Photography by Michael Granacki; Interior Design by Tara McCauleyChoosing the perfect rug for your home is a crucial decision. Rugs play a pivotal role in unifying a room’s design, making them far more than just an accessory—and often a significant investment. “A rug can be one of the most important purchases for a space, so it’s vital to pick one that’s durable and will remain appealing for years to come,” advises Holly Hickey Moore, the creative mind behind Holly Hickey Moore Interior Design. To guide you in selecting the ideal rugs for your home, Moore and other design experts have shared their top timeless recommendations.
Wool
CHRISTOPHER TESTANI for 2023 Mytour HomeWool rugs are a favorite among many designers. “Wool, being a natural fiber, offers durability, stain resistance, and resilience, making it an ideal option for nearly any room,” explains Moore. She also highlights the wide variety of wool rugs available, with countless sizes, shapes, and styles to suit every taste.
Laura Umansky, the creative force behind Laura U Design Collective, also favors wool rugs, calling them “a designer’s go-to for combining elegance with practicality.” Umansky emphasizes their suitability for high-traffic spaces, as wool is not only resilient and stain-resistant but also simple to maintain.
Antique or Vintage Woven Rugs
Margaret Rose Larson; Design by Taylor FuscoConsider adding a rug with history to your home. “A vintage or antique handwoven wool rug serves as a stunning focal point for any room and will endure for years, unlike trendy or low-quality rugs that lack durability or washability,” notes interior designer Tara McCauley. However, she emphasizes the importance of selecting the right piece. “I always choose rugs with at least three colors, allowing me to create a cohesive color and pattern scheme around them,” she adds.
Taylor Fusco, the creative mind behind Tay Fusco Design, loves incorporating vintage Turkish rugs in various ways. “From bold runners for kitchens and hallways to large rugs for living rooms, we always find a place for them in our designs,” she shares. “Their breathtaking colors and unique, one-of-a-kind nature make clients feel they’re acquiring something truly special and steeped in history.”
Silk Rugs
Michael Granacki; Design by Tara McCauleyFor a touch of unmatched sophistication, consider a silk rug. “Silk rugs represent the height of luxury,” says Umansky. “The way silk reflects light creates a delicate, refined glow that elevates any space.” These rugs go beyond functionality. “The fine fibers allow for exquisite, detailed designs, making them feel more like a piece of art than a simple floor covering,” Umansky explains.
Natural Fiber and Flatweave Rugs
Christopher Testani for 2022 Mytour HomeElana Mendelson favors natural fiber rugs crafted from jute and sisal, along with flatweave options like kilims and dhurries. “These rugs, whether used solo or as a base for bolder designs, infuse a space with a natural, grounded vibe, boosting both its visual charm and coziness,” explains the founder of Elana Designs. “Their striking patterns and vivid hues can define a room, making them perfect for layering or introducing a splash of color without dominating the decor.”
Hand-Tufted and Hand-Knotted Rugs
Kelly Marshall for 2024 Mytour Home; Styling: Sophia PappasHand-tufted rugs offer an affordable yet stylish alternative to hand-knotted options. “With a wide range of patterns and colors, they provide endless design possibilities while delivering a soft, cozy feel underfoot,” notes Marie Cloud, who frequently incorporates them into her designs. The founder of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio adds, “Their resilience makes them ideal for living rooms or bedrooms, where aesthetics and comfort are equally important.”
For those with a higher budget, wool hand-knotted rugs are a worthwhile investment. “These rugs can endure for decades, even becoming cherished heirlooms passed through generations,” says Rebecca Bridges, founder of House of Drennan. “Hand-knotted rugs are more than just decor—they’re timeless pieces of art for your home, deserving of such consideration.”
