What Style Of Area Rug Is Most Popular?
Area rugs are decorative pieces of fabric that add comfort, visual interest, and warmth to a room. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, sizes, and textures to complement any decor. The most popular area rug styles have shifted over the years along with interior design trends. Today’s area rugs draw inspiration from traditional motifs as well as contemporary designs. The right area rug can pull a room together, define a space, and make a strong style statement.
This article overviews some of the most sought-after area rug styles found in homes today. We’ll explore both classic and modern rug designs that have stood the test of time as well as newer genres that are currently gaining popularity. Understanding the array of area rug options available can help guide consumers in choosing the perfect rug to enhance their space.
Persian Rugs
Persian rugs originate from Persia, known today as Iran. They are one of the oldest styles of rugs, with history dating back over 2,500 years. Persian rugs are known for their luxurious materials, intricate designs, and high quality craftsmanship (cite: https://handknotted.com/blog/persian-rugs/).
Some characteristics that define Persian rugs include:
- Hand-knotted construction using the Persian (or Senneh) knot, with knot densities averaging 300-400 knots per square inch.
- Common materials like wool, cotton, silk and goat hair.
- Distinctive patterns like boteh, herati, arabesque medallion, and pictorial designs.
- Vibrant colors like red, blue, ivory, black, green and warm metallics.
- High-quality dyes, often using natural plant and insect-based dyes.
The intricate designs and superior craftsmanship make Persian rugs a symbol of luxury around the world. Their enduring popularity over centuries is a testament to the mastery and artistry of the Persian rug weavers (cite: https://abcrugskilims.com/blogs/news/the-timeless-popularity-of-persian-rugs).
Oriental Rugs
Oriental rugs are handmade rugs that originate from countries in the Orient, including China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and parts of Central Asia. Oriental rugs are a broad category that encompasses both Persian and non-Persian styles. Some key characteristics of oriental rugs include:
Oriental rugs often use geometric, floral, and curvilinear designs, which are woven into the pile. Common motifs include medallions, vines, leaves, flowers, and traditional symbols. Though distinct in their patterns and styles, both Persian and non-Persian oriental rugs utilize similar materials, dyes, knots, and construction techniques (Source).
Whereas Persian rugs originate specifically from Iran, oriental rugs come from various countries across the Orient. However, the techniques used to craft oriental rugs were innovated and perfected in Persia. As such, many qualities of Persian rugs are also found in oriental styles. Still, Oriental rugs exhibit greater diversity in their motifs and designs.
Like Persian rugs, oriental rugs are made from wool, silk, cotton, and goat hair. Either the Turkish knot or Persian knot is used. Hand-spun wool creates the pile, and natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and insects are used for color. The finest Oriental rugs can have over 300 knots per square inch and take many months to produce.
Modern/Contemporary
Modern/contemporary rugs have become increasingly popular in recent years. These rugs feature clean lines, solid colors, graphic prints, and a variety of materials like wool, cotton, jute, and synthetics.
The minimalist aesthetic of modern rugs works well in contemporary home decor. The solid colors and simple patterns keep the focus on the sleek lines of modern furniture and architecture. At the same time, graphic prints and interesting textures add visual interest to modern spaces.
In terms of materials, wool is a popular choice for modern rugs because it provides durability along with a lush, soft texture underfoot. Cotton and jute offer natural fiber options with a more casual, textured look. Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon allow for bold colors and intricate prints at more affordable prices.
According to The rugallery.shop, while traditional rug styles remain popular, modern and contemporary rugs are rising in demand as homeowners embrace more streamlined, minimalist looks
(https://rugallery.shop/blogs/allaboutrugs/home-decor-styles-with-traditional-rugs). The versatility and design flexibility of modern rugs make them a go-to choice to complement both contemporary and transitional home decor.
Shag
Shag rugs, with their deep pile and unique texture, have remained a popular style since the 1960s and 1970s when they first gained widespread popularity. Though shag went out of fashion for a period during the 1980s and 1990s, it has made a major comeback in recent years.
The origins of shag can be traced back to Florence, Italy in the 16th century. Weavers would use un-sheared loops of wool to create long, thick pile rugs for nobility. This style was adapted in the 1960s and 1970s using synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester to make it more affordable and washable for the mass market.
The defining characteristic of a shag rug is the high, uncut pile which gives an incredibly soft, plush feel underfoot. The texture is fluffy and luxurious. Shag is usually made from synthetic fibers today, though some wool varieties are available. The length of the pile can range anywhere from 1 to 6 inches high.
Maintenance can be a bit tricky with shag rugs. The thick pile traps dirt, dust, and crumbs very easily. Frequent and thorough vacuum cleaning is a must. Some shedding of fibers is normal due to the nature of the weave. Stains need quick treatment. See this article for tips on cleaning shag rugs.
The cozy warmth and playful vibe of shag has made it timeless. Its revival is a testament to the enduring popularity of this distinctive, nostalgic floor covering.
Braided
Braided rugs have been popular in America since colonial times when they were commonly made from rags or spare fabric. Braided rugs fell out of fashion in the mid-1900s as wall-to-wall carpeting became popular, but saw a resurgence in the late 1900s as people sought to recreate vintage style (https://www.colonyrug.com/about/our-history/). Today, braided rugs are still appreciated for their nostalgic, homespun look and texture.
Braided rugs can be made from wool, cotton, acrylic, polypropylene or blended fibers. Cotton and wool are more expensive but provide a softer feel. Synthetic fibers like polypropylene are inexpensive, durable, and easy to clean. The braiding technique gives these rugs great texture and helps hide dirt and stains.
Pros of braided rugs:
- Nostalgic, vintage appeal
- Interesting texture from braided construction
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to clean just by vacuuming
Cons of braided rugs:
- Can shed fibers at first
- Natural fibers like wool can stain
- Synthetic fibers lack plush feel
- Time consuming to make by hand
Caring for a braided rug depends on the fiber content. Wool and cotton should be professionally cleaned. Synthetic fibers can be vacuumed and spot cleaned as needed. Braided rugs work well in casual settings like family rooms, kitchens, and enclosed porches.
Southwestern
Southwestern rugs are known for their bold colors and geometric patterns, often inspired by Native American art and designs. Common motifs include diamonds, triangles, zigzags, and stripes in earthy hues like terra cotta, turquoise, brown, and black 1. These rugs frequently incorporate images of cacti, coyotes, lizards, and other desert wildlife.
Many Southwestern rugs are made from wool, though cotton and synthetic fibers are also used. Wool is naturally stain-resistant and durable. The fibers can be dyed in vivid colors that retain their brilliance. Cotton provides softness and is also colorfast. Synthetics like polypropylene introduce affordability while mimicking wool’s strength and stain resistance.
Popular styles of Southwestern rugs include Navajo, Zapotec, Cowhide, and Serape. Navajo rugs feature geometric designs and vegetal dyes. Zapotec rugs have bolder graphics with an “ık” motif. Cowhide rugs literally use cow hides as their base. Serape rugs have striped patterns and fringe.
Vintage
The appeal of vintage rugs has skyrocketed in recent years as homeowners seek authentic statement pieces with character and history, compared to mass-produced modern rugs (citation: https://www.landryandarcari.com/blogs/news/vintage-washed-worn-rugs). Vintage rugs are typically 50-100 years old and originate from rug-producing regions like Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and India. The most popular vintage styles include Turkish Oushaks, Persian Tabriz, and Indian Agra rugs.
Antique rugs develop a faded, worn patina over many decades of use, displaying their age and story. Some collectors specifically seek “worn and washed” vintage rugs. However, reproduction vintage-style rugs have also grown popular for delivering an aged look while being more durable and affordable than true antiques (citation: https://nehomemag.com/decorate-with-vintage-rugs/). Whether authentic or repro, vintage rugs lend homes old-world charm and go beautifully with both traditional and modern decor.
Kids’ Rugs
When it comes to rugs for kids’ rooms, parents look for styles that are fun yet durable. According to research from Market Insights, the global kids rugs market was worth USD 14.1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 117.05 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 24.5% from 2024 to 2030[1]. Some of the most popular themes for kids’ rugs include vehicles, animals, alphabets, numbers, and fantasy characters. Materials like polypropylene and nylon are commonly used as they can withstand high foot traffic and are easy to clean. Features like non-slip backings and stain resistance also appeal to parents shopping for their kids. Ultimately, the best kids’ rugs stimulate a child’s imagination while standing up to the wear and tear of daily play.
Conclusion
Overall, based on the popularity and timelessness of certain styles, some of the best options for rugs include Persian rugs, Oriental rugs, shag rugs, and modern/contemporary rugs.
Persian and Oriental rugs never seem to go out of style. With their ornate traditional designs and use of high-quality materials like wool and silk, they bring an elegant and luxurious feel to any space. Their handmade craftsmanship also makes them extremely durable and long-lasting.
Shag and modern/contemporary rugs are also quite popular for their fun, playful looks and wide range of colors and patterns. Shag rugs provide a cozy feel and work especially well in casual spaces like bedrooms. Modern/contemporary rugs come in an endless array of creative motifs and add a stylish, updated look to any room.
In summary, while personal style preferences vary, Persian, Oriental, shag, and modern rugs are consistently top choices. When selecting an area rug, consider the room it will go in along with your own decor tastes. And don’t be afraid to add a pop of color, pattern, or texture with your rug – it’s an easy way to inject personality into any space.
