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.
