Top Destination in New York for Antique, Vintage & Modern Rugs

Antique and Vintage Rug Dealer Since 1965 Manhattan, New York City, NYC Gallery

Behind Doris Leslie Blau Gallery, located in the very heart of New York City, hides not only a reliable and well-established antique and vintage NYC rug dealer but, most importantly, a place permeated with the magic and dignity of antique rugs and vintage carpets. It is where one can truly dig into the fascinating mysteries of weaving masterpieces from all corners of the world, starting with various kinds of Oriental rugs and vintage creations, through modern area rugs, up to custom designed rugs. Among our collection of antique rugs we have finely-woven Persian rugs, oversized Turkish carpets, unusual Indian weavings, exceptional Russian, Spanish, and French antique rugs, as well as more recent 20th century modern, Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, flat-woven, hooked and needlepoint examples from Morocco, China, Scandinavia, and America. Over-dyed rugs, hand-tufted rugs, circular rugs, area rugs – carpets have many faces and we know them all.

One of the oldest and the most prominent rug galleries in the city is Doris Leslie Blau. Established in 1965, the gallery is located at 306 East 61^st Street in NYC and attracts thousands of rug lovers, collectors and interior designers from all over the world with its extensive collection of antique, vintage and contemporary rugs. The gallery has rugs of different sizes, styles and eras, representing many regions around the world with a well-known rug making tradition, including Turkey, Persia (Iran), India, China and Scandinavia.

Mrs. Doris Blau, the founder of the gallery, is a legendary name in the world of rug collecting. From the beginning, she was determined to create something different, something a bit offbeat, which is evident from the outstanding collection of avant-garde pieces she managed to build over the years. Even today, years after she handed over the reins of the company to her worthy successor, Mr. Nader Bolour, the gallery continues to operate on the same principles that made it such a popular destination for rug buyers.

Antique Rugs in Doris Leslie Blau Collection

A specialist rug dealer in oriental and western rugs and carpets, Doris Leslie Blau’s impressive collection of antique rugs include rare Turkish, Persian and Indian masterpieces, many of which date back to the Medieval Age. Some of these rugs are so rare that no more than a few exist in the entire world. These specimens are so highly prized that collectors are willing to part with unimaginable amounts of money for them. The fact that the Doris Leslie Blau gallery has managed to create such a fine collection, speaks volumes about the expertise and dedication of those who run the company.

Oriental rugs and carpets are highly valued for their sublime beauty, exotic patterns, and remarkable strength and durability. The beautiful patterns and motifs woven on them often tell stories from the history and mythology of the people who made them. They may depict scenes from historical battles, hunting expeditions, royal courts, or simply mosques, palaces, people, flowers, animals and plants.

Among oriental rugs, the most sought after are antique Persian, Turkish and Moghul (Indian) rugs. These rugs are distinguished by their distinctive designs, attention to detail, high quality fabrics and high density of knots. Made using only the highest quality wool, they have a soft texture that makes touching them like touching a silk fabric. Really old antique rugs are very rare and command a very high price.

Since most of the antique oriental rugs have been bought by Western collectors, very few, if any, can be found in their place of origin. In fact, the two largest markets for genuine antique rugs are New York and London. In New York, Doris Leslie Blau has one of the largest and best collections of antique Persian, Turkish and Indian rugs. The gallery also has antique rugs from Europe (France, England, Spain, Austria, Bessarabia) and the Caucasus region.

Vintage Rugs in Doris Leslie Blau Collection

Vintage rugs are another speciality of Doris Leslie Blau. The gallery has a fine collection of vintage rugs from Scandinavia, Morocco, China, Spain and other places around the world. The early 20^th Century was a great time for experiments and innovations in arts, popular culture, science and technology. Some notable designs from the period include Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Arts and Crafts and Bauhaus Style.

Art Nouveau is a decorative style that is characterized by intricate lines and flowing curves based on natural forms, such as plants and flowers. This highly ornamental style of decoration gained prominence in the 1890s and was popular in Western Europe and North America until the First World War. It was used in everything from art to jewelry to architecture. Rugs based on the Art Nouveau style have intricate and beautiful patterns.

Popular in the period between the two world wars, Art Deco is a decorative style that is characterized by bright colored geometric shapes that are precisely and boldly drawn. Used in household objects and architecture, it was influenced by the then rapidly rising automobile and aviation industries. Rugs based on the Art Deco style have patterns made of bold geometric lines and bright colors.

Bauhaus was an art school that operated in Germany from 1919 until 1933. Its teachings focused on combining fine arts with craft to create a total work of art in which all forms of art, including architecture, would be brought together. The school proposed combining aesthetics with functionality and put great emphasis on simplicity, clarity and symmetry of structures. One of the most influential art schools of the 20^th century, Bauhaus became the cornerstone of Scandinavian design, which emerged in the 1950s and continues to be popular today.

The biggest collection of modern rugs

Doris Leslie Blau is not only about antique and vintage rugs. The gallery also has an extensive collection of modern rugs. These include contemporary rugs, traditional European inspired rugs, traditional oriental inspired rugs, Swedish rugs inspired by traditional Bauhaus designs, and Art Deco style rugs. Modern rugs are characterized by a superb combination of minimalism, beauty and functionality.

Custom rugs are another area that Doris Leslie Blau excels in. Today’s style savvy customers want more than the carpets and rugs they can buy off the shelves. They want rugs custom designed for their unique needs. They want to choose the materials, colors, patterns, texture, size and shape of the rugs to complement the existing or intended décor of their room. The gallery’s designers and sales consultants are well versed in the needs and tastes of the customers to give them exactly what they want.

With such a wide range of options to choose from, it’s no wonder that Doris Leslie Blau has become the destination of choice for carpet lovers and collectors from all over the world. To cater to the exquisite taste of its loyal and growing customer base, the gallery focuses on only the best quality antique, vintage and modern rugs.

Doris Leslie Blau doesn’t just sell carpets and rugs, the company tirelessly works to bridge the gap between art, design and architecture. Carpets and rugs play an important role in modern interior design. Since a room is built from the floor up, they are the foundation of an interior design project. They add warmth and comfort to the cold and hard concrete walls and marble floors. With their eye-catching colors and patterns, they help create the desired ambience in any living space. Doris Leslie Blau works intimately with interior designers and decorators to help turn their clients’homes into a work of art.

From decades of experience selling rugs and carpets, the staff at the Doris Leslie Blau know the value of assisting customers in finding the rugs and carpets that fit perfectly in their budget and timeframe. Step into the gallery and you will be presented with a wide variety of antique, vintage and modern rugs that are within an affordable price range. The company believes in providing the highest standards of service to everyone. This is the reason the gallery has an ever growing list of satisfied customers who keep coming back for more.

Doris Leslie Blau – The Biggest Rug Dealer In The World

USA

• Atlanta
• Baltimore
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Denver
• Florida
• Hilton Head Island
• Houston Texas
• Los Angeles
• Minneapolis
• Mobile AL
• New Jersey
• Manhattan, NYC
• New Orleans
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Pittsburgh
• Portland
• San Antonio Texas
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Seattle
• Washington

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World

• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Athens, Greece
• Berlin, Germany
• Brussels, Belgium
• Dublin, Ireland
• Helsinki, Finland
• London, UK
• Madrid, Spain
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Milan, Italy
• Moscow, Russia
• Paris, France
• Stochholm, Sweden
• Warsaw, Poland
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Auckland, New Zealand
• Brisbane, Australia
• Melbourne, Australia
• Perth, Australia
• Sydney, Australia
• Calgary, Canada
• Toronto, Canada
• Vancouver, Canada
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Tel Aviv, Israel
• Abu Dhabi, UAE
• Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
• Beirut, Lebanon
• Kuwait, Kuwait
• Qatar, Qatar
• HongKong, HK
• Shanghai, China
• Beijing, China
• Tokyo, Japan
• Singapore, Malaysia
• Mexico City, Mexico
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Santiago, Chile
• Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Bogota, Colombia
• Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Doris Leslie Blau as a Custom Rug Dealer in NYC

In addition to being a dependable NY rug purveyor, Doris Leslie Blau is also a provider of customized rugs. It is the answer for all those seeking original designs and up-to-date trends in the upmost quality. Our bespoke rugs match the craft and artistry of antique Oriental carpets. One might ask how do we achieved that. The explanation is simple. Instead of facilitating the weaving process, we bow to the traditional methods and take the longer yet indisputably more rewarding way of making bespoke carpets. The DLB custom rugs are hand-woven in Tibet of the finest materials, including first-rate wool, silk, cotton and hemp. A customer’s wish is our command so the application of more sophisticated solutions, such as metal threads or high and low piles, are within reach. Each custom rug is made in accordance with old and refined weaving techniques. Our skilled weavers are capable of recreating any desirable pattern, therefore it is solely imagination that may limit venerable customers. You may adjust the size, shape and design of your bespoke DLB rug entirely to your needs and liking. 

Custom rugs by DLB are 100% environmentally friendly carpets as we use only natural materials and dyes. They are hand-made which helps to limit the pollution caused by the machine production of goods. Our environmentally friendly carpets and rugs are also extremely durable and unique due to the fact that each piece is thoroughly crafted with great care and precision.

We assure that every at every stage of custom rug development we provide professional assistance and kind advice to our clients. To make the choice easier, in cooperation with world’s greatest designers, including Alberto Pinto, Eskayel, Bunny Williams, M Group, Jed Johnson Associates, Mariette Himes Gomez, Amy Lau, Miles Redd, and fashion designers such as Nanette Lepore and Tommy Hilfiger, we have prepared a vast collection of custom rug samples and new rug designs. You are welcome to view our choice of bespoke rug samples below:

Doris Leslie Blau as an Esteemed Antique Rug Dealer in New York City NYC

Doris Leslie Blau has been a respected dealer of antique rugs in New York City for over 45 years. We provide best quality carpets for interior designers, big enterprises and individual customers, always bearing in mind the best interest of our clients. Due to the extensive experience and profound expertise, we have been able to help countless rug aficionados find their dream pieces and enrich their house décor with the timeless charm and never-passing elegance of antique rugs. This is why DLB is a leading NYC rug dealer, appreciated by top interior designers. As we do not expect anyone to simply take our word on that, let Carey Maloney of The M Group Interiors speak on our behalf:

 “For the uninitiated, Doris Leslie Blau is to rugs what Harry Winston is to jewels-the best. You go to DLB when you want something really special. The taste and the quality are tops. Their specialty is the truly Special with a capital S.”

New York City as the Capital of Rug Dealers 

Although people associate rug dealership with oriental countries, like Persia, Morocco or Turkey, the paramount transactional activity has recently moved to big western cities, such as London or New York City. This incredible switch has many reasons. First of all, a search for a genuine antique or vintage rug is an arduous process. To get to the source, one has to travel long distances without any promise of success. Sadly, nowadays Oriental bazaars are full of low-quality pieces which are hard to distinguish from antique rugs of value by an untrained eye. It takes an expert to find a jewel in the sea of mediocrity.

Secondly, the inhabitants of western countries and big cities as NY grew so fond of oriental carpets that they are among world’s biggest purchasers of antique rugs. What makes New York stand out especially is the existence of a very well and long established rug district in addition to the auction houses. The Oriental rug district in Manhattan is a world of itself. There are full-fledged ground-level stores as well as second-floor galleries that offer a more formal, secluded escape from the bustle of the street. Doris Leslie Blau, located at Interior Design Building, 306 East 61st Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10065 is an oasis of peace, imbued with sophistication and venerable history of antique rugs. 

Finally, a New York City rug dealer like DLB, can not only provide a rug but also help with its choice and later maintenance. For all those reasons and more, we encourage you to visit us in New York or Washington D.C. at The Washington Design Center, 1099 14th Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005, to see our showroom. If you don’t live in New York or even United States – do not fret. We supply our rugs to all places in the United States and in the world. In order to deliver you best antique and vintage carpets, we offer fast and inexpensive (sometimes even free!) shipping across the States and all over the world, straight from our New York City based gallery. Doris Leslie Blau’s webpage offers you the ultimate shopping experience, allowing to filter through every carpet in our possession using categories such as size, color, origins and age, so the choice, even from the furthest place, should not be a substantial problem.

Our Mission Statement

At Doris Leslie Blau, we have an enduring commitment to offering our clientele a diverse selection of the highest quality antique carpets and exclusive custom designed rugs. Located in the heart of New York City, we have served as purveyors and trusted advisors to designers for over 45 years. Among our clients are Architectural Digest’s “Top 100 Designers” and some of the finest up-and-coming young interior designers around the world. We pride ourselves on bridging the gap between art, design and architecture by making rugs a key element of interior design through our quest for superior quality, while providing the highest standards of service.

Whether you are a young emerging interior designer, collector, or a well-established decorator, the Doris Leslie Blau Gallery is confident that we can assist you in finding the perfect new or oriental rug within your budget and time-frame.

If you would like to arrange a viewing appointment, see a rug on approval, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us .

At Doris Leslie Blau, client service and exceptional quality are of paramount importance to us.

Doris Leslie Blau offer:

• A diverse selection of over 1880 antique rugs overall, including more than 300 Tabriz rugs.
• Consistently superior service and professional conduct.
• Honest, objective, thoughtful, and experienced advice on purchasing a carpet and room placement.
• A convenient search page and an informative reference page on our website.
• A bespoke custom carpet service with strict quality control that can accommodate any decorative scheme.
• Hard-to-find information about the cultural and artistic history of rugs.
• On approval services and full descriptions for each rug.
• Assistance with installation.
• Environmentally friendly options: antique rugs are reused and many of our new rugs have been made out of recycled fibers.

We are happy to be a purveyor of rugs to the following locations in the United States:

DLB @ Interior Design Building (Main Showroom) 306 East 61st Street, 7th Floor New York, NY 10065 Antique Rugs: 212-586-5511 [email protected] New & Custom Rugs: 212-752-7623 [email protected]	DLB @ D&D Building (Custom rugs only) 979 Third Avenue, #625 New York, NY 10022 [email protected] Tel. 212-517-9178	DLB @ The Washington Design Center (Custom rugs only) 1099 14th Street, N.W. Suite 325 Washington, D.C. 20005 [email protected] Tel. 202-808-9361