Circle Rugs

Circle RugsCircle rugs (round rugs) are decorative textiles in the shape of a circle. They started occurring in the first half of the 20th century with the birth of Modernism. Circle rugs (round rugs) mark the modern era of carpet-weaving, full of experimentation with form and new technical possibilities. Many of them are in the Art Deco style and small to medium sizes.

The History of Circle Rugs

Round rugs are one step further from the traditional art of weaving. Historically, the overwhelming majority of right-angled living spaces has somewhat defined and cemented the orthogonal shape of carpets. This left very little room for experimenting with form. Moreover, the prevalence of rectangular rugs stemmed from practical reasons. A circle is harder to execute on classic looms and requires a higher degree of skill. However, circle rug is definitely worth the struggle. They have a huge impact on the interior and the way we perceive it. The creation of round carpets filled the void which had existed before in the decorating world.

The major breakthrough for circle rugs occurred in the first half of the 20th century. It happened on the wave of revolutionary ideas propagated by Modernists. They stood against the overabundance and pomp in the field of arts and crafts. Moreover, they proclaimed the power of practicality and moderation. Modernists were also prone to experimenting with form and tended to represent the reality in an abstract way. During that period many art trends arose, including Art Deco, Arts&Crafts or Cubism. These groundbreaking changes soon entered the realm of weaving. Many of rugs produced at the time carried simple, geometric designs spiced up with bold colors and the round shape.

The Charm of Circle Rugs

Circular carpets balance the linear nature of the surrounding room. With the presence of floors, walls and doorways, there are already lots of angular lines which create the rigidity in the environment. Round rugs allow interior designers to break up the traditional monotony. The use of softened figures and more fanciful flows leads the eyes in a less grounded manner. Circle rug adds a pinch of humor to typical furniture layout, especially when combined with a playful pattern.

Every rug is a space definer yet a round one opens up new decorating possibilities. It echoes similar elements in the room, being a bridge between space and furniture. Items such as round coffee tables, stools or lamps synergize with circle rugs in a subtle yet elegant way. They work best in rooms like kitchens, parlors or vestibules. The casual tone of the rugs allows them to attract attention without looking overdone. This is especially true if they are set as the only rug in the area.

We call circle  the perfect shape for a good reason. Round rugs create a feeling of coziness, softness, and intimacy. When paired with warm shades such as red, yellow or orange, circle carpets become fantastic focal points. Circle rugs, vintage or new, give you endless opportunities in terms of application. They may be an elegant addition to a classic round wooden tea-table or introduce an intriguing stir in a futuristic abode.

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