Originally from Persia, carpets used to decorate imperial courts, passing on the ancient art that marked the fortune of Central Asia. Over the last century, however, even though the level of craftsmanship has remained very high, the product has not been much renewed in aesthetics, nor re-interpreted. Only the Bauhaus movement - a veritable forge of talent and experimentation - managed to express artistic avant-garde designs through products of applied art, such as carpets. At the beginning of the third millennium, as some manufacturing companies started involving designers and artists and attending international design fairs, the focus shifted to carpets. Creative talents and designers have then felt free to release their creativity by traveling unexplored paths and transforming the way the product is perceived. And if for some the carpet is just a two-dimensional surface, on which to paint through the knots on the loom, for others it has become an opportunity to mix and hybridize the techniques, for example by combining hand-weaving and industrial production systems. Thanks to this eclectic approach, fashion knitting now meets the more typical structures of Kilim carpets, while the geometric patterns, usually used for ceramic or floor coverings, can now be found in the soft textures of tufted rugs.
The essentials: 20 unforgettable designer rugs
Ancient techniques and know-how meet contemporary expression. Here are the most iconic designer rugs.
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- Valentina Croci
- 30 July 2019
It is no wonder that several companies have transferred the decorative motifs of the masters of Italian modernism, such as Gio Ponti or Ico Parisi, to carpets. It happens to find, always freely interpreted, lozenge motifs or hints at twentieth-century cement tiles floorings. Or maybe the geometries and brocades of historical tapestries, already worn out by the patina of time. The contemporary way of designing the image, which is nowadays influenced by post-production techniques or by ideas that were inaccessible until a few decades ago, such as Google Earth's aerial views, also influences the language of carpets. And although they are just two-dimensional surfaces, carpets offer the possibility to play with textures and thickness: here the expertise of skilled artisan hands still exceeds the possibilities of digital.
As if it were a polaroid, Illulian celebrates its sixty years of activity with a carpet that combines ancient craftsmanship with the concept of contemporary carpet. The so-called "asymmetrical knot", typical of the Persian manufacturing tradition, whose decorative references are also evident, is combined with a more contemporary weaving, which maintains its colours, but in another formal order. Hand-made rug made of Himalayan wool, pure silk and vegetable dyes. Size: custom made.
In the Icons collection, Amini brings back some of the motifs of the masters of Italian design, including Gio Ponti, Ico Parisi, Manlio Rho and Joe Colombo. Diamantina brings to the carpet the geometric design of the tiles that Ponti created for Villa Planchart in Caracas (1953-57) where he curated the interior design project down to the very last detail. Hand-knotted rug made of 30% pure natural silk, and 70% Tibetan highland wool, spun and carded by hand. Thickness of 7mm, 120.000 knots/sqm. Size: 200/250x300cm
The history of the carpet is relived through a patchwork of colours and decorations from the past, linked together with golden threads and visible stitching. The typical eclecticism of the Dimore Studio duo, who usually combine materials and hints from different eras, reinterprets the carpet in a new, timeless way. Hand-knotted rug made of wool, silk and metallic wire stitching. Size: 300x250cm; 350x260cm; 400x300cm.
Inspired by the playfulness of the Memphis movement, Dutch textile designer Mae Engelgeer's research focuses mainly on geometric shapes and linear motifs in curved, rounded lines. The collection, which includes four different shapes, is characterized by the study of colour combinations. Carpet made of cotton fibre, Himalayan wool and pure silk. Made by Nepalese craftsmen, with whom the Milanese company has been working for over 18 years. Dimensions: 170x300cm.
Inspired by the playfulness of the Memphis movement, Dutch textile designer Mae Engelgeer's research focuses mainly on geometric shapes and linear motifs in curved, rounded lines. The collection, which includes four different shapes, is characterized by the study of colour combinations. Carpet made of cotton fibre, Himalayan wool and pure silk. Made by Nepalese craftsmen, with whom the Milanese company has been working for over 18 years. Dimensions: 170x300cm.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, Origami employs in the textile industry a fibre that is commonly used to produce three-dimensional abrasives. The brand of carpets is thus born from a Cuneo-based company, Bibielle, that produces components for industrial machinery and promotes the properties of resilience, elasticity, durability and water resistance of this special technical fibre. The geometric design of the carpet is available in different shades, and the colour of the fibre reacts differently to the light. Size: 200x230/300cm.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, Origami employs in the textile industry a fibre that is commonly used to produce three-dimensional abrasives. The brand of carpets is thus born from a Cuneo-based company, Bibielle, that produces components for industrial machinery and promotes the properties of resilience, elasticity, durability and water resistance of this special technical fibre. The geometric design of the carpet is available in different shades, and the colour of the fibre reacts differently to the light. Size: 200x230/300cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
Mangas represents a sort of ancestor of those carpets now mixing thicknesses and weaves. The inspiration comes from the typical handmade sweaters of the eighties and from the parts that compose them, which are cut into pieces and later reassembled. Mangas has had a strong impact on the production of the Spanish company and is still a best-seller, also available as a covering for footstools. Patchwork of different wool knits and weaves produced on a loom. It can also be used as tapestry. Variable dimensions, maximum: 195x325cm.
With full and vibrant colours, Kama is characterized by its dense and subtle weaving, capable of capturing light. The hand-woven bouclé rug shines like a mineral in the sun. The colour palette recalls the warm colours of the earth or the lunar colours of the sand, or the primary tones of red, white and black. Hand-woven carpets made of viscose. Thickness pf 15 or 30mm. Size may vary: 170x240cm; 200x300cm; 250x350cm; 300x400cm.
With full and vibrant colours, Kama is characterized by its dense and subtle weaving, capable of capturing light. The hand-woven bouclé rug shines like a mineral in the sun. The colour palette recalls the warm colours of the earth or the lunar colours of the sand, or the primary tones of red, white and black. Hand-woven carpets made of viscose. Thickness pf 15 or 30mm. Size may vary: 170x240cm; 200x300cm; 250x350cm; 300x400cm.
American artist Marilyn Minter thinks of a drop of rain reflected by a cracked glass. This suggestion was translated into a three-dimensional carpet by the Swedish company Henzel, which carries out artistic projects in limited series. It took eight months of work to create the characteristic thickness, points of light and fragmented edges. Carpet produced in Nepal made of New Zealand wool and Himalayan silk. 255 thousand knots/per square meter. Size: 220x290cm.
American artist Marilyn Minter thinks of a drop of rain reflected by a cracked glass. This suggestion was translated into a three-dimensional carpet by the Swedish company Henzel, which carries out artistic projects in limited series. It took eight months of work to create the characteristic thickness, points of light and fragmented edges. Carpet produced in Nepal made of New Zealand wool and Himalayan silk. 255 thousand knots/per square meter. Size: 220x290cm.
Created by art director Chiara Andreatti, who in 2017 welcomed in the Reggio Calabria-based company many young international designers, the carpet reinterprets the tradition of knotted and Kilim rugs. The decoration is inspired by the lunar landscape with backgrounds of different colours and thicknesses, creating a sort of primitive space. Carpet made of 90% wool and 10% cotton; size: 170x240cm or 200x300cm.
This is a reinterpretation of Ingrid Dessau's Rya rug from the 1960s. The design and colours typical of the time are modernised by the soft weaving in relief, borrowed from the Moss carpet of the same Swedish company, which has been producing carpets in the city of Kinna since 1889. Hand-tufted rug made of 70% wool and 30% combed linen with a thickness of 50mm. Size: 200x300cm.
This is a reinterpretation of Ingrid Dessau's Rya rug from the 1960s. The design and colours typical of the time are modernised by the soft weaving in relief, borrowed from the Moss carpet of the same Swedish company, which has been producing carpets in the city of Kinna since 1889. Hand-tufted rug made of 70% wool and 30% combed linen with a thickness of 50mm. Size: 200x300cm.
A macro reproduction of an organic fabric: a coffee filter seen through a microscope", this is how Patricia Urquiola describes the Object collection of outdoor rugs, made with the famous honeycomb fabric, developed with Kettal after two years of research. It is a three-dimensional PVC weave characterised by high transpiration and resistance to abrasion, atmospheric agents and ultraviolet rays. Outdoor rug. Honeycomb weave, available in three different shades of brown. Size: 200x294cm.
Its post-modern aesthetics, the unmistakable hallmark of a historical era and the Memphis movement, seem to us to be distinctive but also timeless. Arizona is one of the first carpets made by Nathalie du Pasquier and presents a symmetrical combination of contrasting tones that intertwine playfully. Hand-woven wool rug. Size: 250x180cm.
The Bouroullec brothers reinterpreted the traditional Persian carpet, using the ancient techniques of kilim. Losanges combines the thirteen colours of the geometric pattern with diamonds, using Afghan wool yarns spun by hand to obtain a slight inhomogeneity that makes each point slightly different, and each carpet unique. Wool rug spun by hand and knotted by artisans from northern Pakistan. Size: 170x240cm.
The Bouroullec brothers reinterpreted the traditional Persian carpet, using the ancient techniques of kilim. Losanges combines the thirteen colours of the geometric pattern with diamonds, using Afghan wool yarns spun by hand to obtain a slight inhomogeneity that makes each point slightly different, and each carpet unique. Wool rug spun by hand and knotted by artisans from northern Pakistan. Size: 170x240cm.
Composed of six small irregularly shaped modules, the carpet can be freely composed by tying the pieces together with a thread. Nichetto mentions the different traditions of Asian carpet production methods. Each element is produced in a different country, creating a world tour from China to India, from Pakistan to Tibet, from Turkey to Turkmenistan. Carpet made of silk and wool, handcrafted on a loom. Fifteen modules with different sizes are available, to be assembled in groups of six.
It is the first outdoor rug made with Rope yarn, characteristic of the brand. It is a 100% polyolefin rope, double-woven. It was born from the intuition to bring textile outside, where there were only iron and wood products, and to use recyclable materials. Mat+ is a monochrome carpet, edged with a ribbon made of the same yarn and colour of the rope. Braided rug with solid-coloured ropes. 100% polyolefin. Custom sizes, up to a maximum width of 3 meters and a length of 10 meters.
It is the first outdoor rug made with Rope yarn, characteristic of the brand. It is a 100% polyolefin rope, double-woven. It was born from the intuition to bring textile outside, where there were only iron and wood products, and to use recyclable materials. Mat+ is a monochrome carpet, edged with a ribbon made of the same yarn and colour of the rope. Braided rug with solid-coloured ropes. 100% polyolefin. Custom sizes, up to a maximum width of 3 meters and a length of 10 meters.
È il primo tappeto per esterni realizzato con il filato Rope che ha reso il marchio riconoscibile. Si tratta di un corda in 100% poliolefine, intrecciata a doppio. Nasce dall'intuizione di portare il tessile all'esterno, dove c'erano soltanto prodotti in ferro e legno e di utilizzare materiali riciclabili. Mat+ è un tappeto monocromatico, bordato con un nastro realizzato nello stesso filato e colore della corda. Tappeto intrecciato con corde in tinta unita in 100% poliolefine. Dimensioni su misura, fino a una larghezza massima di 3 metri e una lunghezza di 10 metri.
The three-dimensional weaving and hints at the indigenous culture of Sardinia are the sources of inspiration for Roberto Sironi. The designer combines the graphic elements of some carpet collections from the 1950s and 1960s - a flourishing artistic moment for the island - with aerial views of Nuragic architecture on the Sardinian soil. The result is a simple but highly evocative drawing. Weaving in "pibiones" and "simil-litzos", Sardinian techniques that create reliefs of different thicknesses. Made of Sardinian wool, linen, cotton and silk by the artisan Mariantonia Urru in the city of Samugheo. Size: 110x170cm.
Irreverent, ironic and often sacrilegious drawings. The project Seletti wears Toiletpaper, founded by Maurizio Cattelan with the photographer Paolo Ferrari in 2010 - who represents with black humour contemporary image culture - is a pop initiative, aiming to bring art at affordable prices inside our homes. These irreverent images can be found in wallpapers, tableware and, in fact, in the carpets. Circular carpet made of polyester on the front, 50% cotton and 50% polyester on the back. Size: ø194cm.