Runner Rugs: Timeless Elegance for Your Home
Runner rugs — those long and narrow carpets that grace hallways, corridors, and entryways — have a rich history that dates back centuries. These elegant and functional floor coverings have provided warmth and comfort to homes and have been woven into the tapestry of various cultures worldwide.
In exploring what runner rugs are and why Rug Source customers love them, we’ll unravel the fascinating story of runner rugs, their enduring allure, and why Rug Source is the ultimate destination for high-quality antique, vintage, and modern rugs.
A Walk Through History: The Origins of Runner Rugs
Runner rugs have a storied history that dates back to ancient times. They were initially crafted for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Here’s a glimpse into how and when runner rugs first became popular:
Ancient Origins:
Runner rugs can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were used to protect feet from cold, hard floors. In Egypt, for instance, runners adorned the grand hallways of pharaohs’ palaces.
Nomadic Traditions:
Nomadic tribes in Central Asia wove runner rugs to decorate their tents and create cozy living spaces. These rugs featured intricate designs that were aesthetically pleasing and told stories of the nomadic way of life.
Medieval European Splendor:
During the Middle Ages, runner rugs found favor in European castles and manors. They were symbols of prestige and added a touch of luxury to the majestic interiors.
Colonial America:
In the early days of America, runner rugs were imported from Europe and became prized possessions in colonial homes. They added warmth to the cold, wooden floors of that era.
Modern Elegance:
Today, runner rugs are cherished for their elegance and practicality. They are a staple in contemporary interior design, adding a touch of sophistication to homes.
Runner Rugs Around the World: Cultural Significance
Different countries and cultures have left their imprint on the art of crafting runner rugs. Let’s explore the unique traditions of rug-making from around the world:
Persian Perfection:
Persian runner rugs are renowned for their intricate patterns and timeless beauty. Crafted in Iran, these rugs often feature floral motifs and rich colors, symbolizing artistry and craftsmanship.
Turkish Treasures:
Turkish runner rugs are celebrated for their geometric designs and vibrant color palettes. These rugs have been woven for centuries, and each piece carries the cultural heritage of the Anatolian region.
Moroccan Magic:
Moroccan runner rugs are prized for their unique tribal designs and the use of natural materials like wool. They add a touch of exoticism to contemporary interiors.
Kilims of Central Asia:
Kilim runner rugs, originating from Central Asian countries like Turkey and Afghanistan, are known for their flatweave technique and intricate geometric patterns. They tell stories of Kilim traditions and are prized for their durability.
Native American Artistry:
Native American tribes like the Navajo have a rich rug-making tradition. Their runner rugs often feature bold, geometric designs and earthy colors, reflecting these textiles' spiritual and cultural significance.
The Contemporary Appeal
In the 21st century, runner rugs have not lost their charm; they have become a design staple for several reasons:
Runner rugs are perfect for optimizing narrow spaces like hallways and corridors. They add a layer of style without overwhelming the area. These rugs bring an element of design to rooms that are often overlooked. They can tie together the colors and themes of your interior decor.
Walking on a runner rug provides a comforting and soft feeling underfoot. It’s a practical choice for homes with hardwood or tile floors. They are versatile and can be used in various settings, from homes to offices and hotels. They offer a practical solution for high-traffic areas.
Functional and Aesthetic Benefits of Runner Rugs
Runner rugs provide many benefits to their owners, both functional and aesthetic. They protect your floors from wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways.
The cushioning effect of runner rugs helps reduce noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment. These rugs provide insulation, making your home cozier and more energy-efficient.
Of course, design matters! Runner rugs serve as a design element that ties together the overall aesthetic of your space. You can choose various colors and patterns to match your decor and express your style.
Decorating with Elegance
Decorating with runner rugs requires a keen eye for design. Here are some tips on effectively incorporating them into your interior decor:
- Color Coordination: Select a runner rug that complements your existing color scheme, enhancing the visual harmony of your space.
- Size Matters: Measure the length of your hallway or corridor accurately to ensure the runner rug fits perfectly.
- Layering: For added depth and visual interest, consider layering a runner rug on top of a larger area rug.
- Placement: Runner rugs work well in hallways, corridors, and narrow entryways, but they can also be used in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms.
- Maintenance: Regular vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning will keep your runner rug looking fresh and inviting.
Why should you choose Rug Source for your runner rug needs?
Rug Source offers various runner rugs, from antique and vintage to modern designs. You’ll find the perfect rug to suit your style and preferences. Our knowledgeable team has a deep understanding of rug craftsmanship. We travel the world to handpick the finest rugs, ensuring quality and authenticity.
We source our rugs directly from manufacturers, allowing us to offer competitive prices while maintaining quality. Enjoy exceptional customer service with toll-free phone and email support available six days a week. We’re here to assist you every step of the way.
Elevate Your Space with Rug Source Runner Rugs
Runner rugs are more than just floor coverings; they are statements of elegance and sophistication. They transform narrow spaces into design showcases, adding warmth and comfort to your home.
At Rug Source, we understand the transformative power of runner rugs. Our collection features an extensive range of runner rugs that cater to various design preferences and budgets. Whether you’re decorating a modern home or preserving the charm of a historic one, our runner rugs will elevate your space.
Embrace timeless elegance, indulge in comfort, and make a lasting style statement with a runner rug from Rug Source. Explore our collection today and experience the timeless allure of these elegant floor coverings.
Kashan Rugs: A Tribute to the Safavid Dynasty of the Persian Empire
Kashan rugs are an export from one of Iran’s oldest cities, Kashan, dating back to the 17th century or late 16th century. Kashan was a hub of silk production beginning with the Safavid dynasty, a golden age of Persian weaving under the reign of Shah Abbas.
Contemporary Kashan rug sales began toward the end of the 19th century, when Kashan merchants hoped to replicate the success of weaving shops in Tabriz to the north. During this era, many antique Kashan rugs were commissioned for individual homes. The best Kashan carpets of the 19th-century and turn of the 20th century are formal, traditional and luxurious.
The warp and weft of Kashan rugs are usually made of cotton with the traditional asymmetrical Persian know. The thin double weft is often woven between 120 knots per square inch and 840 knots per square inch. The finished texture of Kashan rugs is soft to the touch. The best Kashan carpets use a superior quality of wool that sometimes has silk mixed in.
An antique Kashan rug was colored with vegetable dyes, which contribute to their unique texture, but
modern Kashan rugs (from the 1930s) use contemporary chrome dyes.
The highly sought after curvilinear designs of Kashan weaving was popularized by Kashan weavers in the early 1900s. The Kashan rug typically centers around a teardrop medallion, though intricately detailed motifs like palmettos, blossoms, leaves and arabesques are common, as well. The “Royal Garden” of Kashan is the source of a notable garden motif that is the archetype of Persian carpet designs. Another inspiration for many Kashan carpets is the “Garden of Paradise.”
Pakistani Kashan Rugs
When the Mogul empire spread through Iran to the Indian subcontinent, the work of Persian weavers was carried to modern day Pakistan. The city of Lahore today produces the vast majority of modern Pakistani Kashan rugs.
Like their Iranian forebears, Pakistani Kashans use a wool pile on a cotton base. Mogul Kashan rugs use the Senneh knot, an asymmetrical double knot that produces a dense, heavy weave, making them extremely durable. One of the main distinctions between Iranian and Pakistani Kashan rugs is the use of color. Pakistani Kashans feature predominantly pastel shades, whereas a traditional Persian Kashan carpet may include richer reds, greens and blues.
Motasham Kashan Carpets: Exceptional…and Exceptionally Rare
Motasham Kashan carpets are the rarest group of Kashan carpets. They feature non-traditional designs and color palettes and were woven with lamb’s wool renowned for its luminous, reflective sheen. True Motasham Kashan rugs are finely knotted and extremely difficult to find.
Dating from the middle of the 19th century, antique Motasham Kashan carpets are among the finest Persian carpets. Early Motasham Kashan rugs (pre-1850) use a technique known as abrash, marked by an emotive use of color shading and color shifts. They commonly feature an antique ivory or gold background and subtle pastel tones throughout the weave. Over time, the dyes in an antique Motasham rug will soften and acquire an earthy patina. The rich lanolin will rise to the surface of the wool fibers over time, given the rug an extraordinary luster.