Area Rug Style Guide

An important part of buying a rug is identifying both “your style” and the type of rug that will best complement your room. Admittedly, style is difficult to define. Ultimately, it is important to keep in mind that style should reflect what suits you and what you are comfortable with. Perhaps the best advice and most important rule to follow about decorating style is to let your personality shine through your decor. It is easy to lose site of this when presented with so many area rugs that offer a variety of great ideas and options; but, be sure to not to overlook what feels right. Be proud of your style, own it with confidence, enjoy its beauty and you will decorate with conviction and absolute success.
 
Area rug style is the design motif or theme of a rug. While there are several classifications of rug styles, the most common are; traditional, contemporary, casual / transitional, and floral. Additional design categories include; animal print, aubusson, braided, kid’s rugs, southwestern, and shag. An in-depth discussion of these rugs is beyond the scope of this article so they will be briefly discussed. Further, there are an endless number of themes in today’s rug market to the point that there seems to be a rug for every interest.  

This article will define the major rug styles and offer tips on choosing which is best for your home. By learning more about these rugs it should becomes easier to understand how and where to use them and may also spark new decorating ideas.

Part I will discuss traditional area rugs and explain the most popular designs of these rugs. Part II will shift focus to the opposite end of rug style by examining contemporary rugs.  Part III will study casual and transitional rugs and Part IV will cover the remaining style classifications.

Part I: Traditional Area Rugs

The Double Meanings

The term “traditional area rugs” has at least two meanings and they are conflicting.

First, the term is used to identify Persian rugs that have been hand-knotted by master weavers using fine hand-dyed and hand-spun wool. In other words, area rugs that have been crafted using traditional techniques and featuring a traditional pattern. These rugs will be discussed in the context of “authentic” or “hand-knotted traditional rugs.”

Second, the term is used to describe hand-tufted, and more frequently, machine made replicas of the aforementioned masterpieces. These rugs are made from a variety of natural and synthetic fibers.

The point is that the term is sometimes used to discuss a very specific type of rug make (a fine Persian rug) and other times it is used to group any type of rug that possesses a traditional appearance (classic look). They are also popularly referred to as “Persian” or “Oriental” rugs.

What They Look Like

Imagine an area rug. Chances are the first image that comes to mind is a traditional pattern.  It should not be surprising that traditional rugs feature customary Persian and oriental designs. They are the classic area rug designs where they have a cohesive pattern. For the most part, their designs are floral, geometric, medallion, and pictorial.

Traditional Floral Rugs

Floral designs are the most common images used in area rugs. Historically, Persian weavers worked close to nature so they were inspired by the beauty that surrounded them and it became a common theme in their work. Since Persian rugs serve as a model and are replicated, floral themes are widely used. Traditional floral rugs are also popular because of their intrinsic and classic beauty as well as there design versatility. In fact, this is a rug style that is so flexible it calls for a bold statement if not a general rule: There are few rooms that a traditional floral rug could not be at home in. In other words, for the design challenged, these floral rugs are almost always a safe bet.

Geometric Area Rugs

Many traditional area rugs are geometric since they feature repeating vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines. Historically, these designs were often symbolic of ancient sacred cultural beliefs held by the nomadic tribes that wove them. An expert could determine a rug’s origin and even the tribe that wove it.

These patterns continue to be popular today in authentic hand-knotted and mass-produced rugs. Here, it is important to note that authentic geometric rugs are regularly asymmetrical – a feature that is part of their authenticity and charm.

Traditional Pictorial Rugs

 
As Persian rugs tended to focus on geometric and abstract patterns, it was rare that they featured human and animal designs. One reason for this is that certain strict sects of Islam prohibit using human or animal imagery. A second reason is that these rugs demand the highest skilled artisans. Pictorial rugs are expressive works of art that tell the tails of their makers, their culture and, their beliefs. Pictorial rugs often display beautiful images of Islamic buildings. The tree of life is another common pictorial design area rug representing the weaver’s path and desire for life with God.
 
Conversely, some religion encouraged the depiction of people and animals on oriental area rugs in China and other eastern countries. In fact, a popular theme in Chinese area rugs is the dragon, which actually represents the Deity.

Today, traditional pictorial rugs are less common than the other classic motifs. The tree of life, however, remains a mainstay.
 

Medallion

One of the most common area rug motifs is the central medallion. Authentic medallion rugs are curvilinear, meaning that they are woven using an arching method. This differs from geometric designed area rugs that use linear knot construction. The effect of a curvilinear weave is that it better conceals the weaver’s flaws. Obviously, it is easier to see a flaw in a “straight” line than it is to find in an already curved pattern. Moreover, the intricacy and beauty of a medallion rug occupy the eye’s attention and demand a focus on the entire area rug as one unit.  

As noted, since Persian rugs serve as a model and are replicated medallions are also a common theme in mass-produced rugs.


Traditional style area rugs (authentic and mass-produced) are still the best selling and most popular rugs. In part, this is due to their versatility. After all, for the most part, they are a safe bet in any room and will match just about anything. They can also be used in any location of your home. However, the class and timeless sophistication these rugs exude can not be overlooked.

So, if you want to achieve a classic or timeless look this is the right choice. These rugs will never look dated or fall out of style. If you are unsure of what style you want or what will work in your home traditional is again the way to go.

These rugs can also be used a quick fix to a drab room. It is difficult to challenge and impossible to rebut the transformative decorative value of area rugs in general and specifically, traditional rugs. So if you have a bedroom with neutral wall-to-wall carpeting, consider laying a traditional rug over it. It is a fast and easy way to bring life and a completely new look to a room with minimal cost and effort.
 


Contemporary rugs reflect the concepts and freedoms of post World War II modern art. They possess multiple influences, styles, and ideas. Modern rugs regularly feature vibrant colors, severe contrasts, whimsical ideas, and make thunderously bold statements. While free form designs are the essence of their identity, geometric designs and multi-color pallets are mainstays. These rugs also present a paradox; the idea that contemporary designs are “retro” rather than modern. Recent “contemporary” collections that feature art deco patterns, Andy Warhol’s art, and even shag fibers prove this point.

Where & When to Use

Decorating successfully with contemporary area rugs demands a close attention to detail and a well developed plan. Sure, anything may go in the world of modern art, but that does not mean that a montage of competing design will present an inviting feel to your home. As noted above, traditional rug designs are a safe bet and are likely to complement any room. The same can not be said for modern rugs – they present risks – and that is exactly the point. The challenge is quelling the boldness and finding the right balance. This is true even when aiming for a creative and bold look. Remember, loud is acceptable. Obnoxious is not.

Ideally, contemporary rugs should be used to complement a modern or industrial design schemes. Proceed with caution if considering using them in a traditional setting as they may look out of place. Even if you do not want a traditional rug to complete your traditional home, there are better options (discusses below) than to introduce a contemporary rug without a relevant context. When choosing a particular contemporary model it is important to find one with colors that will complement the room color and surrounding decor. Notice that the idea is to complement and enhance. In other words, it is not necessary (and it is often counterproductive) to find an exact match.

Lastly, it should be noted that these rugs are constructed in all ways using all fibers. Thus, contemporary rugs that are hand-knotted with traditionally dyed and spun wool are available. Nevertheless, machine made wool and synthetic modern rugs are more common.



A relatively new classification of rug style now exists that occupy a broad and ever growing niche between traditional and contemporary rug designs. These rugs are labeled as casual or transitional and tend to be more popular with customers looking for the elegance of a traditional design with less formality.
They frequently are adorned with soft or muted colors and large floral, leaf, vine and damask patterns. Color fading is also a popular attribute as are solid colored rugs. Unusual and multi-fibered textures are sometimes utilized to make a subtle statement with these rugs.


Casual and transitional rugs are perfect for relaxed rooms where the goal is to achieve a seamless and comfortable integration between the area rug and the room’s other furniture. They set a relaxed mood and should be used accordingly. Family rooms and bedrooms are ideal candidates for these rugs. They are the perfect option in everyday living areas because they draw attention without being overly formal or bold.



Zebra, tiger, leopard, cheetah, and even cow and bear are popular animal print rugs. Certainly, these rugs make a wild statement. When used properly, they will do so with sophistication and style. However, mixed with the wrong décor they can clash and appear forced or overdone. When decorating with animal print rugs they should be the focal point of a room. Avoid mixing with other animal prints unless you are confident it will work. Finally, consider the color and lighting of the room – if it is too dark it could offer a negative first impression.


Fine hand-knotted area rugs have been woven in the small French Village of Aubusson since at least the late sixteenth century when Dutch immigrants settled the town. Initially, the rugs and tapestries they produced were flat woven (short pile) and emulated Persian rug designs. That changed in part durring the mid seventeenth century when French royalty commissioned these weavers to created dense piled rugs (Savonnerie rugs). Renaissance themes served as the design inspiration. They featured floral bouquets, floral medallions, and architectural designs. They utilized a blend of pale and vibrant colors often on light backgrounds. The patterns of Aubusson area rugs are today known for their high French country style. Think of the times of Marie Antoinette and you will capture the images of aubusson rug.

These rugs look best in formal rooms and can be incorporated with elaborate decor. If you are looking to capture a French or French county look there is no substitute for these beauties.


Braded rugs are a unique style that captures a warm and rustic look. The add warmth a blend of colors to the floors they cover. They are perfect in foyers, dinning rooms, dens, and kitchens. Typically oval, they are also available in all standard rug shapes.  


Your child’s room should reflect their personality and be their own space; however, allowing them to paint the walls or hang multiple posters may be a scary idea or just not be in your plans. And, let’s face it, kids grow up fast and their tastes change even faster. Kids area rugs offer the perfect solution to these dilemmas. Having your child chose their area rug lets them easy update their bedrooms and keeping them age appropriate and interest relevant. As a general rule, kids rugs are inexpensive and will set the tone for the theme they want to achieve.


Southwester area rugs are the perfect complement to dessert decor and provide a distinctive rustic look. They capture the beauty of traditional Native American, Mexican, and Spanish art. They usually have a large central geometric design that is accompanied by smaller designs. However, these rugs come in many repeating and allover designs. While they frequently display the burnt and earthy tones of the American desert they are available in a full range of colors.


Shag area rugs provide a uniquely fun look and luxurious comfort. They have made a big come back in recent years and are better than ever. In short, they available in more colors, designs, lengths, and fibers. They are perfect for bedrooms and living areas with light traffic since they have special vacuuming (suction only) and maintenance demands. If you want a retro or youthful look with superior comfort they are the perfect choice.