By Sarah Zimmerman
From traditional to transitional, modern to vintage, the best selling area rugs vary in style but hold up in quality and versatility. Manufacturers’ top products in 2007 run the gamut in fashion, influence and price points.

So, what’s rolling out in high quantities this year, and why does it continue to entice buyers?

At the top of Karastan’s high-seller list in 2007 are Agra from the company’s Ashara collection and Tiana from its Shapura collection. “Both represent what Karastan does best—weaving color, fashion and quality,” said Anne Carley, director of rug marketing. “These rugs have trendy appeal that doesn’t require a buyer to change the whole look of her home.”

Agra portrays an elegant scrolling vine and blossom design punctuated with oversize palmettes and serrated leaves typical of Agra and Lahore carpets woven during the mid-17th century Mogul Dynasty.

Tiana posses a relaxed elegance that embraces today’s lifestyles, according to Carley. Layers of color and texture are made throughout the rugs by weaving 10 individual yarns in related hues.

Amici Imports has quickly found a niche in the rug market with success attributed to its color, design and texture, said Eva Di Adamo, executive vice president of merchandising and design. Recently the company introduced a collection called Ponte Vecchio, which is quickly moving to top-seller status.

Ponte Vecchio is a tufted line with a unique construction and mixing of yarns. “This is a transitional collection that catches your attention right away,” Di Adamo said. “It’s quite affordable but gives the consumer something very new and different to purchase.” The collection is being expanded to 30 styles in January.

Nourison’s signature collection, Nourison 2000, features richly distinctive Persian and European designs, noted Dave Forman, marketing coordinator, and has been the company’s top-selling product since its introduction in 2000. “We believe this collection sells best for its truly unparalleled value, size range and timeless designs and color palettes,” Forman said. “These are heirloom quality handmade rugs of the finest wools with silk, available at prices that are a fraction of similar quality rugs elsewhere.”

Nourison’s second highest seller since its introduction three years ago, Heritage Hall, is inspired by 17th century Persian rugs and aims to make an “Old World” statement. Forman said the collection is popular for its casual yet sophisticated living “at some of the best price points in the industry for handmade 100% wool rugs.”

Kim Barta, brand manager for Shaw Living, said the company’s top two selling area rugs are Percussion in ebony and Chablis in natural. Aside from their attractive prices, fashion is the key to its top sellers. “Contemporary and transitional are the high-selling decorating styles today, and Percussion and Chablis fit that fashion bill respectively.”

The rugs are also made in the U.S. and are machine woven olefin for easy care, cleaning and durability.

Kaleen’s top sellers include its Khazana and Allure collections. Khazana is a group of 19 designs made from 100% premium wool and is hand-tufted in India. Styles range from transitional to traditional in an array of colors and designs. Joe Barkley, executive vice president, said, “Khazana offers fantastic value, quality and look for the money in great colors and excellent quality.”

Kaleen’s Allure offers multi-textural rugs that use various yarn thickness and sizes for a unique and stylish look. “Allure is so unique, so different in terms of texture and styling and features today’s soft colors,” he concluded.