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The first thing to know about Oriental rugs before you go investing in one, is their origin story. 

Oriental rugs are heavy textiles originally made in what was then referred to as the “Orient,” which stretched from modern day Turkey to the greater subcontinent of India. 

Oriental rugs became en vogue in the 1840s as part of a Turkish design craze.

Today the term more broadly defines rugs that are either made using traditional techniques, or mimic traditional designs of the past. Examples can range in size from tiny entryway rugs to grand area rugs and come in a variety of textiles including wool, cotton, and silk. 

Due to the historic nature of their craftsmanship, antique Oriental rugs are often also designated by their country of origin. Nazmiyal Collection separates Oriental rugs into 10 regional categories including: 

• Seljuk and Beylik Dynasty Rugs
• Ilkhanid Dynasty Rugs
• Timurid Dynasty 
• Ottoman Dynasty
• Mamluk Dynasty Rugs
• Safavid Dynasty Carpets
• Mughal Dynasty
• Oriental Rug Weaving in the Far East
• Europe and Early Oriental Rugs
• Qajar Dynasty Nineteenth Century Rug Revival

To discover what it is exactly that you like about Oriental rugs, a deep dive into their history isn’t a bad place to start. Once you have a working knowledge of the timeline and how the craft evolved across the globe, you’ll better understand what styles and designs suit your taste. From there, you can follow these 7 tips to find the best Oriental area rug for your home.

Learn How Rugs Are Made

There was a time when a loom would be a common item in any American home, but unless you live on a sheep farm, those days are likely gone. So instead, it might be worth familiarizing yourself with the weaving process. YouTube has some great examples, like this breathtaking demonstration that shows how Persian rugs are made. 

Learn the Design Language

Like a lot of fine art, Oriental rugs come with their own lingo that applies to how the rugs are built, the types of designs used, and the materials included. For instance, those dangly bits on the ends of some rugs? They’re formally called the fringe. And it might surprise you to know, but Oriental rugs actually have a top end and a bottom end. The border and the field are also terms to denote the actual design. Speak the language and you’ll have a much easier time shopping for the right rug.

Set a Budget

True antique Oriental rugs can cost thousands of dollars. If that’s not your price range, however, you can still find a gorgeous rug to suit your home. A wise shopper sets their budget before entering the gallerias and risking pocketbook disappointment. Consider the affordable options at Luxe Weavers if you’re not in the market to secure a vintage Mughal Dynasty rug. Options like Luxe Weavers Blue 8x10 Oriental Area Rug follow traditional Oriental rug design aesthetics while delivering the consumer a much more reasonable price point. 

Buy What You Like

When dealing in old world goods, it’s easy to get caught up in the myth and romanticism associated with an object. But just because Architectural Digest says everyone must have a 1930s hand knotted vintage wool Persian rug, doesn’t mean you have to. It’s your home after all. Buy what suits you best. If Luxe Weavers Hampstead Collection 8027 Red Oriental Area Rug gives you joy, go for it. 

Give It A Test Run

Whenever you can, test out a rug at home first. You’ll never really know how a rug will work in a space until you actually lay it out on the floor. Consider vendors that offer convenient returns.

Pick a Rug that Can Stand Up to Foot Traffic

What’s the point spending thousands of dollars on a stunning Oriental rug that’s going to get trampled? If you know your busy household is going to put a hurt on whatever area rug you pick, but you still want something with style and definition, choose something constructed from highly durable, low-maintenance polypropylene material, like this Nayara Collection Rose Oriental Area Rug.

Choose Your Vendor Wisely

When investing in an Oriental rug, it pays to be choosy when it comes to your source. Find a company that specializes in rugs, not just a big box store that offers rugs as one of its many inventory items. Businesses that focus on rugs will be better educated to help you find just the style you’re looking for.

Ready to get shopping? Armed with these seven tips, you can begin your search for the perfect Oriental area rug.

One of the hallmarks of frontier families in the American West were rag rugs. Most often crafted by women, these floor coverings were handmade by taking bits of rags and tying, knotting, or braiding them together. 

Like all good crafts, what was first a way of recycling old fabric became an actual art form. The website Rug Makers Homestead says that by the 1910s, rag rugs were seeing a rise in popularity and had evolved from primitive pieces to elaborate designs during the Arts and Crafts movement.

Not surprisingly, rag rugs gained popularity again during the Depression and master rug maker Diana Blake Gray writes that “hooked, 3-strand braided, loom woven and crocheted rugs, and the emphasis on the practical aspects of the rugs overrode most of the artistic developments earlier in the century.”

The craft is still practiced today, and if you’d like to give it a try, the internet is full of video tutorials. Here’s a guide to six of the best online videos for learning to make a rag rug.

Easy No Sew Rag Rug

Beginners should, well, start at the beginning. Before you can bust out the crochet darning needles, it makes sense to learn a basic pattern. That’s where this video from Nancy’s Notions comes in. With this step-by-step instruction you can learn how to make a small rug. This video is great because it uses an aerial view to show the viewer exactly how to pull and thread the strips of rags to form the rug. 

Crochet Rag Rug Tutorial

Crocheting is a type of weaving done with a hook (called a darning needle) and most often prepared with yarn. But the same principles can apply to other materials—in this case rags. YouTuber Francis Young demonstrates this process in her video Crochet Rag Rug Tutorial and if you follow closely, you can easily craft your own.

Oval Rag Rug

The beauty of a rag rug is you can design it in multiple shapes as, HooknLoops Calm Country Crochet does in this Crochet Oval Rag Rug Part 1 video. One of the benefits of this guide is the video doesn’t just launch you into the actual strokes needed to create the rug. Rather, it begins by explaining exactly what tools you’ll need so you can get set up before attempting to make the rug on your own. In addition, the video just shows the work of the crocheter’s hands on a black background so it’s easy to follow every step. 

Lost Art of Braid-in Rag Rugs Part 1

Part of the fun of learning a new craft is studying its history. That’s why we’re recommending Erin Halvorsen’s video Lost Art of Braid-in Rag Rugs. As Halversen explains, this form of rag rug making nearly vanished at the end of World War II when the conservation of scraps was no longer necessary. To rediscover this folk tradition, Halversen researched extensively and this video essentially allows crafters to step back in time and reclaim a long-lost art form. 

How To Weave a Rag Rug Using Scrap Fabric

It might come as a surprise, but you can actually make a rag rug on a loom. Using those same fabric scraps gathered up for the other aforementioned videos, weavers can utilize their looms for this craft as well. Amazingly, the video from DIY On The House explains that the size of the scrap doesn’t matter. Even a 4x4 inch square can be used to make a loom rag rug. 

How to make Amish Knot Trivets/Placemats (toothbrush rag rug)

Fun fact: historical evidence shows that crafters cut an "eye" into old wooden toothbrushes to make needles for weaving rag rugs. That’s why Barri-Jayne Makes calls her craft a toothbrush rag rug. Today, toothbrush needles are an actual tool you can buy at a fabric store or online. Better yet, in this video Barri-Jayne makes her own and shows viewers how they can save some cash by doing the same. 

With these videos, you can get started on your own rag rug crafting adventures. All you need to do is rip up some old bed sheets or start collecting bits and bobs of fabric — say from old drapes, table clothes, or even T-shirts — and saving it for your eventual rag rug project. 

Then, following these tutorials, you can turn your scraps into a functional masterpiece to decorate your home. As a bonus, the rag rug pattern can be used for more than just rugs. Think: placemats, table runners, and even wall hangings. 

And if that doesn’t work out, as some craft projects are wont to do, you can always just buy a rug. While there may not be any rag rugs in our store, we do have the best in affordable modern rugs and Oriental rugs in a variety of shapes, colors, and designs. 

Seven months into the pandemic, you’ve probably had a good long time to sit and stare at your kitchen rug and think “Hmm, I could do better.” Indeed you could. And with all this time to assess your interior design aesthetic, why not start now? 

Kitchen rugs have come a long way since the Colonial era, when painted floorcloths gave way to rag rugs, and then to more complicated designs. Nowadays there are new materials that can stand up to all the wear and tear that occurs in what’s often the most trafficked room in the house. And, even better, you don’t have to sacrifice style. 

There is a huge variety of kitchen rugs to match your mood, style, and circumstances, whether it’s a pack of kids constantly requesting snacks, or a bachelor pad begging for a more adult design look. Here we’ll look at 10 gorgeous kitchen rugs to brighten up your space.

Boho Chic

Just because you’re chopping onions doesn’t mean you have to look like you’re working in an industrial kitchen. Those days are long gone. And with the Bohemian Cream Oriental Rug you’ll have a rug to match your culinary attitude. Creamy turquoise and brown make up this runner that can easily fit between an island and range, perfect for adding a bit of pep to an otherwise functional space.

Moody Blues

With the popularity of open floor plans, many kitchens today double as dining spaces. And while this often leaves them feeling more casual, you can amp up the formality with a rug like the  Turquoise & Beige Rustic Modern Area Rug. With the same patina as a well-loved Southern porch, this geometric rug adds a touch of personality in calming colors. Turn on a little Miles Davis, pour a glass of wine, have a seat above this sophisticated rug, and tell us you don’t feel more relaxed.

Criss Cross Apple Sauce

Trying to balance family-friendly kitchen functionality with pulled-together design? Look the part with this Moroccan Collection Area Rug. The trellis pattern in gray adds a level of sophistication to a kitchen, while also offering durability for busy little bodies running in and out.

Subtle Sophisticate

An original, traditionally made Oriental rug may be out of your budget, but who says you can’t fake it? This Pink & Beige Vintage Oriental Area Rug was inspired by a vintage Oriental design and gives a feminine flair to a cozy kitchen space.

Make it Pop

The Rust South Western Oriental Area Rug is not for the faint of heart. It’s for the color-loving, bold decorators who need a pop of wow in their life. Nothing spices up a kitchen (aside from, well, spice) like this red and yellow rug.

Covert Crumb Catcher

Let’s be honest, some of us need a rug that will not only brighten up a space but also hide the odd spill in the process. Enter: the Blue Oriental Area Rug. This gorgeous beige and blue rug will easily obscure any random bread crumb that falls — giving you ample time to vacuum before company notices it — while also being able to hold up thanks to its tough durability.

Abstract

Who said kitchens have to be boring? The entire idea of eating is to play off the senses and that’s not limited to taste. Sound, smell, and touch all come into play, so why not boost sight as well. This multi-colored rug is intriguing and entertaining—just like your cooking, perhaps? 

Checkerboard Nostalgia

Whether it reminds you of the classic italian checkerboard tablecloths or 1950s linoleum, there’s something charmingly nostalgic about a black and white checked pattern. Play off black and white photos or art with this evergreen Checkered Black and White Modern Area Rug design.

Flower Power

There’s something empowering about one large print and that’s the case with this Orange Modern Floral Area Rug. Rather than a series of small flower prints, this thick rug comes in a brilliant orange, a perfect complement to a muted kitchen hue. 

Modern Appeal

If vintage looks aren’t your thing, consider this Tobis Light Blue Collection Area Rug. With an almost yin and yang look, this artful design plays off two shades of blue for a unique, timeless look that would fit in any modern kitchen. 

Regardless of the style you choose, rest assured that when you shop Luxe Weavers, there’s always room to reconsider. Our 30 day return policy allows shoppers the freedom to see a rug in their own space before committing to owning it for life. So why not take this time at home to try something new? Be it modern or traditional, Luxe Weavers’ lengthy product list has something for every kitchen, from new build to historic property and everything in between. 

If you’re looking for rug inspiration, home decor magazines have got it covered. 

From Real Simple to Country Living, the legacy publications know their way around a thread count and how best to make it look great in a home. 

Sometimes their editorial teams place a rug in a surprising spot. Other times it's the use of contrasting patterns that’s a particular splash to a space. Ultimately it’s nailing the unexpected style choice that appeals to readers, which is why we’ve scoured the pages of some of the best design periodicals to find eight magazine-worthy ways to style your area rug. 

In no particular order they are:

The Hidden TV Hack

Truly a genius concept, Domino magazine posted this trick for hiding a TV when not in use. Simply take a small area rug and hang it above the tube on a dowel. 

When you’re not binging the latest Netflix series, no one even needs to know it's there. Simply flip it over the TV and voila, you have a beautiful woven piece of art above your mantle. This Luxe Weavers Moroccan Collection Area Rug in Ivory would work well. 

Dress Up the Loo

Take it from Architectural Digest, the bathroom does not have to be a boring space. And you can easily spice it up, especially if you’re dealing with a dark floor by tossing out the fuzzy bath mat for a chic area rug. This Red Oriental Area Rug, for instance, will keep your toes warm while warming up the entire space. 

Set the Stage with a Staircase Rug

Elle Decor says staircase rugs are statement makers, and they would know. Punch up your own stairway by securing a runner with staircase rods. The vintage meets modern look will add drama to an entryway while avoiding wear and tear on wood stairs. Or it can add a soft subtle look, like with this Bohemian Cream 2x7 Runner Rug. 

Cuddle Up with a Rug

Hear us out: a rug can also be used to accent a bedspread. Real Simple gave this look its seal of approval by citing artist Sharlene Kayne's clever twist of taking a colorful, red-hued rug and laying it atop her white linens.

Source: Real Simple

Surely incredibly warm on a cold winter’s night, the look also adds a creative textured element to the space. Steal the idea by using our Burgundy & Pearl Oriental Area Rug on your own bedding. 

Embrace Contrasting Designs

If it’s good enough for the readers of Dwell magazine, then this idea is certainly worth consideration. 

In this scenario a pair of interior designers turned an old Belgian factory into their home. With a severe white interior, the wildly different rug designs feel welcoming. A similar look could be achieved by pairing Luxe Weavers’ Gray Square Modern Area Rug and Nuvola Collection Area Rug in Beige.

Make It a Headboard

Ikea bed frame got you down? Want a headboard that says “I have very refined taste, but not the budget for it?” DIY it. Domino magazine fully endorses the use of a rug as a makeshift headboard. And why not? It adds color and frames your sleep space while making the wall feel cozier. To get the right look, consider Luxe Weavers’ Nuvola Collection Area Rug in Ivory.

Make it Wall Decor

While we’re on the subject of putting rugs on the walls, why even bother with the headboard and just make the rug itself your wall art? Apartment Therapy has an entire blog on the topic with ideas like hanging a vertical runner behind a petite sofa to make use of vertical space. This Distressed Blue 2 x 7 Hallway Runner Area Rug Carpet would work nicely in such a concept.

Let a Rug Define a Space

As the brightest minds in design told Town & Country Magazine, “A well chosen rug is incredibly important, as it has the power to fully resolve a room and pull together many of the other decorating elements.” 

It also has the power to define a space, especially in an open concept floor plan. Make an area feel more like a lounge with a rug. Cap off a breakfast nook with a rug. Focus on a sitting area with an area rug. For instance, if you want to make a reading corner more cozy, define it with this Blue Oriental Vintage Area Rug.

Those are the big ideas from the most clever people working in decor. 

But if you’re looking for even more inspiration or are just ready to start shopping, take a scroll through Luxe Weavers’ selection of affordable and beautiful rugs. Designed to hold up to busy households while not taking a beating on your pocketbook, they have magazine-worthy options to fit any of these magazine-worthy concepts. Plus, each rug order comes with complimentary shipping which is one thing, we all know, that never goes out of style.

Looking to add a traditional old world look to your home? An Oriental rug is a great way of bringing a sophisticated aesthetic to a space. 

The term originally derived from rugs made in “Oriental” countries. Today that’s not always the case, but the name—despite its politically incorrect nature—endures and has come to define heavy textiles in a variety of motifs. These include, but aren’t limited to the Blossom, Chinese script, Cyprus, and Hyacinth patterns. 

Beautiful and classic pieces of interior art, an Oriental rug can bring a room together. Here’s how to style your room around your new Oriental rug.

Have the Colors Echo the Walls

Say you’ve painted your bedroom a dramatic blue. An oriental rug with a more subtle, complementary blue, as is the case in this Luxe Weavers Howell Collection Oriental Blue 5x7 Area Rug, can pull the whole scene together by drawing the eye down to the floor and subsequently, the rest of the room. 

Crisp Meets Cool

Pair crisp furnishings in muted hues with a cool colored Oriental rug such as this Luxe Weavers Silver Oriental Area Rug for a soothing spa-like space. The addition of the rug can save this concept from feeling austere by adding a warming element. 

Marry Bold Artwork and Soft Patterns

Bold artwork driving the scene of a room? Soften the space with a subdued Oriental area rug like this Elegant Distressed Ivory Oriental design. 

Go Monochromatic

Make a statement with a carpet to match your drapes… and your walls… and your furniture. Any why not make it extra wild with something like this Pink Oriental Area Rug.

Black & White Appeal

Let the design be the focus with a black and white Oriental rug and save the color for the rest of the decor. The surprising choice will add a wow factor to an otherwise unexpected space. This Luxe Weavers Distressed Silver Oriental Area Rug is one direction to go with it. 

Stack Them Up

Creative interior designers have been stacking rugs for years and for good reason: it adds texture and depth. You can put a rug on a carpet or place two on top of each other on a wood or cement floor for a unique idea guests won’t expect. Take a bestseller from Luxe Weavers like Multi-Colored Distressed Oriental Area Rug and place it atop the Ivory 8x10 Oriental Area Rug for a totally original design.

Old Meets New

Too often people assume that they have to choose one concept or the other, modern or traditional. But that’s not the case. You can make a room full of pop art look fabulous with a classic Oriental rug in the middle. The two aren’t mutually exclusive aesthetics. Try it with Luxe Weavers Magnolia Oriental Blue 9x12 Area Rug.

Combine Classics

Then again, old things do look good with other old things—just ask any antique dealer. If you want a timeless appeal, an Oriental rug is a must. Pull together a room featuring your grandfather clock and 19th century secretary by framing it with a well paired rug like Luxe Weavers’ Howell Collection Ivory Oriental option. 

Thoughtfully Scale

If you want a room to work its best feng shui magic, it’s important to consider scale. A tiny chair in a corner might not flow with a giant rug filling up the rest of the space. Play with options and pick what fits your furnishings’s size as well as style. And swap sizes if it doesn’t work, like with this Burgundy & Pearl Oriental Area Rug from Luxe Weavers that comes in 5'2x7'2 and 7'10x10'6. 

Be Playful

Interior design is meant to be an extension of your creative self, so have fun with it. Go for the wild colored rug. Try out the bold design. What’s the worst that could happen? You change your mind? Add a little fun to your home with an Oriental rug that breaks the mold like this Distressed Blue & Ivory Oriental design. 

Whatever you choose, be it a combination of classic looks or a retro rug that contrasts with modern art, there are no wrong answers here. 

Whatever makes you feel good in your home is always the right design choice, no matter what the decor police tell you. So give a couple of these ideas a go. And do it at a price that won’t break the bank with Luxe Weavers, leaders in affordable woven furnishings. With Oriental and modern options priced at reasonable rates, there’s no better way to have fun decorating and testing out new ideas. Plus, with a great return policy and free shipping, you have even more incentive to get creative. Forget updating one room—why not do the whole house? 

Ready to get started shopping for your new Oriental rug? Visit luxeweavers.com to see all the sizes and styles to put these ideas into place.