The Home Beautiful: Artistic Furnishing Fabrics Trade Catalogue

This image shows carpets advertised in ‘The Home Beautiful’ trade catalogue for London-based manufacturer Williamson & Cole Ltd, published in 1908. At the turn of the century, British consumers preferred floor coverings that were easy to clean. Rugs and carpets were not fitted, which allowed them to be taken up and beaten to remove dirt. Bordered carpets such as these were popular. They were sold in a range of sizes and colours and were designed to complement wall coverings and furnishing fabrics.