Antique Rugs
A hand-knotted antique rug is a work of art for the floor. Our dealers offer Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, Turkmen and European rugs and carpets dating from the 19th century to the mid-20th century, in a range of sizes from hearth rugs to room-sized carpets.
Each rug is hand-knotted from wool, silk or a combination of both, using natural dyes that mellow beautifully with age. Antique rugs bring warmth, colour and pattern to any room and improve with use.
Antique Melas Carpet Rug
Tribal Oriental Runner
Understanding Antique Rugs
Buying an antique rug can feel daunting, but a few basic principles will serve you well. First, consider where the rug will be used. High-traffic areas such as hallways need a tightly knotted, hardwearing rug; a delicate silk prayer rug belongs on a wall or in a low-traffic room. Size matters too: a rug should be large enough to anchor the furniture in a seating area, with at least the front legs of sofas and chairs resting on it.
Turn the rug over and examine the back. The knot density indicates quality and durability: finer rugs have more knots per square inch. On the back, you can also see the clarity of the design, which is a good indicator of weaving quality. Look for even, consistent knotting without large areas of repair or re-weaving.
Regional Styles
Persian rugs from workshops in Isfahan, Tabriz, Kashan and Kerman are known for their refined, curvilinear designs and fine knotting. Turkish rugs tend towards bolder geometric patterns and richer colours. Caucasian rugs from Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia feature striking geometric medallions and vibrant vegetable dyes. Each tradition has its own character, and personal taste should guide your choice.
Care and Maintenance
Regular vacuuming on a low setting, without the beater bar, keeps antique rugs clean. Rotate your rug every six months to ensure even wear and fading. Spills should be blotted immediately with a clean cloth. Professional cleaning every few years by a specialist rug cleaner is recommended. Avoid steam cleaning, which can damage natural dyes and fibres.