leaning into your own personal style is trending - tibetan rug 101

It’s not lost on me why so many of the vintage Tibetan rugs that I carry sell to people right here in Portland, or to those visiting the EV studio in person. It’s because once you see and experience these beauties in real life, they leave you wanting one of your own. With literally the most plush and soft feel, happy and colorful designs- each one is completely unique. The large scale drawings are easy on the eyes, and have an effortless feel, which also makes them a breeze to integrate into your existing decor. Adding one to your home will heighten the entire aesthetic of your space, and it doesn’t hurt that you cannot help but smile when you see one too.

The reason I say that Tibetan rugs are trending is because I am finally seeing an uptick in the encouragement to follow your own personal style, and to create a home via collecting, rather than recreating a mass trend in home decorating. That’s truly the heart of my business and my life’s work- taking my love for the unique and personal, the old, antique, rare and one-of-a-kind and sharing that with all of you. I strive to lead by example- to lean into the unique sense of style that I have, and that I believe each one of us has and craves. The permission to defy the constant constraints of the latest fad and relieve ourselves of chasing the latest trends. Having a home that reflects your family, your joy, and your individuality above all, is how you can express yourself and genuinely connect with and feel calm and at peace in your home. The expression of one’s true and unique self in a home is what creates connection and meaning, and therefore a place where your nervous system can relax and recharge. 

Tibetan rugs are unlike any other vintage Persian or Turkish rugs that I carry. From the wool that is used, to the construction that is unique to them, to the symbolic and mythological design elements that make them so captivating. I am so excited to be building the Experimental Vintage collection of these beauties and to learn more myself why these mystical rugs leave me always wanting more of my own.

The wool- Authentic Tibetan rugs are made from the fleece of high-altitude Himalayan sheep, it is some of the softest wool in the world. The harsh climate these sheep live in, make this wool naturally rich in lanolin, exceptionally soft, strong and dirt resistant. This, along with a thick cotton foundation, gives these rugs a heavier weight and a truly plush and cozy feel.

The Tibetan knot- Tibetan rugs are known for their construction with a distinctive and continuous loop-and-cut method on the loom, instead of tying individual knots around warp threads like Persian or Turkish weavers use. Because the unique rod-weaving technique makes extremely intricate details difficult, Tibetan rug designs historically favor bold, large scale motifs. Today, this trait translates perfectly into modern and contemporary decor, allowing for popular styles like clean abstract lines and tonal color. In addition, many Tibetan rugs have gorgeous three-dimensional relief trimmed into the pile, meaning the wool is cut by hand around some of the designs adding depth and interest.

The symbolism in design- Unlike the precise floral medallions found in many Persian rugs, Tibetan rugs feature indigenous and spiritual designs. These large-scale and open field rugs are easy on the eyes and are full of so many figural and botanical elements. They tend to evoke a familiar and playful feel in a way that a geometric or a more traditional floral rug just cannot. For me personally, Tibetan rugs really speak to my inner child.

Let’s take a deeper dive into some of those design elements, and look at some of my favorite Tibetan rugs in the webshop right now…

Botanicals- When you see a Tibetan rug with a botanical or floral design, it isn’t mere decoration- flowers function as auspicious symbols for purity, good fortune, longevity and joy. A lotus flower in particular symbolizes spiritual awakening or enlightenment and rising from suffering. I always love a floral rug and how it brings a bit of my garden outside, into the room.

Tigers & Dragons- Vintage Tibetan tiger rugs and dragon rugs are some of the most rare and hard to find. And while I have yet to come across a tiger rug, my collection of dragon rugs is slowly growing. Both tigers and dragons represent power, but dragons specifically also represent wealth. A pair of dragons in a rugs design is said to guard the home from dangerous or malevolent forces. I find some of the dragon designs to be very playful and others to be more sophisticated and traditional.

Birds- The phoenix in Tibetan rug design represents rebirth, immortality, and grace. They are also a sign of fresh beginnings, optimism and peace. A swan motif touches on purity and spiritual detachment- or a way to move through life without being weighed down by the material world, and the ability to distinguish truth from illusion. Any time there is a rug with little birds, I just smile and can’t help but feel so much happiness to have little faces and friends hopping or flying around the room.

As you can see, many Tibetan rugs combine these symbols- birds and flowers or phoenix and dragon. It is no wonder that these beauties evoke so much feeling upon the looker. They will fill you with joy and once you start to notice what’s beyond the, yes, very beautiful colors and designs, but also the energy you get when you are in the presence of a Tibetan rug… it’s a feeling I have a hard time putting into words, truly.

What I can say is that I am so grateful to have developed a close relationship with a friend in India who is not only sourcing these beauties for the Experimental Vintage studio but also washing, repairing and seeing to it that they are ready for long life in a home like yours. It brings me so much joy to see people follow their hearts when choosing pieces for their homes whether it be rugs, art or anything really. And there isn’t anything more unique and personal when it comes to rugs than these Tibetans…