Designer Rugs

Being a designer myself, when I hear the label "designer" attached to a product I get excited yet suspicious at the same time. When it comes to rugs – what is difference between a designer rug and a contemporary rug or traditional rug? Is a designer rug actually unique and of better quality – or just more expensive because of its label?

Having searched on the net, it seems that designer rugs either have a famous artist or designer’s name attached to them or have some strong bold patterns to justify the word "design". Indeed some of them look like they have been designed, but rather badly – in fact some of them verge on the edge of vulgarity.

Proper designs don’t need the word designer attached to them, because good design speaks for itself. Nor does it require a famous name or a fashion house label.

When you choose an area rug the important thing to consider is practicality – is it for a busy area or a relatively unused space? Most people spend more money on a rug for a heavy-trafficked area, because they assume more expensive means better quality and therefore less prone to wear and tear. Well, not always – particularly as far as rugs are concerned.

For everyday rooms just get a cheap and cheerful area rug – something that can be chucked away after a couple of years. Because you’re not buying something to last long, you do not need superior quality. And you can get something fashionable and trendy  – in couple of years the interior design trend will have changed so you’ll be able (and perhaps have to) update your room accordingly with a new rug! If you don’t spend too much on your rug now, you won’t feel guilty about having to chuck it away.

However, when it comes to formal or occasional rooms, do invest in something more expensive. It’s best to choose a rug that has a timeless design. Look at antique oriental rugs – or even contemporary designs.  The most important criterion is quality – don’t pay a premium because it has a designer label on it – you just be paying for the name, not necessarily the quality.

As to bold patterns, stripes and themes – these can be suitable for kids’ & teens’ rooms. I’ll put together a list of best value rugs for kids in the near future.  Do be careful about rugs that have too many colors, patterns & shapes – not only are these rather contrived but they do overpower a space and they can make your eyes restless.

I have checked out hundreds of designer rugs that are available online. These are what I consider the best buy  designer rugs.