There’s isn’t quite anything like the effortless power of an antique rug to make a dull room look exceptionally sophisticated. Fused with proper placement and a collective theme, investing in the right rug indeed goes a long way.
There’s isn’t quite anything like the effortless power of an antique rug to make a dull room look exceptionally sophisticated. Fused with proper placement and a collective theme, investing in the right rug indeed goes a long way.
However, as powerful as these rugs may seem, it’s not an investment that everybody would consider worth the hefty price—at least not the ones who don’t have an eye for expert craftsmanship.
Granted, these rugs only feel the weight of footsteps walking all over them; but the artistic few who celebrate these antique rugs know exactly what a good investment looks like.
And if you’re looking to buy one yourself, here are a few tips experts have on choosing the ideal antique rug for you.
Certain countries are renowned for their work with rugs and have very specific design styles. Where the rug came from is perhaps the most important attribute. The details on antique rugs express the culture behind the hands that weaved it.
Ultimately, rugs from the Middle East should be at the top of your list, as this region was home to civilizations that first mastered the art of wearing. Such expertise can be seen in the patterns and knots of rugs—an attribute that’s valuable and almost impossible to copy.
Time is the antique rug’s ally—it is what makes these pieces valuable in the first place. Don’t shy away from a dusty rug nor a few tiny holes here and there.
On your journey to finding the right piece to invest in, it’s crucial that you’re keen on identifying which pieces are worth yours. Look past the intricate details and focus your attention on what you can still restore.
With vintage rugs, evidence of minor wear and tear is acceptable. However, irremovable stains and fraying should be indications for you to move on and look elsewhere as they can be hard to repair even for professionals.
As previously mentioned, time is your ally and should have bearing on your choice.
To verify if it qualifies as an antique rug, inquire about its age—ideally, it should be more than 50 years old and this should be quite evident. Despite its age, colors should remain vibrant and clear.
Beware of rugs that were only made to look old. Antique rugs age gracefully which naturally sets them apart from synthetic rugs that were drenched in acid to create an antique facade.
Because antique rugs should express individual style, preference on material falls solely on the buyer.
However, consider a material that would suit where you intend to place it and how it’s going to be subjected to more wear and tear. Opt for materials that would fit the look you’re going for. Decorative pieces lean on silk; durable pieces fall under wool.
The imperfection of an antique rug is what makes it ironically perfect. Humans as we are, rugs feature both the capabilities and limitations of the hands of the weaver.
Flip the rug over and check for imperfections in the form of a few big knots here and there. While you can’t necessarily count the numbers of knots per square inch, it should be clear that knots are strictly uniform to cement the idea that it wasn’t made by machines.
Investments take time and so should you when you’re looking for an antique rug. Ask the right questions and be patient with the answers as they may lead you towards an antique rug that will effortlessly be your centerpiece.
David Nourafshan
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David Nourafshan
David Nourafshan
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