How Carpet Choices Differ Across GCC: What Expats Need to Know

How Carpet Choices Differ Across GCC: What Expats Need to Know

Moving to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)? Contemporary carpets and runner rugs are a great way to make your rental feel more like a home, as well as adding a local flavour to your décor. Whether you’re relocating from within the GCC or from another part of the world, here’s what you need to know before you buy a carpet online.

Expat Home Décor Tips for the GCC

First, let’s look at some general decorating tips for the region. Our interior design experts recommend maximising natural light (for example by choosing sheer curtains and using mirrors to reflect daylight around your space); incorporating local elements such as Islamic art; and choosing materials that work well in the climate. For instance, in areas of high humidity such as Bahrain, consider a traditional carpet made from moisture-resistant polyester fibres as opposed to wool.

GCC Carpet Trends for New Residents

Whether you’re looking for large carpets, medium carpets (such as 250 x 300) or smaller runner rugs, GCC carpets are a blend of modern and traditional – think vintage-style carpets in modern materials that can withstand humidity, or contemporary carpets that nod to the local culture. Popular colours include sandy earth tones that evoke the desert, as well as versatile neutrals and minimalist black and white.

The GCC is made up of six different countries, each with its own culture and aesthetic. Here’s how that translates into differences in carpet styles across UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia:

• UAE – Here, you’ll find modern luxury in a cosmopolitan mix of styles and materials

• Qatar – While traditional styles such as Turkish carpets are popular here, modern carpets are also gaining ground

• Saudi Arabia – Carpet styles vary by region and incorporate unique motifs, but you’ll also see geometric carpets and minimalist beige carpets

Conclusion

Carpet Centre is the GCC’s go-to destination for home comfort, and we have something for every space – from big carpets for a living room in Saudi Arabia to round carpets to create a focal point in an open-plan space in Dubai. Shop our collection of carpets online and transform your GCC rental into a warm, inviting home.

FAQs

Are carpet materials suitable for all GCC climates the same?

Climate conditions vary across the GCC. While polyester works well across the region, wool may be more suitable for hot, dry climates (such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE) than for areas of high humidity (coastal Qatar, Bahrain and parts of Oman).

What’s the best carpet for rental homes in the GCC?

The best carpet types in GCC countries are resistant to moisture and easy to clean. A carpet made from polyester fibres will add colour and personality to your rental without breaking the bank.

Do Carpet Centre ship carpets across GCC countries?

Yes, we ship to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain as well as the UAE.

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