by Posted by Rug Fashion Store - Jan 11th 2021
History of Southwestern Area Rugs
Table of Contents
Southwestern area rugs have a rich history rooted in the history of the Southwestern United States. The Southwestern aesthetic is a combination of indigenous artistic themes and early settlers' cultural themes. Where it pays homage to its origin - such as our traditional area rugs, the Southwestern-style immediately becomes the focal point of a room with its intricate designs. Let's take a look at the history of southwestern area rugs and their progression with time.
Southwestern's Cultural Theme
The native people who wanted to inhabit the southwestern area solely were the Navajo and the Arapahoe Indians- where there were many sub-tribes of Indians in the southwest area. The aesthetic of their art pieces characterizes by geometric shapes, such as triangles and diamonds.
The color scheme of the art pieces included muted earth tones, bordering on pastels. These color schemes heavily influence their artistic drawings, as well as their tapestries. The Southwestern aesthetic and southwestern area rugs are merely a replication of the indigenous aesthetic from previous centuries.
Southwestern Early Sales Trend
When the modern railroad was erected - spanning the United States' entirety, the people who produced these rugs saw a dramatic increase in the rugs' sales. Around this time, American Navajo tribes' needs went from creating their area rugs by hand to using a loom to produce them. These types of area rugs come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Southwestern Style Progression
As the native American tribes crafting their rugs by hand to crafting them on a loom, there was a change in style. The rugs became more streamlined in appearance. They also had a much more noticeable symmetry to their distinct style.
The rugs were and always have been fashioned with muted Earth tones, deriving dyes from plants and minerals. As the railroad was erected, importing dyes made from plants that grew in other regions such as indigo was possible. This new process - in terms, changed the overall color scheme of the rugs.
Modern Usage
In modern times, the southwestern area rug is just as popular as it always has been. Consumers appreciate the muted Earth tones present in the design of Southwest area rugs. They also understand the elaborate and intricate geometric designs that characterize these particular types of area rugs.
These rugs are pleasing to the eye and aesthetically offer something of value to the room's design. Where interior design layout can be vastly improved with the addition of a southwestern area rug, this can serve to be the artistic focal point of the room.
The Southwestern themed area rug is a beautiful addition to any room. It can brighten up the room and works the best placed in a room that receives natural light. Rooms that received natural light will elegantly showcase the color scheme of these Southwestern area rugs.
Our Selection of Southwestern Area Rugs
With the history of southwestern area rugs, the deep homage to indigenous tribes retains the cultural impact in modern design. With the mute colors and its unique patterns, these area rugs are an excellent choice for designers who enjoy the rustic ambiance. Let's take a look at some of our favorites for our southwestern area rugs.
Rizzy Southwest Burgundy
A timeless design, the Southwest Collection by Rizzy Home, is inspired by Native American art and textiles' distinctive styling. Hand-crafted and soft blended wool is dyed in an extensive range of rich colors. By being handmade for durability, this collection is rich in tactile appeal. The Rizzy Southwest Burgundy gives luxurious comfort and versatility, where the details are as follows:
- Style: Southwestern
- Pile Height: 0.45"
- Construction: Hand-Tufted
- Material: Wool
- Fiber: 100% Wool
- Origin: India
Nourison Baja Red - Beige
With its warm sunny colors and casual comfort of a flat weave area, these tribal influences define the Baja Collection's appeal. While being contemporary, these collectible area rugs are ideal for the modern room. While also doubling for traditional and eclectic rooms, the tribal designs reference Moroccan, Ikat, and Kilim trends in home decor. Naturally produced with cotton fibers, the Nourison Baja Red - Beige offers exciting color combinations and fringe finish, where the details are as follows:
- Style: Southwestern
- Pile Height: 0.25
- Construction: Hand-Woven
- Material: Synthetic
- Fiber: 52% Cotton, 23% Polyester, 13% Acrylic, 12% Rayon
- Origin: India
Placement of Southwestern Area Rugs
When deciding where to place your area rug, it's essential to make the right decision. Our suggestion is to put your southwestern area rug in an area of the house where it will get proper attention from friends and family. By being the focal point of the room, the intricacies in the design enhance - creating a cultural ambiance cherished by many.
We suggest placing the southwestern area rug in the living room or family room. This selection may offer guests, friends, and family, the best venue to appreciate this piece's artistic value. Another suggestion is to place this area rug in a hallway in between different rooms within the house. Anywhere with a lot of foot traffic is recommended, as it will bring a rich culture to your home.
Conclusion
A popular choice for many - our southwestern area rugs pay homage to the southwestern indigenous tribes of the native United States. Its intricacies in design resemble the same idea as our traditional area rugs but with a different origin. Nonetheless, the patterns retain their popularity with many due to their mute colors and captivating design. Whether you're choosing a contemporary area rug or enjoying our floral area rugs, you can always find your next area rug today.
