Finding the Right Antique Rug

The number of antique and vintage rugs admirers is on the rise. The century-old pieces are more than just flooring options — rather, these tapestries are canvases of art and stories by themselves. However, when it comes to finding the right antique rugs for your space, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by questions about textures, key elements, conditions, and many more.

We have dedicated this article to answer the most common questions about finding the right antique rug. 

Even though the word antique mainly refers to the age of an object, it means something more when it comes to rugs. Antique rugs include an entire series of characteristics pertaining to the quality of design, weaving technique, and materials. The older rugs also represent culture and ethnicity. 

An antique rug can be distinguished by hand-spun, hand-dyed wool that has been vegetable dyed. Historically, men would sheer the sheep for the wool, and women would prepare the wool to prepare it for making the rugs. These rugs are at least 50 years old, while the upper range of age these rugs can be well over a hundred years.  

When choosing an antique rug, putting aesthetics before practicality is always the best way to go. Explore styles that attract you and bring a positive vibe into your home. For texture and color, look for variety and uniqueness that coordinates with other pieces in the space. 

Explore edgy designs and colors before making up your mind. Appreciate the whimsical character of antique rugs that contribute to the playfulness of these rugs. Additionally, choose a rug that can tolerate the foot traffic of the area you are going to place it in.  

For first-time buyers, the origin of the rug might not be a significant focal point. However, the origin of the rug can create a world of difference in the texture, design, and quality of the rug. Moroccan, Kurdish, Turkish, and Persian rugs all have unique features that set them apart. Furthermore, they represent different cultures. Even within Moroccan rugs, there are various styles to choose from. Each of these styles has different patterns, knots, wool types, and fringe styles. 

The short answer is — no. 

The flaws and the imperfections of antique rugs are what make them unique and valuable. It is crucial to set realistic expectations when hunting for antique rugs. Minor tears on the backside or worn-out textures are entirely okay to go with. Antique rugs sometimes have lower pile height because of wear and tear, which is not a downside — in fact, wear is something you should be looking for because it can be an indication of an authentic piece. Dirt is also acceptable as long as it is easily removable.

However, animal stains are not acceptable and degrade the value of the rug. Rugs with any fraying or a visible foundation on the front side are not worth your money.

Are you ready to find the right antique rug for your home? Don’t forget to check out our vast collection of antique Moroccan rugs.