Area Rug Designs and Styles:
So, So Much Variety!

The awesome variety of area rug designs and styles is like a buffet lunch or dinner that has so much variety of everything. You know there's just too much of things you like, even after you dismiss the ones you don't like.

After over three thousand years (yes, 3,000) of making area rugs, much has been learned and passed down from generation to generation. One thing is clear: there is much room for creativity; and, it takes a lot of styles to please everybody.

We're going to introduce you to the diverse area rug styles available to shoppers of every kind. Whatever your individual likes and tastes may be, there are area rug designs to satisfy you.

Among the types of rug designs you'll find, there are:

Children's rugs

There's no denying that children acquire a good deal of their artistic taste from their home environment. In recent years, the number of area rug designs specifically for children has increased dramatically. Their rooms have been turned into places of fun, stimulating colors and styles.

In fact, you'll find rugs for the nursery, boy's room, girl's room, and playroom, in styles they'll love. And so will you.

Click here to read more about children's rugs

Contemporary rugs

Contemporary rugs (also referred to as modern rugs or modern contemporary rugs) have prints and color ranges unique to area rug designs. They have brought their own intricate textures, attractive luster and embellishments to the world of area rug design.

In fact, if you want to put some modern art on your floor, you absolutely must take a look at the great variety of contemporary area rug styles you can choose from. With their blend of creativity and quality, these area rug designs continue making a modern statement, clear and distinct for all to see.

Click here to read more about contemporary rugs

Designer rugs

Some rug designers have made a name for themselves, to the extent that their names are widely recognized. For them, that is a good thing. So, their products carry their name.

Some designers, in other fields, have even entered the world of area rugs design, while banking on their already established reputations for good design. They have succeeded.

Designer rugs, because of the diversity and specializations of their designers, most certainly can fall into the various categories of area rug designs. It's just that the designers are not following a rigid tradition as they develop their own creations.

Floral rugs

Floral area rugs, as their name implies, typically consist of patterns of blossoms and vines woven into them. For vibrancy and color in a room, add a floral rug. You'll notice an immediate change in the look and feel of the entire room.

Flowers can lend an air of simple elegance to a room. Floral rugs, depending on the degree of their ornate or complex patterns, can do that, and much more, besides. For example, put a bright, simple flower design into a child’s room, can bring it to life.

Oriental Rugs

Environmentally friendly, Oriental rugs come from a very large region of Asia that includes China, Vietnam, Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, and India. It also includes a lot of their neighbors. Oriental rugs are not the sole property of any culture, nation, ethnic group, or religion. Nevertheless, they are acknowledged leaders in area rug designs for timeless creativity and superb harmony of colors.

Their unique beauty is achieved through the splendid choice of colors and designs, as well as by manipulating those designs and colors, which results in exquisite patterns.

Authentic oriental rugs are handmade – either knotted with pile* or woven without pile. Any Oriental design rugs not made by means of hand knotting or hand weaving, are not considered authentic Oriental rugs.

* Pile is the raised surface or nap of a fabric, which is made of upright loops or strands of yarn

Outdoor Rugs

Any outdoor setting, such as your porch, patio, entryway or deck, will be pleasingly enhanced by the practical and stylish addition of an outdoor rug. Outdoor rugs are particularly characterized by their durability and colorfastness. They wear well and don't lose their colors in high traffic areas.

Their many colors and styles, plus their ability to dry quickly and resist moisture, mean that you can enrich the external decor of your home, as well. Braided outdoor rugs, in particular, come in many different styles and colors. They can look great with any existing decor you already have.

Shag Rugs and Flokati Rugs

Shag rugs became popular in the 1960s, as an inexpensive form of personal expression and great comfort. There are both wool and synthetic versions, but both express a full-bodied kind of elegance with a contemporary touch. They are really great for those cold winter floors, oh, do they exude comfort!

The best shag styles are the flokati style, made from wool, of course. The Greek method of production makes flokati shag rugs outstanding examples of quality, comfort and elegance.

Click here to read more about Flokati area rugs

Southwest Rugs

For anyone who has rustic furniture, and even for those who don't, Southwest (or Southwestern) area rugs can give a room the feeling of something mysterious, quite ancient, and peaceful.

These are, in fact, artwork based on Navajo tribal, Kokopelli (Native American folklore fertility deity), and folk art. The Navajo is the largest Native American tribe in North America, mostly inhabiting the states of Arizona and New Mexico.

Southwest area rug designs typically feature geometric patterns. This can give a room a look and feel that is both classic and timeless, at the same time, combined with a warm and homey feeling. The rugs are made in different, distinctive ways: flat weaving or hand-knotted. Today, the materials used range from wool to man-made materials.

Click here to read more about Southwest area rugs

Traditional Rugs

Traditional rugs are characterized by intricate, antique-inspired area rug designs and elegant color combinations. They come in a variety of classic Oriental looks and styles, recreated in color ranges suited to today's current tastes.

Many are hand-woven from wool, using time-honored techniques passed on from one family member to the next. The best of these area rug styles originate in exotic villages in many parts of Asia and North Africa.

Some traditional rugs are typically used in more formal rooms in the house, such as the living room and dining room. However, these timeless rugs can add class and distinction to any room in the house.

Transitional rugs

Transitional rugs enjoy a reputation as among the most versatile of floor coverings. They encompass a range of area rug styles, designs, patterns, and colors. This makes these rugs suitable for all types of decor, from formal traditional to casual contemporary.

What results from a blending of the ancient and the modern are area rug designs that can complement any room in your home. A transitional rug gives a room a look and feel that can range from the subdued to the explosively fresh.

If you want to leap right in and do some pre-shopping for rug designs, I'm sure you'll find the rug that suits your choice in design, material, color, type of weave, and size at one of the recommended sources below.

I can assure you I took great care to select each one. Each ranks high in customer satisfaction, and they have quality rugs in many price ranges, a sure bet they can satisfy their customers' needs.

Children's Rugs
Children's rugs are the perfect addition to any child's bedroom.

The Contemporary Rug
If you are in the market for a contemporary rug, then you are in luck, as there are many different styles, shapes, colors, and materials to pick from.

Flokati Area Rugs
Flokati area rugs are deep, thick, but usually small sized, woolen rugs enhanced by shaggy piles, which were originally hand-woven in Greece.

Southwest Area Rugs
Southwest area rugs (or Southwestern area rugs, as they’re also called) are some of the most beautiful rugs for decorating your home.

The Beauty and History of the Oriental Area Rug
An oriental area rug might be just the thing to look for when you are ready to give your home and new and dramatic look of eye-catching elegance.

The Enduring Charm of the Persian Area Rug
It is time to take a look at the Persian area rug, if you have been considering adding a special element to your home, or even just to a room that needs to be livened up.

Traditional Area Rugs: Here to Stay
Traditional area rugs are large, cover a significant area of the floor, and are used to provide warmth and accent a room decoratively.

Transitional Area Rugs: Bridging Styles
Transitional rugs are area rugs that combine the elements of traditional area rugs with more modern elements.

Tropical Area Rugs
Tropical area rugs can enable you to transform your home or apartment into a tropical get-a-way.

Unique Area Rugs: Add Style to Your Space
Unique area rugs add style to your space, whether you're dressing up a dorm, decorating a new house, or remaking a family room.


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