Where Art Lives Underfoot: A Visit to The Loom, Athens

Some places don’t just sell beautiful things — they hold stories. The Loom in Athens is one of those places.

Tucked into the city like a living archive, The Loom is a family-run carpet shop that has been weaving history into art since 1932. From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel it — this wasn’t just a shop, it was a space filled to the brim with soul, craftsmanship, and generations of love of art.

The walls are lined with photographs that quietly tell the family’s story. One image in particular caught my attention: a photo of the auntie sitting at the loom, hands at work, mid-creation. I stood there, imagining the hours, days, and months that pass to create what was beneath my feet. Some of the pieces in the shop take six to eight months to make — and the bigger pieces much longer.

As an amateur creator of many crafts myself, I have a deep appreciation for handmade work. The patience, discipline, and devotion required to create something with your hands over months is not lost on me. Walking through The Loom, my soul was honestly singing. Every inch of the shop was layered with texture, colour, and intention. This place is pure art.

I’ve always dreamed of filling my home with artwork — and who’s to say that art can’t live on the floor? There’s something grounding to me about that idea. To walk daily over pieces that have been carefully woven by hand, each with its own origin and story. I feel truly honoured to now own pieces that have been procured by this family and passed through their hands.

And somehow — miraculously — the prices are incredibly reasonable for what these pieces are: true works of art. On top of that, The Loom offers free worldwide shipping, which honestly feels like a gift to travellers like me. When I was there, they had a shipment going out the very next day — rugs heading to Peru, the United States, Japan… and Canada (for me, hehe).

This was a huge bonus. I’ll be traveling for the next few months, and not having to haul my goodies around with me removes a barrier I often face on the road. So many times, I’ve had to say no to supporting artists and families I meet simply because logistics get in the way. The Loom makes it possible to say yes — yes to art, yes to craftsmanship, yes to supporting families who have dedicated their lives to their work.

From the very beginning, the experience was exceptional. I was welcomed like family, offered a glass of wine while I browsed, and encouraged to take my time. Theo was incredibly kind and intuitive — he quickly picked up on my style and began showing me pieces that felt perfectly aligned. There was no pressure, only enthusiasm and genuine care. Chris and Irene were amazing as well.

The rugs themselves come primarily from Greece and Armenia, reflecting the family’s roots, but the collection stretches far beyond — with stunning handmade pieces from Iran, Afghanistan, and many other corners of the world. Shopping here isn’t typical; it’s a culturally rich experience. The family is deeply knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about the history, symbolism, and techniques behind each piece, and they are so eager to share that knowledge.

Chris and Theo holding my purchases <3

Hand embroidered garments

The Loom info

As if that weren’t enough, this remarkable family also runs Platano Taverna, a traditional Greek taverna serving delicious Greek food. Good art, good food, good people — truly, what more could you ask for?

This was hands down the best shopping experience I’ve had in Greece so far. The warmth, the artistry, the stories — it all left a lasting impression on me. Whenever I return to Greece, I know exactly where I’ll be going first.

If you find yourself in Athens, I cannot recommend The Loom enough. Go for the rugs, stay for the stories, and leave with a piece of history — one that will live with you for years to come.