How to Choose the Ideal Oriental Rug for Your Home

Choosing the ideal Oriental rug for your home can completely transform a space, adding warmth, character, and timeless elegance. Whether you are decorating a living room, bedroom, dining area, or hallway, selecting the right rug involves more than just colour and size. This guide will help you make a confident and informed decision.

What Is an Oriental Rug?

An Oriental rug refers to a handmade rug traditionally produced in regions across the Middle East and Asia, including Persia (Iran), Turkey, Afghanistan, India, and surrounding areas. These rugs are typically hand-knotted using natural fibres such as wool and silk, and are valued for their craftsmanship, durability, and artistic designs.

You can explore a wide selection of authentic handmade rugs in our Oriental Rug Collection, featuring traditional and contemporary designs sourced directly from skilled artisans.

For a deeper understanding of rug history and construction, this guide from This Old House explains the origins and qualities of Oriental rugs in detail.

Start with Purpose and Placement

Before choosing a rug, consider where it will be placed and how it will be used. Different rooms require different rug styles and constructions.

• Living rooms: Define seating areas and anchor furniture — browse our living room rug collection
• Bedrooms: Add warmth and comfort underfoot
• Dining rooms: Frame the table and protect flooring
• Hallways: Use runners to guide foot traffic — see our hallway runners

Understanding the purpose of the rug helps determine the correct size, material, and design.

Measure Your Space Correctly

Proper measurements are essential when selecting an Oriental rug. A rug that is too small can make a room feel disconnected, while one that is too large may overwhelm the space.

• In living rooms, ensure the rug sits under at least the front legs of sofas and chairs
• For dining rooms, allow approximately 60–75 cm beyond the table edges so chairs remain on the rug when pulled out
• In bedrooms, the rug should extend beyond the sides of the bed for balance and comfort

Helpful visual layout tips are explained in this rug sizing guide by RugVista.

Choose the Right Material

Oriental rugs are crafted from different materials, each offering unique benefits:

• Wool: Durable, naturally stain-resistant, and ideal for high-traffic areas — explore our wool rug collection
• Silk: Luxurious with fine detail, best suited for low-traffic or feature spaces
• Wool and silk blends: Combine durability with refined elegance

Selecting the appropriate material ensures both comfort and longevity.

Consider Colour and Pattern

Colour and design play a major role in how a rug complements your interior:

• Bold patterns add visual interest and character
• Neutral tones create calm and balance in modern spaces
• Traditional motifs suit classic and timeless interiors

Many homeowners choose traditional Persian rugs or tribal designs such as Afghan rugs to bring depth and heritage into their space.

Assess Quality and Craftsmanship

The value of an Oriental rug lies in its craftsmanship. Hand-knotted rugs may show slight variations, which are signs of authenticity rather than flaws.

Key indicators of quality include knot density, tight weaving, and the use of natural fibres. A well-made Oriental rug can last for decades with proper care.

Set a Realistic Budget

Oriental rugs vary in price depending on size, material, origin, and workmanship. While handmade rugs may require a higher initial investment, they offer long-term value, durability, and timeless appeal.

Buying directly from an importer allows you to access premium handmade rugs without inflated retail mark-ups.

Buy with Confidence

When purchasing an Oriental rug, look for clear product descriptions, accurate measurements, and detailed images. A trusted retailer will provide transparency about materials, origin, and care.

Browse our full range of authentic handmade rugs online, with free shipping available Australia-wide.

Final Thoughts

The ideal Oriental rug brings together beauty, function, and craftsmanship. By considering placement, size, material, and design, you can confidently choose a rug that elevates your interior and stands the test of time.