Pattern Inspiration: Gallery of Traditional Rugs & Carpets in Real-Life Homes

Carolyn PurnellHistorian
Carolyn PurnellHistorian
Carolyn is a lover of all things colorful and quirky. She grew up in Texas and settled in L.A. by way of Chicago, England and Paris. She is the author of The Sensational Past: How the Enlightenment Changed the Way We Use Our Senses.
published Oct 30, 2015
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Gray sofa with patterned cushions on a red Persian rug, vintage gramophone, and staircase with red archway.
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(Image credit: Bethany Nauert)

Jenn & Hunter’s Historic Landmark Apartment

Traditional rugs are traditional for a reason. Even though they are densely patterned and filled with a multitude of colors, they somehow still manage to go with everything. I’ve rounded up a bunch of rooms from our House Tours that feature these gorgeous rugs—pale, bright, deep, rich, red, blue, yellow: you name it, they’re all here. And if you fall in love with the look, I’ve even included some suggestions for places to find these beauties.

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​Lee’s “First Apartment with a Bedroom Door” in Brooklyn (Image credit: Submitted by Lee)
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FIRST ROW:

  1. Lee’s “First Apartment with a Bedroom Door” in Brooklyn
  2. Pamela’s Sunny California Beach House
  3. Max & Emily’s Stone Farmhouse with an Artistic History
  4. Design & Chemistry in Seattle Part 2: Tyler
  5. Fay’s Charming Grand Lake Apartment

SECOND ROW:

  1. Natasha & Rob’s Super Smart Small Space
  2. Devin’s Verdant Mt. Vernon Flat
  3. Clara & Sam’s Warm & Inviting Rockridge Home
  4. Sarah & Davey’s Vintage Lodge Apartment
  5. Ty & Lynne’s Soulful Mid-Century Chicago Studio

THIRD ROW:

  1. Michelle’s French-Fashioned West Village Atelier
  2. Melissa & Brian’s Mid Century Bohemian with a Twist Home
  3. Gina & Michael’s Glamorous Builder’s Special
  4. Amie, Emma, and Francesca’s “Goodbye to the Dorm” Apartment
  5. Meagen & Mike’s Cherry Hill Victorian Decorated for the Holidays
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​Amelia Area Rug in Cream, Home Decorators Collection, $269 (Image credit: Home Decorators Collection)
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Where to buy:

If you’re looking for an authentic, antique rug, and you’re willing to splurge, then I would use a specialized dealer. If you’re looking for a bargain, I’ve had good luck on eBay and Craigslist, although, as always, you should be wary of trusting the authenticity and provenance. But if you’re just looking for traditional style, here’s a colorful range of rugs that can be found online for under $500. All prices are for 5’x8′ or the closest equivalent.

TOP ROW:

  1. Amelia Area Rug in Cream, Home Decorators Collection, $269
  2. Mila Persian Rug, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn, on sale for $381
  3. Loloi Rugs Anastasia in Light Blue, Rugs Direct, $429
  4. Beaumont VI18 Vintage Embellished Rug, Rugs USA, $155
  5. Pasha Collection Medallion Traditional Ocean Blue Rug, Overstock.com, $58.64

BOTTOM ROW:

  1. Karastan Crossroads Powell Sage, Rug Studio, $484.50
  2. Trans-Ocean Petra Area Rug in Yellow, Hayneedle, $175
  3. Momeni Encore in Paprika, Nilima Home, $249
  4. Allover Sultanabad Rug, eSale Rugs, $149
  5. Andover Mills Harrison Area Rug, Wayfair, $53.99 on sale

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decor & accessories
rugs & carpets

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