Cotton rugs are a versatile and stylish addition to any home. Not only do they add texture and interest to a room, but they also provide a comfortable and durable surface for your feet. With their natural fibers and classic appearance, cotton rugs are a timeless choice for any decor style. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the history of cotton rugs, how they’re made, and how you can use them to style your home.
What is a Cotton Rug and its history?
A cotton rug is a type of rug made from the fibers of the cotton plant. Cotton is one of the most widely used natural fibers in the world, making it an abundant and cost-effective material for rug-making. The use of cotton in rug-making dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations in the Middle East and Central Asia creating hand-woven cotton rugs for use in their homes and temples.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution brought about new manufacturing techniques, making it possible to produce cotton rugs on a larger scale. As a result, cotton rugs became more accessible and popular among households in Europe and North America. Today, cotton rugs are still widely used, and their versatility and classic appearance make them a popular choice for homeowners.
Natural Vegetable Dyed Indian Dhurrie Reversible Cotton Rug - Mustard
How Cotton Rugs Are Made?
Cotton rugs are made through a variety of techniques, including hand-woven, machine-made, and tufted. Hand-woven cotton rugs are made by skilled artisans who weave the fibers together by hand, resulting in a unique and beautiful piece. Machine-made cotton rugs are produced using a loom and are often more affordable, but they lack the character and individuality of hand-woven rugs. Tufted cotton rugs are made by punching the fibers through a backing material and then securing them in place, resulting in a plush and soft surface.
No matter the technique used, the quality of a cotton rug depends on several factors, including the quality of the cotton fibers, the method of production, and the finishing process. Higher-quality cotton rugs are made from long-staple cotton fibers, which are more durable and produce a finer, softer rug. Additionally, a well-made cotton rug will have a tight and even weave, with no loose fibers or gaps.
How to Style using Cotton Rugs
Cotton rugs are a great way to bring a touch of warmth, style and comfort to any space. Whether you're looking for something classic or eye-catching, cotton rugs can be the perfect final touch to create the cozy ambiance you've been dreaming of. We'll explore the many ways to use and style with cotton rugs.
1. Add Interest with Texture
Cotton rugs come in many different textures so you have plenty of options to choose from to help create depth and interest. Go for a high and low pile look by layering cotton rugs with different pile height, or pick textured options like shag or tasselled rugs for an eclectic feel. You can even mix materials like natural fibers like jute and wool or faux hides and leather to give a unique look. 
Organic Vegetable Dyed Indian Dhurrie Reversible Cotton Rug - Burnt Orange
2. Determine the Right Size for Your Room
The size and shape of the cotton rug you choose can help to set the tone for the whole room. Measure your space before selecting a rug and make sure it’s large enough to fit comfortably under your furniture. For more traditional spaces, rectangular rugs are great, while smaller, square or round rugs are perfect for unique boho spaces. Getting the right size is key – too small and all attention will be drawn to that one area, too big and there won’t be any nice visual borders between related furnishings.
Skyler Vegetable Dyed Indian Dhurrie Reversible Cotton Rug
3. Play with Colors and Patterns to Create a Theme or Focal Point
Use different colors and patterns of cotton rugs to create a theme in your interior or draw attention to a particular area. You can mix and match to give the room a unique look – combine solid, striped or patterned rugs. A bright or bold feature rug can be paired with subtler tones to add an eye-catching element and break up larger areas. And don’t be afraid to experiment, layering various bold shapes and sizes creates more visual interest.
Hand Braided Chindi Oval Cotton Rug, Red
4. Use an Accent Rug to Update Existing Furniture or Decorations
An easy way to give any room an update is to add an accent rug. This can be used to restyle furniture or simply introduce new patterns and colors into the space. With a cotton rug, you can create texture, drawing the eye as soon as you step in the room. Use different colors and shapes of rugs to play with the interior decor, adding dimensions and layers of design to your living space.
Multi Colors Oval Hand Made Cotton Rug
5. Decorate with Doormats and Runners in Your Hallways and Staircases
Add an extra layer of texture and artwork to your hallways and staircases with mat runners. Use larger mats in a variety of styles and textures to accentuate the color palette of your home. Smaller rugs can be used as doormats to provide welcome spots for visitors. Play around with shapes and sizes, from oval to round and from rectangular to square, to add personality to your entryway or staircase.
