What Makes a Rug Look High End? Designers Weigh In

A great rug can completely transform a room, but not all rugs are created equal. Whether you’re working with a generous budget or not, there are some universal qualities that make a rug look and feel high end. We asked interior designers Jenna Morrow of Morrow Design Studios and Francis Toumbakaris of Francis Interiors to share what they look for when evaluating a rug.

The First Thing Designers Notice

So, what is the first thing that gives a rug that luxury look and feel? For Morrow, it comes down to one thing: what the rug is made of.

“The authenticity of the rug’s materials makes it feel luxurious. As a designer, I can quickly tell when a rug is made from synthetic fibers instead of natural fibers.”

According to Toumbakaris, a luxury rug is all about the sensory experience: “The first thing we notice is the rug’s quiet sheen and the way the pile responds underfoot.”

Whether for the look or the feel, it’s clear that material plays a big role in whether a rug reads as high-end.

Material and Texture: What to Look For

When it comes to the specifics, wool and silk are the top picks for an elevated rug look. Toumbakaris loves how the two materials work together, noting that wool brings depth and durability while silk adds a subtle touch of shine and movement.

Morrow echoes this and offers some practical guidance on where to use each:

“Wool and wool-blend rugs work well in high traffic areas given [their] durability and lifespan, albeit with some shedding. Silk rugs, and their affordable alternative called Viscose, are beautiful but delicate so I only recommend them in low-traffic rooms.”

While natural fibers often come at a premium, they’re well worth the investment.  Wool’s versatility has made it easier than ever to bring the beauty and quality of natural materials into your home.

Hand-tufted wool rugs are the most popular and accessible option, and wool blends are another great alternative often reinforced with performance fibers for added durability.

How Pattern Creates an Elevated Look

If you’re not considering natural fibers but still want the luxury rug look, you’ll want to focus more on design.

For Morrow, the scale on a rug’s pattern can spell the difference between something that looks cheap vs. elegant. Choose designs with small-scale patterns to get that effortlessly elevated look.

According to Toumbakaris, “subtle variations in pile height make an enormous difference.” Rugs with a high-low finish lend a refined look to the space.

The takeaway here is easy: when in doubt, go subtle. Smaller-scale patterns, earthy or muted colors, and rugs with some variation in texture will almost always look more elevated.

For more design inspiration, follow @francisinteriors and @morrowdesignstudios on Instagram!