Choosing a retro or mid-century rug
Retro and mid-century rugs borrow from the 1950s to the 1970s: graphic stems and petals, bold stripes, arcs and warm colours like mustard, teal, rust and olive. They're made for timber sideboards, tapered legs and leather armchairs, and they bring warmth to plain modern rooms too.
Who makes them
Asiatic has the largest range here, with bold hand-tufted designs. Orla Kiely brings its signature stems and flowers, Scion adds playful Scandinavian-inspired patterns such as the Lohko stripes, and Brink & Campman has a smaller selection. Nearly all are hand-tufted wool with a medium pile.
Styling tips
- Let the rug lead. A strong retro pattern looks best with simple, solid furniture
- Work with timber. Warm wood tones bring out the mustards, oranges and greens in these designs
- Repeat a colour. Pick one shade from the rug for a cushion, lamp or print
- Mix eras. A mid-century rug under a modern sofa or a traditional table keeps a room from feeling like a period set
Materials and care
Wool is warm and resilient, and it spot cleans with mild soap and warm water. Expect some shedding in the first few weeks, which is normal for hand-tufted wool. A few designs are polyester or polypropylene, which suit busier family rooms. See care by material.
Price and size
Most retro designer rugs start above $1,000 in the smallest size, and a handful of machine-made designs cost much less. The most common sizes are 170x120, 230x160, 280x200 and 350x250cm, with a few runners, rounds and ovals. Use the size guide to choose, and add a rug pad to keep it flat and protect your floor.
Want more pattern? See Orla Kiely and Scion.
Still not sure?
Send us your room measurements, or a photo of the space, and we'll suggest sizes or style the rug into your room for free. Get in touch.
