The wonderful world of antique Persian/Oriental rugs, an addictive journey that can last a lifetime and beyond. With the lifespan of Persian rugs only increasing as the art of restoration and conservation continues to develop there are a plethora of rugs to choose from to adorn your home.
So how do you know if an antique rug is the right choice for you? It’s a good and important question to ask yourself but not for the reasons you may be thinking. Lets break it down;
Maintenance
Whilst it may seem like something that could be a headache you would be mistaken! All you really need to do is hoover the main field of the rug as usual but just on a lower setting and make sure the beating function isn’t active. Otherwise the maintenance of a good quality antique rug is no different to a newer rug.
Feel
Another consideration is feel under your foot, typically an antique rug will have a lower pile than a modern rug and may not feel as luxuriously plush underfoot, thats not to say there aren’t antique rugs with full piles, they’re typically rarer but not impossible to find.
Colours
Are you looking for brighter more vibrancy or something more subdued and rich in colour? Antique rugs will normally be softer in colours as the natural dyes have had time to oxidize and reduce down, reaching beautiful tones that really only come with age, from rich deep reds, to soft pastel blues. Where as if you’re looking to brighten a room or add in vibrancy you may have more luck with a newer rug.
Value
This is usually the biggest factor in deciding on an antique rug, they’re usually a more serious investment than a newer rug of a similar size. This is due to the fact that Persian rugs and some Oriental rugs increase in value over time, the more they used, hoovered and walked on. It also means that your investment is quite well protected so at the same time as having a lovely floor covering you get to enjoy you can be content in the knowledge that your money is safe.
Below you can see some examples of the different varieties of antique rugs that can be found and bought.
Adding an antique rug to your home can be a great way to blend traditional designs with modern decors, we have seen a new wave of buyers with ultra modern homes adding in a gorgeous antique to bring old world and new world together in a beautiful harmony.
They can also be a great way to bring back some lost history to an old country manor, estate or home. Theres something about bringing a rug home that date matches the age of your home! There deep reds that captivate the soul and pops of soft pastel colours bring a warmth comfort into an older home that some times a newer rug just can’t.
There is a certain charm about antique rugs that can’t quite be explained, they get under your skin, play on your mind and before you know it you’ve built quite the collection! So if you’re in the market for a rug for your home, maybe its worth considering an antique rug when starting your search!