a direct result of providing customers with the highest levels of design, value and customer service. As a family-owned and operated company, Couristan has managed to keep a watchful eye on the past, while continuing to focus an intent eye on the future. 94-years young, Couristan is full of life, filled with inspired fashions and more vibrant and relevant than ever before.