Aubusson Carpets & Rugs

Renowned for their flat weave style and European design influences, Aubusson rugs take their name from the French town of Aubusson. Located in the Creuse region of France, Aubusson and the neighbouring village of Felletin have been famous for the production of tapestries and furniture coverings since the 16th century. In 1665 Aubusson was granted the title of Royal Manufactory.

With the growing demand for Savonnerie carpets in the 18th century, factories were set up in Aubusson to manufacture carpets imitating the Savonnerie designs. These were primarily manufactured for the aristocracy who, at the time, were unable to acquire genuine Savonnerie carpets.

At first Aubusson rug weavers copied the techniques and motifs employed by the makers of Savonnerie carpets. However, soon after the production began, they adopted the pileless tapestry technique that the area was previously famed for. These handwoven, flat-weave carpets were quicker, easier, and cheaper to produce than Savonnerie carpets and Aubusson carpets soon became sought after in their own right, renowned for their for their tight weave and lustrous wool.

Early Aubusson designs were influenced by the Ushak and Turkish rugs that were favoured by European royalty at the time. As European tastes developed, Aubusson carpets, like Savonnerie carpets, were later influenced by the renaissance and began to feature the characteristics we associate with the style today. Intricate floral motifs, scrolling vines and acanthus leaves often features in subdued pastel colour palettes.

A beautifully crafted Aubusson rug never goes out of style and can be surprisingly versatile in all types of interiors. Aubusson rugs are no longer confined to traditional interiors and juxtaposing a more classically designed rug with more contemporary furnishings can create the perfect blend of old and new.

Explore Loomah’s collection of Aubusson style rugs, showcasing the timeless elegance and historical significance of this French rug style.