What to Know When Buying a Scalloped Rug

Scalloped rugs are everywhere right now and for good reason. Their soft curves add charm, movement, and a little bit of whimsy to a space. When done right, they can be stunning. But before you click “add to cart,” there’s one very important thing you should know because we’ve seen this go wrong in real life.

What to Avoid

Not all scalloped rugs are created equal. I unfortunately learned this the hard way when I selected one for a client’s home. The rug was made from a thin flatwoven cotton material with no backing. It was handmade, vegetable dyed, looked great, was reasonably priced, and it fit the design of the room perfectly. All great things! But the problem showed up pretty quickly once it was used on the floor of their home for a few weeks.

The issue? Curling edges.

Because scalloped rugs have curved edges rather than straight ones, thin materials simply don’t have enough weight or structure to hold their shape. Over time—or sometimes immediately—the scalloped edges start to curl upward. This not only looks messy and unfinished, but it can also become a tripping hazard and is incredibly frustrating after investing in a “pretty” rug. This is exactly what happened with my client’s rug (shown here).

What to Buy Instead

If you’re set on a scalloped rug (and we get it, they’re gorgeous), here’s how to choose one that will actually perform well in your home. Then scroll down to browse a few of our favorites!

1. Choose a Thicker Construction

Look for rugs with a dense pile or heavier weave. Wool rugs, hand-tufted styles, or rugs with more substantial fibers tend to hold their shape far better than thin cotton or flatwoven options.

2. Make Sure It Has a Backing

A rug with a latex, felt, or fabric backing provides much-needed structure and weight. The backing helps anchor the scalloped edges to the floor so they stay flat instead of curling upward over time.

3. Consider a Straight-Edge Rug With a Scalloped Design

This is one of my favorite alternatives and a very smart design solution.

Instead of choosing a rug where the actual edge of the rug is scalloped, look for rugs that have a straight edge, with a scalloped pattern or border, woven or printed into the rug.

Scalloped rugs can absolutely be a beautiful addition to your home, but only if they’re constructed properly! Thin, unbacked rugs may look appealing online, but they often don’t hold up in real life, especially with curved edges.

If you want a scalloped rug that lasts:

• Avoid thin cotton or unbacked styles

• Prioritize rugs with backing and/or thick & sturdy materials

• Or opt for a straight-edge rug with a scalloped design instead

A rug should ground a room, not fight gravity. A little extra thought upfront can save you from disappointment (and curled edges) later!