'A little unexpected': Why scalloped rugs are in demand

From the wardrobe to the living room, there’s a lot of crossover when you consider how we dress ourselves and the rooms we live in.

There are the everyday staples (jeans and the couch), the sentimental accessories (jewellery and art), and the pieces that bring everything together (a good pair of shoes and a rug). And it’s the last duo that set the tone for an outfit or a room. 

“Like a good pair of shoes, it’s essential to ensure that the rug creates the right base that can speak volumes to the mood and narrative of the space,” says Danielle McEwan, owner and creative director of Tigmi Trading. “We do definitely lean into the idea that a rug can lay the foundation for the room.” 

While a wardrobe’s flexibility affords us the opportunity to swap between a pair of casual sneakers to boots and fluffy moccasin slippers within hours, a rug has an element of permanency to it once it’s been selected for a space. However, this doesn’t mean it has to be exclusively practical at the expense of being interesting. 

Phoebe Bell, owner and creative director of homewares retailer Sage x Clare, is known for selling rugs that are anything but ordinary. 

“I love seeing rugs get a bit more experimental in shape as some spaces call for a more abstract and less linear expression,” Bell says. “Kids’ bedrooms and play spaces are brilliant places to start introducing playful rug shapes.”

Both McEwan and Bell have observed an increased demand for irregular, non-linear shaped rugs – specifically with a scalloped edge. 

While there will always be demand for versatile and reliable rectangle and square-shaped rugs, there’s no denying the instant visibility and attention the soft curves of a scalloped edge bring to a room. 

“We have always viewed rugs as ‘functional art’ for the floor,” says McEwan, who stocks both contemporary and vintage rugs designed in-house and sourced globally. 

“It’s great to see a departure from mass-made and practical, towards more unique designs with irregular shapes that really add personality and frame a room in a much more interesting way.” 

If you’re considering adding a non-linear shaped rug to your home, Bell suggests grouping a few together. “Layering rugs is another clever way to introduce irregular shaped rugs as you can fill the space with two to three rugs of various shapes and sizes to create a curated look,” she says.

For McEwan, scallop-edged rugs “can effortlessly introduce more playful and visual interest into a space”. 

The retailer’s current collection of scalloped rugs in jute are perfect for high-traffic areas in the home – including dining rooms or hallways – as the jute is seriously forgiving and the scalloped edge softens the utilitarian nature of the material.

“The curved edges soften the overall aesthetic and create a sense of fluidity, fun and add a touch of Mediterranean charm,” McEwan says.

Bell is also a fan of scalloped rugs, and features them in Sage x Clare’s current collection, as well as her home.

“Scallop-edged rugs are a cool way to add interest to a room that still needs the structure of a square or rectangle rug but needs some softening,” she says. 

“I have a scallop-edged rug under my dining table and another at the end of the bed, both of which fulfil the practical needs of the space while also being a little unexpected.” 

Just like your most-trusted pair of shoes can take you from the office to dinner, a scallop-edged rug creates an easy, lived-in look that’s always interesting and never a bore – and it’s the wardrobe staple your home may just need. 

The latest from The Block

Check out exclusive content weekly, including floor plans, expert renovation advice and property insights.

Explore the In The Know Hub