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In the words of the old nursery rhyme, “Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fat.” 

What precisely that means, we can’t say, but it always makes us think of the holidays—which inevitably brings visions of yummy foods cooking in the kitchen. 

Typically the center of the home, everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen when it’s the holidays, so naturally you want the heart of your household to look as good as it smells.
But at the same time, kitchens are a high-traffic area. Family is coming and going, food inevitably gets spilled. How do you make this space feel cozy and welcoming while still operating as a functional food prep space? Two words: area rug. 

An inviting area rug that’s durable yet sophisticated, easy to clean yet stylish, can work wonders in making a kitchen a more hospitable space. But not just any area rug will do. In this guide we’ll look at six great kitchen rugs that can bring the holidays into your kitchen.

Luxe Weavers Magnolia Collection 2937 Beige White Abstract Area Rug

There’s a reason interior designers love the 1990 film Home Alone. Sure, it was a hilarious holiday blockbuster, but it also had one of the most festively decorated homes of any holiday film, ever (maybe excepting Christmas Vacation!) Rewatch Home Alone and you’ll see that almost the entire home was tastefully decorated in green and red. While that might be extreme for most homeowners, you can add a little seasonal flavor with a rug that incorporates the most popular Christmas colors. This abstract area rug takes a traditional Oriental pattern and incorporates subtle hints of red and green. 

Luxe Weavers Magnolia Collection 7613 Silver Geometric Area Rug

Often kitchens can give off a sterile vibe. Warm up a space with a tasteful area rug that says “sit back and stay awhile.” Geometric shapes don’t require that a rug fit a particular design aesthetic. Instead they can blend in nearly any space, which makes this rug universal. 

Manhattan Patterned Shag Gray Modern Area Rug

Don’t believe the naysayers, shag can go wherever you want it go—even in a kitchen. For those lucky enough to have a snug—a small, intimate, cozy space like a breakfast nook— within their kitchen, a shag area rug can make for a lovely coffee corner that’s a perfect space to sit with friends and family and decorate cookies. 

Luxe Weavers Taba Collection 7085 Grey Orientral Area Rug

Let’s be real, some of us are messier in the kitchen than others. But a kitchen area rug is still possible. Just opt for one that hides messes more than others, like this Taba Collection in grey. You can still easily have a timeless area rug design perfect for the holidays that will also keep the odd spill hidden, at least until your Christmas company has left. 

Luxe Weavers Victoria Collection Blue Oriental Area Rug

“Think small” may have been Volkswagen’s famous line, but in this case it applies to kitchens too. Just because you have a cozy kitchen space, that doesn’t mean you can’t make it more festive with a small area rug. 

Luxe Weavers Hampstead Collection 8027 Red Oriental Area Rug

If you really want to embrace the season, why not choose an area rug that’s as loud and proud as your Christmas spirit. Something that says “I put my Christmas tree up in October.” An area rug that’s as joyful as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” on repeat. Something like, say, this Hampstead Collection red Oriental rug. It checks all the boxes: green and red hues, bright design, classic style that echoes long-held holiday traditions. What could be better? 

Want even more holiday-ready rug ideas? Take a look at our huge inventory covering abstract, traditional, patterned and Oriental styles.

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. 

Area Rugs are good sound dampeners and warmth providers. They help create a quiet, comfortable, and warm office space. However, choosing the right rug for your office is not a walk in the park. When purchasing an Area Rug for an office, you have to carefully keep in mind the size of the space and what it is used for.

Due to the synthetic nature of polypropylene rugs, they are not as durable as wool rugs. While polypropylene rugs can last for 3-5 years, Wool rugs can last for many more years without showing any signs of wear.

Still, both wool and polypropylene have their pros and cons.

There’s a nip in the air, frost on the ground, the crackle of leaves underfoot—and you know what that means...cozy season has arrived! 

But if your house is feeling more arctic than snuggly, it’s time to amp up the throws, pillows, and rugs. One of the easiest ways to make a space feel more warm and inviting is to add a welcoming area rug. But what styles and designs say “come on in and sit a spell”? Well, this guide will tell you just that with 7 cozy area rug suggestions designed to warm up your house this winter.

Mimic a fire

There’s a reason people love to sit mesmerized by a big fire. As much as its warm glow is soothing, the flicker of the flame casts a spell on its subjects making them feel safe and sheltered. 

There’s likely some psychological survival science behind the feeling, but the bottomline for our purposes here is you can get that same vibe from a warm colored rug. 

Think hues of red, orange, and yellow. Designed in a way that’s as soothing as the colors selected, a fiery rug can transform a space from a sterile living room to a homey nook. For example, Luxe Weavers’ Howell Collection Red Abstract Area Rug takes the flame concept and transforms it into a classic Oriental motif perfect for a sophisticated loft. 

Soothing Shades

Say red shades just don’t jibe with your design scheme. 

No worries. 

You can use other colors to make a room more snug. Consider soothing tones of grey, taupe, andcream. Taken together in an abstract form that doesn’t exhaust the eye, these shades can be just as comforting as a warm cup of tea. Such is the case in this Luxe Weavers Beverly Collection 6490 Turquoise Abstract Area Rug.

Straightforward Design

Believe it or not, but the design of a rug can actually elevate anxiety, or help promote relaxation. 

Research has shown that holistic design can be soothing to the point of actually helping ease things like depression. 

What some designers call “pleasant distractions” can be used to uplift. Most people might immediately think of artwork as a means of providing these distractions, but a well-designed area rug can work just the same. A pleasing geometric design can calm nerves and help someone channel their thoughts. And Luxe Weavers has many concepts that fit this bill. The Chevron Collection 3400 Turquoise Geometric Area Rug, for one, feels like a depiction of the sea with its rolling waves of turquoise and blue. On the other hand, a Luxe Weavers Madison Collection 9040 Beige Abstract Area Rug features a wave design in a neutral color that could easily soothe a weary visitor.

Consider the Cushion

Sensorily speaking, touch often gets overlooked, but it should be a big consideration when trying to find an area rug that will up your cozy factor. How a rug feels underfoot can make or break its success in a room, especially in one where you want to draw people in to relax and unwind. To that end, finding a rug that has a high thread count or is plush or soft is the goal. 

Don’t Forget Durability

If the room you’re outfitting really will be the most loved and lived in, then you need a rug that’s as durable as it is inviting. 

That’s no easy feat as some of the softest, snuggliest rugs out there are often the most delicate. Instead, opt for a rug that combines these two characteristics in the most affordable and fashionable designs. 

Case in point, the timeless Aspect Collection 674 Grey Oriental Area Rug. Elegant and up to the challenge of welcoming many footsteps, it’s the epitome of winter comfort.

Easy to Clean

If this rug will live in a space where everyone wants to congregate it’s bound to pick up some dirt. Choose a rug that’s designed for easy maintenance, like this Luxe Weavers Beverly Collection 6055 Blue Oriental Area Rug.

Timeless Beauty

Part of what makes a space feel like the perfect winter hideaway is its timelessness, and that can only be captured by filling it with classic pieces like an antique hutch, an old quilt, plush throw pillows and maybe a wooden rocking chair. A traditional Oriental rug will lend its classic appea. Much like the joy of watching the snow fall while snuggling by a roaring fire, this Luxe Weavers Aspect Collection 674 Blue Oriental Area Rug will never go out of style. 

For more great cozy area rugs, visit Luxe Weavers’ website. 

Choosing a rug isn’t like choosing a life partner, but it can still be just as emotional. 

A rug is something that will command attention in your space for years or decades to come. So, naturally, people take selecting one seriously. There are many factors to consider when choosing a rug, with the obvious being color, style, and size. But what about the hidden factors? That’s what we’ll discuss here—three very important things to think about when choosing a rug. 

What kind of maintenance are you agreeing to?

There is a vast array of area rugs to choose from, and some require more particular care than others. Choose an antique rug and you’d better be ready to put in the time and money to keep it looking good. After all, an antique Oriental rug is old and often that means it's in delicate condition. Regular vacuuming might actually damage it. Instead, you may need to invest in regular professional cleanings to help it keep its luster.

A more durable rug, on the other hand, offers its owner a longer lifespan with less expensive care. 

Rather than requiring the services of professionals for a regular shampoo each season, a good weekly vacuum and annual deep cleaning should be enough to hold its shape and look. For instance, this Euston Collection 7681 Blue Abstract Area Rug is contemporary and tasteful, but it’s also hardy and can stand the test of time in any space. 

How will the rug be used?

Is this rug in a formal living room that rarely sees guests? Or is it going to be placed in a kids’ playroom that sees everything from fort building to multi-child wrestling matches? How you answer this question could play a big role in which rug you decide to go with. 

If it’s a busy space with lots of foot traffic, a flat-weave rug with a low pile is likely the best option. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to outfit the very private sanctum of your bedroom where only those you allow can enter, then go wild with a plush shag rug. While the latter does require more attention and care, if you know you’ll be one of the few individuals stepping on it, that may not be an issue. 

For most of us, a delicate, high-maintenance rug is not an option. It’s rugs built of stronger stuff that we’re after. And there are plenty of rugs available that offer both beauty and hardiness. While still providing optimal elegance, you can get the same look as a gorgeous antique rug, but with much more rugged materials. The Hampstead Collection 8027 Silver Oriental Area Rug, for example, is the epitome of Old World elegance, but provides the durability of a brand-new rug.

How does the rug feel?

Is it soft to the touch? Does it have a unique texture? Does it feel scratchy or itchy? 

If, given the chance, you could walk on it barefoot (as most of us are wont to do in our own homes) would you want to? 

This is important, not only for your own comfort, but for those around you. If you have frequent guests, chances are someone’s feet will come into contact with your rug. If you have small children, what are the chances of rug burn given a particular fabric? Is there a possibility of tears over a skinned knee on the rug? Might want to rule it out.

And if you’re ordering online and can’t feel rug options in person, look for descriptions and product details that explain and describe the materials used. The textiles used will affect the feel of a rug, but so will the weave itself, so educating yourself on area rug weaving techniques can help inform your rug purchase decision. 

Determining exactly which rug will work for you is a calculated decision that requires a thoughtful look at all the variables from textures to fabric, cut to color. 

Weighing all of these options will help guide you to just the right choice, at which point it comes down to one final question: How does the rug make you feel? If, as Marie Kondo would say, it “sparks joy,” then what’s not to love? Sure, you might be contradicting some of the earlier questions with your choice, but if a rug is really right for you, it will make you feel good and make your space feel happy.

Choosing the right rug color can be incredibly tricky, especially given that it's also a significant financial investment that will likely stick around your home for years to come. A beautifully patterned rug can make or break a room's décor. Different spaces need different rug styles and color. 

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.

The round rug is as old as rag rug weaving and yet as perplexing as a Rubik’s Cube. 

How do you style it? Is its only natural home under a round dining room table? Can you put one in your kitchen? What about in a large space with more than one rug? Do they come in sizes bigger than a bathmat? Should you buy one in more than one color? Won’t a patterned round rug make guests dizzy? 

Great news: the round rug is not as complex as you may have made it out to be. In fact, modern round rugs can play a number of roles in pulling different spaces together. 

With the right color themes, size, and design, a round rug can completely alter a space, making it more cohesive and warm. By how do you master that look? In this guide we’ll examine five different ways to style a round modern rug.

Large & In Charge

According to Apartment Therapy, one key to round rug success is to “make it big enough that it touches all of a room’s major furniture pieces.” Essentially, you want to relax the eye by allowing the rug to expand to every element in the room. If it doesn’t touch some pieces, things could look off kilter and out of sync. 

Don’t make the rug compete with the furnishings

As mentioned above, a round table atop a round rug makes geometric sense. 

So one might assume that they should rule out a round rug with a square or rectangular table. Not so. You can marry the two if and when your round rug is significantly bigger than the table. In fact, Homes to Love says that provided there’s enough room for the rug under the chair legs to pull chairs back when seated at the table, you’ve got yourself a winning design element. 

Use a round rug to soften a space

Harsh lines can make a room feel cold and sterile. Adding a round rug can actually soften the space making it feel more inviting. Domino says that in addition to adding some level of comfort to a harsh space, the use of texture in a round rug can amp up the cozy vibe, creating a warm aesthetic. 

Highlight curved architectural details

Have a dramatic curved alcove or columned corner? Show it off with the use of a round rug. Houzz says that by using a round rug to highlight curved details you can “pull the overall feeling of the room together and underscore the room’s curves, turning them into an even more notable design feature.”

Connect the Details

Another great use of round rugs, according to Apartment Therapy, is to use them to highlight a room’s statement piece. For instance, have a great piece of art on the wall? Use your round rug as a visual focal point and you’ll draw the viewer’s eye between the two. You could pull the elements together by color, texture, or design, depending on your style.

So how should you get started shopping for a round rug? 

The first step is to create a mood board of ideals and styles you like. From there, it’s a great idea to set a budget. There are all kinds of levels of rugs you can buy. If you’re interested in something more affordable, however, you need to do your homework. Search for rugs that are both durable and well crafted from vendors that have a good return policy and customer service. Then, begin to look into different designs. 

For modern rugs, a good place to start is with your color palette. 

Modern aesthetic these days often features crisp, cool colors in patterns like Ikat, Greek key, animal print, and houndstooth. The better you speak rug lingo, the easier it will be to navigate shopping sites and showrooms. Be prepared to ask questions via email to an online retailer or in person. And, most importantly, ask if you can test run a rug. Many places will allow purchasers to give it a test run in their homes before they commit to purchasing. By testing it out, you can see if it will really work, then adjust (size, color, shape) accordingly. 

And if you ultimately decide that maybe a round rug isn’t right for you, be sure you keep in mind all of the above in your quest to find a traditional rectangular rug. 

You can view our offerings in our online gallery.

An area rug can pull an entire bedroom together. In what’s typically considered the most sacred space in a house, a place to rest, relax, and recharge, adding a rug can provide the cohesive glue to bring this spa-like experience all together. 

But just because you want to give your bedroom a high-end, hotel-level comfort feel doesn’t mean you have to take out a mortgage to pay for a nice rug. 

Whether you’re looking for a soothing pattern to blend seamlessly into your monochrome space or an inviting pop of color that lures you into taking a rest, there are a multitude of design options that can work for a bedroom. 

Here are 10 examples of not only beautiful, but affordable, rugs to style your bedroom. 

Hampstead Collection Red Oriental Area Rug

Available in three sizes, even the largest amongst the Red Oriental rug option (9x12) is under $300. But even at that competitive price, this Hampstead Collection piece looks and feels like a beautiful vintage Oriental rug. The worn-in red hue would fit well in any older home and blend in perfectly with antique furnishings. Or use it to add a touch of old world design to a modern bedroom.

Victoria Collection Light Blue Abstract Area Rug

There’s a reason many people paint their bedrooms blue: it’s incredibly soothing. So why not carry that calming vibe forward by continuing it in your rug choice. This Blue Abstract rug suggests a subtle design that’s at once sophisticated and comforting — perfect for making a bedroom a peaceful oasis.

Victoria Collection Blue Oriental Area Rug

Another ode to blue, this Victoria Collection takes similar hues as the one above and translates them into an intricate Oriental design. This rug would work well in a more formal bedroom space or under a sitting area of the bedroom used for lounging or reading. 

Victoria Collection Grey Abstract Area Rug

If you prefer your bedroom to have a little personality, you can nix dull colors altogether and add a vibrant edge with this Grey Abstract area rug that has pops of loud red within it. Bold and beautiful, this rug would work well in a bedroom that features a strong color palette.

Beverly Collection Cream Oriental Area Rug

For a bedroom with beach views looking out on the shoreline, this rug seems ideal. Cream drives the color scheme with subtle hints of tan and green, making this rug a versatile addition whether a bedroom is heavy on viridescent hues or more earth tones. 

Wale Collection Black Abstract Area Rug

Comfort is key in a bedroom. Even if you have the highest thread count sheets, the fluffiest pillows, the best ambient sound machine, it still won’t take away the shock of stepping onto a scratchy carpet each morning. Rather than go through this wake up call day in and day out, opt for an area rug that’s as plush as its pattern. 

Capello Collection Blue Abstract Area Rug

Soothing tones don’t have to mean one solid color. Not with a Capello Collection Blue Abstract area rug. Blend blue and red, this soft rug is still visually calming while adding a touch of brightness to a space. 

Moroccan Collection Grey Abstract Area Rug

If you have modern taste, you can’t beat a Moroccan patterned rug. Intertwining hexagons in thin white lines, this light gray rug offers an aesthetically pleasing look that would work well in a contemporary bedroom. And at just $80 for the 5x7, you can’t beat the price. 

Collection Gray Geometric Area Rug

If your bedroom connects to a large bathroom or flows to a walk-in closet, a geometric rug can help marry the spaces. Choosing a bold pattern, as featured in this geometric area rug, lets you play off of blacks, greys, and whites for a bedroom-wide style-driven color palette. 

Magnolia Collection Beige White Abstract Area Rug

Get the look of an antique expensive Oriental rug for a fraction of the cost with this Magnolia Collection Beige White Abstract area rug. Designed to look lived in, placing this in your bedroom will add character to the space, making it feel more cozy and cosmopolitan. 

Want to discover even more affordable rugs to style your bedroom? Take a look at our modern collection here.

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. 

Got a case of the rug blues? It happens to the best of us. When a well trod rug starts to show wear and tear, it’s time to look for a replacement.
And you might be surprised what a new rug can do for your home. Here are 10 rugs that are perfect for breathing new life into your space.

Neutral Hues
According to Elle Decor, neutral rug hues are all the rage this year. Want to get in on the trend? Consider this Silver Oriental Area Rug. This polyester rug features an old world design in blue, purple, and white. With a vintage design, it will give your space a classic look that will blend seamlessly with antiques and fine furnishings.

Pop of Pattern 
Give new life to a space—say, a dining room—by updating the existing rug with a patterned option. Repeating geometric designs can add a clean uniformity to an undefined space as well. If you want to make a corner of your living room a reading nook, add a patterned rug for dimension. We like this Diana Collection Area Rug in Grey.

Rugs as Art
House Beautiful says 2020 is all about using rugs as art. That might bring to mind expensive, handcrafted rugs made by artisan weavers. But that doesn’t actually have to be the case. You can achieve this look without breaking the bank by grabbing a rug with a more artistic look, like this Ivory Floral Modern Area Rug

Shine like a Jewel
Jewel tones in rugs are also getting a lot of attention right now and we can understand why. With their bright, evocative appeal, they add a happy element to any space. If you want to embrace the jewel tone aesthetic, look no further than the Turquoise & Beige Rustic Modern Area Rug. In this rustic design, the beige actually acts as a gold in contrast with the turquoise.

Morrocan Mystique
Moroccan patterns never go out of style. That’s why we love this Mango Moroccan Trellis Modern Area Rug. The juicy mango color is guaranteed to add a pop of fun to any space and could brighten up a dark corner or be the perfect centerpiece for a child’s playroom.

Wild Rugs
In the same vein as artistic rugs comes the riotous rug trend, a shift from the severe patterns some people prefer to wild, abstract rugs. One way to deploy this look is in an otherwise organized space. Let the floor be the surprise with an outrageous rug in brilliant colors, like this Blue Swirls Modern Abstract Area Rug.

Black & White and Loved All Over
Love the look of newsprint? Or the crisp appeal of black and white photos? Take that same spirit and translate it into your rug styling with a black and white pattern. You can go black and white in an Oriental rug or pull off your own checkerboard look with this Checkered Black and White Modern Area Rug.

Sailor Stripes
There’s something about stripes that evokes the sea and works perfectly in a coastal cottage. But even if you’re landlocked, you can steal the idea with a striped rug. The straightforward design can easily blend into a space while perking up the color palette and you don’t have to go with the classic Navy blue and white. This rug uses multiple colors for a visually appealing striped effect.

Monochromatic Appeal
There’s something to be said for a design in one hue. It can help make for a clean, uncluttered space. Whether you go for a blue to match your wallpaper, or a dull red to blend in above wood floors, the concept is to not have the rug intrude, but rather meld with the rest of the room. Make the idea your own with this Distressed Blue Oriental Area Rug.

Spa Aesthetic
Comfort is paramount these days and turning our homes into zen-like spaces is something more and more designers are embracing. But how do you achieve a blissed-out living room or super calm bedroom? A soothing rug can’t hurt. Stick to colors that feel restful on your eyes—adding a plush thread count doesn’t hurt either. For instance, this Cream Brown Patterned Shag Area Rug would work well in a bedroom. 

Whatever design style you go for, remember that quality and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive. Take a look at our selections and give your home some new life!