Craftmark Indian Artisans Collaboration

At west elm, we’re proud to bring you collaborations with artisans from across the globe so you can outfit your home with gorgeous works of art that are also socially conscious. This time, we’ve partnered with Craftmark, an agency that certifies genuine handcrafted products and is part of the All India Artisans and Craftworkers Welfare Association. They strive to increase the exposure of artisans in broader markets, set standards for handcrafts and develop social responsibility guidelines. Our partnership brings wool rugs to warm up your home while increasing rural employment. These wool rugs are available in a variety of patterns from Fair Isle-inspired designs to traditional kilim patterns.

With wool rugs, shedding of loose fibers is normal and a natural result of being handcrafted. With regular vacuuming, shedding will diminish, typically within three to six months. Add patterned rugs to your living room, bedroom or even home office to instantly update any space. A patterned rug with mixed chenille and heathered wool construction adds a soft touch underfoot, and the contrast fringe adds a touch of funky style. Each rug in this collaboration is handmade in India by artisans with centuries of tradition working with natural fibers. Go for bold geometric style with a patterned rug featuring oversized diamond patterns in a soft, neutral color palette with a pop of orange accent stripes.

If solid rugs are more your speed, you’ll find a piece you love from the Craftmark Indian Artisans Collaboration. Hand-tufted by artisans in India, some solid rugs from this collaboration feature space-dyed yarns that are looped for a subtle, sophisticated color variation. The neutral hue makes any room feel light and lively. Many of our Craftmark certified rugs are also Fair Trade Certified™, meaning that each piece supports better living and working conditions for the artisans who crafted it. You’ll love telling the story behind each rug when hosting guests for an evening of entertainment.

Spice up solid rugs by choosing one with a rich texture. Honeycomb textured rugs are handloomed and add dimension and depth to any room without overpowering complimentary patterns or vibrant colors. Shag rugs add funky style and are the ultimate in luxurious comfort with long, plush strands to cradle your feet. Whether you choose a solid or patterned rug, you want to add a rug pad for plush comfort and safety. Rug pads add lofty cushion underneath rugs, making them comfortable to walk on, even with bare feet. Rug pads also help to keep rugs exactly where you want them so you don’t have to worry about them slipping and moving about.

Add the finishing touches to your living room by pairing your rug with pillow covers designed and developed in India. Handcrafted by the artisans at Eco Tasar, a silk workshop and social enterprise in rural India, our silk and cotton pillow covers add luxe texture and refined style to bedrooms, living spaces and reading nooks. A natural coconut-button closure adds a whimsical sea inspired touch to your pillows. Each pillow cover accommodates a 20-inch square pillow insert so you can comfortably enjoy your favorite movie or an afternoon buried in a good book.

Our Indian Artisans Collaboration also includes fluffy and delightful duvets that ensure you sleep on cloud nine. Stitched in southern India, these duvets feature softly textured pintuck pleats to create a voluminous, cloud-like look. The pleats add luxurious texture to your bedding and the 100-percent organic cotton construction is certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard. Featuring a button closure and four interior corner ties, you never have to worry about keeping it in place. This bedding is also a Fair Trade Certified™ product ensuring that each purchase directly improves the life of the artisan behind its creation.