Why We Love Armadillo Rugs (and Why You Will Too)
At Upstate Down, we’re always on the hunt for pieces that bring warmth, texture, and longevity into the spaces we design—and when it comes to rugs, Armadillo consistently rises to the top. Their collection is understated in the best possible way: earthy, timeless, beautifully made. These are not trendy rugs meant to be rotated out in a year. They’re designed to live with you, to ground a room, and to age with quiet elegance. That’s why we’re so thrilled to now carry a curated selection of Armadillo rugs at UD Shoppe.
What first drew us to Armadillo was their ability to do what so few brands can: create pieces that feel simultaneously refined and relaxed. Their palette leans into subtle, natural tones—soft ivories, warm taupes, rich charcoals—and their textures are just as considered. These rugs have presence without overpowering, which makes them a dream to work with across all kinds of interiors, from old farmhouses to crisp new builds. We’ve been using them in our own design projects for years, and we’re genuinely excited to now offer them to our clients and neighbors, right here in the Hudson Valley.
But beyond their beauty, rugs are one of the most powerful tools in interior design. They can define a space, set the tone, and visually connect different elements in a room. Rugs add warmth and softness underfoot, dampen sound, and bring in texture that ties furniture, lighting, and architecture together. In open floor plans, they help establish zones; in smaller spaces, they create visual cohesion. A good rug doesn’t just fill space—it completes it.
A big part of what sets Armadillo apart is how their rugs are made. Every piece is handcrafted using natural materials like wool, jute, and linen, sourced with care and woven by skilled artisans in India using traditional techniques. This slow, considered process isn’t just about quality—it’s about sustainability and responsibility. Armadillo is a Certified B Corporation and deeply committed to ethical production practices. Their rugs are as good for the planet as they are for your space, which makes bringing them into our shop and our homes feel all the more meaningful.
If you’re new to Armadillo or just unsure where to start, we invite you to drop by the UD Shoppe to browse our samples in person. Seeing (and feeling) these rugs up close makes all the difference. You can run your hands across the subtle loop of the Agra, the thick plushness of the Malawi, the tailored elegance of the Eden. We’ll walk you through options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for your space—style, size, traffic patterns, and all.
We’ve also learned a few tricks along the way. Don’t be afraid to use rugs in slightly unconventional ways. Try layering a small flatweave over a larger natural-fiber rug to add texture in an entryway or reading nook. In the dining room, go larger than you think—chairs should remain fully on the rug, even when pulled out. A high-pile rug in the bedroom adds softness underfoot and helps offset wood-on-wood tones. And in the kitchen? A durable runner can instantly bring warmth and texture to a hardworking space.
Armadillo rugs make a room feel more grounded, more finished, and more alive. We couldn’t be more excited to share them with our community—whether you’re styling a full home or simply refreshing a corner. Come by the Shoppe, say hello, and spend a few minutes barefoot on some very good rugs. You’ll see what we mean.
