This New Striped Rug Trend isn’t Nautical—but it Sure is Nice

We love Moroccan-style rugs with diamond patterns as much as the next person, but that doesn’t mean we don’t also love spotting new floor coverings with subtle geometric interest. Lately, we’ve noticed more and more textiles, especially rugs, are being constructed with panels of stripes that intentionally don’t line up. Although this asymmetrical look can be trippy at times, it definitely lends some edge and newness to the classic stripe motif. So where did this “broken stripe” trend emerge from and why are we seeing it everywhere now? To learn more, we reached out to Revival Rugs. The brand, which primarily sources vintage rugs from Turkey, recently launched its own in-house collection of offset striped rugs and has some thoughts on their origin. 

“While on a sourcing trip, we were finding these nomadic rugs where the motifs were done in strips and then joined together,” explains Revival Rugs co-founder Joyce Kong on the inspiration behind their collection. “So if there was a stripe, because they are handmade, it wouldn’t quite line up perfectly. It resulted in this broken stripe situation, which we thought was really cool.” 

This same pieced-together look, typical of vintage kilims, also inspired interior designer Sarah Sherman Samuel’s debut rug collection with Lulu and Georgia. “The uneven stripes exaggerate the handmade quality, which gives them a nuanced, more special feel,” she says. “I am someone that loves a good patina and materials that are naturally imperfect—like marble in the kitchen or pieces that you can tell are made by hand—and the broken, irregular stripes have the same feel.”

Ready to bring some artisanal charm into your home? We rounded up some rugs featuring broken stripe patterns that are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, and beyond.

If you want one of the pieces from Sarah Sherman Samuel’s debut rug collection, act fast. These babies are selling out, and we can see why the Stripe Break Rug is a favorite. The line, constructed in Samuel’s signature warm, earthy palette, adds a light, airy feel to any room.

Buy: Stripe Break Rug by Sarah Sherman Samuel, starting at $98 for a 2’ x 3’ at Lulu and Georgia

Don’t worry about seeing this chic broken stripe rug everywhere. Like all items from The Citizenry, this high quality area rug, made from 100 percent sheep’s wool in fair trade environments, is only available in limited quantities.

Buy: San Pedro Area Rug, starting at $1,475 for a 6’ x 9’ rug at The Citizenry

Let Gwyneth and company spruce up your space. Part of CB2’s design collaboration with Goop, the Darjeeling Rug adds instant sophistication to any space, thanks to its staggered ivory stripes set against a trendy light gray base.

Buy: Darjeeling Rug, starting at $349 for a 6’ x 9’ rug at CB2

Blocks of color and swaths of negative space make up this soothing flatweave rug with hand-tied fringe that you can get lost just staring at. We especially like it in the Fog Blue colorway—it’d be perfect for a bedroom refresh.

Buy: Ledger Rug, starting at $359 for a 5’ x 8’ rug at Revival Rugs

You don’t have to go crazy with uneven stripes. Minna’s Lines Rug is a subtle take on the trend that, along with its feminine color palette, will add a fresh, modern feel to any space.

Buy: Lines Rug, starting at $280 for a 2’ x 3’ rug at Minna

Looking for an affordable statement piece for your home? You can’t go wrong with IKEA’s iconic bold black-and-white striped rug. This designer favorite is not only stylish and made from 100 percent wool—it’s also a steal at under $200 for its large size.

Buy: STOCKHOLM Rug, $199 for a 5’ 7” x 7’ 10” rug at IKEA

We’ll take our stripes with a side of Hygge, you? This cozy rug takes its staggered stripe game up a notch by adding in various nubby textures. Lay it down in any room you want to feel like a snuggly den.

Buy: Woven Tacha Rug, starting at $78 for a 2’ x 3’ rug at Anthropologie

A mix of the most popular colors in decor right now—black, blue, cream and a heavy dose of gray—makes for a super versatile rug that will look great in any room of your home. Sit back and wait for the compliments to roll in.

Buy: Adriel Rug, Starting at $149.99 for a 4’ x 6’ rug at Target

Color lovers, this one’s for you. West Elm’s ethically hand-crafted dhurrie layers cheery bands of blues, oranges, and yellows for a statement making rug that will jazz up any neutral room. Bonus for allergy sufferers: This baby is 100 percent cotton and shed-resistant.

Buy: Mixed Stripes Cotton Dhurrie, starting at $29 for a 2’ x 3’ rug at West Elm

People with kids or pets often feel like they can’t get nice things, especially rugs. This is why we love that the company Ruggable offers on-trend styles that are waterproof, resistant to stains, and machine-washable. Another plus: This Broken Stripe Rug comes in a few color options in case you aren’t a blue person.

Buy: Broken Stripe Rug, Starting at $139 for a 2.5’ x7’ rug at Ruggable