Buying a Vintage Rug

At Salvaged Beauty Rugs we sell very special, individually selected, one of a kind, vintage and antique tribal wool rugs.  The rugs we offer are chosen based on their exquisite hand knotted patterns and colors, their uniqueness, and their quality.  There are so many reasons to LOVE these rugs!….

(1.)  Vintage and antique rugs are sustainable and eco-friendly, unlike other rugs being sold in big box stores and online platforms.  These pre-loved rugs are natural, renewable, and biodegradable.  By choosing to buy vintage rugs you are extending their useful life and helping to make the most of the resources that went into making them.  You are part of the energy use and climate change solution!  We LOVE that about you! 

(2.)  Vintage tribal rugs are a worthy partner in any and all interior design aesthetic.  They are literal floor art and elevate any design style, modern, transitional, traditional, rustic, minimalism, maximalism, and everything in between.  Vintage rugs are so versatile!  These rugs provide an enduring touch of beauty and will offer a focal point, ground a room, and provide a feeling of coziness and luxury, and at times playfulness and vitality. We LOVE using vintage rugs in decor!

(3.)  Rug weaving in ancient cultures is a cherished family tradition passed down through generations.  Girls learn the art of rug-making from their mothers and grandmothers, honing their skills and mastering the intricate techniques over time.  This tradition fosters a sense of connection to the past and ensures that the legacy of rug-making lives on for future generations to appreciate.  Vintage and antique rugs are not just exquisite floor coverings, they are living artifacts that embody rich history and craftsmanship.  We offer up heartfelt gratitude to the women artisans of the past and present who have created these incredible works of art.  We treasure, profoundly admire, and LOVE what they have created.

(4.)  These rugs have gorgeous artful motifs which feature geometric designs, and designs inspired by nature such as flora and fauna, evil eye, and talisman too.  These animal and figural elements are woven into the rugs to offer protection and ward off evil in your personal spaces.  Guardians activate!  Negative energy be gone!  Good vibes only!  Here at Salvaged Beauty Rugs, we LOVE a good “abrash”.  Abrash is a variation in color, often appearing as striations, flecks, or dappling.  It can also refer to a more general variation in color throughout a rug.  Abrash adds massive character to a vintage rug and we celebrate it!

(5.)  Each rug has its own history and its own story and we make every effort to show off its beautiful colors and patterns.  Sizes are sometimes not traditional.  Remember, these are hand knotted vintage works of art made by real people, they might not be exact. Sometimes rugs are a bit more trapezoid than rectangular in shape.  Also, vintage rugs can have variation in color.  Colors may appear different based on your computer screen brightness and light in your home.  Rugs sometimes have a light and dark side depending on the direction of the rug pile.  These are characteristics of the rug.  It is also normal to have small repairs to a rug or areas that have a worn look, this is part of a rug’s story, it's patina, and it is beautiful too, just like our own rich experiences and lives.  Vintage and antique rugs are perfectly imperfect, same as in the natural world.

(6.)  There will be variances in the natural characteristics of the rug’s wool.  Wool sourced from sheep is favored for its durability, softness, and ability to retain vibrant colors.  This high-quality wool is often hand-spun and dyed with natural pigments derived from plants, organic matter, and minerals, a process that contributes to their distinctive appearance and longevity.  Different breeds of nomadic sheep may graze on land that perhaps has more mineral content in the soil and therefore the sheen in the wool may be different in each individual rug.  While wool remains the predominant material in vintage rug making, it is essential to recognize that not all rugs are exclusively woolen.  Cotton is often used in rugs for the foundation and fringe due to its strength and ability to withstand tension.  Cotton threads provide a sturdy base for the intricate knotting of the wool pile ensuring the rug's structural integrity.  Sometimes camel hair is used too.  We do our best to capture all these variances in our photos and videos of each individual rug.  Please consider the images we provide of our rugs to be part of the rug’s description.  All of the rugs we curate for our Salvaged Beauty Rugs collection are at a high quality level and we would be thrilled to enjoy in our own home (and we are picky).  We LOVE our rugs!

(7.)  Beyond their aesthetic appeal, vintage and antique rugs also hold significant investment value. Unlike mass-produced rugs that depreciate over time, these rugs often appreciate in value as they age. This is due to several factors, including their rarity, quality of craftsmanship, and historical significance.  As demand for authentic vintage and antique rugs continues to rise, the value of these pieces is expected to increase steadily over time.  The investment you are making by buying a vintage rug is often more affordable than buying a new rug.  You can LOVE and keep your vintage rug indefinitely, and you can pass it on as a family heirloom.

(8.)  These pieces of floor art are surprisingly durable and low maintenance.  Because of their wool and patterns they can withstand all sorts of active living circumstances, including use underfoot in kitchens, entryways, high traffic areas, with kids, and pets.  They hide dirt and wear very well.  A regular household vacuum is good.  For thicker denser rugs a stronger suction setting is fine.  For rugs that are not as heavy it is best to use lower vacuum suction and turn off the beater bar if it is possible.  These rugs can easily be spot cleaned as needed with a bit a water on a damp cloth and mild soap (steer clear of chemical cleaners).  Poof, stain or spot disappeared and looking great again!  Fear not!  LIVE and LOVE on the vintage rugs, they are incredible!  If there is a significant staining occurrence, professional rug cleaning is recommended.

(9.) Rug pads are super IMPORTANT, in fact indispensable.  You can find great rug pads on Amazon or elsewhere with a google search.  Rug pads come in a range of thicknesses. Choose the pad based on the rug thickness and location and size of your rug.  We prefer rug pads that have felt on one side with a rubber backing.  Rug pads protect the underlying floor surface, prevent slipping and tripping hazards, extend the rug's lifespan, enhance comfort underfoot, improve acoustic insulation, provide for easy rug maintenance.  

(10.)  Let’s talk about the color PINK.  Pink is versatile!  Pink in rugs can be incorporated into a wide range of design schemes and can masterfully elevate a space by creating a sense of calm and serene in muted tones, or depending on the vibrance, give main character energy and vitalize.  Pink possesses power.  Pink offers infinite possibilities for creative expression and we are here for it.  Embrace pink, get “in the pink”, an expression of good health, and of course, LOVE.

 

(11.)  Finally, as we talk about vintage and antique rugs, buy what you LOVE, buy what speaks to you.  These special one of a kind rugs are timeless works of art.  They will provide you with a color palate on a platter!  All you have to do is take the accent colors woven throughout your rug and repeat them throughout the rest of your space in the form of artwork, accessories, pillows, throw blankets, and more.  Small rugs can be used in decor for more than the floor, think instead as table and dresser toppers, under collections, draped across furniture, and hung on walls.  Integrating these rugs into your personal space offers you a unique and individual style that is your very own.  Vintage rugs are magical like that, and we LOVE them for it. 🫶🏼

✨ “Curating the Vibe on a Magic Carpet Ride” ✨