Current Trend: Antique Turkish Rugs and Oriental Rugs

I remember when I was a little girl I went over to a friend’s house and saw an antique Turkish rug beneath the dining room table. Even at the precocious age of 9 I had an eye for interior design, so I took note of the rug and immediately proclaimed my disdain for such and old-looking and un-stylish piece of decor. “It’s ancient!” I cried. “It belongs at my grandma’s house!” I wailed. My, my, how times have changed. Where I once thought to myself “I’d never have something like that in my house,” now I’m thinking “where can I get one and how much can I afford to spend on one??”

{kitchen from house & home mag and bedroom from house updated}

Antique Turkish rugs and Oriental rugs are all the rage right now when it comes to hot interior design trends. These kinds of rugs are usually denoted by intricate, symmetrical patterns that are surrounded by an equally intricate patterned border. They can come in subdued colors, vivid overdyed colors, and everything in between.

{living room by the glitter guide and bedroom by southern trunk}

The terms Turkish and Oriental are often used interchangeably, and are meant to mean that the rugs were made or designed in Asia, Iran, China, India, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, Tibet or Nepal. Persian rugs also fall under this category, but are usually only made in Iran (formerly known as Persia). These luxurious rugs are usually plush with a high pile and made from silk or wool, so they keep tootsies warm and toasty. I did some research and the origins of these types of rugs is super fascinating. Historically, each rug was unique and woven with specific patterns that meant specific things. They would serve as family records or as prayer rugs based on the designs and colors used.

{living room from rue mag and dining room from my domaine}

Okay, enough nerding out over history. Today these types of rugs are hot commodities, and you can find them just about anywhere. If you are looking for authentic vintage or antique turkish rugs, check places like etsy or ebay. However, if authenticity isn’t crucial, you can check your local online retailers or favorite stores – I bet you they have at least 1 or 2 designs! The great thing about these rugs is that they work with a variety of design styles. They can be dressed up to fit traditional or glam styles, dressed down to fit boho, global, or farmhouse styles, and so much more.