Rugs for Traditional Interior Design：A Guide for Beginner

Discover how to elevate your traditional interior design with the perfect rug.

In this post, you’ll learn about selecting the right materials, patterns, and colors that complement classic decor.

We’ll also cover placement tips and how to care for your rugs to keep them looking their best.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to choose a rug that enhances your traditional home.

Let’s get started!

Introduction

Traditional interior design is a timeless style that creates elegant, comfortable spaces.

Incorporating elements from 18th and 19th century European decor, it focuses on symmetry, rich colors, and luxurious fabrics.

Area rugs are a key element in traditional design, anchoring the room and adding warmth, texture, and pattern.

What is Traditional Interior Design?

Definition and key characteristics

Traditional design is characterized by its classic, timeless appeal and formal elegance
Incorporates antiques, rich wood tones, plush fabrics, and ornate details
Emphasizes symmetry, balance, and order

Historical influences (18th-19th century European decor)

Draws inspiration from European styles such as English Country, French Provincial, and Victorian
Incorporates elements like carved wood furniture, gilded mirrors, and crystal chandeliers

Color palettes, patterns, and textures commonly used

Rich, warm colors like burgundy, hunter green, navy blue, and gold
Neutral walls provide a backdrop for colorful accents
Classic patterns such as damask, paisley, stripes, and florals
Luxurious textures like velvet, silk, and leather

The Role of Rugs in Traditional Interiors

How rugs complement and complete the traditional look

Rugs add warmth, softness, and comfort to a room
They introduce color, pattern, and texture that enhances the traditional style
Rugs help tie together the room’s color scheme and design elements

Typical rug placement in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms

Living room: Large area rug anchoring the seating arrangement
Dining room: Rug underneath the dining table, extending at least 24 inches beyond the table’s edges
Bedroom: Large rug under the bed or smaller rugs flanking each side

Using rugs to define spaces and create visual interest

Rugs can help delineate different functional areas in an open floor plan
Layering rugs of different sizes and patterns creates depth and visual appeal

Popular Rug Styles for Traditional Decor

Persian and Oriental rugs

Handwoven rugs from Iran, Turkey, and other Middle Eastern countries
Intricate patterns, rich colors, and high knot counts
Considered the epitome of traditional rug style

Arts and Crafts style rugs

Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Simple, geometric patterns and earthy colors
Often made of natural materials like wool and cotton

Aubusson and Savonnerie French rugs

Flat-woven or pile rugs from France, featuring intricate floral and architectural designs
Pastel and muted color palettes, with a formal and elegant appearance

Traditional rug patterns (florals, medallions, etc.)

Classic motifs that have been used in rug design for centuries
Floral patterns, central medallions, and repeating geometric borders
Convey a sense of timelessness and sophistication

Rug Materials Best Suited for Traditional Rooms

Wool as the most popular and durable choice

Natural, renewable, and biodegradable material
Durable, resilient, and naturally stain-resistant
Provides warmth and comfort underfoot

Silk for an elegant, formal look

Luxurious sheen and smooth texture
Delicate and less durable than wool
Best suited for low-traffic areas or as accent rugs

Cotton and natural fibers for casual spaces

Affordable and lightweight options
Ideal for layering or in more relaxed, informal rooms
Jute, sisal, and seagrass add natural texture

Pros and cons of each material

Wool: Durable, stain-resistant, and long-lasting, but can be expensive
Silk: Elegant and formal, but delicate and costly
Cotton: Affordable and easy to clean, but less durable than wool
Natural fibers: Eco-friendly and textural, but can be rough underfoot and difficult to clean

Rug Construction Types

Hand-knotted rugs as the most luxurious option

Made by skilled artisans who tie individual knots to create the rug’s pile
Labor-intensive process resulting in high-quality, long-lasting rugs
Often considered works of art and investment pieces

Hand-tufted and hand-hooked rugs

Created by pushing yarn through a backing material using a tufting gun or hooking tool
Faster and less expensive than hand-knotted rugs, but still offer a handmade look
Ideal for those who want the appearance of a handmade rug at a lower price point

Machine-made rugs as budget-friendly alternatives

Produced on power looms using computer-controlled patterns
Consistent quality and faster production times
More affordable than handmade rugs, making them accessible to a wider range of buyers

Durability and longevity of different constructions

Hand-knotted rugs are the most durable and can last for generations with proper care
Hand-tufted and hand-hooked rugs are less durable than hand-knotted but can still last for many years
Machine-made rugs are generally less durable than handmade options but offer good value for their price

Choosing the Right Rug Size & Placement

Area rug size guidelines for each room

Living room: Rug should be large enough to fit at least the front legs of furniture
Dining room: Rug should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table’s edges to accommodate chairs
Bedroom: Rug should extend at least 18 inches beyond the sides of the bed

Placement tips (centering, front-legs on rug, etc.)

Center the rug in the room or under the main furniture grouping
Ensure the rug is proportional to the size of the room and furniture
Place the front legs of sofas and chairs on the rug to create a cohesive look

Creating balance and proportion with rug size

Choose a rug size that complements the scale of the room and furniture
Avoid rugs that are too small, as they can make the space feel disjointed
Larger rugs create a more luxurious and expansive feel

Coordinating Rugs with Traditional Decor

Picking up colors from fabrics and wall coverings

Use the rug as a starting point for the room’s color scheme
Choose rug colors that complement or contrast with existing fabrics and wall colors
Repeat colors from the rug in throw pillows, curtains, and other accents

Layering rugs for added depth

Place a smaller, patterned rug over a larger, neutral rug for visual interest
Use rugs of different textures or materials to create a layered, cozy feel
Ensure the rugs complement each other in color and style

Mixing rug patterns with upholstery and curtains

Balance large-scale patterns with smaller, more intricate designs
Use the 60-30-10 rule: 60% dominant color, 30% secondary color, 10% accent color
Stick to a cohesive color palette to tie the patterns together

Creating a cohesive look

Consider the overall style and mood of the room when selecting a rug
Choose a rug that complements the existing furniture and decor
Use the rug to pull together disparate elements and create a unified, polished appearance

Rug Care & Maintenance Tips

Regular vacuuming and spot-cleaning

Vacuum rugs weekly to remove dirt and debris
Address spills and stains immediately with a clean, damp cloth
Use a rug pad to prevent slipping and extend the rug’s life

Rotating rugs to avoid uneven wear

Rotate rugs 180 degrees every 6 months to ensure even wear
This is especially important in high-traffic areas or where furniture is placed on the rug

Professional cleaning recommendations

Have rugs professionally cleaned every 1-2 years, depending on traffic and use
Seek out a reputable rug cleaning service with experience in handling your specific rug type

Storage and prevention of damage

Roll rugs up when not in use, wrapping them in acid-free tissue paper or breathable fabric
Store rugs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture
Use rug pads and furniture coasters to prevent crushing and indentations

Where to Shop for Traditional Style Rugs

Online retailers and rug galleries

Offer a wide selection of styles, sizes, and price points
Allow for easy comparison shopping and often provide free shipping
Examples: Wayfair, Overstock, Rugs USA, Pottery Barn

Antique and vintage rug dealers

Specialize in one-of-a-kind, handmade rugs with history and character
Offer expert advice and authentication for high-end purchases
Examples: 1stDibs, Etsy, local antique shops

Custom rug design services

Allow for personalization of size, color, and pattern to suit specific spaces
Work with designers to create unique rugs that perfectly match your decor
Examples: Interior designers, specialty rug companies

Considerations for budget and quality

Determine your budget and prioritize quality based on the rug’s intended use and location
Invest in higher-quality rugs for high-traffic areas and focal points
Consider more affordable options for less visible areas or where the rug may need frequent replacement

Traditional Rugs in Modern Spaces

Ways to incorporate traditional rugs in contemporary rooms

Use a traditional rug as a statement piece in a minimalist, modern space
Pair a classic Persian rug with sleek, mid-century modern furniture for an eclectic look
Choose a rug with a traditional pattern in updated colors to bridge the gap between old and new

Mixing and matching traditional with other styles

Combine traditional rugs with industrial elements like exposed brick and metal finishes
Layer a traditional rug over a natural fiber rug for a bohemian, collected feel
Use a traditional rug to soften the hard lines of contemporary architecture

Creating an eclectic, collected look

Mix traditional rugs with furniture and decor from various eras and styles
Incorporate global influences, such as pairing a Persian rug with African textiles and sculptures
Balance the old with the new to create a space that feels curated and personal

Conclusion

Traditional rugs are a versatile choice for any home.

Consider style, material, construction, size, and placement when selecting a rug.

Proper care extends the life of your rug.

Experiment with mixing styles and incorporating traditional rugs in unexpected ways.

Browse our collection to find the perfect rug for your home.