Distressed rugs and furniture, are they okay? In interiors, just like in fashion, there are faux distressed offerings out there.

The obvious appeal of “distressed” is that it looks casual, carefree, and comfortably lived-in. Also, new dings and stains and abuse won’t really be obvious since it is already beat up, making it easy-care as well.

There are, of course, authentically “distressed” things that are from antiquity that are faded, or that time and the elements have worn the finish off from, or that have been banged up with use over the years.

In fashion, distressed often means pre-ripped/frayed/faded. I know the idea is that the item is well loved and worn in, but there is a fine line between ‘comfortably worn’ and ‘ready for the trash’ and most distressed fashion looks more like the latter.

This sweater ad that a friend posted on FB is a prime example…I mean you COULD pay $372 (on sale?!) for this wool sweater with, and I quote, “major dashes of destruction” to look like a Morgan Memorial reject, but should you?

It’s a whole new twist on the high in high fashion…as in what was the designer smoking, exactly. Nordstrom’s is definitely having the last laugh!

In interior design there is the same tension.  There are worn antique and vintage pieces with the well loved patina of time, or a story to tell like…“I survived a tsunami during the ??? dynasty”. And there are the faux versions - sometimes well executed, sometimes not so much.

Distressed Furniture

There are the faux distressed chippy paint pieces from the shabby chic era of the 90’s  that denote casual, easy living.  These carried on in to the modern farmhouse craze of the last 10+ years, but they have fallen a bit out of fashion lately since the everything-is-a-farmhouse craze is winding down.  But, as always, if you truly love something, don’t worry about whether or not it is ‘on trend’.  Personalized decor is always in style

And there are new pieces made from old parts…like reclaimed wood from the floors of old railroad cars or deconstructed barns, that are being reused to make tables, furniture, and flooring.  This is recycling at its best.

I have often suggested reclaimed pine tables for busy families for this exact reason - it’s already beat up so if little Johnny drives a Tonka truck into it, no one is going to be upset.  It’s a valid argument.    

Faux that accurately mimics the wear and patina of a century or more is not easy or inexpensive to produce.

And there is nothing like the patina of fine heirloom quality furniture, lovingly cared for and handed down for generations, but it can be pricey. Chairish and 1st Dibs are a couple of good sources online. The charming pieces below are from Chairish (click on images for links).

Note: this post contains affiliate links meaning I may make a small commission on any purchases at no additional cost to you.

For most of us, something vintage, like a classic antique design reproduced in the 1920’s is a more affordable option that is approaching antique status now. Or the aforementioned new pieces made from reclaimed old wood.

Distressed Rugs

In the world of carpets, there are authentic antique fine rugs and there are vintage rugs and there are new faux-distressed (distressing?🤣) rugs.

Vintage rugs in traditional patterns are sometimes overdyed to give them a new life and a contemporary twist. Overdying involves treatment with a special solution that takes out some of the existing color and then dying the whole rug with a new color.

Overdying effectively mutes the pattern a bit, whilst adding {usually} a vibrant color. These recycled rugs tend to be more affordable and more contemporary in feel than their antique counterparts.

Note: there are also new overdyed and distressed rugs to produce the same effect so it can be a bit confusing. The new ones often contain viscose, a fiber that is generally best avoided in carpets.

And there’s what my daughter (AKA the Diva) refers to as “the distressed jeans of the rug world”.  While searching for an inexpensive rug for her new Berlin flat, she came across a number of faux distressed versions - rugs missing half their pattern in an attempt to look worn, but in the grays that were popular in recent years and they just ended up looking moldy. Ewwww.

Vintage is a much preferred option to the faux distressed, shiny, thin, cheap rugs that many polyesters gave their lives for…these are fooling no-one.

If you need a really inexpensive rug, sisal or jute is a classic option that always works.

Think of faux distressed home furnishings the same way as faux flowers - if it couldn’t be mistaken for the genuine article (something that needs water in the case of plants and flowers!), then avoid it.

If it mimics real life wear it is okay. Real antique or vintage, or reclaimed/recycled is even better.

Other posts you might enjoy:

Faux flowers and plants; how and where to use them

Farmhouse style; new classic or passing trend?