Soft, faded colours, a calm open field and a design that feels both traditional and modern: few rugs are as easy to live with as an Oushak. It is one of the most searched-for rug styles in the world, and one of the most versatile.
In short: an Oushak (in Turkish, Uşak) is a handmade rug or kilim from the Uşak region of western Türkiye. Oushak rugs are known for their soft, muted colours and large-scale designs, while Oushak kilims are flatwoven, with bolder geometric motifs. Both have been woven in the region for centuries.
A Turkish Oushak rug in soft sand tones, 220 × 330 cm
Where Do Oushak Rugs Come From?
Uşak is a town and province in western Anatolia, between the Aegean coast and the central plateau. It has been one of Türkiye's great weaving centres for hundreds of years.
Rugs from the region were admired in Europe as early as the Renaissance. Some early Anatolian rug designs are still known today by the names of the European painters who featured them in their work, such as Lorenzo Lotto and Hans Holbein.
Later Oushak rugs, woven from the 19th century onwards, became especially popular in Europe and America for their large sizes and soft, harmonious colours. That reputation continues today.
What Makes an Oushak Rug Recognisable?
- Soft, muted colours: sand, ivory, apricot, terracotta, soft gold, sage and faded blue are typical.
- Large-scale designs: generous medallions and floral motifs, often with plenty of open space between them.
- A relaxed feel: the patterns tend to be less dense and formal than many Persian rugs.
- Soft, lustrous wool: the local wool gives the pile a gentle sheen.
An Ottoman Oushak rug in soft gold and neutral tones, 171 × 230 cm
Oushak Rug or Oushak Kilim?
The name Oushak covers two quite different kinds of weaving.
- Oushak rugs are hand-knotted, with a soft wool pile. They are known for floral and medallion designs in calm, faded colours.
- Oushak kilims are flatwoven, with no pile. Village kilims from the region are known for bold diamond medallions, generous open fields and lively colour combinations.
A pile Oushak brings softness and warmth underfoot. An Oushak kilim is lighter, easier to move and clean, and often more graphic.
A vintage Oushak kilim with bold diamond medallions, 202 × 296 cm
Kilim styles from the Uşak region
You will also see local names for kilims from the region, such as Eşme, a district of Uşak, and kelle boyu, a traditional long format.
A Uşak kelle boyu kilim in burgundy, 175 × 345 cm
See also our Uşak Eşme kilim runner (83 × 340 cm), ideal for a long hallway.
Why Oushak Rugs Suit Modern Homes
Oushak rugs have a rare ability to sit comfortably in almost any interior.
- Neutral and Scandinavian rooms: sand and ivory Oushaks add warmth and texture without overwhelming a calm palette.
- Coastal and Hamptons-style homes: soft blues, faded corals and sandy tones feel light and relaxed.
- Classic and English-style interiors: richer red and gold Oushaks sit beautifully with timber and leather.
A vintage Oushak in soft neutral tones, 118 × 204 cm
For a richer, more traditional look, see our red Turkish Oushak rug (175 × 280 cm), and our guides to English-style homes and Ralph Lauren style living rooms.
Why Are Vintage Oushaks So Soft in Colour?
Part of the appeal of a vintage Oushak is its softly faded palette. Over decades of light and use, colours mellow and blend together. Many rugs also show abrash, gentle changes of shade across the field caused by different batches of dyed wool.
These are not flaws. They are part of what gives a vintage Oushak its depth and character. Learn more about natural dyes in The Art of Colour.
A vintage Oushak in ivory with softly faded colours, 185 × 307 cm
How to Choose a Vintage Oushak
- Check that it is handmade. Turn it over: on a hand-knotted rug the design is clearly visible on the back. Our guide explains how to tell if a Turkish rug is handmade.
- Look at the condition. Gentle wear and fading are normal on a vintage piece, but ask about any repairs.
- Choose the size first. Oushaks are often woven in generous sizes. Our rug size guide will help.
- Decide between pile and flatweave. A pile Oushak for softness and warmth, an Oushak kilim for a lighter, more graphic look.
- See it in person if you can. Soft colours are hard to capture in photos.
Caring for an Oushak
Vacuum gently without the beater bar, rotate the rug every few months so it fades evenly, keep it out of strong direct sunlight and blot spills straight away. For deep cleaning, use a professional rug cleaner. See our care guide.
Find Your Oushak
We currently have a wide selection of handmade Oushak rugs and kilims, from small accent pieces to large living room rugs, each one of a kind.