Learn More About Aubusson Rugs
History of Aubusson Rugs
The earliest Aubusson rugs can be traced to the 1580's when weavers fleeing from Flanders took refuge in Aubusson, a village that sits astride the confluence of the Creuse River and the Beauze in the Limousin region of central France. The waters of the Creuse are reputed to be excellent for dyeing wool. Aubusson rugs combine motifs from classical Roman architecture softened by floral flourishes. Aubusson rugs are handmade in durable flat-weave textures that have a clean, almost contemporary look. Aubusson rugs are equally at home in a glamorous English country estate, a French château or a contemporary art filled Manhattan penthouse. If you like the look of Aubusson rugs but prefer pile rugs then you will love their royal cousins, Savonnerie rugs.
Where to Use
If you think Aubusson rugs are only for classical and traditional rooms you will be surprised how well they work in contemporary spaces and how well they complement blue-chip contemporary art and 21st-century design.
Desirable Colors & Designs
Aubusson rugs come in a variety of color palettes. Aubusson rugs in fresh clear are highly sought after as well as rugs that have dramatic colors such as black and gold combinations.
Buying Tips
Buy a rug only when you love the colors and pattern. Do not be swayed by a royal provenance, if you do not like the rug itself. Look for Aubusson rugs that will work with both contemporary and traditional furniture because they allow you to mix different styles together and will make it easy to change the decor of the room in the future. The best way to select any rug is to try a sample of the rug in the room. If a sample is not available, try the actual rug in the room. Asmara ships rug samples by UPS. Just click the orange "Request Sample" button when you've found a rug you want to see in person.
How to Decorate with Aubusson Rugs
Here are 19 ideas for decorating with Aubusson rugs illustrated by some of the most fabulous rooms.
1. A cream, beige and charcoal neoclassical Aubusson rug such as the Asmara Malmaison rug creates a wonderful anchor for a music room or a grand living room as in this space designed by Lee Ledbetter Architects. Image courtesy Lee Ledbetter Architects.
2. A colorful Aubusson rug provides a great way to pull together contemporary art in this stylish Manhattan living room of Kate Spade. Image courtesy Kate Spade.
3. An Aubusson rug with large exotic green leaves is a perfect way to design a light and airy bedroom.
4. An Aubusson rug with burgundy red accents allows you to design a romantic and cozy bedroom as in the New Orleans home of Julia Reed. Image courtesy Elle Decor.
5. An Aubusson rug in muted gold colors allows you to mix contemporary furniture and traditional art as in this living room by Darryl Carter in the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse. New York Times Image.
6. A beige and blue Neoclassical Aubusson rug paired with white walls and pale upholstery can create a modern atmosphere in a traditional French room as in the living room of the manor house in Bordeaux of the brothers who own Hermes. Image courtesy Architectural Digest.
7. A beige and red Aubusson rug is a great complement for clear colored floral chintz fabrics as in the English hunting lodge of designer Nicky Haslam. Image courtesy Nicky Haslam.
8. A cream Aubusson rug with clear top colors makes a room with rich upholstery fabrics and tapestries feel fresh and inviting as in this living room by London designer Alidad. Image courtesy Alidad.
9. A muted Aubusson rug is perfect for restoring a traditional living room as in this 1933 home in the River Oaks district of Houston rejuvenated by designer Kara Childress. Image courtesy Architectural Digest.
10. A neoclassical Aubusson rug with gold, brown and red is wonderful for pulling together rich silk fabrics while creating a modern vibe as in this Nicky Haslam designed drawing room in the home of hoteliers Frances and Rodney Smith. Image courtesy Architectural Digest.
11. Aubusson rugs are often used to create a grand look as in the hallway of this palatial California home. Image courtesy Elle Decor.
12. A pale gray and gold Aubusson rug allows you to create a traditional living room that looks rich but still feels serene.
13. A traditional Aubusson rug is a great complement for Neoclassical architecture and English and French antiques as in the salon designed by David Hicks in Broadlands, the former home of the Mountbattens.
14. A cream and gold Aubusson rug provides a great setting for lavender walls and pink and gold upholstery.
15. A cream, gold and burgundy Aubusson rug with a simple architectural frame allows you to create an elegant atmosphere in a traditional living room as in the Chateau de Groussay. Image courtesy Habitually Chic Blog.
15a. Another view of the salon in the Chateau de Groussay. Image courtesy Habitually Chic Blog.
16. A pale Aubusson rug is a great complement for Chinoiserie.
17. An Aubusson rug with a purple background allows you to create a romantic atmosphere as in the living room of Schiaparelli's Paris apartment. Photo by François Halard.
18. An Aubusson rug is a wonderful complement for Chippendale dining chairs and Chinoiserie wallcovering.
19. A cream and blue Aubusson rug allows you to create a light and airy atmosphere in a traditional dining room.
If you were to look at the same rug on two different computers you would be surprised how different the colors look. For this reason, Asmara strongly recommends you read the description of the rug colors and compare it with how the rug looks on your computer. An even better way to know if the rug will work is to request a corner sample of the rug and place it in the room where it will be used. However, do not judge a rug without seeing how it looks with fabrics and wall colors. Place fabrics and paint colors with the rug sample and see how everything looks together. If they complement each other you know you have made good choices. If you would like personalized assistance in selecting rugs for your project please click the blue “Ask Questions” link on this page and request assistance.
Rugs in Stock: Orders for rugs that are in stock and do not require additional services shall be shipped to USA addresses within 2 business days after receipt of full payment.
International Orders: Please contact Asmara Customer Assistance to arrange shipments to International destinations. We can advise you on shipping methods and documentation requirements.
Additional Services: If you require additional services such as: A pad for the rug; Steaming; Blocking; Or Shipping a rug on a pole, without folding; Or if you would like the rugs to be put down in the rooms; have stair runners installed, etc. please discuss your requirements with Asmara Customer Assistance and they will advise you on the best way to achieve your goals and provide you with costs and delivery times.
Custom and Made to Order Rugs: All orders for rugs that are Custom Made to your specifications or are Made to Order, require a 50% deposit at the time of ordering and the balance before shipping. Please contact Asmara Customer Assistance for price quotations and delivery times for Custom and Made to Order rugs.
Customer Assistance Email: assistance@asmarainc.com.
All of us at Asmara, Inc. strive to help you select the best merchandise for your requirements.
However, should you not be completely satisfied with your purchase within the first 14 days, please phone, email or fax Asmara Customer Assistance and we will work with you to address your concerns. If the product proves to be defective, incorrect or is missing items, we shall make arrangements for replacements, at our expense.
If you are still not satisfied with your purchase you will be given the option to return the product. Please obtain a “Return Authorization Number” (RA) from Asmara, Inc. before returning a product.
With an RA, you may return the product yourself, or we can arrange a pick up for you if it is within the USA (the return shipping shall be deducted from the refund).
Refunds and replacements will be granted for products received in their original condition within 14 days of the original purchase. If you need advice in packing the rug, please contact Customer Assistance.
No refunds or returns are granted for purchases more than 14 days old or products that were “Custom Made”.
Customer Assistance Email: assistance@asmarainc.com.
Pile rugs such as Oriental rugs and Savonnerie rugs do not require a rug pad if they are being placed on a hard surface such as wood or stone that is not slippery. If the floor is slippery than a pad will help keep the rug in place.
If a pile rug is being layered (placed) on top of a flat-weave rug then you will need a special pad that keeps the rug from moving.
Needlepoint rugs, Aubusson rugs, Flat Weave rugs, Dhurrie rugs and Kilims need a pad to secure the rug to the floor and minimize movement.
The size of a rug pad should be 1” to 1.5” smaller than the rug on all sides. This will keep the pad hidden behind the rug.
If you would like assistance in selecting the right rug pad please email assistance@asmarainc.com.
Vacuuming: Vacuum both the top and underside of the rug as well as the top and underside of the rug pad. Grit can collect between the rug and the pad and create wear on the rug. Vacuuming both sides of the pad will remove any grit that has accumulated.
The Carpet and Rug Institute offers the following advice on vacuuming rugs and carpets:
Proper vacuuming is the easiest and most effective way to keep your carpet clean. Regular vacuuming can also have the largest impact on the air you breathe.
To get the most out of your vacuuming regime, remember these few easy tips:
• A quick once-over doesn’t do much. Slow and steady does the trick.
• When vacuuming, don’t ignore those corners and crevices where dust builds.
• “Top-down” cleaning saves you the step of vacuuming again after dusting. Dust blinds, windowsills, and furniture surfaces first and then vacuum away any fallen dust.
• Remember to replace or empty vacuum bags when they are half to two-thirds full.
How Often Should You Vacuum?
As a rule of thumb, you should vacuum at least once a week with a quality vacuum cleaner. However, the more foot traffic over your carpet, the more you need to vacuum. The general formula is:
• Vacuum daily in high-traffic or pet areas.
• Vacuum twice weekly in medium-traffic areas.
• Vacuum weekly in light-traffic areas, using attachments at carpet edges.
