The Soft Power of History: Antique Oushak Rugs
In the realm of antique carpets, few styles command the reverence and immediate recognition of the Oushak. Originating from the town of Uşak in Western Turkey—a region renowned for rug weaving since the early Ottoman Empire—these masterpieces represent the pinnacle of decorative utility. Unlike the rigid, intricate precision found in Persian city rugs, Antique Oushaks are celebrated for their distinctive "soft power." They are defined by grand-scale patterns, angular arabesques, and a unique coarse weave that utilizes the finest, silky wool, often referred to by connoisseurs as having an "Angora" quality.
The true magic of an Antique Oushak, however, lies in its palette. Historically, Oushak weavers mastered the art of soft, pastel coloration long before it became a staple of Western interior design. You will often find washes of apricot, terracotta, saffron, cinnamon, and ivory, paired with cool grays and celadon greens. This serendipitous color sense makes them arguably the most versatile antique rugs for contemporary interiors. Whether anchoring a minimalist modern living room or adding warmth to a traditional library, an Oushak does not demand attention; it commands the space with a quiet, luxurious resolve. The pieces in this collection have been selected for their structural integrity, rare color combinations, and that indefinable patina that only a century of history can provide.
Turkey Oushak Rust with Light Blue and Ivory Oversize Antique Rug – SKU 88369
This oversized palace rug is a quintessential example of the Oushak aesthetic at its most grand. Dominating the field is a warm brick red that has mellowed over a century into a sophisticated rust tone, providing a grounding foundation for the room. What makes this piece truly spectacular is the counterpoint of ice blue accents—a hallmark of the finest Turkish weaving—which introduces a cooling element to the warm ground. The medium pile ensures a plush underfoot experience, while the geometric medallion layout offers a sense of order without rigidity. It is a piece that speaks of formal gatherings and historic grandeur, yet its softened colors allow it to sit comfortably in a relaxed, modern estate.
- Color Band: Brick Red, Ice Blue, Cream
- Size Band: 12′ 2" x 15′ 0" (Oversize / Palace)
- Price Band: Premium ($27,390)
- Style: Geometric Medallion / Antique
- Use Case: Grand Hallway, Formal Dining Room, Master Suite
- Designer Tip: Use this rug in a room with high ceilings and neutral walls; let the rust tones warm the vertical space while the blue accents tie into window treatments or upholstery.
Turkey Oushak Tan with Dark Brown Accents Antique Triple Medallion Rug – SKU 72536
There is an earthy elegance to this standard large Oushak that is hard to replicate in modern production. The palette is a study in neutrals, featuring a "toasted almond" beige background that feels organic and raw. Against this sandy canvas, the weavers utilized "licorice" dark brown accents to define the triple medallion structure. This high-contrast yet neutral pairing gives the rug a graphic quality that feels surprisingly contemporary. The geometric layout, featuring pendant medallion chains and stepped corner spandrels, draws the eye inward, making it an excellent anchor for a conversational seating arrangement. It retains the low pile characteristic of varied antique wear, giving it a texture that feels lived-in and authentic.
- Color Band: Toasted Almond, Licorice (Dark Brown), Beige
- Size Band: 8′ 4" x 11′ 2" (Standard Large)
- Price Band: Premium ($10,500)
- Style: Geometric Triple Medallion
- Use Case: Library, Study, Living Room
- Designer Tip: The dark brown accents make this an ideal match for rich walnut furniture or leather upholstery, creating a masculine, club-room aesthetic.
Turkey Oushak Red with Gold and Ivory Antique Small Accent Rug – SKU 68584
Proof that Oushak grandeur isn’t limited to palace sizes, this small accent piece packs a tremendous amount of visual history into a compact footprint. The "Marsala" red ground is rich and wine-like, instantly adding depth to a smaller space. It is beautifully illuminated by "buttercup yellow" details—a sunny, optimistic hue that highlights the fragmented cartouche panels and serrated leaf forms. This rug feels like a jewelry box; it is intricate, precious, and highly patterned. The geometric visual family here is dense, suggesting this piece may have been cut from a larger runner or designed specifically to highlight a special alcove. It is perfect for layering or defining a transitional space.
- Color Band: Marsala Red, Buttercup Yellow, Ivory
- Size Band: 3′ 2" x 3′ 11" (Small Accent)
- Price Band: Premium ($9,000)
- Style: Fragment-Style Patchwork / Geometric
- Use Case: Entryway, Gallery Wall, Bedside
- Designer Tip: Don’t just leave this on the floor; this size and quality make it a prime candidate for hanging as a tapestry to add texture and sound dampening to a stairwell or corridor.
Turkey Oushak Beige with Peach and Blue Antique Floral Rug – SKU 72358
For those seeking the lighter, airier side of the Oushak spectrum, this piece is a breath of fresh air. The background is a delicate "pale peach beige," a color that mimics the softness of plaster or limestone. Floating upon this neutral field are motifs in muted blue-gray, creating a decorative harmony that is incredibly soothing to the eye. Unlike the bold geometrics of other Oushaks, this rug leans into a floral narrative with scrolling vinery tendrils and palmette blossoms. It has a "faded glory" aesthetic that designers covet for Shabby Chic or French Country inspired interiors. The low pile suggests a history of love and use, ensuring it sits flat and unobtrusively in the room.
- Color Band: Pale Peach Beige, Muted Blue Gray
- Size Band: 6′ 3" x 9′ 6" (Standard Medium)
- Price Band: Premium ($7,500)
- Style: Decorative Floral
- Use Case: Bedroom, Nursery, Sitting Room
- Designer Tip: The peach and blue combination is timeless; pair this with linen fabrics and whitewashed wood for an effortless, breezy coastal or farmhouse look.
Turkey Oushak Cream with Rust and Gold Antique Traditional Area Rug – SKU 71832
This rug represents the "classic" Oushak look that has remained in high demand for decades. The primary field is a pale cream, which opens up the floor space and reflects light, making the room feel larger. Contrasting against this are vibrant burnt orange accents, used in the central floral medallion and the intricate vine tracery. The scalloped field design is particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of architectural interest to the textile. The medium pile indicates good preservation, offering a touch more cushion than typical antiques. It is a piece that balances the rustic charm of village weaving with the sophisticated composition of a city workshop.
- Color Band: Pale Cream, Burnt Orange, Gold
- Size Band: 7′ 5" x 10′ 3" (Standard Large)
- Price Band: Premium ($15,000)
- Style: Traditional Medallion / Scalloped Field
- Use Case: Formal Living Room, Dining Room
- Designer Tip: The burnt orange is a strong accent; pick it up in throw pillows or a single velvet armchair to create a cohesive color story across the room.
Turkey Oushak Brown with Teal and Rose Antique Gallery Runner – SKU 11270
Finding a genuine antique Oushak runner of this length is a rare feat. Spanning over 20 feet, this gallery runner is a masterpiece of linear design. The palette is unique, featuring a "brown sugar" base that provides warmth without being too dark, punctuated by "smoke green" and rose accents. The design features a repeating medallion chain interspersed with geometric floral rosettes and small tribal motifs. It is a journey in wool, guiding the eye down the length of a corridor with rhythm and grace. The durability of the Oushak weave makes it suitable for high-traffic areas like hallways, where it will continue to age beautifully.
- Color Band: Brown Sugar, Smoke Green, Rose
- Size Band: 3′ 1" x 20′ 9" (Gallery Runner)
- Price Band: Premium ($7,500)
- Style: Tribal / Geometric Medallion
- Use Case: Long Hallway, Gallery Corridor, Kitchen Runner
- Designer Tip: In a long hallway, lighting is key. Ensure your overhead fixtures are spaced to illuminate the medallions down the length of the rug, turning your floor into a gallery exhibit.
Turkey Oushak Beige with Brown and Soft Blue Antique Medallion Rug – SKU 72387
This expansive rectangle rug offers a sophisticated take on the geometric medallion style. The beige background serves as a neutral stage for a complex interplay of light blue and brown accents. The central medallion is flanked by corner spandrels and surrounded by palmette scrolls and floral vine borders. The inclusion of hooked motifs and allover arabesque tracery gives the surface a dense, rich texture visually, even with its medium pile. It is a piece that feels stable and grounded, perfect for anchoring a room filled with books, antiques, or heavy wood furniture. The stable fiber condition ensures it remains a lasting investment.
- Color Band: Beige, Light Blue, Brown
- Size Band: 9′ 4" x 11′ 10" (Large Rectangle)
- Price Band: Premium ($9,000)
- Style: Geometric Medallion / Arabesque
- Use Case: Library, Study, Formal Sitting Room
- Designer Tip: The detailed border on this rug is exquisite; ensure your furniture layout allows at least a portion of the border to remain visible to frame the space effectively.
The Infinite Archive
The Antique Oushak collection represents just a fraction of the history preserved within our vaults. At Arsin Rug Gallery, we curate an inventory of over 12,000 luxury rugs, ranging from rare 19th-century Turkish weaves to contemporary reinterpretations. If you are searching for a specific colorway—perhaps a "faded apricot" or a "celadon wash"—or a unique dimension like a gallery runner or palace size, our dedicated trade professionals are ready to assist.
Visit Arsin Agent to speak directly with our curators. You can upload floor plans, fabric swatches, or inspirational images, and we will comb through our Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles showrooms to find the perfect Oushak for your project.
