Discovering a Treasure of Rug Artisans on 31st Street

Nina Liebman, a member of the Murray Hill Neighborhood Association, initiated this story about Rahim Heidari, owner of Metro Rug Repair, Inc., on 31st Street. Barbara Gieseler and Michaela Walsh, members of the Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee, joined Nina in interviewing Rahim and collaborating to finalize his story. 

One morning, as I was doing errands in my Murray Hill neighborhood, I decided to go east on 31st Street from Madison Avenue to Park Avenue. While I had never paid much attention to the many carpet stores on that block, I had in the back of my mind some repairs needed for my rugs which were purchased in Iran when we lived there in the 1970s. We have many carpets from that fascinating era, but over time, fraying edges and some damages had to be fixed.

So, I stopped in my tracks as I thought that on this very block there must be an artisan who could help me restore my treasures. And I was correct—I walked into a store, and I met Rahim Heidari of Metro Rug Repair, Inc.

Rahim’s rug store, located on the second floor, has large inviting windows that warmly welcome you inside. There are shelves lined with colorful yarn. I observed skilled women and men sitting at tables meticulously stitching and repairing rugs. At the back of the story there is an array of rugs in different sizes and colors.

So not only did my quest for a carpet expert come to fruition, I also learned about how and why East 31st Street become a destination for many Iranian and Turkish rug establishments.

Rahim came to the United States from Tabriz, Iran in 2000. Before immigrating, he served in the Iranian Army and then spent three years in Syria where he learned the art of rug repair. He also lived in Lebanon for three years before coming to the United States. During the process of obtaining a U.S. Visa, he was advised to settle on East 33rd Street, known for its large Iranian community and numerous rug businesses. Rahim worked hard to learn English in just two years. He spent four years on East 33rd Street perfecting his rug repair skills and learning the intricacies of running a rug store. In 2004, he opened his own rug store at 36 East 31st Street, which he had for ten years. He then moved across the street to his current store at 39 East 31st Street, 2nd floor, where he has been for the past ten years. Rahim understands the challenges one faces moving here from Iran and makes an effort to help others making the same transition.

Rahim told me how East 31 Street has maintained its unique identity with skilled and knowledgeable rug dealers over the years. Most of the rug stores on this block specialize in wholesale while Rahim focuses exclusively on rug repair. Despite their different niches, they have formed a supportive community. If Rahim encounters a customer seeking a specific Eastern rug that he doesn’t carry, he readily refers them to one of his colleagues. In return, his colleagues send all their rug repairs to him. This mutual support fosters a sense of camaraderie among the artisans.

On a day in March, Mr. Heidari and two assistants came to my apartment and worked on several carpets—sitting on the floor and stitching. They had the exact wool skeins to match my carpets, and over several hours, they made the repairs. It is impossible to see where they worked, the stitching and fringe are as they were—so impressive that they could make such perfect work.

Rahim’s reputation for high-quality rug repair has enabled him to expand his clientele throughout NYC including clients on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, where many own Oriental rugs. Thanks to referral from decorators, including Ralph Lauren, he also serves clients in the Hamptons, New Jersey, and even has some clients in Florida. Rahim loves the work he does and takes pride in making his clients happy.

So, I am not only grateful for the repairs, guaranteeing many more years of life for my carpets, but I am happy to know more about the unique block of artisans who are still in many storefronts on East 31st Street. We are so fortunate to have these craftsmen and the beautiful carpets in our neighborhood.

CELEBRATING 65+ YEARS OF

The Murray Hill Neighborhood Association

Better Together

The Preservation & Design Committee’s Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories is a place

to share your memories, anecdotes, surprising encounters, or human interest

stories that charm, surprise, and build our community.

We want to hear from you!

MURRAY HILL NEIGHBORS’ STORIES –

What drew you to our neighborhood?

How long have you lived here?

Why do you love living here?

We look forward to getting to know you better.

Send Your Stories to The Preservation and Design Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee.

Chair: Barbara Gieseler

Pauline Brooks, Susan Demmet, Deborah Landey, and Michaela Walsh

MurrayHillStories@murrayhillnyc.org  We will acknowledge your email and contact you if your submission has been accepted.

Please Note – The Murray Hill Neighbors’ Stories Committee does not edit or comment on stories submitted and accepted, except for spelling and punctuation which are then reviewed with the story provider.