Even if the name Oushak doesn’t immediately conjure up an image for you, you’ve almost certainly seen one and may even have one adorning your floors now.

Named after their place of origin (Usak in Anatolia), Oushak rugs are often grouped in with the more generalized rug category of “Turkish.” Their distinctive design, typically showcasing large-scale, angular floral designs that are spacious and open, is usually coupled with a muted and soft color palette. Oushak rugs are calming and timeless–perfect to transform any space into a home.

One key thing to remember is that when it comes to the name of a rug, a rug’s place of origin as well as its patterns and colors come into play. To name a few, you’ve got your Kars rugs from Kars, Turkman rugs from Turkman, Causaian rugs from the Caucuses, and of course your Oushaks from Usak (pronounced ooh-sack, the ooh sound is like in June or shoe). And each region has its own set of designs, materials, and techniques associated with the name and origin.

Usak is one of the larger towns in Anatolia, a large peninsula in Turkey that has been core to rug production since the 14th century. Renowned for its distinctive rugs and rich weaving heritage, the town's looms have given birth to many classic Turkish rugs now displayed in museums worldwide, including the famous "Lottos," "Holbeins," "Bird," and "Chintamani" motifs.

So what makes an Oushak an Oushak? Oushak rugs have a distinctive design, typically showcasing a simple center medallion with a patterned border. The designs are often large-scale, angular floral patterns that are spacious and open–in contrast to the more intricate patterns found in other regions like Iran, for example (Persian rugs are more orantate, usually with tight florals and vines).

The color palette of Oushak rugs is another distinguishing feature. They are often designed in muted, light tones such as beige, ivory, soft gold, and pale blues. These subtle and harmonious colors give the rugs a timeless appearance and contribute to a calm look, making Oushak rugs a popular choice for a variety of interior styles.

The making of Oushak rugs involves high-quality wool, which adds to their charm as a soft and lustrous floor covering. Handmade with meticulous attention to detail, Oushak rugs reflect the artistry and skill of the maker, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Anatolian and Turkish weaving traditions. With those characteristics in mind, an Oushak typically has a medium pile, subtle pastel colors, and an uber-plush feel. And because they are more coarsely woven than other Turkish rugs, they are famous for that coveted lived-in look. An Oushak is one of those rugs that looks right at home wherever it goes.

The versatile designs of Oushak rugs complement a wide range of interior design styles. Their subtle patterns and often soft, muted colors create a sense of openness and tranquility, making them well-suited for diverse decor aesthetics. Interiors experts regularly reach for an Oushak rug when the room needs a more sophisticated color-way–often in a living room or bedroom. But the Oushak is nothing if not adaptable–1,000 years of artistry tells us that. And such is the case when thinking about an Oushak in your home: when in doubt, an Oushak will help you out.