Buyer's Guide
Aubusson Rugs: A Buyer's Guide
What makes a rug an Aubusson, how it differs from a Savonnerie, how to size it for your room, and how to care for it.
Written by the team at ModRen Rugs, specialists in hand woven Aubusson and Savonnerie carpets since 2014.
What makes an Aubusson
What is an Aubusson rug?
An Aubusson is a flat-woven French carpet made in the tapestry tradition of the town of Aubusson, in the Creuse region of central France. There is no knotted pile. The design is worked flat on the loom, closer to a fine woven painting than a plush rug.
Aubusson weaving dates to the 17th century, the workshops received Royal Manufactory status in 1665, and the tradition was UNESCO listed in 2009. The classic look is neoclassical medallions, floral garlands and architectural scrollwork in a muted palette of ivory, rose, celadon and gold.
Hold one up and the surface is smooth and crisp. The reverse shows the full pattern in woolen yarns on a cotton warp, which is the fastest way to recognize the weave.
Know the difference
Aubusson vs. Savonnerie
The two names are often confused. Both are classic French designs, but they are made differently. ModRen carries both, so this is the question we get asked most.
Aubusson
- Weave: flat tapestry, no pile, no fringe
- Feel: smooth and flat, like a woven painting
- Palette: pastel to dramatic, with many styles between
- Best for: elegant, architectural, high-ceiling rooms that want a light, painterly look
Savonnerie
- Weave: hand-knotted, plush pile, no fringe
- Feel: dense, velvety and sculpted
- Palette: rich and formal, subtle to bold
- Best for: grand formal rooms that want the best of European luxury
Know what you are buying
New, antique and Aubusson-style: what you are actually buying
This is the question every buyer should ask, and an honest seller answers it plainly.
New Aubusson recreations
Woven today in the historic French tapestry technique, using premium wool on cotton foundations. ModRen's new Aubussons are recreations from China and Romania, in a wide range of styles, colors and sizes.
Antique French Aubussons
Original carpets woven in France. They are scarce and collectible, with the softened color and character that only age gives. Sizes and condition vary by piece.
Abadjian carpets
Flat weaves and Bessarabian styles from the legendary Berdj Abadjian, offered alongside the Aubusson collection.
Buyer's tip
Four questions to ask any seller
- Where was it woven?
- What fibers are used?
- Is it hand woven?
- Is it flat weave or pile?
A recreation is not a lesser rug. It is a different purchase, with the design and scale of a classic at sizes antique supply rarely offers.
Sizing
How to size an Aubusson rug
These are widely used design guidelines, not strict rules.
Living room
Large enough that at least the front legs of every seating piece rest on the rug.
Dining room
Extend the rug about 24 inches past the table on every side so chairs stay on it when pulled out.
Bedroom
Extend well past both sides of the bed, with a clear margin at the foot.
Before you order
Leave roughly 18 to 24 inches of bare floor in a large room. Mark the rug size with painter's tape and check how it sits with doors and radiators.
Sizing help
Not sure which size?
ModRen offers an extensive selection of sizes in new and antique originals. Tell us your room dimensions and we will help you narrow it down.
Styling
Styling an Aubusson in a modern room
Let the rug be the traditional note and keep the rest simple. Pair a pale floral Aubusson with clean-lined furniture, or choose a muted, low-contrast design for a calm result. A single bold colorway can anchor an otherwise neutral room.
Because the weave is flat, an Aubusson sits low. It works under dining tables and chairs, and in rooms where doors swing over the floor.
Care
Caring for a flat-woven rug
- Vacuum with suction only. Turn off any beater bar or rotating brush.
- Rotate the rug every 6 to 12 months so light and foot traffic wear evenly.
- Blot spills right away with a clean cloth. Do not rub.
- Use a breathable rug pad to stop slipping and protect the weave.
- Have it professionally cleaned by a rug specialist when needed.
Frequently asked
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aubusson rugs handmade?
Yes. Traditional Aubusson rugs are hand woven, and ModRen's Aubusson rugs are hand woven in the historic French tapestry technique using premium wool.
Are Aubusson rugs good for dining rooms?
Yes. The flat weave lets chairs slide easily, and the low profile suits table legs.
Are Aubusson rugs durable?
Wool flat weaves wear well when cared for. Keep them out of constant direct sunlight and use a rug pad.
How do I clean an Aubusson rug?
Vacuum with suction only, blot spills right away without rubbing, and have the rug professionally cleaned by a rug specialist when needed.
What size Aubusson rug do I need?
In a living room, the front legs of every seating piece should rest on the rug. In a dining room, extend the rug about 24 inches past the table on every side. In a bedroom, extend well past both sides of the bed.
Can I see a rug in my home before I buy it?
In the USA, select pieces can be tried in your own home before you decide. ModRen also offers complimentary local in-home consultations, with travel arrangements available for a fee.
Does ModRen offer trade and designer pricing?
Yes. Contact us with your project details and we will help.
Does ModRen ship worldwide?
Yes. ModRen offers worldwide shipping.
Personal service
Looking for a specific Aubusson?
Tell us your room size, period and palette (Louis XVI, Empire, Napoleon III) and we will help you find the right piece.