Many Styles of Rugs to Pick From

Some styles of rugs refer to the region from which that style originated, such as Persian, Oriental, or Southwestern. Other types of rugs are named for a certain characteristic or a specific use, including contemporary rugs, shag rugs, novelty rugs, accent rugs, hall runners, children’s rugs, custom rugs and indoor-outdoor rugs.

Knowing a little bit about the different styles of rugs can help you make a well-informed decision when it’s time to pick area rugs for your home or office. In addition to the statements seen on this page, more information about various styles of rugs can be found on their individual pages.

It's Easy to See All Styles of Rugs with Rug Finder (and Fun, Too!)
Click on the link above and use "Rug Finder" in the menu under Rugs tab. Select any desired aspect (style, color, material, size, etc.) and narrow it down, one option at a time, until you have a rug that's just right for you!

Persian Rugs are renowned for bright colors and elaborate designs that usually fall into one of three general design categories: geometric, floral or pictorial. Many people incorrectly believe that Persian rugs and Oriental rugs are similar, like peas in a pod, but each style of rug has its own distinct designs and characteristics. Persian rugs will vary in design and color depending on where they come from, whether it is a city, a rural village or a tribe. A Persian rug has the advantage of looking even better as it gets older. It may take 30 to 40 years after a Persian rug is made for it to be considered at its best!

Oriental Rugs were originally hand-woven in China. Now, they’re made in India, Iran and Romania, as well as China. These areas have low labor costs and that helps these styles of rugs to remain a good value while maintaining high quality. Oriental rugs have warmth and beauty and add an interesting touch and a sense of luxury to any room. They have excellent qualities of resiliency and durability and are able to hold up in high traffic areas as well as a more subdued environment. Oriental rugs woven from silk are the most expensive, while those made from wool are more affordable.

Contemporary style rugs are often described as art for your floor, although we personally feel that term can be applied to numerous styles of rugs. Bright colors and unusual shapes are common characteristics of contemporary style rugs. A contemporary rug could be designed specifically to match or to enhance the upholstery, drapes or wallpaper in a room. Or, it could be a one-of-a-kind design based on an artistic whim, limited only by the designer or rug maker’s imagination!

Transitional Rugs cover a broad range of designs that fall in between the traditional Oriental and Persian rug styles and the contemporary rug category, where "anything goes" is often an understatement. As we have stated elsewhere, we like all rugs, but transitional styles of rugs are often our favorite. They’re fun, yet stylish and they fit right in with almost any type of decorating plan. Rugs with floral and botanical patterns, both subdued and otherwise, are good examples of transitional rugs.

Flokati area rugs are soft and very durable. These hand-woven rugs have been made in Greece for centuries. They were an essential item for early Greek shepherds, who used the woven wool creations for clothing and bedding as well as a floor covering. In recent years, Flokati rugs have been used in casual and contemporary settings, or to provide a Mediterranean look. They are cozy and have a great texture with a pile that is 3 or 4 inches long. One big advantage with Flokati rugs is that they offer several options for cleaning, one of which is that they can be washed in commercial size washing machines.

Tibetan Rugs that follow the traditional designs have a square 'tiger' pattern. Now, there are contemporary Tibetan rugs that feature energetic geometric designs. The Tibetan people have been weaving rugs for centuries and using them as bedding, saddle blankets, and meditation mats in monasteries. Tibetan rug production in Nepal became that nation’s second leading industry during the 1980’s. This was after political turmoil (around 1959 to early 1960’s) caused thousands of Tibetans to flee their homeland in Tibet and make a long trek through the Himalayan Mountains and then settle in the Katmandu valley of Nepal.

Shag area rugs, a popular look in the 1970’s, are making a comeback as a rug of choice for many people. They’re pleasantly surprised when they realize that the shag rugs of today are not the same tacky rugs of decades past when a shag rug was often considered a “must-have” item for a “cool pad.” The new shag rugs are made of better, longer-lasting materials. The soft, thick fibers offer great insulation from cold floors, and help to absorb noise when there are too many hard surfaces in a room.

Braided area rugs are one of the most popular styles of rugs. They fit in well in homes decorated in the Arts and Crafts style or where a country look is desired. Braided rugs were originally made to fulfill a need and later developed into an art. The handcrafting of braided rugs started in the early 1700’s in the New England region of America and spread westward with the settlers, who made good use of braided rugs to cover the rough floors of their frontier cabins. Yarn or fabric is braided into strips and the strips are sewn together to make a shape, usually round or oval.

Another style of rug is the Rustic Area Rug. Our friends, Todd and Jen, have some information that is certainly well-worth your visit.

There are many more types or styles of rugs.

If you can't find a rug or two that you like, then...
...Well, to be honest, we don't know how to finish that statement.

You see, we can't imagine anybody not being able to find rugs they like.

With so many styles of rugs to choose from, decorating is not only fun, it's an adventure!

Click on any type or style of rug to go to that page.

Accent Rugs

Animal Print Rugs

Animal Rugs

Antique Rugs

Bear Rugs

Children's Area Rugs

Custom Made Area Rug

Floor Rugs (another name for area rugs)

Handmade Rugs

Hooked Rugs

Indoor-Outdoor Area Rugs You can use these rugs inside or outside!

Navajo Rugs Also see History of Navajo Rugs and the "Spirit String."

Outdoor Rugs Deck ~ Patio ~ Gazebo ~ Poolside

Rug Runners for Halls

Rug Runners for Stairs

Sheepskin Rug

Southwestern Rugs Also see Navajo Rugs.

Stair Tread Rugs      Also, matching Kitchen Chair Pads and Trivets

Tapestries Often made similar to rugs, only thinner and lighter.

Throw Rugs

Zebra Area Rug

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Use Rug Finder to See Your Favorite Styles of Rugs (in All Price Ranges!)
Click on the link above and use "Rug Finder" in the menu under Rugs tab. Select any desired aspect (style, color, material, size, etc.) and narrow it down, one option at a time, until you have a rug that's just right for you!