From the palaces of power to the humblest of homes – that’s the path that Oriental rugs have traveled for centuries. Today they are among the premier types of area rugs chosen to enhance a room’s décor.

Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra was smuggled into the presence of Julius Caesar wrapped in an Egyptian rug. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine introduced “Oriental” rugs to Europe when she returned from the Middle East after the First Crusade. The great traveler and merchant Marco Polo probably beheld Oriental rugs when he visited the great empire of Kublai Khan. From this exalted beginning, Oriental rugs have become such a standard for area rugs that they’re often the first image to come to mind when considering a rug.

In reality, the term “Oriental rug” is an outworn phrase that refers to a vast variety of rug types created by makers found in the Middle East, Eurasia and Asia. Historically Oriental rugs came from China, but much of that production has now moved to India and Iran. As a descriptor, “Oriental rug” these days often is subdivided into more specific groups, such as Chinese Rug, Persian Rug, Tibetan Rug and so on. These phrases most closely describe where the rug was made, and thus its likely design.

Oriental rugs are made by hand or manufactured. They can be created by the traditional methods: hand-knotted, hand-woven or hand-loomed. Some rug makers use a combination of machine and hand techniques to produce handsome area rugs of Oriental style, but at much less cost. Expensive handmade Oriental rugs are often prized as collectible fabric art. Manufactured styles combine more affordable Oriental design with the durability of contemporary rugs.

The designs of traditional Oriental rugs were complex and deeply toned. Ornate styles include centered medallions, scattered layouts known as Afshan, curvilinear and paisley designs. The colors of Oriental rugs mirrored their brilliant cultures, with deep earth tones, gold, black, bronze and crimson. Down the centuries, as pigments and dyes became more sophisticated, colors such as jade, white, medium blue, plum and brick red began to be seen. However the patterns remained intricate and intriguing.

Once a dark and dominating presence in a room, Oriental rugs today have adapted to contemporary tastes. The traditional patterns are still popular, but artists and rug makers have added modern variations to antique motifs. Lighter color schemes often hold sway, such as gold, crimson and teal matched together, or a modern art pattern in pastels. Innovations such as these may shock or offend traditional Oriental rug owners, but they’re proving to be excellent choices for more contemporary décor needing a quality area rug.

Oriental types of area rugs are still crafted mostly in 100 percent wool, silk or cotton. Some area rugs in Oriental designs are created using blends of these traditional fabrics. Some times the standard materials are combined with synthetics such as olefin or polyester, mostly to add durability for rugs intended for high-traffic areas. The natural-synthetic blends also help to hold down the cost, making Oriental type area rugs much more affordable and accessible to homeowners. It’s best to be at least somewhat aware of the properties of each type of material, including how it must be cleaned, when choosing an Oriental rug.

One thing to watch out for: supposed Oriental rugs that are actually manufactured in Europe or America. They may feature traditional designs but they are manufactured by machine. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you are simply seeking a good-looking area rug for a den or family room where the rug will be exposed to lots of feet upon it. However, if you are looking to purchase an authentic Oriental rug as an investment or family heirloom, be sure to check with the merchant about how and where the rug was made.

Aside from that one caveat, an Oriental rug can be an excellent choice – a classic that still brings thrilling style to any room.