Three Ways to Tell a Traditional Rug from a Transitional Rug

With not only similar sounding names but similar designs, it can be difficult to tell a traditional rug from a transitional rug. So if there is someone on your gifting list that has asked for one but not the other and you don’t want to disappoint, here are three simple ways to tell the difference between the traditional rug and the transitional rug.

What is a Traditional Rug?

A traditional rug is the kind of rug you would expect to find in the home of someone with taste but a good solid foundation in tradition. Their home is probably very earthy with lots of browns and greens – lots of wood, stone and brick. There are probably elegant knick-knack shelves with classic knick-knacks from your childhood. Their traditional rug is probably the centerpiece in a very warm and inviting living room.

What is a Transitional Rug?

A transitional rug is partway between traditional and contemporary. It is the kind of rug you would expect to find in the home of someone who is still tied to the past yet moving toward the future. Their décor theme is likely a mix of new synthetic materials and cotton, silk and other natural materials. The rug, while also probably in the center of the room, is likely surrounded by furniture that, while inviting, likely looks new and modern.

What are the differences between the transitional rug and the traditional rug?

This can really be separated into two three factors – color, design and material.

Color: Traditional rugs tend toward darker reds and blues, occasionally mixing in whites or dark tans, while transitional rugs are generally lighter and more earthy with tans, browns or light grays.

Design: Traditional rugs go for old world elegance with intricate designs that are symmetrical and uniformed while transitional rugs lean toward more abstract, more modern designs while still having a classic sort of elegance.

Material: Traditional rugs use traditional materials – cotton, silk, jute and other more natural materials – while transitional rugs sometimes use natural products, often they use synthetics like nylon.

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