Interesting Ways to Use Your Oriental Style Rug
- By Mehdi Sharafi
- Last updated: October 20, 2025
How to style an oriental rug? Treat it as artwork and an anchor: choose scale first, then place furniture relative to the rug, pull colours for cushions/art from the rug palette, and use layering or angling for interest. Below are five specific, high-impact ways to use an oriental-style rug in your home.
| Use | Quick steps | Best for | Pros | Cons | Styling tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Use multiple rugs to define zones | Use seasonal rotation; protect with a cloth under fragile items | Large living rooms / open-plan spaces | Creates intimate zones; flexible; layered look | Can feel busy if colours clash | Leave 8 – 12″ floor border between rug zones; use non-slip underlay |
| 2. Drape / top with a small oriental rug | Use UV-protective glass/avoid direct sun; hire a professional for heavy rugs | Small tables, consoles, dressers | Instant texture & colour; great for small spaces | Pile crush or stains if used under heavy objects | Choose a low-pile or flatweave small rug; drape at an angle on a console/table or lay under a lamp/objects; avoid heavy items. |
| 3. Hang the rug as textile art | Attach supportive backing; hang with cleat/gallery rail or textile clips; position above sofa or in tall alcove. | Fragile antiques / used oriental rugs / statement pieces | Preserves rug; becomes focal art; protects from foot traffic | Requires proper backing/hardware; may need pro help | Angle gently in small rooms; keep the central anchor (table) aligned |
| 4. Place the rug at an angle | Rotate rug 10 – 20° from walls; anchor with central coffee table or hearth; check furniture alignment. | Modern interiors / square rooms wanting movement | Adds visual drama & movement; modernises traditional rugs | Can make small rooms feel cramped if overdone | Choose a low-pile or flatweave small rug; drape at an angle on a console/table or lay under a lamp/objects; avoid heavy items. |
| 5. Flip, layer or repurpose worn rugs | Test reverse for comfort; layer a small oriental rug over a larger neutral base; repurpose fragments into cushions/runners (professionally bound). | Worn / low-pile vintage rugs | Extends life; sustainable; creative reuse | Flipping reduces comfort; cutting reduces provenance | Choose a low-pile or flatweave small rug; drape at an angle on console/table or lay under a lamp/objects; avoid heavy items. |
5 Interesting Ways to Use Your Oriental Style Rug
1) Use multiple rugs to define zones
What it is: Instead of one oversized rug, create purposeful zones – seating, reading nook, console area with multiple rugs.
How to do it
- Put a large neutral or jute base under the main seating area, then position a smaller oriental-style rug to define a reading corner or sofa side table.
- For a living room with an oriental rug, make sure the main seating group is visually unified: either all furniture legs on the rug, or front legs on it.
- Maintain a consistent accent colour across rugs (even one repeating thread of red or blue ties the scheme).
Why it works: Creates intimacy in large rooms and lets you use small oriental rugs as purposeful accents rather than awkward fillers.
Pro tip: Use non-slip underlay for each rug and leave a visible edge of flooring (8 – 12 inches) between zones.
2) Drape or top with a small oriental rug
What it is: Use a small oriental rug as a decor topper on a console, side table or dresser.
How to do it
- Select a flatweave or low-pile small oriental carpet to avoid crushing the pile.
- Drape at an angle over a console or lay flat under a lamp and a simple vase for editorial flair.
- For dining sideboards, limit use to decorative service; don’t place plates directly on the rug.
Why it works: Adds instant texture and colour; this is a great way to style a small oriental rug when floor space is limited.
3) Hang the rug on the wall as textile art
What it is: Display a rug vertically to highlight the design and protect it from foot traffic.
How to do it
- Attach a supportive backing (canvas or linen) to distribute weight. Use a cleat or gallery hanging system rather than nails through the pile.
- Hang above a low sofa or in a tall alcove so the rug’s pattern reads as a picture.
Why it works: Preserves fragile or used oriental rug pieces and gives the room a major focal point.
Pro tip: For antiques, consult a textile conservator before drilling or stitching.
4) Place the rug at an angle
What it is: Rotate your oriental-style rug away from the room’s parallel lines for visual movement.
How to do it
- Angle a rectangular rug 10–20° in relation to the walls.
- Keep a central anchor (coffee table or hearth) aligned with the rug so the setup feels deliberate.
Why it works: Makes a static, boxy room dynamic; a favourite trick in contemporary apartments that want a traditional rug punch.
Pro tip: In small rooms angle gently; too steep an angle can visually shrink the space.
5) Flip, layer or repurpose worn rugs
What it is: Give tired rugs new life; reverse them (if low pile), layer them, or repurpose fragments into cushions or runners.
How to do it
- Flip: Only for structurally sound, low-pile rugs; test underfoot first.
- Layer: Place a neutral sisal or wool underlay for protection; then top with a small oriental rug to protect fragile areas.
- Repurpose: Have fragments professionally bound into cushions, wall panels or a small runner.
Why it works: Extends the life of vintage/used oriental rugs and creates unique, sustainable decor elements.
Pro tip: Don’t cut valuable antiques; frame or hang them instead.
Quick Styling Tips
- Scale rule: For a seating area, use a rug large enough that the front legs of sofas and chairs sit on it.
- Pile choice: High pile looks luxe but is bad under dining chairs; low-pile or flatweave suits high-traffic areas and oriental wall to wall carpet alternatives.
- Colour pairing: Pull one or two muted colours from the rug into cushions or throws to create cohesion. (Useful for “Persian rug styling” and “oriental rug style”.)
- Small oriental carpets: perfect for entryways, beside beds or layered on larger neutral rugs; treat them as accents, not main anchors.
- Used / vintage rugs: inspect for repairs, foundation weakness and moth damage. Use worn pieces on walls or low-traffic zones.
Quick dos & don’ts
- Do measure before buying.
- Do rotate rugs every 3–6 months for even wear.
- Do use anti-slip underlay.
- Don’t place high-pile rugs under frequent dining chairs.
- Don’t cut an antique rug without professional advice.
Is it OK to say “oriental rug”? (terminology)
Many people still search for “oriental style rugs” or “oriental rugs used.” The term is common in interior design and retail, but when possible, use more precise language such as Persian, Turkish, Gabbeh, Kashan, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oriental rugs in style?
Yes, oriental rugs are classic and currently popular in mixed-style interiors (vintage + modern).
Oriental vs Persian rugs – what’s the difference?
“Persian” refers specifically to rugs from Iran; “oriental” is a broader decorative category (includes Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, Afghan, Indian, etc.).
Where to use small oriental rugs?
Entryways, bedside, layered over a larger base rug, under a coffee table or draped on consoles.
Can I hang an oriental rug?
Yes, with proper backing and a secure hanging system, it preserves fragile pieces and turns the rug into art.
