The Shining Carpet: The story behind the most famous carpet in film (Video Podcast)

In this episode of the ‪Film and Furniture Podcast, host Paula Benson goes solo to take us on a deep dive into one of the most recognisable and discussed design elements in film history: The Shining’s hexagonal carpet. Celebrating the 45th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick’s psychological horror masterpiece, Paula reveals the story behind the infamous Overlook Hotel carpet, shares her own research journey in tracing its origins, and explains how you can bring an official version of this legendary design into your own home.

Episode Highlights

🛋️ The Origins of Film and Furniture: Paula shares how The Shining’s carpet helped spark the idea for Film and Furniture, becoming a cornerstone of the site’s celebration of design in film.

⬢ The Hexagonal Carpet's Legacy: Discover how this hypnotic geometric pattern became not only synonymous with Kubrick’s film but a global design phenomenon, endlessly referenced across pop culture—from Toy Story and The Simpsons, to Ready Player One and a Gucci fashion campaign.

👀 Who Really Designed It?: Paula details her journey of discovery confirm the carpet's true designer—David Hicks, one of the most influential British interior designers of the 20th century. The pattern is officially known as Hicks’ Hexagon.

♟️ Kubrick’s Strategic Vision: How the carpet’s graphic form aligns with Kubrick’s symmetrical visual style, chess obsessions, and interest in war strategy, enhancing the sense of dread and tension in The Shining.

🧠 A Sixth Sense?: Could the hexagonal pattern be a visual metaphor for “the shine” itself—Danny’s psychic gift? Paula explores symbolism and the carpet’s unsettling presence as part of the film’s psychological power.

📚 Conspiracy Theories and Chess Moves: From shot-to-shot continuity quirks to deeper symbolic interpretations, Paula references Julie Kearns analysis of the carpet’s role in Kubrick’s visual storytelling.

🎬 Behind the Scenes: Learn more about the film’s production design by Roy Walker and art direction by Leslie Tomkins, and how film sets were built at Elstree Studios in the UK.

🛍️ How to Own The Shining Carpet: Paula reveals how Film and Furniture now supply official licensed versions of the original David Hicks design: Authentic high quality 1 ply wool, hand-tufted rugs and carpets available to the public.

 

🎭 Host Info

Host: Paula Benson – Founder and Editor of Film and Furniture

 

🎞️ Films Mentioned

The Shining (1980) – The subject of this episode.

Toy Story, Minions, Ready Player One, The Simpsons, BoJack Horseman, Passengers, The Substance – Pop culture references to the carpet.

2001: A Space Odyssey – Chess game connection.

Paths of Glory, Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, Napoleon (unmade) – Kubrick’s exploration of war and strategy.

 

🔗 Links & Resources

🔗 Order the officially licensed Hicks’ Hexagon rugs

🔗 Order the officially licensed Hicks’ Hexagon carpet

🔗 Read our article on The Shining and the Overlook carpet

🔗 Discover the book David Hicks Scrapbooks

🔗 Explore our full collection of furniture and décor seen in films: Film and Furniture Marketplace

🔗 Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive content and giveaways

 

📺 When to Watch/Listen to This Episode?

This episode is a perfect listen whether you’ve seen The Shining a dozen times or are just dipping your toe into Kubrick’s eerie world. It’s also a visual podcast, so feel free to watch along to see imagery and references as they’re discussed.

 

🎨 Credits

Film and Furniture Founder/Editor: Paula Benson
Video/Podcast Editor: Paula Benson
Graphics: Paul West (@Form Design and Branding)
With thanks to: Warner Bros.

 

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