Moroccan geometrics, Persian florals, modern abstracts, and vintage overdyes. These are just a fraction of the captivating rug styles found across the globe.

Rug-weaving has flourished as an art form for centuries, creating an incredible array of choices for today's homeowners. With so many beautiful options available, how do you select the perfect piece for your space?

Let's explore five popular rug styles and what you need to know about them before you buy. From traditional Persian elegance to contemporary geometric patterns, you'll learn which styles complement your decor vision and lifestyle needs.

Persian Rugs

Persian rugs are true works of art, with a history that spans over 2,500 years in ancient Persia, now modern-day Iran. These hand-knotted treasures are famous for their intricate designs, rich colors, and exceptional quality. Each rug tells a story through its complex patterns, which often feature elaborate floral motifs, medallions, and detailed borders. They bring a sense of timeless elegance and luxury to any room.

Best features: Persian rugs are incredibly durable and can last for generations. Their dense pile offers a soft and comfortable feel underfoot, while their detailed designs make them captivating centerpieces.

Layer Over a Neutral Carpet

Create a sophisticated, layered look by placing a Persian rug over a simple, neutral carpet like jute or sisal. This technique adds depth and texture to a room, which allows the vibrant colors and patterns of the Persian rug to truly pop. It’s an excellent way to define a space. For instance, you can use the Persian rug to establish a seating area within a larger living room.

Ground a Traditional Space

In a room with classic furniture and architecture, a Persian rug feels right at home. It can tie together traditional elements, like dark wood furniture and ornate decor, to create a cohesive and polished aesthetic. The rug acts as an anchor, which provides a rich foundation that enhances the room's character.

Add Contrast to Modern Decor

Don't be afraid to mix styles. A Persian rug can introduce a surprising and beautiful element to a modern or minimalist room. The contrast between the rug's elaborate patterns and the clean lines of contemporary furniture creates a dynamic and visually interesting space.

Moroccan Rugs

Originating from the tribes of Morocco, these rugs feature bold geometric patterns and plush, shaggy textures. Traditionally hand-woven from wool, Moroccan rugs often feature simple yet striking designs, like diamonds and abstract lines, typically in neutral colors like cream and black. They bring a cozy, bohemian flair to any interior.

Best features: The high pile of many Moroccan rugs offers exceptional softness and warmth, while their versatile, often neutral, designs can fit into a wide variety of decor styles, from bohemian to modern.

Pair With Natural Materials

Complement the organic feel of a Moroccan rug by pairing it with other natural materials. Wood furniture, rattan accents, and an abundance of houseplants will enhance the rug's earthy and relaxed vibe. This combination creates a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Create a Cozy Reading Nook

If you're looking to carve out a cozy corner where you can unwind with a good book or simply relax, consider anchoring the space with a Moroccan rug. Its inviting, plush texture provides warmth and comfort underfoot and makes the area feel like a genuine sanctuary.

Balance a Colorful Room

If your room already has bold colors on the walls or in your furniture, a neutral Moroccan rug can provide a sense of balance. Its simple, graphic pattern adds interest without overwhelming the space, which allows other colorful elements to shine.

Jute and Sisal Rugs

If you prefer a more natural and understated look, consider a jute or sisal rug. Weavers craft these rugs from natural plant fibers. They're popular with interior designers and homeowners for their durability and earthy texture. Jute is softer and has a chunkier weave, while sisal is tougher and more tightly woven. Both bring a casual, coastal, or rustic feel to a room.

Best features: These rugs are an excellent choice for high-traffic areas, thanks to their eco-friendly composition and exceptional durability. Plus, their neutral tones provide a versatile foundation that seamlessly integrates with virtually any color scheme.

Layer With Other Rugs

Jute and sisal rugs are perfect for layering. Their neutral tones and natural textures make them ideal foundational pieces that won't compete with more decorative top layers. Use a large one as a neutral base and then place a smaller, more colorful or patterned rug on top. This adds dimension and allows you to experiment with different styles without a huge commitment.

Enhance a Coastal Theme

The natural, sandy color of a jute or sisal rug complements coastal or beach-inspired decor beautifully. Pair it with light-colored furniture, blue and white accents, and nautical-themed accessories to create a breezy and relaxed environment.

Bring Texture to a Minimalist Space

In a minimalist room, texture is everything. A jute or sisal rug introduces a wonderful textural element that prevents the space from feeling cold or sterile. It adds warmth and organic appeal while it maintains a clean and uncluttered look.

Shag Rugs

A throwback to the '60s and '70s, shag rugs have made a major comeback. Characterized by their deep, thick pile, these rugs are all about luxurious comfort and fun. Modern shag rugs come in a variety of materials, from wool to synthetic fibers, and a wide range of colors. They instantly add a touch of retro glamour and coziness to any room.

Best features: The long pile of a shag rug offers incredible softness and a plush feel underfoot. Beyond comfort, these rugs excel at sound absorption and are a fantastic choice for quiet spaces like bedrooms and living rooms.

Define a Glamorous Seating Area

A shag rug can be the centerpiece of a chic and glamorous living room. Pair it with velvet furniture, metallic accents, and a glass coffee table to create a sophisticated and inviting space. The rug's soft, deep pile instantly infuses the room with a sense of lush luxury.

Create a Playful Kid’s Room

A shag rug's soft, cushiony feel makes it a wonderful addition to a child's bedroom or playroom. It offers a cozy, comfortable surface for little ones to sit, crawl, and play, while also adding a vibrant pop of color.

Soften a Modern Bedroom

Add a dose of comfort to a sleek, modern bedroom with a shag rug. Placing one on either side of the bed provides a warm and soft spot for your feet to land in the morning, preventing a rough transition from a cozy bed to a freezing floor.

Do any of these versatile rug styles catch your eye? A lush Moroccan rug could look beautiful in your bedroom. Or what about a classic Persian rug for the living room? Whatever style you have your sights set on, Decor Market likely has it.

We're proud to stock indoor and outdoor rugs from popular brands like Martha Stewart and Safavieh. We have an amazing variety of options, incredibly friendly customer support that can offer design tips if you need a second opinion, and fast shipping. There’s a reason we have a near-perfect Shopper Approved score of 4.8/5! Come see what we have available, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about what you need to know before you buy a rug for your space.