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Years ago, the only way to buy a vintage rug was to spend hours in a carpet showroom, looking through piles of dusty rugs. Thanks to modern technology and E-Commerce stores, shopping for a rug has become an easy, user-friendly, online experience.
Anything that is 25 – 50 years old is considered a vintage. If a rug is older than 50 years, it is considered an antique.
Vintage rugs add a level of character and warmth to any room, including modern or minimalist decors. The standard of artistry and skill that goes into a hand-woven rug gives it a reputation as a timeless art piece. Just like fine art, a vintage rug is an investment, as it increases in value over time.
A high-quality, hand-made rug is often the most expensive furnishing in a room. A good vintage rug can range in price from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. In this guide, you will learn how to buy a vintage rug for a good price.
Tips on Buying A Vintage Rug
Get a Feel for What You Like
- Look online at rug designs and take notes of the words used to describe the types you like.
Set a Budget
Be Flexible on Size
LOok For Even Wear
- Finding a vintage rug in perfect condition is rare, instead look for balanced inconsistencies. You don’t want a spot that has significantly more wear than the rest.
Check the Edges
Inventory
- Look for a dealer with a large inventory. A large selection means you are more likely to find a rug in the color and style you want.
Pre-Washed Rugs
- Some shops pre-wash their rugs, this means you won’t have to get it professionally cleaned when it arrives at your home. Ask your seller if the rugs are pre-cleaned.
Read All Policies
Communicate with Your Seller
Photos
Satisfied Customers
Start Small
- If this is your first time buying a vintage rug, and you are afraid to commit to a large piece, start with a small rug for your bathroom, entryway, or kitchen.
Be Wary Of
Strive to purchase a rug that you love. This is the most important consideration above all else. If a rug you love is a bit over your budget, it is worth the splurge. Trust your instincts, and you will find a rug to cherish for years to come.
Where to Buy Vintage Rugs
I have researched many online shops to narrow down my top recommendations. These are the shops I will personally purchase from in the future.
ECarpetGallery
- Large selection of rugs
- Free shipping to both USA and Canada
- No duty fees
- 30-day return policy, no restocking fee
- Over 20 years experience
- Clearance section with great prices
Vintage Rugs on eBay
You can get some amazing deals when you shop on eBay. Here are links to some of the top rated eBay sellers of fine vintage rugs:
Vintage Rugs on etsy
There are many vintage treasures to be found on Etsy. Here are links to some of the top rated Etsy sellers of fine vintage rugs:
Conclusion
Buying a vintage rug does not have to be a complicated process. Finding a good seller who can answer all of your questions is the first step to a good buying experience. Ask questions and let the seller help you find a rug that you will love.
If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments! I am here to help 🙂
This post was originally published on July 4, 2017.
What a beautiful site! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post. I’ve always heard that an antique was 50 years+ old, but I have often wondered the criteria for something being Vintage,,,but never looked it up! thank you so much for teaching me something I didn’t know! I’m inspired to check into this and get a gorgeous rug for our home. I think I’ll start small; perhaps the entryway!
Hi Shelli, the term vintage is somewhat of a loose term, but yes, generally it is something that is 20 – 100 years old. Starting small is a great idea, a hallway, entryway, or bathroom is a great place to start. Be aware though, it can be addicting!!
Vintage is a greatthing and I ADORE IT!! I may not be into rugs so much but it’s a true fact that a rug makes a house look full.
EBay is a good source for many things an also Etsy is a source that’s needed to be mentioned. There can be found many vintage items that you didn’t even know existed..
I have never thought of buying a vintage rug online. I always thought that would be something you would need to see, touch and smell! Obviously I was wrong and buying online might just be the way to go. I also had no idea there were actual sellers online to do this! I’m going to keep this post because I want to have all my ducks in a row when I go to purchase a vintage rug. Do you have a preference on which online company to use?
Seeing and touching is really nice, but not everyone has access to a retail store that sells rugs.
Also, a lot of people like to shop from the comfort of their homes, and there are so many online retailers that offer great return policies, there is no reason not to order online!
My preference would be ECarpetGallery, they have been in the business a long time and offer free shipping and no restocking fees!
I really enjoyed reading your post!
I didn’t realize that vintage could be as little as 20 years… I am REALLY vintage! lol!
On a serious note… I absolutely LOVE rugs! My problem is that I am very picky and find myself so indecisive when I am actually in a store looking for a purchase. They all seem to run together.
I had never thought of being able to sit down and rug shop online! I think I will take a moment and browse through some of these rugs as I am wanting to switch up my living area a little as we speak!
Rugs just add so much character to a room. Ok… going to shop!!!
I love rugs too! Persian rugs are so great because they go with most decor styles, and they feel so soft under your feet.
Hello there,
Thank you for a very informative article on vintage rugs. You included a lot of valuable information that would be very handy to anyone looking to purchase vintage rugs. I particularly appreciate the part of what to be careful of because you see these going out of business sales everywhere in NY as i recall. Beautiful pictures that makes one want to buy a rug, they do look cozy.
Thanks again,
Eli
You are welcome Eli! Thanks for stopping in.
What a fantastic guide. My wife has been looking for a vintage rug for our dining room, for quite some time now. I sent her your link. I really like your comments about going out of business sales, that is not something I had thought of, and definitely, something to be wary of. Thanks for showing all of these wonderful pictures too that is really helpful. I clicked on your link for ECarpetGallery and not only do they have a sale (yay), what a great selection as well. Thanks for sharing, this is very timely for me. I appreciate the time you have saved me doing research.
Thanks so much for the kind words Steve 🙂 ECarpetGallery has an amazing selection of rugs, and they seem to always have sales!
Great article! I would never have thought of purchasing vintage rugs online. What a good idea! I am a great supporter of the reduce, reuse and recycle principles and buying vintage rugs, instead of new is not only a great way of reusing but at the same time you are getting something unique and interesting. I will be moving house shortly and will definitely be wanting a colourful rug for my living room, so I will check out the online stores you recommended. Thanks for the advice!
Thanks Amanda 🙂 Vintage rugs are a great investment and with proper care should last you a long time.
Hello. Very interesting topic. It has a lot of useful information. I am not very familiar with this area at all. But you have shown me a lot. I am not a rug person, But if I was this would persuade me to looking into them and look at the difference you explained.
There was only one thing that really caught me eye that I had mixed feelings about and that is the the title. When I read the title I thought you were going to discuss all different kinds of organic things. Such as foods, soaps, and other items. Just as a suggestion you might narrow the topic down to rugs since this is what you are discussing. But all in all very nicely put with a ton of great information. Thank you
Andrea, vintage rugs are so pretty. I never knew you could specifically shop for a vintage rug, I kind of just figured you get lucky if you come across one at a flea market or second hand store. These are good recommendations for places to buy and things to look out for like the online store that has free shipping and a 30 day return policy. That is a great deal. Do you have vintage rugs in your home? I still have younger kids with a lot of in and out so I don’t have any carpet in my home. I do have little throw rugs say at the front door at kitchen sink. They get so dirty underneath, I don’t know if I can ever go back to carpet/area rugs.
Hi Michelle, it is so easy to shop for vintage rugs now that we have the internet! I do have a vintage rug in my daughters bedroom. I also plan on buying one for my living room (once I pull my carpet out).
Wow I never realized there were so many options to an Organic Lifestyle!! Your site is very informative and makes it easy to understand how best to achieve this. I particularly like your article on the Vintage Rugs, I never would have thought to buy those online. Great, informative site!!
When I thought of getting a vintage rug, I realized that the rural area we live in doesn’t have a retailer anywhere close with a decent selection. So glad I found your site and can see how many sites there are with beautiful rugs!
We are going to start renovating our old farmhouse very soon and there are 3 areas where vintage rugs would add so much character and warmth–can’t wait to start browsing!
Oh that sounds exciting Janelle! Make sure to come back if you need any help shopping 🙂
Hi Andrea, very interesting post must say!
I am currently writing about sustainable business practises and this guide definitely caught my attention. I really like the Idea of reusable products, especially for the household like carpets.
But what really caught my interest is that you state that there is an incremental price increase when a carpet becomes older than 50 years!
I do hope that more people see this as a business opportunity! I will definitely come back for more info!
All the best,
Matteo
Thanks goodness the aging scale for rugs doesn’t apply to humans. I don’t want to be called vintage, and all too soon…antique!
Any idea how much it cost to have an average sized rug professionally cleaned? I’m assuming that the online dealers you recommend offer cleaned rugs?
There is something about seeing and feeling a rug in person. Buying online something this personal seems risky. When investing in a rug, do you feel like if you ask enough (of the right) questions you’ll be happy with the purchase?
Thanks for this great guide. Very helpful!
Hi kmv 🙂 The average cost of having a rug professionally cleaned is $2 – $5 a square foot. For a natural fiber rug, it will be in the higher price range.
The online dealers I recommend only sell clean rugs 🙂
I agree, seeing a rug in person is the best way to get a feel for a rug, but not everyone has that option. Many online dealers offer good return policies, because they know that people have to actually see a rug to know if it is right for them. Asking questions can definitely help, as well as knowing what you want. Is there a certain color scheme that you are looking for? A particular type of design? Knowing the size you want is a good place to start.
Talk to your online dealer about what you are looking for, and the space you are planning on putting it, they will help you find a rug that works 🙂