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In past issues of Rug Insider Magazine, we have examined numerous antique rug styles, including Sarouk, Tabriz, Kerman, Kashan, Heriz, Bidjar, among others. One thing that all of these rug styles have had in common is that they are all pile rugs, with wool pile that sticks out above the foundational warp and weft of the carpet. In contrast, one of the most beloved traditional rug styles of the Middle East is the Kilim rug, a flat-woven rug style with no pile, but hand- made with the rich history of the various locations from which it emanates.

Numerous well-known area rug vendors are exhibiting their latest introductions in a number of home decor industry shows in New York City this season, notably ICFF, Wanted Design, NYCxDesign, and NY NOW. These home decor industry shows take place at different points during the summer months.

In the vibrant world of rugs, where heritage meets innovation, every stakeholder—retailers, wholesalers, designers, and end-users—seeks tools that enhance their experience while preserving the artistry of woven textiles.

IVE, an Augmented Reality (AR) visualization platform from iveview.com, delivers precisely what they need.

Complementing RI’s spring trend focus on Wild & Wooly rugs, there are many variations of animal and nature themes to be found in antique Persian rugs and period European tapestries.

GARDENS, TREES & FLOWERS

In antique rugs, one of the main differences between rug categories is city rugs versus village rugs, with city rugs typically being more finely woven and having more complex curvilinear designs, and village rugs typically being more coarse in their weave, and having more rudimentary geometric designs.

Whether the designs are more curvilinear or more geometric, though, in the majority of rugs, the designs depict various types of trees or flowers, in some way, shape, or form.

As sustainability becomes a defining factor in material selection, the rug industry is finding new ways to reconcile performance, design integrity, and environmental responsibility. While natural fibers like wool and jute have long been prized for their natural qualities, synthetic materials, particularly nylon, are undergoing a quiet transformation that’s reshaping their role in rug making.

The Digital Shift in the Rug Industry

The rug industry has long been built on tradition—handcrafted designs, deep-rooted relationships, and word-of-mouth referrals. But as consumer expectations evolve, so too must the businesses that serve them. A recent industry survey found that 70% of rug businesses still rely on manual tracking for orders or outdated legacy software, yet those that have adopted modern tools report efficiency gains of up to 40%.