Rug production was introduced to Europe by the Moors of Spain between the eighth and thirteenth centuries. While Oriental rugs initially had a significant influence on European carpet designs, various regions came to develop their own unique styles and techniques over time. In France, starting in the seventeenth century, factories in Savonnerie and Aubusson began producing some of the most exceptional rugs of the last few centuries. From 1660 until 1743 Savonnerie was a manufacture royale, carrying out commissions for pile rugs and carpets specifically designed for the Royal Palaces. In England, high-quality rug production in the town of Axminster in the late 18th century gradually paved the way for the Arts & Crafts rugs in the late nineteenth century when William Morris designed a pattern for an Axminster rug.

In contrast to the fine rugs produced in major European factories, there were also rugs produced for domestic use, such as the ryas of Scandinavia, which reflect the local folk traditions of the weavers. Many of the Northern Europeans who immigrated to America brought such traditions with them, leading to the development of the unique American tradition of weaving hooked and rag rugs.