Traditional rugs never go out of style, and they can be easily added to a modern themed décor.
Gabbeh rugs feature patterns that, although inherently traditional, are significantly unique and bear a huge difference from the patterns of other tribal carpets and Oriental rugs. The motifs are placed in a random manner and don’t often possess any symmetry.
Whether you’re into an elegant look or want to add a boho chic vibe to your space, Gabbeh area rugs are just the perfect choice!
How to Decorate with a Gabbeh Rug?
A handmade traditional rug can be used to add character to any modern space. But a Gabbeh area rug would do more than just that!
These tribal carpets are filled with highly symbolic motifs. Their designs are a narration of the cultural values and history of tribesmen who crafted the artifact. Animal imagery and geometric patterns are some of the common features of a Gabbeh rug’s design.
Another distinctive feature of these rugs is their randomly placed motifs. The term “Gabbeh” translates to “made in rough” and that’s just what their designs look like. The carpets have symbols placed all over them, but often not in a symmetrical manner like other tribal rugs.
Owing to their unique style, Gabbeh rugs can make your décor stand out and bring an eccentric traditional vibe to your interiors.
Here are some tips on how to decorate with handmade Gabbeh rugs:
- Always Get the Right Size of Rug
- Choose Colors that Would Blend in Well
- Mix and Match with Other Décor Items
- Let One Style Dominate the Space
- Keep the Décor from Appearing Overwhelming
1. Always Get the Right Size of Rug
The rug size you choose can make or break your interior décor.
If your purchased rug is too small, it would make the entire space appear chaotic and fallen apart. On the other hand, rugs that are too big won’t stand out much as they resemble wall-to-wall carpeting.
Want to learn an easy trick?
Always measure your room’s dimensions before choosing the rug size. And while you’re at it, make sure the rug you pick is big enough to incorporate all the major furniture in your room. However, there must be strips of bare floor left on all sides.
For instance, if you’re buying a Gabbeh rug for your living room, try to find a size that’s big enough for your sofas, center table, and other major furniture items to sit on top of it.
Similarly, if the rug is for your dining space, ensure that your dining table and the chairs are placed entirely over it, with some extra rug extending out from all sides. in a sense, when the chairs are pulled out, they shouldn’t slide off of the rug. After all, no one likes having their lunch while sitting on a wobbly chair.
2. Choose Colors that Would Blend in Well
Gabbeh rugs, like all other tribal rugs, often come on bold hues and dark shades. But you can also find this style of rugs in neutral and earthy tones, mostly in cases when the wool isn’t dyed at all and is used in its natural form.
Anyhow, the shades of classical red, blue, green, yellow, and orange are just perfect for uplifting any plain and boring modern décor.
Want to decorate with a brightly colored Gabbeh rug? Here’s a tip on how to incorporate a Gabbeh rug in your interior without making things feel too overwhelming:
Try the latest rug layering technique and layer up a Gabbeh rug over a neutral toned handmade rug. This would help keep things toned down and trendy.
3. Mix and Match with Other Décor Items
Even if you’re adding a tribal rug to modern décor, you need to make things look coherent. Adding in some similar cushions or a patterned table runner can be a great idea.
You can also get a brightly colored life size painting to hang on your living room’s wall.
However, make sure all the furnishings go well with each other and not everything is bright and bold. For example, if you’re purchasing a dark hued Gabbeh rug, try pairing it up with plain sofas.
Plus, Gabbeh rugs also look great with light wooden flooring.
4. Let One Style Dominate the Space
To create the perfect transitional décor and build and harmony between the traditional and modern elements, it’s best to let one of the styles dominate.
For instance, you can have a fully modern room and just add an antique Gabbeh rug to the space. This would create a perfect balance and you can achieve your dream décor look effortlessly.
In any case, remember maintaining balance is an important aspect of any interior décor, whether it be modern or traditional.
5. Keep the Décor from Appearing Overwhelming
Traditional Gabbeh rugs are great for adding character to any plain-looking space, but they do feature a quite bold look.
Adding a Gabbeh runner rug to your hallway, or a Kashkuli Gabbeh rug to your dining space can be great for instantly uplifting the entire space. Any uninspiring place can be made to feel more homely and aesthetically pleasing by adding in a Gabbeh rug, but don’t forget to maintain the balance.
While completely traditional decors can feel too overpowering and bold, just adding a tradtional rug to your space can help in adding some immediate character.
Bringing in a Gabbeh rug, or any other traditional floor covering can be the perfect way of uplifting your interiors and adding a touch of warmth and colors to the surroundings. But, when you’re introducing a Gabbeh rug to your otherwise modern décor, it’s best to keep things in harmony through color coordination. Also, make sure that not all the décor items in your room are ‘bright, bold, and colorful’. You can tone down the look by adding in some neutral hued sofas and plain chairs.
Lastly, don’t forget to learn all about the amazing features of Gabbeh rugs before you finally invest in one!
