As someone who loves pattern, especially on a rug, I’m constantly asking myself if that pattern is truly timeless. Many of us fell into the 2005 chevron trap, and that was a real zig zag disaster visually and emotionally. In a way it’s always confused me because the chevron is a timeless pattern, so what happened? I’ve decided it was the scale and the bright color-way that became so ubiquitous so fast, that the poor pattern felt dated so quickly (see #12, a chevron that I actually still LOVE). Regardless, I know that it’s a fear when people are buying pattern. Even as designers we ask ourselves very often, will this pattern be timeless??
So I pulled together this roundup myself and I feel pretty confidant in saying that all of these rugs are timeless. Sure, some of these are popular now, but I think they are safe choices that will not have to be replaced. I even had my team look at these all and they agreed.
But first, What makes a pattern truly ‘timeless’? And here are my answers:
1. ‘Classic’ is always timeless. What is classic? Persians, Kilims, Moroccan motifs, stripes, plaids, and simple patterns. When the design feels ‘new and funky’ is when it is risky.
2. High quality is always timeless – really well-made rugs out of quality wool will always be in fashion. Acrylic and polyester can be a good option but they don’t wear as well as wool so they have less longevity (and if they are really cheap, they look it).
3. Neutrals are timeless. Colors go in and out of style but gray, white, cream, oatmeal, black, and blues are always in. As you can see most of these below are on the neutral side of things. Moroccans, Persians or Kilims will ALWAYS be in style especially if you stay away from crazy bright colors (over-dyed and neon included). I like some over-dyed options and I’m not saying that you shouldn’t buy them, but do I personally think they are guaranteed to feel timeless in 10 years? Not really. The acrylic wanna-be Persians in burgundy from the 90’s aren’t timeless because they are cheaply made out of cheap materials. I’ve seen so many beautiful burgundy Persian rugs that are timeless because they are intricately made, with a unique pattern in a high quality wool. So if you want to go that route, keep that in mind.
4. The larger the pattern, the more likely it will NOT be timeless (this is a confident generalization). A small pattern reads as a texture and texture is always in fashion. I chose some below that are a larger pattern and I believe these are timeless, but the large-scaled florals out there are not timeless (I’m not saying there aren’t some that I like, but I wouldn’t call them ‘timeless’).
5. Solid rugs and sisals are always timeless, obviously, so I’ve not included them in this roundup.
But listen, not every rug needs to be timeless. Sometimes it’s fun to buy a really bright kilim because that is your style and you keep it for 10 years. So what? Don’t go thinking that you should never buy a colorful rug, you SHOULD!! Just know that there is more of a risk with a bright rug, than a neutral rug and more of a risk with a big pattern than with a smaller one.
A few notes on the below: Yes, timeless rugs are more expensive as you can see (but you’ll have them forever because they are timeless, therefore worth the investment). I tried to find a few more affordable ones for you (#5, #13, #40, #33). All prices reflect the size that is closest to 8×10 (some are 7×10).
Shop with confidence, folks. These rugs are good investments, classic, beautiful and safe.
1. Maressa Rug | 2. Teniya Rug | 3. Sierra Wool Rug | 4. Tate Rug | 5.Bermuda Rug | 6. Alondra Rug | 7. Massinissa Rug | 8. Khotan Rug | 9. Maritime Rug | 10. Grid Rug | 11. Faiza Rug | 12. Alia Rug | 13. Charleigh Rug | 14. Houndstooth Rug | 15. Bow-Tie Rug | 16. Skyline Rug | 17. Icelandia Rug | 18. Riven Rug | 19. Citra Rug | 20. Moderne Geometric Rug | 21. Open Pasture Rug | 22. Triango Rug | 23. Stitched Pyramid Rug | 24. Ashra Rug | 25. Alondra Rug | 26. Palma Rug | 27.Persian Garden Rug | 28. Traza Rug | 29. Bedouin Kilim Rug | 30. Mariposa Rug | 31. Boldstripe Rug | 32. Costa Rug | 33. Kenya Rug | 34. Emilie Rug | 35. Criss Cross Rug | 36. Desert Rug | 37. Herringbone Rug | 38. Nolita Seaside Rug | 39. Raleigh Park Rug | 40. Recar Stripe Rug | 41. Kenwood Rug | 42. Safiyah Rug | 43. Alexis Rug in Grey | 44. Turn Key Rug | 45. Montouk Rug | 46. Framework Rug | 47. Traced Diamond Kilim Rug | 48. Diamond Rug | 49. Finola Rug | 50 Tattersall Rug | 51. Mont Wool Rug | 52. Flynn Rug
