About Art et Tapis

Stemming from the work of three generations and what began as a personal devotion to the art of the carpet, Art et Tapis has grown into one of Beirut's most trusted addresses for antique, hand-made authentic carpets.

Art et Tapis showroom interior
Damascus Street, Badaro ยท Beirut, Lebanon - across from the Smallville Hotel
Showroom interior with carpets laid on the floor
Hicham El Halabi, Owner and Carpet Expert

Our Story

Art et Tapis is the work of three generations of the El Halabi family. What began as a personal passion for carpets grew into one of Badaro's most trusted addresses - a showroom built piece by piece, collection by collection, over decades of dedication to the craft.

The first generation laid the foundation, travelling to source exceptional hand-knotted pieces from Persia, Anatolia, Morocco, and the Caucasus, and bringing them home to Beirut. The second expanded both the collection and the knowledge, learning to read a carpet's origin, age, and weave as instinctively as its colours. Today, the third generation continues that tradition from our Damascus Street showroom, welcoming collectors, designers, and first-time buyers with equal care.

Walk through our doors and you enter more than a shop. Room-sized carpets are laid across the floor so you can see how they live in a space, others hang from the walls to be studied up close. Every piece is chosen for the quality of its wool or silk, the integrity of its dyes, and the story it carries.

Buying a carpet is a personal journey, best made in person, with time and guidance. Whether you are looking for a single statement piece or building a collection over years, we are here to share what three generations have learned.

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Heritage & Craft

  1. Ancient origins

    Carpets have been woven for thousands of years, with some of the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Persia and Central Asia.

  2. From necessity to art

    What began as a practical necessity - insulation against cold floors and harsh climates - evolved into an art form, with intricate patterns and techniques passed down through generations of skilled artisans.

  3. Today

    Carpet weaving remains a craft that blends tradition with artistry, carrying forward centuries of cultural heritage in every knot and design.

A selection of the most prominent weaving regions - hover or tap a pin to learn more. These are among the great centres of the craft, not an exhaustive map.

Inside the Showroom

Step into our Badaro gallery - stacks of carpets, hanging pieces, and room-sized layouts to explore at your own pace.

Stacks of hand-knotted carpets in the showroom
Folded rugs and wall-hung pieces on display
Showroom interior with carpets laid on the floor
Decorative textiles and tapestries in the gallery

What We Stand For

Authenticity

Every piece is hand-made and vetted for origin, age, and craftsmanship. We do not deal in machine-made modern carpets - only authentic pieces chosen for quality and provenance.

Expertise

Knowledge built over three generations - in carpet identification, restoration advice, and pairing pieces with the right interior.

Personal Service

Still a family business at heart. No online checkout - just thoughtful, one-on-one guidance from selection to delivery.

Visit Our Showroom

Experience the texture, colour, and craftsmanship of each piece in person. Our team is ready to guide you.

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