With a whole wealth of design inspiration at our fingertips every moment these days, it’s exciting to see more and more people digging into their homes and making them fabulous. That said, it’s quite noticeable how similar the spots look across the board. So when I see a trend that feels really unique and exciting, I can’t wait to share it here. Today, we’re covering something I’ve paid more and more attention to. Maybe it’s the rug trend, maybe it’s my eyes that are hungry for something fresh, so they notice it whenever it comes across. But either way, I’m totally in love Chinese art deco rugs (I even used the one in this post recently on non-boring rugs).
if you saw Debito’s explosive home tour Recently on Architectural Digest, you may have seen these highly decorative and colorful rugs in all of their designs. The designer behind Old Brand New has actually been using gorgeous antique floor coverings for as long as I can remember, or at least as long as I’ve been following her, and that’s a long time. If anything, that alone may be behind people’s increased comfort level with such an adventurous moment.
For those who aren’t familiar with what a Chinese Art Deco rug looks like, you can identify it by its striking gem colors, often surrounded by a related or complementary color, and featuring elaborate motifs such as cherry blossoms, pagodas, and sometimes even Chinese mythology designs. The rugs originated in Shanghai and Tianjin in the 1920s and 30s, and mixed traditional Chinese imagery, as I mentioned, with what was emerging from the Western Art Deco movement. Print layouts were asymmetric, and had a lot of open negative space, a far cry from the precise and symmetrical designs often seen in Oriental rugs of previous eras.
How amazing is that purple, soft, burgundy goodness in the bedroom of dabito’s latest houseAbove? There is so much to see in this place, but my eyes go straight to the ground, and get lost in the colors and flowers. From there, I notice everything else (how cool is that lamp?!?).
here’s another funny thing nice room by debito. Maybe I should have titled this post “Debito Appreciation Day: All Hail the King of Rugs,” but that seemed a little too weird. 😉 I’m particularly fond of Chinese Art Deco rugs where there is a group of flowers in opposite corners.
There is no place in which he is not seen breathing new life this bathroomOnce again in Dabito’s (duh) house. Oh, where is he sourcing all these fabulous rugs?!? Debito, if you read this, please give up your secrets!
Whether you prefer designs with a thick border of color, or sporadic designs with solid negative space, they all have one thing in common: an eye-catching glow that changes depending on the lighting. This type of ending changes throughout the day and takes on a life of its own.
Another thing they have in common? They are expensive, as are most antique rugs. If you keep reading, you can see all the rugs I found, some under $2,000, and some above, but most authentic antique Chinese Art Deco rugs that are large enough to floor your living room furniture will cost you $3,000 to $10,000 (YIKES).
A quick aside: I have this image The above is bookmarked from when I was designing my first living room in Los Angeles. When I chose a rug for my cobalt blue sofa I was desperate for inspiration and this one spoke to me. Even at that time I liked this look very much. Although, to be honest, I was afraid to do something so bold and unique.
Not every one of these types of rugs screams color. There are some soft peach, pale yellow, and even soft sage green and earthy brown. I can actually see something like the above in a post that has been shared @akindofhome Under my mustard velvet couch, can’t you?!?
One of my favorite design firms, Arent and PykeAn antique Chinese Art Deco rug was used in this elegant entryway with a more subdued color scheme.
I love the combination of contemporary furniture and art in this home Studio Roin Against the antique rug.
Do you like things a little more modern (or mid-century modern)? Don’t worry, a Chinese Art Deco rug goes with it too. For example, the living room above kim ronemus interiors.
And finally, my eyes fell on the newly decorated office of Architectural Digest captain Amy Astley. While the rug in that first slide isn’t actually a Chinese Art Deco, I thought it passed the vibe check and is a good representation of getting the same look in a new, contemporary rug. Lavender and ocher look beautiful together. Maybe I need a lavender rug too?!?!?
Now, let’s do some shopping! As I mentioned, because many of these rugs are antique, they are definitely an investment. But like art, something like this will be worth it if it’s within your budget, for its provenance as well as its visual impact. If you have one of these beauties, clearly, it can hold up a room without any other fanfare. Let’s start with my picks for under $2,000 (which, no, is not a small amount, but it’s a very moderate range for this kind of thing):
Chinese Art Deco Rugs Under $2,000
1. Canavello Antique Chinese Art Deco Brown Rug – 4’1″ X 5’11” | 2. Bokara Rug Company, Inc. Hand-knotted high quality pink area rug | 3. Chinoiserie Peacock in Green Field Wool Hand Knotted Area Rug 3 x 5 feet | 4. China 5’1″ x 3’0″ | 5. Navy Hand Tufted Vase Area Rug Multi Size Chinese Art Deco | 6. New England Collection Antique Floral Wool Hand Knotted Pile 1920’s Chinese Deco Rug | 7. 4′ x 6′ New Chinese Art Deco Oriental Rug – 100% Wool – Handmade | 8. Vintage Art Deco Chinese Rug, Green | 9. Hand-knotted Chinese Art Deco rug | 10. 8.11 x 11.9 Art Deco Chinese Rug Royal Blue#F-6877 | 11. Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 3’x5′ | 12. Vintage Art Deco Chinese Peking Rug – 9×12 Hand-Knotted Moss Green Wool Carpet
Oh my goodness, there’s so much good stuff here. There is a wide range of sizes in this price range: from a small 3’x5′ which would be gorgeous in an entryway (#3, #11) even up to about 10’x11′ pink dream (#2), which is really a great price for anything big, whether new or antique! minty green number #8 It’s so lovely for the bathroom or any small area in your home that needs a delicate touch. The flip side is a rich and absolutely stunning blue stunner (#10) that can anchor a living room.
Chinese Art Deco rugs over $2,000
On the big spenders (and I’m talking big spenders, because one of these is over $12,000, but hey…if you’ve got it, show it off on all your floors, I say).
1. Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug: 11 ft. 8 in. x 9 ft. | 2. Chinese Art Deco rug in pink, green border and floral pattern | 3. 3×11 Vintage Chinese Art Deco Handmade Runner Rug | 4. 1920s Rectangle Knotted Chinese – Art Deco Wool Ivory Room Size Antique Rug | 5. Chinese Art Deco rug, early 20th century | 6. Antique Chinese Art Deco Rug 9’x12′ | 7. Chinoiserie Blue Wool Hand Knotted Area Rug with Vintage Floral Border | 8. Soft Neutral Color Antique Chinese Art Deco Room Size Woolen Pile Rug | 9. RRA 9×12 Chinese Art Deco Design Shadow Border Light Pink Pink Rug 19147 | 10. 8’8″ x 11’10” Antique Chinese Art Deco Oriental Rug – 1920s – Hand Made | 11. Vintage Chinese Art Deco Hand-Knotted Rug | 12. Climbing Vine – Lilac
Although I would never spend more than $6,000 on a bedroom rug for my daughter, who likes to open containers of kinetic sand on her carpet despite my repeated refusals, I can live in a dream world where that child never makes a mess, and just plays softly and peacefully with her dolls. #2. (Hahahaha, yes right, and I love her no less for it.) Chartreuse Border #6 Very interesting to me (a trendy color this year, and for me-always a classic), and the same applies for the terracotta center #10. For something more neutral than anything else on this list, check out #4…very beautiful. And I swear if I had an extra $4,400, I would buy that Peach Runner (#3) will be in my cart now. Oh, and again, not really Chinese Art Deco, but I get it nordic knots rug It was in Amy Astley’s office that I showed above, and decided to include it here for anyone interested. It’s fantastic, and someone should get it immediately.
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Are you still a kitten?!? I understand that this style is not for everyone. In reality, it probably isn’t for most, but at the very least, even if you can never see yourself having one of these in your home, you can admit that these are pure art and worth seeing. Yes?!? I think so too. I hope you enjoyed the eye candy, and maybe even found your new rug (#envy).
I’ll see you next time in these parts, guys.
