What to Know Before Investing in Custom Carpet Installation

As part of our big move to the Upper East Side, I’ve been carefully curating each room to reflect our family’s style and story. When it came to designing my home office—a space where I’d be spending long hours editing, producing, and dreaming up the next chapter of Homeworthy—I knew I wanted it to feel calm, grounded, and inspiring. That journey began with the foundation: the rug.

After falling in love with the natural warmth and tailored simplicity of the Tattersdale Wool Rug from Sisal Rugs Direct, I knew it was the right choice for the space. But getting a beautiful rug is only part of the equation—installing it with precision and care is just as important. That’s where Costikyan came in.

Costikyan has been a trusted name in luxury rug services since 1886—and once you work with them, you understand why. Their legacy spans generations, beginning with S. Kent Costikyan (originally Siragram Simon Costikyan), whose family immigrated from Constantinople to New York and built their business with a deep-rooted passion for rugs and textiles. Over a century later, that same spirit of craftsmanship and commitment to quality lives on.

There’s something quietly luxurious about walking across a soft, tailored carpet—especially one that was custom-designed for your space. If you’re considering upgrading your flooring and thinking about going the custom route, there are a few key things you’ll want to know before you start.

Custom really does mean custom

Getting a custom carpet isn’t just about choosing a pattern you like and calling it a day. Every detail—from the fiber to the edge finish to the exact dimensions—is tailored to your space. Your installer will likely consider everything from how the light hits your floor to how you move through your home. It’s a much more detailed process than simply ordering a rug online or picking something off the shelf.

The prep work is just as important as the carpet itself

Before anything is installed, expect a thorough site visit and lots of measuring. A good installer, like Costikyan, will assess your subfloors, note any imperfections or moisture concerns, and take detailed templates—especially in spaces like stairs or oddly shaped hallways. Proper prep helps prevent issues like rippling, stretching, or premature wear later on.

Pro tip: If you’re in the middle of a renovation, schedule the carpet installation last. Paint, drywall, and other trades can easily damage fresh carpet.

Stair runners are no joke

If you’re planning to add a runner to your stairs, know that it’s one of the trickiest areas to get right. Stairs often involve multiple landings, curves, or changes in width, which means templating and hand-finishing are essential. A good installer will treat this like a craft project—precise, measured, and totally customized.

Bonus: A well-fitted stair runner not only looks beautiful but also adds a layer of safety (especially if you have kids or pets)

Choose the right material for your lifestyle

Wool, synthetic blends, natural fibers—each has its own look, feel, and maintenance level. Before you fall in love with something, think about how the space will be used. High-traffic areas need more durable fibers, while bedrooms or quieter corners of the home can handle something a little softer or more luxurious.

If sustainability is important to you, ask about eco-friendly materials. There are some beautiful, earth-conscious options available now that don’t sacrifice on style.

A professional install makes all the difference

One thing that stood out to me was how seamless the installation felt. The Costikyan team that came to my home was experienced, thoughtful, and incredibly detail-oriented. They protected the surrounding areas, cleaned up after themselves, and made sure every seam and edge was exactly as it should be. That level of professionalism really set the tone for the whole experience—and the final result looked flawless. Watch the behind the scenes of our installation below.

Stay tuned as our moving series continues. There’s still more to unpack—literally and figuratively!