Introduction to Southwestern Area Rugs
Southwestern style decor conjures images of desert plants, longhorn skulls, and tribal patterns. While the style can be difficult to achieve, it can most easily be introduced through textiles, namely southwestern area rugs. Southwestern rugs bring a dose of the western aesthetic to any interior in an instant. From traditional Aztec-inspired designs to modern western style rugs, these styles bring together rugged sophistication and pioneering flair for a singular look. Southwestern area rugs add an element of soft comfort and dimension to a room, and can help to reduce noise echos. They can be placed over hardwood floors, linoleum tiling, and laminate wood, or layered with rugs of varying sizes to bring in additional dimension and southwestern motifs. Western rugs will help to protect floors from the damage and wear of everyday foot traffic.
Types of Southwestern Area Rugs
Southwestern style rugs include diverse sizes, colors, styles, and materials, making it easy to find the ideal rug for any interior setting or to match any specific western aesthetic. Western area rugs generally feature unique patterns rooted in native tribal shapes and designs. From diamonds to arrows, these patterns are widely recognizable and are generally laid out symmetrically for a balanced, harmonious look. Western style rugs can also feature printed images of flora and fauna or other items associated with the southwestern region, such as cacti, cowboy hats, or cattle. Traditional southwestern rugs typically use rich earth tones, principally tan, brown, and red, with doses of green, yellow, and orange. The warm hues of these rugs mirror tones found in natural desert environments. Modern southwestern style rugs break away from the classic palette to incorporate a wide range of colors, from bright white to teal. Many modern rugs employ a more subtle use of pattern to achieve a more understated aesthetic. These rugs include flatweave, machine-made, and handmade styles, and can vary in size from 2’x3’ to 10’x13’.
Benefits of Southwestern Area Rugs
Incorporating a southwestern area rug is a quick and easy way to angle any space towards the trendy western desert style. Both traditional and contemporary western rugs make for a chic and unique addition. With a varied range of patterns and color palettes available, southwestern rugs are always eye-catching, meaning these textiles never fade into the background. Southwestern style rugs tend to set the decorative tone in any setting, making it easy to decorate a space around a southwestern rug. Western area rugs can ground an existing furniture arrangement or pull together an eclectic aesthetic.
To learn more about different rug styles and patterns available, read LuxeDecor's Rug Buying Guide.
