Add an antique rug to any room in your home and create a focal point that draws the eye. There’s a huge variety of styles, sizes, and colors to choose from. From handmade wool kilims to Moroccan beige, there’s something for every taste.
Vintage Turkish rugs are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world, and many have been passed down through generations of families. These rugs feature intricate designs, bright colors, and are made of high-quality materials. They’re one-of-a-kind pieces that bring a unique touch to any room.
In general, a vintage turkish rug is a rug that has been made in Turkey or the former Ottoman empire using traditional techniques and weaving methods. They can be flat-woven kilims or luxuriously knotted hali, which are often created with Ghiordes knots, in which the weft thread is wrapped around two warp threads, imparting lushness and durability. The motifs on these carpets may be naturalistic or stylized, geometric or figurative, and the color palette usually features warm yellows and blues.
These rugs are among the first wave of Oriental antiques to be exported to Europe, where they became prized commodities and artistically influential works. They were often used as prayer rugs, and small repeating patterns from them can be seen in the works of Renaissance artists such as Memling, Lotto, and Bellini. The most significant group of vintage turkish rugs are the Early Anatolian animal carpets, which featured motifs such as dragons and phoenixes.
Then there are the Safavid Persian motifs, like the beautifully stylized arabesques and monumental botanicals that decorate the antique Oushak rugs. These intricately designed and delicately colored antique carpets are a favorite of designers who appreciate their cultural verisimilitude.
Many of these antique turkish rugs can be found online, at shops that specialize in these types of rugs. They update their inventory frequently to include the latest arrivals. These specialized shops offer an enhanced shopping experience compared to traditional carpet stores because you can view detailed photos and learn about the rug’s history before making your decision.
For example, Knot Rug offers a wide variety of vintage rugs in multiple sizes, construction styles, and color palettes, all of which are thoughtfully sourced by the company from various regions around the world. The rugs are hand-woven and power-loomed by skilled artisans, and their rich color palettes feature an array of antique-inspired motifs.
The artisan-made rugs from West Elm also come in a range of shapes and sizes, from small accent rugs to large runner carpets. Their kilims are hand-woven with wool and feature geometric patterns and vibrant hues that are sure to add interest to any space. In addition, the shop offers power-loomed kilims with a more subdued tone and a more textured weave. They’re perfect for those looking to add a splash of color to their minimalistic spaces without going over the top. They’re also easy to clean, which makes them a smart choice for homes with kids or pets.