Nicole's passion for rug collecting started twelve years ago, buying for herself, then quickly sourcing for family and friends. Why rugs? Maybe her love of design (Thank you Emily Henderson!) or maybe her love of art history (and fine art degree) or maybe the love of a good story, who knows. Nicole started Bente in 2020 and quickly began to build the business and collaborate with designers.
As the mom of two young kids she understand the importance of durability, and these rugs are made to last. She can’t stand things that don't; Bachelor engagements, naptime, Summer Fridays, and cheap machine-made rugs. No thank you.
Bente rugs were made by hand decades ago, some as long as one hundred years ago. Vintage and antique rugs have a story, they have history. They are imperfect, it’s what makes them so special. Nicole gravitates toward more geometric, tribal or village rugs, for her, they have more character. These rugs are works of art, they are beautiful and timeless and will be beautiful and timeless in 50 years.
Our goal is to make rug shopping easy and enjoyable. It doesn’t matter if you know the difference between low and medium pile, Caucasian and Oushak. We can help with that, you just worry about choosing a rug that makes you happy.