Modern vs. Traditional Rugs: Which one is perfect for you?

This type of rug might be the easiest to identify. Traditional rugs usually contain classic Oriental, Persian, Turkish, European, or Victorian patterns. With designs that date back centuries, they are gorgeous, ornate, and intricate in pattern and colour. The designs that can be found today were developed centuries ago, often in the royal eras of many countries.

This design style is stately and usually made in a pre-defined colour range. Most traditional rugs have similar sets of natural colours including maroon, black, red, navy blue, brown, white, and green. Traditional rug designs contain specific elements like florals, intricate patterns, borders, and central medallions in shapes like diamons, octagons and hexagons.

With universally recognized beauty, it's no wonder that traditional rugs are known for the luxurious touch of elegance they add to any room.

Modern rugs are contemporary designs that can be "soft" or "hard" depending on its patterns and colours. They are more Western in their designs and are common in newer homes.

Modern rugs generally favour stark contrasts, geometrics, and free-form abstract styled elements. Unlike traditional rugs, the range of modern rugs is much more diverse. This offers you variety that sometimes makes shopping for a rug more like shopping for art.

Although contemporary rugs usually incorporate bold colour choices and unusual design elements, they can also be very subtle and fit seamlessly with furniture and decor. Many modern rugs come in just one or two colours without any intricate designs.

Transitional rugs are a more casual style that falls somewhere between traditional and contemporary. They are often adapted from traditional designs with a modern twist, or a traditional rug with re-worked colours. These rugs are created by brave designers and weavers breaking the traditional rules of rug styles.

Taking a more classic theme from traditional rugs, this style often features an all-over repetitive design element. The result is an endearing design that strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and classic.

If you're looking to add the benefits of a rug without the noise of traditional or contemporary styles, then a transitional rug might be for you. The balance of a transitional rug allows flexibility in style while adding the best of both traditional and contemporary features. If you simply can't choose sides, or you like the subtle options that a transitional rug brings, consider adding this style of rug to your home.

Since these are a creative and experimental style, transitional rugs are generally categorized as modern or contemporary rugs.

While there countless styles and designs from rugs around the world, they can usually be categorized into these two main categories.

Use these tips as a starting point. Be sure to take a good look at the space you're trying to complete. Consider how you're using the space, the way you want to feel when you enter the room, and how you might transition through the life of the space while you live in your home.

Once again, when it comes to design with rugs, there are no set rules. We encourage you to experiment and discover what works for you and your home, depending on your space and of course your preference. Have fun shopping and we'll be here to help every step of the way. Happy styling!