October 22, 2024

Color Edit: Seeing Red

Change is in the air. As the days get colder and shorter, there’s an instinctual urge to nest and find comfort in our surroundings. This can take on many forms, but the end goal is the same: get cozy. One way to add warmth to your home is by introducing red accents. Whether you’ve just moved, are sprucing up your space for the holidays, or are itching for a change, we have hundreds of red rug options for you to sink your feet into.

Helen, our latest washable wool rug, provides the classic charm of floral rugs in a modernized design. Its hand-knotted blossoms are enlarged, giving it an almost pixelated effect. Woven with premium New Zealand wool, its sleek low profile that’s perfect for washing. If ruby’s not your thing, it comes in 3 other colors.

Hart, our most popular jute rug, comes in 9 different colors and patterns, including a deep crimson red. The word “crimson” has Arabic etymological roots. Turkish for the word “qirmizi”, it’s named after the Mediterranean insect which historically produced a rich, deep red dye with purple undertones. 

Our fascination with red doesn’t stop there. As humans, we’re unusually receptive to its bright hue. Many sources attribute this atavistic response to our ancestors: gathering around the embers of fire, recognizing the pain of birth and the sacrifice of blood. In this way, red has an unspoken, visceral quality.

Captivating prickly pear cactus with red fruits

Early Mesoamericans in what we now call Mexico created a vibrant red pigment from cochineal, a tiny insect that feeds on cactus. Brought back to Europe by Spanish conquistadors, red quickly became associated with power and prestige, as it was the primary pigment used to dye royal robes, court gowns, and British military uniforms. At the height of its popularity, this dried insect was as valuable as silver. 

Like the stripes of a coral snake or the red petals of a Desert Honeysuckle, red has long been associated with both danger and desire. Delightful to the senses, this captivating hue creates a sense of intimacy. If you’re looking to make your room feel more vibrant and inviting, might we suggest incorporating a red rug?