Oushak rugs: what are they? How are they made? How to incorporate them into a furnishing project?

Oushak rugs are among the best known and most popular Oriental artefacts. They have a traditional style, are made from high-quality materials and feature patterns and colours that reflect the culture and aesthetics of the Ottoman Empire. Even today, they can still be used to achieve beautiful interior design results.

Appreciated for their timeless beauty and the craftsmanship with which they are made, these rugs from Anatolia can also be a suitable choice for modern interior design.

What to know about Oushak rugs

Oushak rugs, also known as Uşak (from the name of the city in Turkey where they originated), are among the most famous Oriental artefacts, renowned for their quality and beauty.

These rugs were mainly produced between the 15th and 17th centuries, a period when the town of the same name became an important centre of textile production in the Ottoman Empire. The production of Oushak pieces continued over the following centuries, but it was during the Renaissance that these artefacts reached their greatest popularity, thanks in part to the interest shown by European courts.

Oushak rugs are made predominantly of wool , but some versions were offered in cotton and silk. The wool used is of high quality, often soft and lustrous, sourced from sheep reared in regions close to Anatolia.

Cotton is generally used in the warp, so as to give stability and robustness to the carpet. For its part, silk is often blended with wool and is used for decorative details and to accentuate the lustre of the rug.

The patterns of Oushak rugs are typically inspired by Islamic art and are known for their elegance and complexity. A typical design is the medallion pattern: in this case, there is a large central motif, often accompanied by floral or geometric ornaments. Another traditional pattern is the arabesque pattern, which reproduces natural elements such as stylised flowers and leaves. No less important are the borders of the carpet, usually decorated with bundles of clouds, which have a symbolic meaning and add depth and movement to the entire composition.

In addition to their elaborate and highly detailed decorations, rugs of this type are known for their use of warm, rich colours. They range from the traditional red and blue to interesting shades of pink, yellow and green. In older rugs, such colours were obtained by dyeing the yarns with vegetable pigments.

Generally, Oushak rugs are large-format patterns. Indeed, these textiles were traditionally used by Ottoman nobles and were designed to cover large spaces, such as reception rooms or dining rooms.

The surprising quality of these pieces is evidenced by their high knot density per square metre. In knotted rugs, this parameter is an important indicator of the quality of the product: a high number of knots makes the carpet stronger and more durable.

What do modern Oushak rugs look like?

Modern Oushak rugs are a fascinating evolution of traditional patterns, retaining many of the characteristics that made their predecessors famous, but with some significant differences.

Although the decorative motifs of contemporary designs clearly show a connection to classical designs, modern Oushak rugs often introduce stylistic elements that are far removed from traditional pieces.

In the colours, for instance, modern artefacts show greater variety. Fabrics are no longer only coloured with natural pigments, but also with safe synthetic dyes, which allow for a wider range of shades, resulting in a more uniform and more durable result.

Modern Oushak rugs also differ from traditional ones in the materials used. Wool is still the most frequently used material, but it is possible to find beautiful pieces made of hemp, jute or synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester.

Some tips on how to furnish with Oushak rugs

Furnishing with an Oushak carpet requires a certain amount of care, as it is a visually striking decorative element that can have a very strong effect on the overall atmosphere of the room.

The design of the carpet is the aspect to be considered most carefully, whether you are considering purchasing one or more traditional Oushak rugs or whether you want to opt for one or more modern versions.

In addition to design, the colours of the carpet also play a key role. Among the options to be analysed are pieces offered in classic colour combinations and bolder, more modern solutions. In order to identify the right set of colours to use, it is necessary to take into account the colour palette of the room and make sure that, as a whole, the colours create an elegant contrast or provide good colour continuity.

Also not to be underestimated is the importance of choosing the right location for the individual carpet. Which is? Generally speaking, an Oushak model is perfect for furnishing a large space such as a living room, for example. To make the design of the product stand out, you may decide to place the carpet in the centre of the room, and then arrange the furniture all around it.

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