Southwestern rugs are an excellent way to bring out that popular western, rustic or Native American feel in your home decorating. Because of their versatility and affordability, many home decorators are choosing to buy southwestern accent rugs online. Used as western rugs and also southwest area rugs on the floors in your home or when decorating a log cabin with a rustic or western theme, southwestern rugs give your home warmth and a definite authentic southwestern country look. When buying American Indian style rugs, you will find many of southwestern rugs to choose from and will no doubt want to add a few of the most popular and sought-after rugs in your home decor. These rugs have an extensive history that has grown over time and can truly be considered as great works of art.

Some of the most popular southwestern and western rugs are handmade area rugs, spirit rugs, Mexican Guadalupe rugs, Oaxaca Mexico rugs including Zapotec Indian rugs, Mohair and Navajo rugs. Each of these types of rugs mixes unique colors and characters, symbolizing spiritual or historic events. An excellent example of this is brought to life in the Southwestern Spirit rug which combines a variation of colors and designs. The spiritual characters used in these rugs are created in a variety of patterns and forms that show the spirituality of the people.

Not only are southwestern rugs known for their incredible beauty, but the skill and hard work involved in making Native rugs and runners is also greatly appreciated. The makers of hand woven wool rugs work very hard and begin the rug making process by kneeling in front of a vertical wooden-framed loom. The designs are then put into place by using a shuttle to weave different colored yarn together, making large-scale geometric characters and designs. Initially, Navajo rugs as well as those of some other Southwest Indian tribes were made of hand-spun cotton thread. However, after the wool of domestic sheep was introduced to the area by the Spanish settlers, the people primarily used wool to weave their colorful rugs and other traditional weaving.

Today, many of the modern southwestern rugs are woven in areas where Spanish and Native American histories have melded together to create one-of-a-kind designs. Southwest rugs, with their rich earth tone colors and traditional southwestern designs make them perfect for rustic home decorating. If you are searching for a great southwest rug, you will most likely purchase from American companies or directly from Native American weavers. Purchasing rugs from Navajo or other American Indian tribes not only gives you the satisfaction of owning a southwestern rug that is made by Indians but also helps to support the Native American heritage of rug weaving, and the people who themselves sell their rugs, blankets, and Native American art.

The rug you purchase will strongly depend on what you like and what kind of decorating you decide on. You will find that southwest rugs are an excellent southwestern accent when combined with rustic or western home furnishings. Whether you are changing your home decor or decorating an entire home using a rustic theme, you will find many designs and colors available to choose from. Among these options you will find everything from Zapotec rugs with no two alike, to southwest table runners and southwestern tapestries. Designers love hand woven rugs because of the variety of colors and textures. Whatever your style and whatever your decorating needs, you will no doubt enjoy the richness of color and warmth created by decorating with southwestern rugs.