Geometric Rugs

Learn More About Antique Geometric Rugs

What is a geometric rug?

A geometric rug is a type of rug that features patterns and designs inspired by geometric shapes and forms. These shapes can include squares, rectangles, circles, triangles, diamonds, hexagons, and more. Geometric rugs often incorporate repeated patterns or symmetrical arrangements, creating a visually striking and balanced design.

The patterns on geometric rugs can be simple and minimalistic or intricate and complex, depending on the style and preference. They can be found in a wide range of colors, but like neutral rugs, geometric rugs also often come in more subdued and subtle color palettes.

Geometric rugs have become increasingly popular in contemporary and modern interior design, as they can add a sense of order, structure, and sophistication to a space.

Here are some common types of geometric rug designs:

• Chevron: Zigzag patterns that create a V-shaped design, often in a repeating sequence.
• Moroccan: Inspired by traditional Moroccan tile patterns, these rugs typically feature diamond or trellis motifs.
• Greek Key: This pattern consists of repeating right-angled keys or frets, forming a continuous and interconnected design.
• Herringbone: A pattern that resembles the bones of a herring fish, characterized by its V-shaped weaving arrangement.
• Hexagonal: Rugs with hexagon-shaped patterns, often creating a honeycomb-like effect.
• Abstract Geometric: Contemporary designs that take inspiration from geometric shapes but are more freeform and artistic in their arrangement.

A geometric area rug can be used in various rooms and settings, such as living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, or even in offices and commercial spaces. These more angular rugs are versatile and can work well with both modern and traditional decor styles.

When choosing a geometric rug, consider the size, color, and pattern to ensure it complements the overall design of the room and adds visual interest to the space.

Exploring the world of area rugs with geometric designs

Geometric Rugs – Nearly all carpets can be broken down into geometric patterns. Whether carpets feature grand medallions and sinuous vine-scrolls, precise latticework rug patterns or coffered compartments, the geometry and mathematics of each right-angle corner or precisely calculated curve is behind the beauty of the grandest and the smallest elements.

Muslim mathematicians and “geometers” in Persia helped the country create stunning circular medallions, magnificent arabesques and graceful vine-scrolls that flow with ease. Tribal rugs and city area carpets from northwest Persia tend to favor designs based on angular, rectilinear geometry. On the other hand, the famous Sheikh Safi medallion depicted in the famous Ardabil carpet and geometric Gonbad dome medallions all represent a clear understanding of geometric principles and the beauty they represent.

Tribal rug weavers in Turkey, Morocco, the Caucasus and many other regions employ rectilinear motifs that have obvious geometric properties. Whether they are based on the principles of the golden mean or abstract, asymmetric proportions, these carpets are fantastically attractive. Weavers across the globe approach geometric patterns differently.

In Scandinavia, designers and weavers craft precise lozenges and flat-woven Rolakan that feature ruler-straight patterns. In Morocco, weavers have an improvisational, abstract approach that is totally unique. The beauty of geometric carpet patterns is the diversity and limitless ways in which mathematical principles can be used to create decorative patterns with universal appeal. By considering the geometric principles behind each twist and turn, each precise medallion and each beautifully drawn motif, it’s hard to look at antique carpets in the same way. Abstract, informal or elegant, behind each great carpet is a great understanding of geometry and mathematical principles.

These geometric design carpets are woven using straight, linear, vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines, often employing a central medallion. Antique rugs with geometric designs were typically woven using nomadic cultural symbols representing something cherished by the tribe. They can also portray stylized floral patterns as is seen in some Heriz rugs.

Incorporating geometric rugs in interior design is a great way to add instant visual interest and a pop of color. And achieving this trend through the use of geometric rugs is a great way to try it out without having to make a big commitment- like wall paper! The brilliance of geometrics is that they can be achieved in almost any style, from vintage rugs, to Antique Persians. Therefor it is a trend for all, no matter the theme of the room!

Geometric Designs and Geometry Based Patterns In Islamic Art

Geometric patterns are a critical element found in Islamic art of all types. The other two non-figurative types of decoration found most commonly in Islamic design are calligraphy and floral based patterns. The popularity of all three patterns is largely due to their symbolic quality, where the human face and body are not represented. You can see these elaborate, intricate abstract designs on almost any surface of Islamic architecture and major decorative elements, such as antique geometric rugs, as well as in just about any other type of object.

Geometric design ornamentation was not just found in Islamic design during the antique period. For hundreds of years, the Greeks, Romans, and Iranian Sassanian used geometric elements in their designs as well. Many Islamic artisans took inspiration from these older geometric designs, appropriating certain elements, eventually elaborating on them to create a distinctive style all their own. The ultimate goal of using these abstract design elements was to create unity and order with an artistic touch. Other influences on this style included the intellectual donations from significant mathematicians, scientists and astronomers from throughout the Islamic world.

Islamic geometric design starts with simple forms like the square and the circle. Artisans then combine simple forms, duplicate them, interlace them, and rearrange them into elaborate designs. This intricate form of abstract expression is a distinct signature feature found in Islamic art and design. And these complex patterns don’t follow any strict rules of geometry or design. The free flowing repetition and complexity offers almost infinite freedom to the designer.

Due to the easy movement of the geometric patterns, artists often incorporate other types of ornamentation into the overall design. They use calligraphy amidst or next to complex geometric movements, making them a part of the overall pattern. Geometric patterns allow for repetitive motifs and symmetry that compare favorably with the so-called arabesque style common to floral designs.

Islamic design often relies on four different shapes to create more complex patterns. The first is the circle and interlaced circles. The second is squares and other four-sides polygons. The third is the star pattern, which is a more complex arrangement of triangles and squares within a circle. The fourth is multi-sided polygons such as hexagons and octagons. Artisans repeat these patterns to create any number of different shapes and visual textures. Due to the sheer complexity, these elaborate designs don’t fit easily into any one category.

Explore the antique geometric rugs from Nazmiyal and you will see that many are vastly different from one another. That said, all these Geometric carpets will your interior design in their own unique way.

Here are some stunning geometric rugs from the Nazmiyal Collection: