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Area Rugs

Area Rugs Guide

Area rugs have a rich history, and as far back as the 18th century were a result of a worn out by-product of garments, bedding, and household furnishings. These scraps were no longer large enough or strong enough to be re-cut into new garments, reworked into new household textiles, or re-stitched into new quilts. The rags, scraps and snippets from these fabrics were carefully saved, salvaged and converted once more as long strips stitched together, or as small scraps into meager floor coverings we now commonly call area rugs.

Area rugs, whether contemporary or traditional, can really bring a room together in terms of structure and design. Rugs allow color themes and the style of a room’s interior to be accentuated by simply repeating these aspects within its design. Area rugs also allow a room’s purpose to be defined. Specific areas can be divided up and identified just by placing a rug in the center of that space.

Area rug design today allows for very creative applications. For example, in a very open plan apartment where your living space, eating space and sleeping space are all located within the same four walls, a few well-placed area rugs can immediately define each area as a separate room, thereby giving you a greater feeling of room identity with obvious boundaries determining exactly where one area stops and another one begins. This technique is also extremely useful when arranging furniture and accessories within a large room, as it helps to divide up the different parts of the room.

Area rugs, such as the intricately patterned Persian Serape area rug adds softness to a room and defines the sitting area in front of the fireplace. The handsome, polished hardwood floor is the perfect place to display the deep, rich beauty of this timeless treasure. Or a custom-colored braided area rug which adds an island of texture and color to the sea of soft beige wall-to-wall carpeting. A fabulous French Aubusson which fills an impressive sitting room with stately elegance. The vivid colors of this rug are reflected in the walls, the window treatments and the upholstery on the furniture. These are but a few possibilities that can be accomplished by strategically placing these beautiful accents in various rooms within a home.

Area rugs are available in a variety of different shapes and styles. Whether using round, modern, Oriental, braided or the like, any room will benefit from the warm and inviting appeal these rugs will contribute. And remember, with technological improvements and design capabilities now being incorporated today, your only limited by your own imagination. So go ahead, be bold and daring.

Area rugs look equally good on hard wooden flooring or on carpet, provided the color and patterns of the two do not clash and the lower carpet is of a short pile so that the top rug can be positioned correctly on top. Area rugs have notable advantages over a fitted carpet to define a room as they can easily be moved around to accommodate new furniture and new interior design themes. What is more, should you move to a new house or apartment, they can simply be rolled up and transported over to your new place!


Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, we make no warranties, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the content. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. We recommend consulting with professionals for specific advice tailored to your project’s needs, particularly regarding building codes, regulations, and product specifications.

Under no circumstances shall we be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided in this article.


Top 9 Types of Area Rugs


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Modern / Contemporary Rugs

Today, hand or machine made pile rugs in graphic, contemporary designs are produced. Although those by 'name' designers and one-offs commissioned for hand-weavers are obviously expensive, cheaper massed produced versions can be very reasonable.

See our collection modern / contemporary rugs brands like Kathy Ireland™ Rugs, Nourison Home™ Area Rugs, Masland Rugs, Mohawk Area Rugs, Couristan Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of modern / contemporary rugs brands!

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Natural Fiber Rugs

Discover our range of natural fiber rugs, offering stylish and sustainable flooring solutions. Perfect for a chic and eco-friendly home.

See our collection natural fiber rugs brands like Couristan Rugs, Godfrey Hirst Carpets, Momeni Rugs, Fibreworks® Rugs, Surya Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of natural fiber rugs brands!

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Custom Rugs

Custom rugs are becoming increasingly popular. Usually, a high quality velvet pile carpeting is cut in various shapes and forms and pieced together to form an overall design. Use any variety of colors or pattern to mix or match with your room's theme.

See our collection custom rugs brands like Masland Rugs, Fabrica Rugs, Anderson-Tuftex Rugs, Kalaty Rug, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of custom rugs brands!

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Rug Runners

Explore our extensive collection of Rug Runners! Perfect for hallways and narrow spaces, these beautiful, durable rugs add elegance and warmth to any room. Shop now to find the perfect design to fit your home's unique style!

See our collection rug runners brands like Nourison Home™ Area Rugs, Couristan Rugs, Karastan® Rugs, Stanton Rugs, Momeni Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of rug runners brands!

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Hand-Made Rugs

Knotting by hand is most prevalent in oriental rugs and carpets. Kashmir carpets are also hand-knotted. Pile carpets, like flat carpets, can be woven on a loom.

See our collection hand-made rugs brands like Masland Rugs, Fabrica Rugs, Momeni Rugs, Surya Rugs, Kaleen Area Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of hand-made rugs brands!

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Traditional Rugs

Explore our vast collection of Traditional Area Rugs, perfect for adding elegance to any room. With intricate designs and quality craftsmanship, find the perfect rug to complement your home's decor.

See our collection traditional rugs brands like Nourison Home™ Area Rugs, Masland Rugs, Mohawk Area Rugs, Couristan Rugs, Karastan® Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of traditional rugs brands!

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Transitional Rugs

Explore our collection of Transitional Area Rugs, perfect for blending classic and contemporary styles. Browse unique designs that add elegance and warmth to any room. Shop now and elevate your living space with a timeless yet modern touch.

See our collection transitional rugs brands like Nourison Home™ Area Rugs, Mohawk Area Rugs, Couristan Rugs, Karastan® Rugs, Capel Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of transitional rugs brands!

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Antique Rugs (Genuine)

Antique rugs are worth considering and are available in many beautiful designs and styles for you to look at. Within this section we focus on two of the most popular types of antique rug: the Aubusson rugs and the Persian rugs.

See our collection antique rugs (genuine) brands like Safavieh Rugs, and more... Click below to see our whole selection of antique rugs (genuine) brands!

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Casual Rugs

Casual area rugs are meant to be casual and are easily incorporated into your decor. Casual area rugs make great rugs for living rooms of all types, and can be used as rugs for bedrooms to add a touch of comfort.

See our collection casual rugs brands like Mohawk Area Rugs, Karastan® Rugs, Capel Rugs, Safavieh Rugs, United Weavers , and more... Click below to see our whole selection of casual rugs brands!

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Featured Brands

The Best 10 Area Rugs Brands


Kathy Ireland™ Rugs
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Kathy Ireland™ Rugs

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Kathy Ireland's rugs are beautiful, durable, machine-crafted of plush 100% polypropylene in a Wilton woven construction inspired by her travels all over the world. Learn More

Nourison Area Rug
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Nourison Area Rug

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Nourison offers a comprehensive range of area rugs in every imaginable style, color, pattern and construction. Choose from traditional, transitional, or contemporary styles in designs that match any decorating preference. Learn More

Masland Area Rugs
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Masland Area Rugs

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We have covered all the bases with the standard collection of rugs: Traditional, Transitional, Organic, Whimsical and Textural. Each pattern comes in a variety of colors that are extremely versatile in the home today. Learn More

Mohawk Area Rugs
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Mohawk Area Rugs

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A multicolored medley of whimsical critters meet in the playful design of Mohawk. Saturated shades of tan, blue, green, brown, red, orange, cream and purple combine in this contemporary and colorful kid friendly style. Learn More

Couristan Area Rugs
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Couristan Area Rugs

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Couristan area rugs are a superb way to make a grandiose impression on any room. The warm, snug colors showcased on each design transform any room-setting of your home into a truly inviting environment. Each piece ensures quality, durability and lasting beauty. Learn More

Milliken Rugs
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Milliken Rugs

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Milliken Area Rugs offer architects, interior designers, and facility managers sustainable, high-performance solutions that enhance both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of spaces. Designed with cutting-edge technologies, these rugs contribute to eco-friendly, stylish interiors. Learn More

Karastan Area Rugs
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Karastan Area Rugs

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Every Karastan rug is made of the finest natural and man-made fibers available. Most are 100% premium worsted wool, which is surprisingly easy to care for and clean. Learn More

Capel Area Rugs
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Capel Area Rugs

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A classic tale of intrigue unfolds from detail-dense Kinsley. Redolent with flowers, missing maharanis, escaping elephants and stolen rubies emerge with exuberant flourishes. Made by master weavers in India, this area rug collection lays claim to pure virgin wool. Learn More

Fabrica Area Rugs
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Fabrica Area Rugs

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Patterns that are sophisticated and balanced in clean and fresh yet common color combinations. All of this is put together on very sturdy hand-knotted construction. Learn More

Stanton Rugs
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Stanton Rugs

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Stanton Rug's predominantly wool product line features high quality, designer-driven patterns and styles. Stanton produces a number of decorative, high-quality, specialty collections of needlepoint Wiltons and decorative patterns in nylons spanning from residential to medium commercial applications. Learn More

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