If you’ve been on the hunt for a rug to add texture, pattern and depth to your space, consider a vintage one. These pieces—which range in age from 30- to over a century old—are often more affordable than you might think, and can bring a beautiful, earthy feel to any room. And a bonus: They’re already broken in and don’t require the kind of delicate care that comes with buying something new.
There are plenty of retailers with a huge selection (and some very specific vintage styles) that you can browse online. But it can be difficult to weed out the duds from the gems, so it’s always good to have a trusted source at hand. The team at Treehugger has rounded up some of the best places to buy a vintage rug that are both ethical and stylish.
1stDibs is a major player in the online marketplace for unique home goods, offering a wide variety of vintage rugs from a host of reputable sellers. The site’s search options allow you to shop by color, size and country of origin if you want to narrow down your selection. And it’s worth mentioning that the prices here aren’t cheap, so be sure to set a budget for yourself before you start shopping.
Another option is Revival Rugs, which offers an extensive selection of antique rugs in various sizes from Turkish and Persian artisans. The rugs are collected, sheared and washed to remove dirt and odors before being laid out under the sun to achieve mellow colors. You can watch a video of this process on the website to see exactly how it happens.
As with any purchase, check a rug’s condition carefully before making a final decision. It’s fine to have a little wear and tear, but a rug that looks like it’s falling apart isn’t a good buy. If you’re worried about damage, ask the seller if they have a return policy before clicking “buy it.”
And if you prefer to avoid the potential headaches of buying vintage, you can find gorgeous replicas that look just as good. Just double check the sizing — many sites list their dimensions in centimeters, which can be a big difference if you were expecting them in inches.
A vintage rug can be a great long-term investment that will add elegance to your space for years to come. So be sure to set a budget for yourself, and double-check the sizing before you hit that purchase button. Then relax and enjoy your newly designed space. vintage turkish rugs
