How to Choose an Antique Rug

First, it is important that you look after your own needs and your own private taste. In fact, if you approach the process of purchasing an antique rug with just this one idea in mind, …

First, it is important that you look after your own needs and your own private taste. In fact, if you approach the process of purchasing an antique rug with just this one idea in mind, you will soon be on the track to locating the right rug for you. A vintage rug can bring life to any space. They’re often rich in color and pattern, and celebrated as a statement piece. Yet they can also work as a neutral and complement numerous aesthetics, even the more minimalistic. Every home could benefit from a beautiful antique rug, but searching for one can feel a little daunting. How do you really know what to look for or which ones are well-made? To answer these questions and more, we tapped three experts. Here, they guide us through the procedure from perusing to making sure our purchase lasts a lifetime.

  1. Firstly, check the back of the rug

Often repairs are not apparent when looking at the front end of the rug. One easy way of checking for repairs is to flip the rug over and go through the back. A few minor repairs are acceptable, however large repairs or big patches detract from the rug’s value. Vintage rugs with big repairs should be avoided.

  1. Now, examine the front of the rug

Examine the pile (the rug fibres) and look for signs of uneven wear. Ideally the rug should have even wear across the complete field of the rug without obvious patches.

  1. Make sure the rug has pattina

Just like fine antiques, over time some vintage rugs create a patina. If the wool of the vintage rug is fatty (has higher lanolin content), with use on the decades, the vintage rug will develop a lovely pattina. The result is a lovely sheen and sometimes a silky appearance. To get more information about Rug Source

  1. Check the ends of the rug

One of the first places a rug wears out is the ends of the rug. If the fringes unravel, this is not a major problem because they can often be rebound. If the ends of the rug have been neglected then some dealers, in aiming to repair the rug, unravel the ends and refringe the whole rug. This is known a lowering the rug. Buying a rug that has been cut back is wii move.

  1. Check out the colours

The colours used in vintage rugs make sure they are very attractive indeed. Natural dyes are often used, making vintage rugs desirable and unique. They mellow beautifully with time and this process cannot be reproduced in new rugs. The colours should be good in quality across the rug. If the rug has clear regions of fading it should be avoided.

  1. Listen to the rug

Fold the rug and then bend it. In case a crackling sound is heard, this means that the inspiration (warp and weft) is damaged. Perhaps the rug has sustained water damage and mold in the past. This is not a good sign.

  1. Make sure the rug sits flat

Many vintage rugs are woven on wool. With time, particularly if they have been wet or not washed properly, the rug may develop ripples. They are permanent. Rugs that contain ripples and do not sit flat aren’t worth buying.

  1. Make sure the rug has not been artificially aged

There are many ways in which some overseas rug merchants age rugs. The pile of the rug may also be treated with harsh chemicals to tone the colour down. If you separate the pile and the roots are incredibly dark, then you can conclude the rug has been chemically treated. These rugs have no inherent value and really should be avoided.

  1. Accept some imperfections

Most vintage rugs will involve some imperfections. A little stain, a few repairs or some loose threads to mention some examples. Minor imperfections are ok and they’ll become more than made up for by the joy your vintage rug provides you.