Why This Aussie Rug Brand Needs To Be On Your Radar
Solid foundations
By Natalie McGowan | 9th July 2025A family-run affair with a long-standing history of creativity and artistry, Designer Rugs has spent nearly four decades weaving art into everyday spaces.
Founded in 1986 by the Tal family in a Marrickville workshop, the studio was born from a single, clear vision: to introduce artistic, conceptual rugs into Australian interiors. What began as a niche idea quickly gained national attention with landmark commissions for St Patrick’s Cathedral – in preparation for the Pope’s 1986 visit – and Parliament House during the Queen’s Bicentennial tour. These early moments cemented Designer Rugs’ reputation for bespoke excellence.
But for over thirty years, Designer Rugs has always been about more than just rugs. At its core, the brand is built on storytelling, honouring the centuries-old trade of rugmaking while creating design-led pieces that transform spaces.
Its ongoing success lies in the Tal family’s commitment to timelessness over trends – championing integrity, craftsmanship, and a sincere passion for creative expression. This ethos has seen the brand become one of Australia’s most respected rug studios, trusted by architects, interior designers, and design-savvy homeowners alike.
That commitment to storytelling is perhaps most powerfully expressed in their collaborative collections. Partnering with First Nations artists and art centres, Designer Rugs has helped bring rich cultural narratives and traditional techniques into contemporary interiors. They’ve also joined forces with some of Australia’s most iconic creatives, including Easton Pearson, Akira Isogawa, Catherine Martin, and Dinosaur Designs.
What truly sets Designer Rugs apart is its bespoke approach. Any design can be customised to suit your space – from tailored shapes and sizes to curated colour palettes and luxe materials like New Zealand wool and silk. The result is a rug that’s as personal as it is practical: a functional work of art.
Nearly four decades on, Designer Rugs remains true to its origins – design made personal, art made functional, and stories woven into every fibre.
Header: @designerrugs
