A large collection of oriental rugs and kilims in Edinburgh imported from Iran,Turkey,Afghanistan,India.We also stock furniture, jewellery,ceramics,textiles

In 1983 Rufus Reade travelled some 12000 miles round some of the remotest corners of Turkey with a small pot of money and an eye for beautiful objects. He returned with his first bale of rugs and kilims and ‘Out of the Nomads Tent’ was born. In the early years rugs, kilims and various kinds of artefacts were exhibited in Rufus’ own home in Edinburgh as well in the private homes of friends which known as ‘Nomads Tent Road Shows.

These very popular ‘Road Shows’ continue to this day all over the UK. Rufus’ Edinburgh base transferred into the large warehouse at 21 St Leonards Lane, Edinburgh, in 1990 and in time the name was shortened to the Nomads Tent. Rufus shared his interest in travelling by taking people on tour with him, a habit that has grown into Rufus Read Tours!

The Edinburgh warehouse is more than just a place to buy things; it’s an enjoyable and perhaps a cultural experience too. There are regular exhibitions  which have included themes such as Russian Icons, looking into Safavid Garden Carpets, how rugs are made, pottery, African art as well as our now famous Christmas Fair and an annual ‘Symposium’ of talks and visits.

There is even a small library and books for sale in our ‘Reading Corner’.

Travelling to find goods at source is the mantra of the Nomads Tent team who import directly from trusted suppliers in Iran, India, Turkey and elsewhere in Asia. Our objective is to make fairly sourced, authentic and reasonably priced goods available to our customers both in the warehouse and online. You’ll find very little packaging or other hallmarks of commercial production.

A visit to the bazaar pages  reveals the range of goods available. These include large carpets, rugs, kilims and runners, as well as cushions, tribal bags and trappings, furniture, artefacts, jewellery, textiles and books. There’s also a helpful rug repair and cleaning service, advice on moth treatment, valuations and various non-slip underlays.

The Nomads Tent is an established gallery space. Our small team import directly from sources in Iran, India, Turkey and Asia.

The Nomads Tent is located in the Edinburgh area of City of Edinburgh. There are at least 14 other listings in the EH8 postcode area.

Cleaners in City of Edinburgh EH8

• Carpet
• Commercial
• Furniture
• Garden
• Property
• Rugs
• Window