Guide
Oushak Rug Guide: Hand-Knotted Oushak Rugs and How to Choose One
Soft colors, open designs and a lustrous wool pile. Where the style comes from and how to choose one.
Where the style comes from
Oushak (Uşak) is a town in western Turkey that has been a weaving center for centuries. Carpets from the region appear in European paintings of the 1500s.
Today the Oushak style is woven by hand in Turkey, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. The Oushak rugs we carry are new, hand-knotted in Afghanistan and India from wool.
How to recognize one
The colors are soft: ivory, beige, sand, rust, sage, light blue and pale gold. Large, open medallions or allover vines sit on a calm field with plenty of space around them.
The wool is usually washed after weaving, which gives the pile a soft hand and a gentle shine. Shifts of color across the field, called abrash, are normal and part of the look.
Why decorators choose them
An Oushak is traditional in pattern but quiet in color, so it sits easily in a modern room. It works with white walls, light or medium wood floors, linen sofas and brass.
It also suits large rooms. Most of our Oushak rugs are 8x10 and 9x12, with a few larger rugs and runners.
How to choose a good one
Turn the rug over. A hand-knotted Oushak shows each knot on the back, and the fringe is the end of the warp threads. Run your hand over the pile: good wool feels soft and springy, not dry.
Check that the rug lies flat and the sides run fairly straight. Every listing shows the measured size, so check it against your room before you buy.
Care
Vacuum with suction only, rotate the rug once or twice a year and keep it out of strong direct sun, which fades light colors. A Durahold Plus pad, cut to size, keeps it flat on wood and tile.
Questions
Where are Oushak rugs made?
The style comes from Oushak (Uşak) in western Turkey. Today Oushak rugs are also hand-knotted in Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. Ours are new and hand-knotted in Afghanistan and India.
Are Oushak rugs good for living rooms?
Yes. Their soft colors suit most rooms, and a dense hand-knotted wool pile wears well in daily use. Most of ours are 8x10 and 9x12, the usual living room sizes.
What colors do Oushak rugs come in?
Mostly soft colors: ivory, beige, rust, sage, light blue and pale gold. Some newer pieces add brown or deeper blue.
Do you sell Oushak rugs?
Yes. We carry hand-knotted Oushak rugs and runners from Afghanistan and India. Every listing shows the measured size and photos, and you can see them at our Chicago and Evanston showrooms.