Aubusson, tapestry & needlepoint rugs
Aubusson, tapestry and Needlepoint rugs are flat wool rugs without a pile, either woven like a wall hanging (Aubusson, tapestry) or embroidered by hand (Needlepoint). Floral patterns, medallions and pastel colours after French models are typical. Hand-woven, flat paintings for the floor – at Zomorrodi as antique originals from France and Belgium and as new pieces from China.
Aubusson, tapestry & needlepoint rugs at a glance
- Technique: Aubusson/tapestry: Gobelin weaving technique, flat; needlepoint: stitched by hand in wool onto a linen or cotton canvas
- Material: new wool on cotton or linen
- Pile: none, or very low (approx. 2–7 mm)
- Pattern: floral bouquets, scrolling vines, medallions, rocaille work; pastel shades, beige, rose, green, blue
- Origin: antique: France (Aubusson), Belgium; new: China
- Price: new Chinese Aubussons from approx. 700 €; antique originals in the four- to five-figure range
Aubusson, tapestry, needlepoint: which is which?
- Aubusson: named after the town of Aubusson in France, whose workshops have been making wall hangings and flat-woven floor rugs for châteaux and town houses since the 17th century.
- Tapestry: the general term for woven pictorial hangings (Gobelin technique). Antique tapestry rugs are collector's pieces.
- Needlepoint: not woven but stitched onto a canvas, stitch by stitch, with woollen yarn. A little thicker and firmer than an Aubusson, with a similar look.
Which rooms these rugs suit
Flat, soft and without a pile: Aubusson and needlepoint rugs slip easily under doors, keep furniture from sinking in and bring colour to classic and modern rooms alike. Because the surface is more delicate than that of knotted wool rugs, they belong in the living room, bedroom or dining room rather than the entrance hall. Antique pieces are also a fine choice as a wall hanging.
Antique or new?
Antique Aubusson and tapestry rugs from France and Belgium have the depth of colour and the patina of 100 years and more – each one a one-of-a-kind piece with a history. New Aubussons and needlepoints from China take up the classic patterns, are cleanly made and cost considerably less. You will find both in this collection, each with photos, dimensions and a description of its condition.
Frequently asked questions about Aubusson and needlepoint rugs
What is an Aubusson rug?
An Aubusson rug is a flat-woven wool rug without a pile, made in the Gobelin technique and named after the French town of Aubusson. Floral patterns, medallions and pastel colours in the style of the 17th to 19th century are typical. Today Aubussons are woven mainly in China, following the historical models.
What is the difference between Aubusson and needlepoint?
An Aubusson is woven, a needlepoint is stitched: woollen yarn is worked stitch by stitch onto a linen or cotton canvas. That makes needlepoints a little thicker and firmer, while the patterns are much alike.
Are Aubusson rugs suitable for everyday use?
Within limits. They are sturdy enough for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms, but not for entrance areas or hallways with heavy foot traffic. There is no pile, so they are less forgiving of sand and dirt than a knotted wool rug.
How do I care for an Aubusson or Needlepoint rug?
Vacuum gently without a rotating brush, blot stains straight away rather than rubbing them, and never wet-clean at home. Every few years it should have a professional hand wash – we offer this in Düsseldorf. Turn antique pieces now and then so they age evenly.
What does an Aubusson rug cost?
At Zomorrodi, new Aubussons and Needlepoints from China start at around €700 for sizes of about 130 × 180 cm; large formats sit in the low four figures. Antique originals from France and Belgium range from several thousand to well over ten thousand euros, depending on age, size and condition.