Oriental Rugs

The growing popularity of hardwood and tile floors over the past few years has contributed to the popularity of the oriental rug.  The traditional reds and blues are presently out of favor while softer colors are popular. “The buyers have changed in their taste,” says Robert Howell of The Oriental Shop. “Today they prefer browns, golds, taupe, aqua, and olive shades.”

In agreement is Ro Buxbuam of Ro’s Oriental Rugs. “Buyers today like earth tones or soft colors. The Oushaks, which are Turkish, are less formal and quite popular today,” she says.

Brentwood Interiors offer hand-knotted, machine loomed, hand tufted, and other rugs made of wool and synthetics fibers. “Interest in oriental rugs remains high with the continued popularity or hard surface flooring,” according to Dan Rucker. “

Rucker adds that while consumers are seeking rugs in lower price points due to the economy, the result is that bargains can often be found even in the higher price points. “traditional patterns in subtle colors are most popular, while traditional patterns without border are a new twist to an existing look.

Most homeowners will need a trial period to test a rug’s colors and pattern in their own home, Rucker says.  Summer Turner of House of Carpet reports that the younger generation (those 18-30 years old) are buying more rugs than ever, and adds it is a reflection of the interest in area rugs as hard surfaces in high traffic areas remains strong.

“We offer rugs from all over the world, including China, Pakistan, and Egypt,” Turner says, “and our inventory of non-traditional rugs has been very popular.”

There are a number of sources in the Greater Nashville area for oriental rugs including:

Brentwood Interiors
Brentwood
615/ 376-6361

Harb’s Oriental Rug Service
Nashville
615/ 297-0947

House of Carpet
Murfreesboro/ Mt. Juliet
615/ 895-8791 / 615/ 773-4470

Oriental Shop, The
Nashville
615/ 297-0945

Persian Galleries
Nashville
615/ 376-1116

Ro’s Oriental Rugs
Nashville
615/ 352-9055

Rugs by Jafar
Hendersonville
615/ 338-0480