5 Rug Styles Designers Say Are Timeless

Selecting a rug for your space is no small decision. Rugs can easily help to tie a room together, so they shouldn’t be an afterthought—but they also often don’t come cheap. “Since a rug can be a significant investment for a room, it’s essential to choose one that will last and that you’ll continue to love over time,” says Holly Hickey Moore, the founder of Holly Hickey Moore Interior Design. To help you feel more confident about the rugs you’re selecting for your own home, we asked Moore and other interior designers to share their favorite types that always stand the test of time. 

Wool

Many designers gravitate toward rugs made from wool. “Wool is a natural fiber that’s durable, stain-resistant, and resilient, making it a practical choice for almost any space,” Moore says. Better yet, she adds, there are so many different types of wool rugs from which to choose given all of the sizes, shapes, and styles on the market. 

Laura Umansky, the founder of Laura U Design Collective, is also partial to working with wool rugs, describing them as “a designer’s best friend when it comes to balancing style and durability.” Umansky stresses the value of these rugs to anyone decorating high-traffic areas, noting that wool bounces back easily and is also stain-resistant and easy to clean. 

Antique or Vintage Woven Rugs

Why not bring a storied rug into your space? “An antique or vintage hand woven wool rug creates a beautiful anchor for a room and will stand the test of time better than a rug that’s trendy or made of cheap material that isn’t washable or durable,” says interior designer Tara McCauley. However, the designer still won’t pick up just any rug that falls into this category. “I always look for one that has at least three colors in it, so that I can build a scheme of coordinating colors and patterns around it,” she explains. 

Taylor Fusco, the founder of Tay Fusco Design, will use vintage Turkish rugs in a variety of ways throughout the home. “Whether it’s a bold runner for a kitchen, hallway, or oversized rug for a living room, we almost always find a way to incorporate them into our designs,” she says. “Not only are the colors usually absolutely stunning, but the fact that these rugs are one-of-a-kind make our clients feel like they are getting something special, something with some history. “ 

Silk Rugs

If you’re looking for a majorly sophisticated touch, opt for a silk rug. “Silk rugs are the epitome of luxury,” Umansky says. “There’s something magical about the way silk catches the light, creating a soft, elegant sheen that transforms a room.” These types of rugs are far more than purely functional. “The fibers are incredibly fine, allowing for detailed, intricate patterns that feel more like art than just a floor covering,” Umansky says. 

Natural Fiber and Flatweave Rugs

Elana Mendelson considers natural fiber rugs made from jute and sisal, as well as flatweave rugs, such as kilims and dhurries, among her go-to choices. “Whether used alone or as a foundation for more vibrant patterns, these rugs bring an organic, earthy feel to a room, enhancing both its comfort and aesthetic appeal,” says the founder of Elana Designs. “Their bold patterns and vibrant colors can anchor a space, making them ideal for layering or adding a pop of color without overwhelming a room.” 

Hand-Tufted and Hand-Knotted Rugs

Hand-tufted rugs make for a great wallet-friendly alternative to hand-knotted rugs. “They come in a variety of patterns and colors, allowing for creativity in design while maintaining a plush, comfortable texture underfoot,” says Marie Cloud, who uses these in her projects often. The founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio adds, “Their durability makes them perfect for living rooms or bedrooms where you want both style and comfort.” 

If your budget allows for a hand-knotted rug, consider one made from wool. “They can, literally, last a lifetime and be passed down from one generation to the next,” says Rebecca Bridges, the founder of House of Drennan. “Hand-knotted rugs are truly works of art for your home and the investment should be viewed as such.”