Preserve a Piece of History with Antique Area Rugs By Shannon Waller

A stunning companion to any home, antique area rugs add instant sophistication and elegance. From ornate Oriental designs to artistic Persian creations, antique area rugs preserve the best of history for you to enjoy in your home.

With antique area rugs you have the unique opportunity to live with a piece of history while enjoying the fine craftsmanship of the finest rugs woven by hand. When searching for antique area rugs, look for handmade rugs that are at least 100 years old.

Since antique rugs have already withstood the test of time, you know how they will perform and look in future years. Antique area rugs are unique in size and design. Many antique area rugs are not in a standard size like those manufactured today. Most antique area rugs are rectangular in shape.

What to Look for in Antique Area Rugs

You can distinguish a machine-made rug from one made by hand. Handmade rugs will feature a design that is visible on each side. Handmade rugs will also feature knots on the back that have been flattened over time. Old rugs are usually not in a standard size, making each rug unique.

Antique area rugs are typically made from wool, silk or cotton. Colors that tend to fade more quickly are yellows and reds. So rugs featuring bright yellows and reds, may not be true antique area rugs. The more knots an antique rug features on the back, the better the weaving and quality.

Avoid rugs that appear to have been repaired, feel dry or crack when bent. Antique area rugs should be soft to the touch. Antique area rugs will not have a backing. Reproductions and machine made rugs will typically have a backing on them.

When looking for antique area rugs, expect to pay significantly more for an authentic rug than you would for a reproduction. To find authentic antique area rugs, plan to work with a certified rug appraiser. Certified rug appraisers are bound by a code of ethics to provide you with honest feedback so you can make a sound buying decision.

Antique area rugs can add signature touches to your home to complement fine furniture collections and other features of your home. Investing in quality antique area rugs gives you the distinction of owning a valuable family heirloom ideal for passing onto future generations to enjoy.