The Victorian Rug Revival: A Glimpse Into 19th-Century Rug Trends

In the history books of beauty and comfort, rugs hold the topmost position at the index. Since the very first rug noted in time, the Pazyryk rug, carpets have been considered to be a lot more than just mere floor coverings. A handmade carpet is a decorative accent that grounds your space, grounds the furniture in your home, and gives a wholesome atmosphere to your casa. It sets up the base of your interior and lends aesthetics and comfort to the surroundings.

Many people believe in the notion that ‘Aesthetic’ is a modern-day concept. The rug trends of the 19th century contradict this belief. Victorian rugs epitomized aesthetics and elegance when aesthetics weren’t even a thing. These rugs hold a major significance in time as these rugs were named after Queen Victoria, the ruler of England from 1837-1901.

From ornate floral patterns to ones detailed with intricacy, complimented by vibrant color palettes were a few characteristics of the rugs in the Victorian era. These rugs were created initially as per the choice of Queen Victoria, later took over her name, and were sold to the locals of the place.

• The history- The production of these rugs began during the initial stages of the Victorian era when Sir Wilton of Salisbury purchased an old rug factory from Thomas Witty. This burned-down factory was brought back to life and given a new name, “Axminster”. The rug production began using an old handloom available at the factory. The name of the company became a brand itself and eventually, these hand-knotted rugs started being used in prosperous Victorian homes.
• The Characteristics- In the Victorian era, majestic, opulence, and grandeur ornate floral patterns complimented by royal furniture and wallpapers. It was the 1st time in the century that a handmade rug was being used for a decorative purpose in homes instead of a practical one. In the European world, there was a trend of carpeting the entire floor, and the decorators came up with the concept of layering these Victorian rugs. This added a contrasting magic to the interiors.

Unlike the carpets used in American colonies, which were cheaper, mass-produced, and of average quality, carpets in the Victorian region and era during the 19th century were considered to be of much better quality in terms of the materials and craftsmanship and even had a higher cost of manufacturing.

In the 19th century, these rugs were more than decorative accents, they were like canvases for the artists to narrate stories. They used to weave tales of Victorian homes and villages. Later on, the rich locals residing in the area purchased the rugs embedding a narrative to add meaning and significance to their homes. While the hand-knotted technique made the rug special, the design made it one of a kind.

Paint a picture with us. Imagine a Victorian drawing room, high-backed chairs, embedded frames, and a snorkeling fireplace. Underfoot, setting the perfect base for the furniture, a floral rug that ties the room together, setting the stage for the intricate dance of social gatherings and intimate conversations. It’s not just you, we are being nostalgic too.? The Victorian era faced an increase in the demand for opulent floor coverings, giving rise to a myriad of rug styles that reflected the zeal for creativity.

• The floral magic- The 19th century was nothing less than a love affair with nature, extended beyond the garden and into the home. Floral patterns became immensely popular in rug design, with all-over floral patterns to slight creepers of flowers, artisans expressed themselves as per the rug trends of the time, giving people what they wanted and unknowingly leaving a mark in the history books. The love for Victorian rugs with the booming trends of that time symbolized these rugs as more than just decorative elements. It transformed them into a reflection of the natural beauty combining both the flora and the fauna.

Flowers like Roses and Lilies with a mix of violets were used in dominance on the canvas of the Victorian carpets. These flowers were and still are symbols of love, purity, and modesty. The language of flowers was thus woven into the very fabric of Victorian homes, where even the rugs whispered tales of romance and sentiment.

The Victorian trends were way ahead of the current times. It was then that the carpet canvas was introduced to the real beauty of the flowers and was complemented by royalty and elegance. Each rug from this era tells a story, a story that connects nature and man.? In the contemporary world, wet at Obeetee Carpets have been upholding the flag of culture and tradition since the past century. In our set of carpets, you will find the best hand-knotted carpets designed by seeking inspiration from their Victorian rug trends to add life to your homes.