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The history of rugs dates back to the Fifth century B.C. That, according to the BBC, is the date of the ‘Pazyryk carpet’ which was discovered in the 1920s in Siberia. Throughout the ages, this grand textile tradition has evolved enormously, but the foundation of the art remains: use designs to create thick woven material into decorative, functional pieces.

So how did it all begin? 

In this guide we’ll look at the international history of rugs, from the Pazyryk carpet to today’s modern options.

Oldest Rug in the World

How did a carpet preserved in ice show up in Siberia? The world’s oldest rug, according to Matt Camron, was found in the Altai mountains in a grave of the prince 5400 feet above sea level. The grave has been said to be one of the Scjythian people, however, the carpet exhibits a design indicating it was of Persian origin due to images that mimic statues found in Persepolis.  

And as far as we can tell, we have Persians to thank for this incredible craft, a tradition that would be carried far and wide beyond their initial work some 2,000 years ago.

500 BC

Skipping ahead to 500 BC, we find rugs mentioned in ancient Greece. Agamemnon, to be specific, has a famous scene with a rug where Women in Antiquity reports, “as it revolves around a discussion of a particular piece of purple cloth that would normally be used as an expensive bridal cloth, proceeding to shock the audience when used first as a carpet, and eventually to ensnare the title character of Agamemnon to kill him. Clearly textiles for floor coverings had reached the Greek empire.

Crusade Appreciation

Fast forward to the Crusades and suddenly hundreds of European warriors are being introduced to fine textiles opening the door for a whole new fashion back home. Opening the doors for new expansion and trade, Europeans fell in love with goods from the East including perfumes, jewels and precious fabrics, rugs chief among them. According to Rugs of Nations, by In 1277, King Louis IX had begun to spread rug popularity through France thus opening the door for custom orders from Middle Eastern countries.

The Orient

Meanwhile, by the 16th century, the Qing Dynasty of China had weakened the height of Asian rug making. 

China Heritage Quarterly says that this period was defined by two weaving styles: Tibetan and Muslim. Both were made from wool. The latter was noted for floral prints inspired by porcelain. China Heritage Quarterly goes on to say that the Tibetan carpets are considered more folk art but are still just as important and “Tibetan carpet making may turn out to have been one of the most prolific indigenous design traditions in the world.”

A Décor Shift

One fun fact in the long history of rugs is that by this time in Europe, rugs were so precious people are no longer putting them on floors, but instead displaying them on walls and tables as delicate and precious art pieces. In fact, Britain attempted to start making its own Persian rugs. 

And another shift happened when rug weaving moved to India. Following the Mogul conquest of Akbar the Great, India established carpet factories, according to Nejad Rugs. This move made India a leader in rug production, something the British Empire capitalized on by expanding exports abroad.

Modern Rugs

Today Oriental rugs aren’t just made in India or Persia. Modern takes on traditional designs are crafted around the world and wool and silk are no longer the only textiles used. Today, weavers employ poly-blends and synthetic fabrics to produce rugs that pay homage to classic and historic designs while giving contemporary home owners pieces that can stand up to lots of foot traffic and busy lives. 

Buying an antique Oriental rug is one easy way of bringing this grand tradition home, but it can be costly. For those of us who want the look and feel of history in our homes without the painful price tag, there is an alternative. Luxe Weavers makes Oriental rugs for a fraction of the cost but with all the beauty and tradition woven in. 

Their Oriental rugs are made to have a distressed look giving them the same aesthetic as antique without the fear that they’ll fall apart. For instance, the Victoria Collection Cream Oriental Area Rug evokes an Old World charm, but costs less than $500. The Howell Collection Red Abstract Area Rug is the same. The red medallion pattern mimics Persian design without the high price tag. 

To be a part of the long history of rugs, the best way to start is by buying one. And no matter your budget, Luxe Weavers has a rug that will match. With a large inventory of beautifully crafted designs, you’re sure to find a rug in any size to suit your home. To begin shopping, visit luxeweavers.com. 

Is there anything less appealing than tucking into a chilly bedroom on a cold winter night? There’s the nip at your toes followed by the unwelcome freeze of a cold pillow. Not to mention the moments spent shivering while clutching a pile of blankets. It’s absolutely miserable. 

What can you do? Turning up the heat is step one. Making the room more cozy is step two. 

And the way to do that? Well, taking a good long look at one’s furnishings is the place to start. Believe it or not, different colors, textures, and designs can warm up a bedroom enormously even before adding a space heater or hot water bottle.

You can add ambiance with updated lighting, keep out the chill with fresh window coverings, and amp up a calming aura by implementing soothing colors. Another simple touch is to replace or add a cozy area rug. You’d be amazed how much a new rug will physically keep the cold out as well aesthetically make a space more inviting. 

So what are some of the best area rugs for a cozy winter bedroom? In this guide we’ll look at 5 stunning options. 

Soothing Abstraction

Remember “Magic Eye” books? Pages of 3D images would mesmerize the viewer, sometimes relaxing them and lowering their blood pressure in the process. 

Applying this same concept to abstract rug selection can actually give the visitors the same effect. By choosing something that allows the eye to rest, the body will follow, calming them and providing a cozy feeling in the process. Luxe Weavers Nuvola Collection 8722 Blue Abstract Area Rug blends cool tones of blue, grey, and cream, providing a subdued palette to center a bedroom.

Warm Oriental Style

Warm colors have a long tradition in Oriental rugs. Timeless, classic, and sophisticated, not only is a red- or orange-colored Oriental rug a great option for any space, it makes a lot of sense in the pursuit of warming up a bedroom. But you don’t have to spend thousands on an antique Oriental rug to get the look. We’ve got dozens of ageless Oriental rug styles that can update a space. For example, the 8x10 foot Howell Collection Red Abstract Area Rug is large enough to fill a grand bedroom, instantly making a big space feel more welcoming.

Comforting Textures

Slipping off a pair of slippers in the winter can be uncomfortable, especially on a hardwood floor. Spare yourself the agony with a shaggy carpet. Not only will it help you feel warm and cozy, it can also give the room a more shabby chic appeal. Ideal for this concept is the Luxe Weavers Manhattan Tree Shag Modern Area Rug. Sporting a simple tree motif, this rug would work well in a children’s bedroom or guest bedroom.

Tranquil Designs

A feast for the eyes is often used to describe decadent tables of food or incredible art galleries, but who says it has to be limited to those subjects? 

Can’t an area rug be a feast for the eyes? We’d argue that yes, it can. And to prove the point, here’s a cozy rug ideal for winter that’s as beautiful as it is enticing. The Manhattan Patterned Shag Gray Modern Area Rug is, on the surface, simple. Grey and white thread intertwine to form an infinity design. But you know what? It’s a peaceful landscape that’s as relaxing as it is lovely thanks to the fluffy shag perfection that beckons one to lie down with a cup of tea and a good book. 

Zen-Like State

The word “zen” gets thrown around a lot, especially by interior designers, but the idea of achieving an enlightened state of mind is still a profound concept worth exploring in home decor. 

How can one create a space where the mind is at ease and stress is lifted? Clean, crisp choices are a good place to start and can piggyback on the warming up of a winter bedroom project. Find colors, textures, and designs that make you feel at peace like this Hampstead Collection 5623 Grey Abstract Area Rug or this Towerhill Collection 7567 Grey Abstract Area Rug for cozy nights of winter wonderland nirvana. 

Of course, Luxe Weavers has many more options for great rugs to make your bedroom cozy for winter. With styles as varied as modern to distressed, patterned to abstract, Luxe Weavers can outfit all of your bedrooms with new, affordable area rugs perfect for the frosty season. And with our handy guide in hand, you’ll have all the notes you need to make the right choice. 

Accent rugs and Area rugs are identical, so most rug lovers have a hard time figuring them out. While shopping for rugs, it is common to come across rugs tagged "accent rug" and those labeled "area rug," forcing many shopper to wonder what type of rug is actually ideal for their homes. If you have had a similar experience, you don't have to wonder anymore. Here are some clear descriptions that will help you identify their differences and similarities.