Since 1969
The Story of Emmett Eiland's Rug Company
Emmett Eiland and his brother Murray founded the Oriental Rug Company in 1969 in Berkeley, California. From the beginning, the Eilands made buying and research trips to Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and the Caucasus. Through newsletters, books, exhibitions, seminars, films and public talks, the Eilands helped create the fertile oriental rug scene in the San Francisco Bay Area.
In 1975 the brothers parted ways, and in 1979 Emmett's wife Natasha joined the business. Today, they're the proud owners of the oldest fully active rug store in Northern California, located in a spacious 8000 sq. ft. showroom in Berkeley. The Eilands continue to travel in search of excellent rugs — they are pioneers in the natural dye movement and groundbreakers in bringing the finest oriental rugs to online buyers.
Emmett's rug book, Oriental Rugs Today, is now in its second edition, and continues to be the authoritative text on new oriental rugs made with traditional techniques.
In 2005, the San Francisco Chronicle wrote a glowing review of Emmett's Oriental Rug Shop.
Why it's safe to do business with us
Our store enjoys an excellent reputation in the Oriental rug industry. We're listed as a rare honest rug dealer on the Oriental Rug Notes website and in Joyce Ware’s excellent book, The Official Oriental Rug Price Guide. You can view our anti-child-labor credentials at RugMark.org.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, return the rug within two weeks and we'll refund your money in full.
The Team
Emmett and Natasha Eiland are proud of their staff. Richard manages the store with the equanimity of a boddhisatva. Lew, with the store for more than twenty years, is one of the nation's top rug experts. Sylvette is our resident financial & legal wizard: often invisible but always crucial. Dave handles the website and internet marketing. Jeff, our newest salesperson, is dedicated to helping you find the perfect rug for your situation.
"Eiland ... has made a name for himself not only as an expert on exquisite carpets but also as a straight shooter in an industry often known for its shady sales tactics and suspect characters."
"After 35 years in business, he has seen hundreds of rug stores open for business and then quickly close..."
