Tariffs, trends and technology take center stage for rug vendors
Rug makers have their eyes on the incoming administration and possible new tariffs, as well as trends such as natural fibers, increased customization, rugs seen as art and category innovation.
HIGH POINT — Rug makers have their eyes on the incoming administration and possible new tariffs, as well as trends such as natural fibers, increased customization, rugs seen as art and category innovation.
“I don’t think the incoming administration even knows for sure what changes will occur at this point, but it is going to be a wild ride,” said Greg Jordt, Harounian Rugs International executive vice president of sales and marketing. “A move to raise tariffs on product coming in from India, including rugs, will definitely have an impact on the entire category.”
Companies such as Unique Loom and Nourison Home say they are watching the tariff situation, but they believe their diverse manufacturing capabilities should help offset any issues.
“The most important thing any new administration can do is give consumers the confidence that the economy will be stable and continue to grow,” said Andrew Peykar, Nourison Home president. “Stability is key, and I believe people are tired of all the politics and fighting. Either way, we are forecasting increased costs and accounting for that in our 2025 planning.”
In spite of this, Peykar said Nourison Home is cautiously optimistic for 2025 since it believes the category will continue to be competitive.
“Unfortunately, there is a race to the bottom on prices, but we believe consumers will expect more from their rug and carpet purchases and choose brands that offer better quality and greater value,” he said.
Cameron Capel, president of sales and marketing for Capel Rugs, has a more optimistic attitude.
“I do think sales will pick up in the new year now that the election is over, the market is booming, and we can put all this negativity behind us,” she said.
Deregulation and the encouragement of business growth is something that Kami Navid, vice president of sales at Jaunty Rugs, anticipates with the new administration.
“I also expect an emphasis on America first in manufacturing and trade policies,” he added.
“Unfortunately, there is a race to the bottom on prices but we believe consumers will expect more from their rug and carpet purchases and choose brands that offer better quality and greater value.”
An eye on trends ahead
When it comes to trends, natural fibers such as wool, sisal and jute are increasingly in demand, according to Rosa Glenn, Ernesta’s chief merchandising officer.
“We are seeing the broader trends within interiors apply to all the different rugs traditions from around the globe vs. any one rug type surging in popularity,” she said. “For instance, Persian-style rugs are still important (as they always will be) but in 2025 we can expect them to be more muted, distressed, and vegetable-dyed in tone with an emphasis on softer warm neutrals.”
Customization is also expected to be an area of growth for the category.
“In 2025, we’re looking forward to building on the momentum we’ve seen around custom-sized rugs. This trend has resonated with consumers who are discovering how transformative a perfectly sized rug can be in tying a room together,” Glenn added. “As more people experience the difference of personalized sizing in their spaces, we anticipate this trend will continue to grow.”
Nourison Home’s Peykar and Christine Zampaglione, Stanton Rugs senior marketing director, both say consumers are looking for more custom options.
“Custom-sized rugs cut from broadloom continues to be a growth area and this will undoubtedly continue to build in demand,” said Zampaglione.
Geometric patterns, abstract designs and vibrant color palettes are expected to make a strong statement in interiors, according to Jaunty’s Navid.
“The rug industry in 2025 is shaping up to focus on bold designs and sustainability,” he said. “Rugs with raised textures and those designed to resemble artwork are also trending.”
Glenn said that Moroccan-inspired rugs will stay in the world of minimalism but with more emphasis on flatwoven textures. “Ernesta has noticed more Welsh-blanket inspired flatweaves, but the standard bearer classic kilim will still likely reign king,” she said.
Although rugs have been handmade for centuries, new technology with regards to UV protection, textiles and construction are still moving the category forward.
“Innovations in fiber, manufacturing, and design have produced an all-time high of rug options that are more accessible than ever before,” said David Jolley, Unique Loom vice president of sales. “2025 will bring exciting growth opportunities thanks to consumers continuing to choose rugs as their go-to, impact accessory for refreshing their spaces.”
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