At Rugs.ie, every rug has a story - and so does every person behind it. Behind the Weave is a series dedicated to those stories. From master artisans and trusted suppliers to the team members who welcome you into our showroom, we’re shining a light on the people whose passion, knowledge and creativity shape everything we do. These conversations explore the heritage, techniques and inspiration behind the craft, bringing you closer to the rugs you choose for your home.
In this edition, we speak with Andreas Honer, Managing Director of Tisca - a third-generation, family-run atelier renowned for meticulously handwoven rugs, crafted from the finest natural materials such as wool and jute. With over 26 textures and 96 colourways to choose from, their Olbia Uni collection offers remarkable scope for bespoke pieces. Each rug is handwoven from 100% pure wool and made to order, with dimensions and details tailored precisely to each client’s specifications.
Andreas Honer, Managing Director of Tisca
Can you tell us where Tisca is based and how long you've been in the rug-weaving trade?
Tisca is based in the quadrangle formed by Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Founded in 1945 as a handweaving mill, today we produce a wide range of unique handwoven rugs to make your interior a cosy place to be.
What is involved in weaving a Tisca rug?
Each Tisca rug begins with a carefully chosen design at our studio in Austria, where texture and tone are carefully considered. From there, the work moves to our weaving studio in Transylvania, Romania - one of the few regions in Europe where the art of rug weaving has truly been preserved.
Can you tell us more about the skilled weavers behind these rugs?
The weaving mill is the heart of Tisca. Most of our weavers have decades of experience and can fulfil even the most complex designs. Our motto is “With hand and heart” - and it’s a philosophy we take seriously. True to this, we handweave rugs with passion and care.
Skilled Weavers At Work
Some would say handweaving is a lost art. Do you agree?
Quite the opposite. More people than ever now want things that are made for them, by hand, with natural materials. It is our pleasure to show consumers that such things are made in Europe - by Tisca! We love to inspire our customers with new ideas, and on the other end we must encourage young people in Transylvania to learn the art of weaving rugs.
Do you think materials are an important consideration when choosing a rug?
Yes, they are! This, of course, depends on the interior design style, and the region where you live. In practical terms, this means a living room rug can be cosy and textured, while a dining room rug should be easy to clean and hard-wearing. In terms of region, a thick wool rug may be desired in alpine areas, for example, while a cool linen rug is best in Mediterranean climates.
Can you tell us a little bit about the materials used to craft Tisca rugs?
Most of our rugs are made from pure new wool from New Zealand and Europe. Sisal is another natural product from which we make particularly robust braided rugs in round, oval and rectangular shapes. The rugs in our new vegan “Planta” collection are made from fine linen, made from French flax. These rugs are designed to create a very special, stylish living experience.
Does Tisca have a particular brand ethos or set of values that guide the company’s work?
We are a third-generation family-run business with 80 years of history. Our ethos is fair treatment of our employees, careful use of raw materials and a high level of environmental awareness.
Tisca is best known for its custom rug selection. What makes a custom rug special?
Over three quarters of our rugs are made to customer specifications - the exact size, colour, shape and structure they wish for. There’s no greater luxury than having something made just for you.
Are Tisca rugs a good option for busy homes?
Most of our rugs can be used on both sides and wool is extremely easy to clean and has a certain self-cleaning effect that makes even coffee or wine stains disappear. Of course, it is essential to select the right structure and the right material for the respective application. Good advice should therefore always precede the purchase of a rug.
How does Tisca approach sustainability in rug production?
Tisca was already producing sustainable rugs when the term sustainability was not yet firmly anchored in our language. Durability and the use of naturally renewable raw materials are the basis for our rugs. Factors like short transport routes and the processing of leftover yarns also help us to care for our planet.
Importantly, Tisca has developed the world's only Global Organic Textile Standard-certified rug collection, the Respect collection - meeting the highest standards for environmental and social responsibility.
A warm thank you to Andreas for taking the time to share Tisca’s story with us. Read our previous Behind the Weave feature here. If you’re interested in commissioning a custom wool rug for your home, explore the Olbia Uni collection or get in touch for a Design Consultation. Our team will be happy to help you explore colours, materials and sizes to suit your space.
