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The Karastan Story ______________________________________
The Karastan Story- A History of Innovation and Style
In 1928, Karastan emerged as the result of an exciting innovation. Legendary retailer Marshall Field &
Company envisioned a fine quality machine-made rug that would capture the richness of a true hand-knotted
original at an affordable price. Assembling a team of artisans, the Karastan brand was born not only as a vital
company, but also as the producer of a totally new and innovative product.
Karastan became an immediate success story. Technical, artistic, and stylistic innovations have been the
distinguishing qualities of Karastan’s much sought after floor coverings since 1928. In the 1930’s, the Karastan
“Wonder Rug” became a sensation at the Chicago World’s Fair, admired by the tens of thousands who
marveled at its beauty and tested its durability and quality.
By the 1940’s and 50’s, Karastan broadloom carpet captured the public imagination with technical
advancements and design excellence. The next decades witnessed the continuing story of Karastan’s
innovative approach with the early development of nylon, acrylic, and ultra-tuft carpets. By the end of the
twentieth century, Karastan was widely recognized as the first choice for quality, reliability, and excellence by
style leaders across the country.
Today, the Karastan name endures. It now incorporates electronically-scanned designs that more accurately
interpret fine hand-knotted rugs and carpets; but the human elements of design ingenuity, hand-finished
attention to detail, together with the patented dyeing, washing, and patina processes, continue to advance
Karastan’s tradition of innovative excellence. At Karastan, each decade brings new ideas, colors, styles, and
technical improvements. Just as time moves forward, so too does the spirit of Karastan’s technical and artistic
innovation, bringing you the most beautiful, durable, and stylish woven products in the marketplace today,
backed by decades of integrity, performance, and experience.
In 1928, Karastan emerged as the result of an exciting innovation. Legendary retailer Marshall Field &
Company envisioned a fine quality machine-made rug that would capture the richness of a true hand-knotted
original at an affordable price. Assembling a team of artisans, the Karastan brand was born not only as a vital
company, but also as the producer of a totally new and innovative product.
Karastan became an immediate success story. Technical, artistic, and stylistic innovations have been the
distinguishing qualities of Karastan’s much sought after floor coverings since 1928. In the 1930’s, the Karastan
“Wonder Rug” became a sensation at the Chicago World’s Fair, admired by the tens of thousands who
marveled at its beauty and tested its durability and quality.
By the 1940’s and 50’s, Karastan broadloom carpet captured the public imagination with technical
advancements and design excellence. The next decades witnessed the continuing story of Karastan’s
innovative approach with the early development of nylon, acrylic, and ultra-tuft carpets. By the end of the
twentieth century, Karastan was widely recognized as the first choice for quality, reliability, and excellence by
style leaders across the country.
Today, the Karastan name endures. It now incorporates electronically-scanned designs that more accurately
interpret fine hand-knotted rugs and carpets; but the human elements of design ingenuity, hand-finished
attention to detail, together with the patented dyeing, washing, and patina processes, continue to advance
Karastan’s tradition of innovative excellence. At Karastan, each decade brings new ideas, colors, styles, and
technical improvements. Just as time moves forward, so too does the spirit of Karastan’s technical and artistic
innovation, bringing you the most beautiful, durable, and stylish woven products in the marketplace today,
backed by decades of integrity, performance, and experience.